Chapter 35 Survivors & Dependents Assistance GI Bill®

Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service related condition. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs. If you are a spouse, you may take a correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

Application Process

Complete the Dependents' Application for VA Education Benefits (VA Form 22-5490). Send it to the St. Louis VA regional office. If you are a son or daughter, under legal age, a parent or guardian must sign the application.

Payment Information

Students are NOT required to verify their student attendance each month to receive their Chapter 35 payment. Payments are processed automatically. Each payment you receive is for the previous month. For example, you will receive a check the first week in October for attendance during September. It takes six to ten weeks for new students or transfer students to receive their initial payment. The VA no longer pays for the breaks between semesters.

Contact the County Veterans Service Offices with any questions.