Chapter 35 Enrollment Verification: VT, DE, VA, ME, SC

VA Chapter 35 Enrollment Verification: How to Verify Your Enrollment in Vermont, Delaware, Virginia, Maine, and South Carolina

Starting January 2026, all Chapter 35 (DEA) beneficiaries must verify their enrollment each month to receive their monthly stipend. Verify by text, email, online at VA.gov, through Ask VA, or by calling 1-888-442-4551. Payment processing takes five to seven calendar days after verification. For state-specific education benefits in Vermont, Delaware, Virginia, Maine, and South Carolina, contact your state veterans affairs office.

Quick Facts

What Is Chapter 35 Enrollment Verification?

Chapter 35 enrollment verification is a monthly requirement that asks DEA beneficiaries to confirm they are still enrolled in their approved education or training program before VA releases the monthly stipend. The verification is separate from your school’s enrollment certification. Your school certifying official certifies your enrollment at the start of a term, but you must personally verify every month that you are still attending.

Starting in January 2026, Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) beneficiaries are required to verify their enrollment each month to receive their benefit payments. Before this change, Chapter 35 students did not have to verify monthly. The VA expanded the monthly verification requirement to all education benefit programs to reduce overpayments and prevent students from continuing to receive benefits after dropping courses or leaving school.

Once verified, payment processing can take five to seven calendar days. If you fail to verify, VA pauses your payment until you complete the verification.

Why This Change Matters

The 2026 expansion specifically affects Post-9/11 GI Bill students and Chapter 35 beneficiaries who were not previously required to verify monthly. For surviving spouses and dependents using DEA benefits, this means establishing a new monthly routine to ensure uninterrupted payments.

The verification protects both the beneficiary and the VA. It prevents overpayments that create debt for beneficiaries and ensures that VA funds are properly distributed to eligible students who are actively enrolled. If you dropped a class or stopped attending, you must report that change. Verifying falsely creates an overpayment debt that VA will collect.

Who Must Verify Chapter 35 Enrollment?

All Chapter 35 beneficiaries who receive a monthly stipend must verify their enrollment each month. This includes:

• Surviving spouses of veterans who died from a service-connected cause

• Spouses of veterans rated permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected condition

• Children of qualifying veterans, generally between ages 18 and 26

• Dependents using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits under Chapter 33

The verification requirement applies to all Chapter 35 students as of January 2026. If you are a new Chapter 35 recipient, you must have received your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) before you can verify. The COE is mailed after VA processes your VA Form 22-5490 application.

Chapter 35 Eligibility by Relationship

How to Verify Chapter 35 Enrollment: Five Methods

Chapter 35 beneficiaries have five verification methods available: text, email, online at VA.gov, Ask VA, and phone. Text verification is the fastest and easiest method. The method you choose should match your communication preferences and technical comfort level.

Method 1: Text Message (Fastest)

To verify via text, beneficiaries can opt-in when they begin using their benefits to receive a text message from VA on the last day of each month to confirm their enrollment. Reply “YES” if you are still enrolled. Reply “NO” if you dropped a class or stopped attending.

The opt-in text expires after 14 days, so respond within that window. Once you opt in, you continue receiving monthly texts until you opt out. If you change your phone number, call the Education Call Center (ECC) at 1-888-442-4551 to update it.

Method 2: Email

If beneficiaries choose to opt out of text verification, they will receive monthly enrollment verification messages by email. The email goes to the address VA has on file for you. Open the message and follow the instructions to confirm your enrollment. Email verification is slightly slower than text because it requires you to log in, but it works for beneficiaries who do not use texting.

Method 3: Online at VA.gov

Beneficiaries can verify their enrollment through VA’s online tool at va.gov/education/verify-school-enrollment[reference:5]. Sign in with your VA.gov account (ID.me or Login.gov) and complete the monthly verification.

To verify online:

1. Go to va.gov/education/verify-school-enrollment

2. Sign in with your VA.gov account

3. Confirm your credit hours or clock hours

4. Confirm the start and end dates of your enrollment for the month

5. Submit the verification

The online tool is available 24 hours a day. You can verify as soon as VA processes your school’s enrollment certification for the term.

