Chapter 35 VA Benefits Fort Worth: Complete Guide for Dependents
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Chapter 35 VA benefits, officially the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program, provides monthly education payments to eligible spouses and children of Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected condition, or who died in service or from a service-connected disability. Fort Worth beneficiaries can use these funds at VA-approved schools including Texas Wesleyan University, UNT Health Science Center, and other local institutions.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) – Chapter 35 |
| Eligibility | Spouses and children of Veterans with 100% P&T service-connected disability, or who died in service/from service-connected disability |
| Application | Online at VA.gov using VA Form 22-5490 |
| Processing Time | Up to 30 days for initial application |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs |
| Required Forms | VA Form 22-5490 (Application), Certificate of Eligibility |
| Updated For | October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026 |
Understanding Chapter 35 VA Benefits
The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program, known as Chapter 35, provides education benefits to eligible dependents of Veterans and service members. This program offers monthly payments directly to qualified spouses and children to help cover educational expenses at approved schools, colleges, and training programs.
What Chapter 35 Covers:
Undergraduate and graduate degree programs
Vocational and technical training
Certificate programs
Apprenticeships and on-the-job training
Correspondence courses (spouses only)
Why It Matters:Â Chapter 35 benefits provide up to 36 months of education assistance, helping dependents pursue career goals without bearing the full financial burden of education costs.
What Veterans and Families Should Do Next: If you believe you qualify, begin by gathering required documentation and submitting VA Form 22-5490 online through VA.gov. Then contact the veterans services office at your chosen Fort Worth school to complete certification.
Eligibility Requirements for Chapter 35
Qualifying Veteran or Service Member Status
You may be eligible for Chapter 35 benefits if you are the spouse or child of a Veteran or service member who meets one of these criteria:
Permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability
Died as a result of a service-connected disability
Died in the line of duty while on active duty
Missing in action or captured in the line of duty for more than 90 days
Forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign entity for more than 90 days
Hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a service-connected permanent and total disability and likely to be discharged for that disability
Child Eligibility Requirements
Age Requirements:
If you became eligible before August 1, 2023: Must be at least 18 years old or have a high school diploma/GED to use benefits
If you became eligible on or after August 1, 2023: Can be any age to use benefits
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityOther Requirements:
Can be married or unmarried
Cannot use benefits while on active duty
If you previously served, must not have a dishonorable discharge
Time Limits:
If you became eligible on or after August 1, 2023: No time limit
If you became eligible before August 1, 2023: Generally must use benefits within 8 years before turning 26
Active duty service may extend eligibility up to 8 years from discharge, provided you are under 31 years old
Spouse Eligibility Requirements
Must be married to the qualifying Veteran at the time of death or when disability was incurred
Must use benefits within 10 years of VA finding you eligible
Can pursue any approved education program
Eligible for correspondence training (55% of established cost per lesson)
Important Note for DIC Recipients:Â If you receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), you must give up those payments when you start using DEA benefits.
Chapter 35 Payment Rates (2025-2026)
The VA bases your monthly payment on two factors: the type of education or training and your enrollment status. Rates are effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026.
Institutions of Higher Learning
| Enrollment Status | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $1,574.00 |
| 3/4-time | $1,244.00 |
| 1/2-time | $912.00 |
| Less than 1/2-time, more than 1/4-time | $912.00 (or tuition/fees, whichever is less) |
| 1/4-time or less | $393.50 (or tuition/fees, whichever is less) |
On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeships
| Training Period | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Months 1-6 | $999.00 |
| Months 7-12 | $751.00 |
| Months 13-18 | $493.00 |
| 19+ months | $251.00 |
Payment Timing:Â The VA pays benefits in arrears. For example, if you verify enrollment for March on March 31, payment processing typically takes 5-7 calendar days, with funds arriving in early April.
Prorated Payments:Â If your enrollment starts mid-month, the VA pays a percentage based on the days you are enrolled.