Method 4: Ask VA

Beneficiaries can verify through Ask VA by sending a message with their enrollment dates. Go to ask.va.gov, sign in with your VA.gov account, select “Education benefits” as the topic, and write a message that includes your full name, VA file number, and the exact dates of your enrollment for the month.

This is a manual process. A VA representative reviews your message and processes your verification. Payment takes five to seven days once the message is formally reviewed, not from when you submitted it.

Method 5: Phone

If a beneficiary would like to change their enrollment verification method, such as to text or email, they can call the Education Call Center (ECC) at 888-442-4551, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday.

Have your VA file number and enrollment dates ready when you call. The representative can also help you change your verification method, update your contact information, or troubleshoot payment problems.

Comparison of Verification Methods

When to Verify Chapter 35 Enrollment

Verify at the end of each month you are enrolled in school or training. VA sends your verification prompt on the last day of the month. You should verify as soon as you receive the prompt.

Do not verify early. The system does not accept early submissions. If you try to verify before the end of the month, the system will reject it.

If you miss a month, you can verify for missed months retroactively. When you verify through any method, VA prompts you to confirm any months you missed and sends retroactive payments for all verified months.

Verification Timeline Example

What Happens If You Do Not Verify

If you do not verify, VA does not release your monthly stipend. For Chapter 35, no verification means no payment. There is no grace period.

If you fail to verify for two consecutive months, VA pauses your payments until you complete the verification. Once you verify, VA processes retroactive payments for all verified months and resumes your regular payment schedule.

Verifying falsely does not protect you. If you dropped a class or stopped attending but reply “YES” to the verification prompt, VA will create an overpayment debt. You will have to repay the benefits you received for months you were not enrolled. VA collects overpayments through payment offsets, monthly repayment plans, or other collection methods.

Chapter 35 DEA Payment Rates 2026

Chapter 35 rates are effective from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. The 2026 COLA increase of 2.8% applies to these rates. The amount you receive depends on your enrollment status and type of training.

Institutions of Higher Learning and Non-College Degree Programs

Chapter 35 payments are made directly to the student, not to the school. You are responsible for paying your tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses from your monthly stipend. The VA does not pay tuition directly to the school for Chapter 35 students.

On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeships

Vermont Chapter 35 Verification and Education Contacts

Vermont Chapter 35 beneficiaries verify their enrollment through the federal VA system using the methods above. For state-specific education benefits and questions, contact the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs at (802) 828-3379 or toll-free (888) 666-9844 (within Vermont only).

Vermont Education Contacts

Vermont State Education Benefits

Vermont National Guard Tuition Assistance. Members of the Vermont National Guard are eligible for tuition assistance programs. Contact the VT National Guard Education Office at (802) 338-3346 for details.

Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC). VSAC is a public nonprofit agency that helps Vermonters pursue college and career training. VSAC provides grants, loans, scholarships, and career planning services. It also administers private scholarships for veterans and their families.

How to Use GI Bill in Vermont

The GI Bill can only be used at programs that meet federal requirements. Even at established universities, not all programs are approved. Contact the school you are interested in and ask to speak to the VA Certifying Official. If the school cannot tell you who their certifying official is, call the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs at (802) 828-1082.

For Chapter 35 benefits in Vermont, apply using VA Form 22-5490 and submit it to the appropriate VA regional office (for Vermont, that is the Buffalo, NY office). You can also apply online at va.gov.

Delaware Chapter 35 Verification and Education Contacts

Delaware Chapter 35 beneficiaries verify their enrollment through the federal VA system. For state-specific education benefits, contact the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs at (302) 739-2792 or toll-free (800) 344-9900 (in state only).

Delaware Education Contacts

Delaware State Education Benefits

Delaware Veterans Education Benefits. The State of Delaware provides educational benefits for the children of deceased veterans of the military services of the United States, military service personnel held prisoner of war and military service personnel officially declared to be missing in action.

In order to qualify for this entitlement an applicant shall be: the child of a member of the armed forces who was killed while on active duty or who died from disease, wounds, injuries or disabilities arising or resulting from performance of duty; a member of the armed forces who is being held, or who was held prisoner of war; or a member of the armed forces officially declared missing in action.

A person must be at least 16 years of age, but not more than 24 years of age, and a resident of the State for at least three years prior to the date of application, and attending or admitted for attendance at an educational institution beyond the high school level in a program not to exceed four years in duration. For additional information, contact the Delaware Higher Education Office at (302) 735-4120.