How to Apply for Chapter 35 Benefits
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before starting your application, collect:
Veteran’s full name, Social Security number, and branch of service
Veteran’s DD-214 or service records
Your birth certificate or adoption papers
Marriage certificate (for spouses)
VA rating decision or death certificate (if applicable)
Step 2: Submit VA Form 22-5490
The application process requires VA Form 22-5490 (Application for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance).
Online Application:
Go to VA.gov
Select “Apply for DEA / Fry Scholarship”
Complete and submit the application
Save or print the confirmation page
You do not need to sign in to start the application, but if you do not sign in, your progress will not be saved. Creating an ID.me or Login.gov account allows you to save progress and return later.
Step 3: Receive Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
After processing (up to 30 days), the VA will mail a Certificate of Eligibility to your home address. This document confirms your benefit eligibility and is required for school certification.
Step 4: Enroll at Your School
Once you have your COE:
Contact the veterans services office at your chosen school (Texas Wesleyan, UNT Health Science Center, etc.)
Submit a copy of your COE and any additional required documents
Register for classes
Complete the school’s VA Enrollment Certification Form each semester
Fort Worth Schools Accepting Chapter 35:
Texas Wesleyan University
UNT Health Science Center
Other VA-approved institutions
Fort Worth-Specific Resources
UNT Health Science Center
The Office of the Registrar at UNT Health Science Center can help apply for Veterans Benefits, complete certifications, and answer benefit-related questions. They provide support for Chapter 35 (DEA) benefits.
Contact:
Phone: 817-735-2483 or 817-735-7652
Location: 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76107
Texas Wesleyan University
Texas Wesleyan offers support for VA education benefits, including Chapter 35. The Office of Financial Aid helps students apply for and use their benefits.
Contact:
Financial Aid: 817-531-4420
Location: 1201 Wesleyan St., Fort Worth, TX 76105
Texas Hazlewood Act Exemption
Texas residents may also qualify for state-specific education benefits. The Hazlewood Act provides tuition exemptions for Texas Veterans and their dependents. Contact your school’s veterans services office for information on combining Hazlewood with Chapter 35.
Required VA Forms
| Form Number | Purpose |
|---|---|
| VA Form 22-5490 | Application for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance |
| VA Form 22-5495 | Request for Change of Program or Place of Training |
| Certificate of Eligibility | Proof of benefit entitlement |
| School Enrollment Certification Form | Required each semester to certify enrollment |
Processing Times and Payment Schedule
Application Processing:
Initial application: Up to 30 days
Certificate of Eligibility: Mailed after processing completes
Semester Certification:
School certifying officials submit enrollment to VA approximately 4 weeks before the semester starts
VA typically processes and releases stipends within 6-8 weeks after submission
Monthly Payment Processing:
Verify enrollment at the end of each month
Payment processing: 5-7 calendar days after verification
Payments made directly to the beneficiary’s bank account
Important:Â Students are responsible for paying tuition and fees upfront unless a deferment is arranged through the school.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Not submitting the school certification form each semester | Submit the VA Enrollment Certification Form every semester before classes start |
| Assuming benefits cover all costs automatically | Work with financial aid to arrange payment plans for housing and fees |
| Missing enrollment verification requirements | If in a non-college degree program, verify enrollment monthly |
| Using benefits while on active duty | Active duty service members cannot use Chapter 35 |
| Not providing the school with the COE | Submit Certificate of Eligibility to school veterans office |
Appeal Process
If your Chapter 35 application is denied or you disagree with a decision, you have several options:
Reopen your claim at the local VA office by submitting new and material evidence
File a motion for reconsideration with the Board of Veterans’ Appeals
Appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims within 120 days of the decision date
You can pursue multiple options simultaneously. A claim can be reopened at the local VA office while also filing a motion with the Board.
Common Questions
Q: What is Chapter 35 VA benefits?
Chapter 35, officially the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program, provides monthly education payments to eligible spouses and children of Veterans with service-connected disabilities or who died in service. Benefits can be used for college, vocational training, apprenticeships, and other approved programs.