Education Benefits for Active Members of the Delaware National Guard. Any active member of a federally recognized unit of the Delaware National Guard, who meets the requirements for satisfactory membership as defined by the Adjutant General of the Delaware National Guard, shall be eligible for funding support by the Delaware National Guard for certain post-secondary education tuition and fees.

Virginia Chapter 35 Verification and Education Contacts

Virginia Chapter 35 beneficiaries verify their enrollment through the federal VA system. For state-specific education benefits, contact the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) at (804) 786-0286 or the Virginia Veteran and Family Support line at (877) 285-1299.

Virginia Education Contacts

Virginia State Education Benefits

Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP). VMSDEP provides education benefits to spouses and children of military service members who were killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. Call (804) 225-2083 for information.

GI Bill Programs – State Approving Agency. The SAA certifies that post-secondary programs meet federal GI Bill requirements. Call (804) 225-2298 for questions about approved programs.

Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program. The V3 program helps veterans find employment and connects them with education and training opportunities. Call (804) 371-2683 for details.

Chapter 35 Payment Info in Virginia

Chapter 35 payments are made directly to the student and based on level of enrollment (full-time vs. part-time). For the 2025-26 academic year, the full-time Chapter 35 rate at Virginia Tech is estimated at $1,536 per month. These estimates are based on 100 percent eligibility and are paid during months of enrollment with prorated payments for partial months.

Maine Chapter 35 Verification and Education Contacts

Maine Chapter 35 beneficiaries verify their enrollment through the federal VA system. For state-specific education benefits, contact the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services at (207) 287-7020 or (207) 430-6035.

Maine Education Contacts

Maine State Education Benefits

Veterans Dependents Educational Benefits. Maine provides a 100% tuition waiver at University of Maine schools, community colleges, and other state institutions for dependents of veterans who are 100% permanently and totally disabled. Contact the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services at (207) 430-6035 for information.

Spouses of Veterans. Spouses of veterans who are attending state-supported postsecondary vocational schools or institutions of collegiate grade must be admitted free of tuition including mandatory fees and lab fees for a certificate program or an associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s degree program. Room and board may not be waived. Spouses are entitled to receive up to 120 credit hours of educational benefits and have 10 years from the date of first entrance to complete the program.

Children of Veterans. A child of a veteran who is attending state-supported postsecondary vocational schools or institutions of collegiate grade must be admitted free of tuition including mandatory fees and lab fees for certificate programs, associate degree programs and bachelor’s degree programs. The tuition waiver may not exceed the cost of 120 undergraduate credit hours at the in-state tuition rate at the University of Maine campus located at Orono. Students must maintain at least a 2.0 or “C” grade point average to continue receiving educational benefits.

How to Get Help in Maine

Contact the Bureau’s Central Office at (207) 287-7020 or email mainebvs@maine.gov. The Bureau’s Maine Veterans’ Benefits and Resource Guide documents services and partner agencies throughout the state.

South Carolina Chapter 35 Verification and Education Contacts

South Carolina Chapter 35 beneficiaries verify their enrollment through the federal VA system. For state-specific education benefits, contact the South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs (SCDVA) at (803) 734-0200.

South Carolina Education Contacts

South Carolina State Education Benefits

SC Tuition Assistance for Certain War Veterans’ Children. South Carolina provides tuition assistance for children of certain war veterans. Contact SCDVA at (803) 647-2434 for questions about the program, application process, or to request a transfer letter.

In-State Tuition for Chapter 35 Beneficiaries. The Act contains Proviso 117.159, which allows higher education institutions to charge covered individuals receiving Chapter 35 benefits at an in-state tuition rate. An individual enrolled in a public institution of higher learning who receives educational assistance under Chapter 35 is entitled to pay in-state tuition and fees.

South Carolina Free Tuition. South Carolina offers free tuition for children of certain deceased or disabled war veterans, police officers, firemen, or rescue workers. Children of deceased veterans may qualify for free tuition at state-supported colleges, universities, or post-high school technical education institutions, provided the veteran’s child has been a resident of this state since birth.

Chapter 35 Payment in South Carolina

Direct deposit is not available for Chapter 35 students in South Carolina. Students eligible under Chapter 35 will complete VA Form 22-5490. Students may inquire about the status of a pending claim through the Atlanta Regional Office Claim inquiry at 1-888-442-4551.

How to Get Help in South Carolina

The SCDVA has field offices throughout the state. The Columbia office is at 1800 St. Julian Place, Suite 305, Columbia, SC 29204. Call (803) 734-0200 or email va@scdva.sc.gov.

State Approving Agencies (SAAs) by State

Every state has a State Approving Agency that approves education and training programs for GI Bill use. The SAA ensures that schools meet federal requirements and that programs lead to a recognized educational or vocational objective. If a program is not approved by the SAA, you cannot use GI Bill or Chapter 35 benefits for it.

The South Carolina State Approving Agency is located at the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, 1122 Lady Street, Suite 300, Columbia, SC 29201.

Common Mistakes with Chapter 35 Verification

Verifying Too Early

The system does not accept early verification. You must wait until the end of the month to verify. If you try to verify before the last day of the month, your verification will be rejected.

Not Opting Into Text Verification

Text verification is the fastest and easiest method. If you do not opt in, you will receive email prompts instead. Email works, but text is faster and harder to miss. Call the ECC at 1-888-442-4551 to opt in if you did not receive the initial opt-in text.

Forgetting to Verify After Dropping a Class

If you drop a class, you must verify your new enrollment status. Reply “NO” to the verification prompt if you are no longer enrolled in the courses your school certified. Verifying “YES” when you are no longer enrolled creates an overpayment debt.

Not Updating Contact Information

VA recommends that beneficiaries review and, if needed, update their personal contact information, including email address, mailing address, and mobile phone number. Beneficiaries can update their contact information in their VA.gov profile, through Ask VA, or by calling the ECC.

Assuming School Certification Is Enough

Your school certifying official certifies your enrollment at the start of each term. That is not the same as monthly verification. You must verify each month separately. School certification alone does not release your monthly payment.

Appeals and Overpayment Issues

If VA denies your Chapter 35 application, reduces your entitlement, or creates an overpayment you believe is incorrect, you have the right to appeal. The appeals process for education benefits follows the same structure as disability compensation appeals.

Three Decision Review Options

1. Supplemental Claim — Submit new and relevant evidence within one year of the decision. Use VA Form 20-0995.

2. Higher-Level Review — Request a senior reviewer to reexamine the decision without new evidence. Use VA Form 20-0996.

3. Board Appeal — Appeal directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. Use VA Form 10182.

You must file your appeal within one year of the date on your decision letter to preserve your effective date for back pay.

How to Get Help with an Appeal

Call the ECC at 1-888-442-4551 for help understanding your decision letter and directing you to the right form. For complex appeals, contact a VA-accredited veterans service organization (VSO) such as the American Legion, VFW, DAV, or AMVETS. VSO representatives provide free assistance.

Latest Rule Changes for 2025–2026

Monthly Verification Required for All Education Beneficiaries

Starting January 1, 2026, all VA education beneficiaries, including Chapter 35 students, must verify their enrollment each month to receive payments. Before this change, Chapter 35 students did not have to verify monthly.

Chapter 35 System Issues and Resolution

In August 2025, VA released a new enrollment verification system. Chapter 35 students initially could not verify attendance through the external Verify Your Enrollment (VYE) system. VA communicated with students, schools, and Congress about its mitigation strategy, which included waiving attendance verification requirements. The Verify Your Enrollment tool was enabled for Chapter 35 students on December 13, 2025.

VA also worked to resolve a backlog of Chapter 35 claims. VA developed automation capability and deployed a software solution on November 15, 2025, which resolved reconciliation requirements for approximately 5,400 students.

2026 COLA Increase

The 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment is 2.8 percent. Chapter 35 rates increased by $38 for full-time enrollment compared to the previous year. Rates are effective from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.

Common Questions

What is the Chapter 35 enrollment verification phone number?

Call 1-888-442-4551 (1-888-GIBILL-1) to verify by phone. From overseas, call 001-918-781-5678. The Education Call Center is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time.

How do I verify my Chapter 35 enrollment each month?

You can verify by text, email, online at VA.gov, through Ask VA, or by phone at 1-888-442-4551. Text verification is fastest. Reply “YES” to the monthly text prompt if you are still enrolled.