Q: Who qualifies for Chapter 35 benefits?
Spouses and children of Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to service, died from a service-connected condition, died in the line of duty, are missing in action, or are captured or detained for more than 90 days. Children must generally be between 18-26 years old, though newer eligibility rules remove the age limit for those becoming eligible after August 1, 2023.
Q: How much does Chapter 35 pay per month?
For the 2025-2026 rate year, full-time college enrollment pays $1,574 monthly. Part-time rates include $1,244 (3/4-time) and $912 (1/2-time). On-the-job training and apprenticeship rates range from $251 to $999 depending on training duration.
Q: How do I apply for Chapter 35 benefits?
Apply online through VA.gov using VA Form 22-5490. You’ll need the Veteran’s Social Security number, service records, and your birth or marriage certificate. Processing takes up to 30 days, after which the VA mails a Certificate of Eligibility.
Q: Can I use Chapter 35 and other financial aid?
Yes, Chapter 35 can be combined with most other financial aid including Pell Grants and scholarships. However, you cannot use Chapter 35 simultaneously with other VA education benefits. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) recipients must give up DIC payments when using Chapter 35.
Q: What is the time limit for using Chapter 35 benefits?
For children, generally benefits must be used by age 26. However, if you became eligible after August 1, 2023, there is no time limit. Spouses must use benefits within 10 years of eligibility date. Active duty service may extend time limits.
Q: Can I use Chapter 35 at any school?
You can use Chapter 35 at any VA-approved educational institution. In Fort Worth, approved schools include Texas Wesleyan University, UNT Health Science Center, and other colleges offering VA-approved programs. Check with your school’s veterans services office for verification.
Q: Does Chapter 35 pay for tuition directly?
No, the VA pays benefits directly to the beneficiary, not the school. Students are responsible for using their monthly stipend to pay tuition and fees. Schools may offer deferments to allow time for VA payments to arrive.
Q: How long does it take to get Chapter 35 benefits?
Initial application approval takes up to 30 days. After enrolling and submitting certification, VA typically processes payments within 6-8 weeks. Monthly payments are made in arrears, meaning you verify enrollment at the end of the month and receive payment 5-7 days later.
Q: What happens if I drop a class?
Dropping classes can affect your Chapter 35 payment. The VA prorates payments based on actual enrollment days. If your course load changes, your payment amount may decrease. You must report schedule changes to your school’s certifying official.
Key Takeaways
Chapter 35 (DEA) provides monthly education payments to eligible spouses and children of qualifying Veterans
Eligibility requires the Veteran to be permanently and totally disabled due to service, deceased from service, or in specific qualifying statuses
Full-time college rates for 2025-2026 are $1,574 per month, paid directly to beneficiaries
Apply using VA Form 22-5490 online at VA.gov; processing takes up to 30 days
Must submit school certification forms each semester to receive benefits
Children generally have until age 26 to use benefits, with new rules eliminating the age limit for those eligible after August 1, 2023
Spouses have 10 years from eligibility date to use benefits
Fort Worth Veterans can get help at Texas Wesleyan University and UNT Health Science Center
Payment processing requires monthly enrollment verification for non-college programs
Contact the VA Education Call Center at 888-442-4551 for payment issues
Official Resources
VA Education Benefits:Â va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/dependents-education-assistance/[citation:2]
Apply for Benefits:Â va.gov/education/how-to-apply/[citation:4]
VA Education Call Center: 888-442-4551 (Monday-Friday, 8:00am-7:00pm ET)
Texas Wesleyan University Veterans Services: 817-531-4420
UNT Health Science Center Veterans Benefits: 817-735-2483
🇺🇸 IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – Veterans Benefits Information
This site provides general information about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for educational and informational purposes only.
- Not Official: We are NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), or any other government agency.
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đź“Ś Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. All information is for educational purposes only. Please visit VA.gov for official information.