What happens if I forget to verify my Chapter 35 enrollment?

VA does not release your monthly stipend until you verify. If you miss two consecutive months, VA pauses your payments. Once you verify, VA sends retroactive payments for all verified months.

Can I verify my Chapter 35 enrollment early?

No. You must wait until the end of the month to verify. The system does not accept early submissions. VA sends your verification prompt on the last day of the month.

How long does payment take after Chapter 35 verification?

Payment processing takes five to seven calendar days after verification. Direct deposit may take an additional few days depending on your bank. Check with your bank for processing delays.

What is the Chapter 35 monthly stipend amount for 2026?

For the rate year running from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, the full-time Chapter 35 rate for college or university enrollment is $1,574 per month. Three-quarter-time is $1,244, and half-time is $912.

Do I need to verify if my school already certified my enrollment?

Yes. Your school certifying official certifies your enrollment at the start of each term. That is separate from monthly verification. You must verify each month separately to receive your monthly payment.

What if I dropped a class — do I still verify?

Yes, but you must report the change. Reply “NO” to the verification prompt if you are no longer enrolled in the courses your school certified. Verifying “YES” when you are not enrolled creates an overpayment debt.

How do I opt into text verification for Chapter 35?

When you begin using your benefits, VA sends you a text asking if you want to verify by text. Reply “YES” to opt in. If you did not receive the opt-in text, call the ECC at 1-888-442-4551 to opt in.

Can I verify my Chapter 35 enrollment through Ask VA?

Yes. Go to ask.va.gov and send a message with your enrollment dates. Include your full name, VA file number, and exact enrollment dates. This is a manual process, so payment takes five to seven days after review.

What is the Vermont veterans education phone number?

The Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs can be reached at (802) 828-3379 or toll-free (888) 666-9844 (within Vermont). For service officer appointments, call (802) 828-1082.

What is the Delaware veterans education phone number?

The Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs main number is (302) 739-2792 or (800) 344-9900 (in state). The Delaware Higher Education Office is at (302) 735-4120.

What is the Virginia veterans education phone number?

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services is at (804) 786-0286. The GI Bill State Approving Agency is at (804) 225-2298. VMSDEP is at (804) 225-2083.

What is the Maine veterans education phone number?

The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services main number is (207) 430-6035. The Central Office is at (207) 287-7020. Email is mainebvs@maine.gov.

What is the South Carolina veterans education phone number?

The South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs is at (803) 734-0200. The SC Tuition Assistance Program is at (803) 647-2434.

How do I find my school’s VA certifying official?

Contact your school’s Registrar’s Office or Financial Aid Office and ask for the VA Certifying Official. If the school cannot tell you, call your state veterans affairs office for help.

What is a State Approving Agency (SAA)?

A State Approving Agency approves schools and training programs for GI Bill use. If a program is not approved by the SAA, you cannot use GI Bill benefits for it. Contact your state’s SAA for questions about approved programs.

Key Takeaways

• Chapter 35 beneficiaries must verify enrollment each month starting January 2026.

• Verify by text, email, online at VA.gov, Ask VA, or phone at 1-888-442-4551.

• Verify at the end of each month — early submissions are not accepted.

• No verification means no payment for Chapter 35 beneficiaries.

• Payment processing takes 5–7 calendar days after verification.

• Full-time Chapter 35 rate for 2026 is $1,574 per month.

• School certification is separate from monthly verification — you must do both.

• If you dropped a class, reply “NO” to the verification prompt.

• Update your phone number and email so you receive verification prompts.

• Vermont: (802) 828-3379 | Delaware: (302) 739-2792 | Virginia: (804) 786-0286 | Maine: (207) 287-7020 | South Carolina: (803) 734-0200.

Official Resources

• VA Education and Training: va.gov/education

• Verify School Enrollment: va.gov/education/verify-school-enrollment

• Chapter 35 (DEA) Benefits: va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits

• Ask VA (Online Portal): ask.va.gov

• VA Forms: va.gov/find-forms

• Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs: veterans.vermont.gov

• Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs: veteransaffairs.delaware.gov

• Virginia Department of Veterans Services: dvs.virginia.gov

• Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services: maine.gov/veterans

• South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs: scdva.sc.gov

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