How to Apply for VA Chapter 35 DEA Benefits: 2026 Guide

VA Chapter 35 (DEA) Benefits Phone Number and How to Apply

The VA Chapter 35 DEA phone number is 888-442-4551 (888-GIBILL-1), open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET. Apply using VA Form 22-5490 online at VA.gov or by mail. Full-time students receive $1,574.00 per month for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Quick Facts

What Is VA Chapter 35 (DEA)?

The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program—commonly called Chapter 35—provides education and training benefits to the spouse and dependent children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected condition, died as a result of a service-connected disability, or are missing in action or captured in the line of duty. The benefit is a monthly stipend paid directly to the dependent, not to the school.

Chapter 35 is authorized by 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 and administered by the VA. It is distinct from the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) and the Fry Scholarship. Unlike the GI Bill, Chapter 35 does not pay tuition directly to the school—it pays a flat monthly rate to the student, who is responsible for covering tuition, fees, and living expenses.

VA Chapter 35 Phone Number: 888-442-4551

The direct phone number for Chapter 35 DEA benefits is 888-442-4551 (888-GIBILL-1). This is the VA Education Call Center (ECC). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The TTY number is 711.

Call this number for:

• Checking the status of a Chapter 35 application

• Questions about your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

• Monthly enrollment verification issues

• Payment problems or missing stipends

• Electing your beginning eligibility date

• General questions about DEA benefits

Students outside the United States should call +1-918-781-5678.

What to Have Ready When You Call

Before you call, have the following information ready:

• Your VA file number or Social Security number

• Your date of birth

• Your school’s VA facility code

• The date you submitted your application (if applicable)

Wait times can exceed 30 minutes during peak periods. For faster service, consider using Ask VA (AVA) online through ask.va.gov.

Chapter 35 DEA Eligibility: Who Qualifies

You may qualify for Chapter 35 DEA benefits if you are the spouse or child of a veteran or service member who meets at least one of these conditions:

• 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 by a hostile force 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

Eligibility for Children

• You can be married or unmarried.

• If you join the military, you cannot use this benefit while on active duty.

• If you want to use this benefit after leaving the service, you cannot have a dishonorable discharge.

• If you are receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), you will need to choose between DIC and DEA benefits for the same period.

• Your eligibility generally begins on your 18th birthday or the date you complete secondary schooling, whichever comes first.

• You generally must use the benefit before your 26th birthday.

Eligibility for Spouses

• You must be married to the qualifying veteran or service member.

• Your eligibility begins on the date the veteran is rated permanently and totally disabled, or the date of the qualifying event.

• You generally have 10 years from the date of eligibility to use the benefit. In some cases, this period may be extended.

2026 Chapter 35 DEA Payment Rates

For the 2025-2026 academic year (October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026), the Chapter 35 DEA rates for institutions of higher learning are:

Rates for Non-College Degree Programs

For trade and vocational schools, on-the-job training, and apprenticeship programs, rates are structured differently. For apprenticeship and on-the-job training programs, rates decrease over time based on the number of months completed:

How to Apply for Chapter 35 DEA Benefits

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Confirm that your veteran or service member sponsor meets one of the qualifying conditions listed above. You will need their VA file number or Social Security number to apply.

Step 2: Complete VA Form 22-5490

VA Form 22-5490 is the Dependents’ Application for VA Education Benefits. You can complete it online at VA.gov or download the paper form and mail it to the appropriate VA regional office. The form asks for:

• Your personal information

• The veteran’s or service member’s information

• Your education history

• The school or training program you plan to attend

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Apply online through VA.gov for the fastest processing (30-45 days average). If mailing, send your completed form to the VA regional office that serves your state. The Eastern Region office in Buffalo, NY, handles many applications.

Step 4: Receive Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

After VA processes your application, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in the mail. This usually takes 6-8 weeks. The COE confirms your eligibility and details your benefit entitlement.

Step 5: Provide Your COE to Your School

Submit a copy of your COE to your school’s veterans services office or certifying official. They will certify your enrollment to VA, which triggers your monthly payments.

Step 6: Verify Your Enrollment Each Month

Starting in 2026, Chapter 35 students must verify their enrollment each month with VA to receive payments. You can verify by text, email, or by calling 888-442-4551. You must verify by the end of each month to receive your payment for that month.

Required Documents for Chapter 35 DEA

• VA Form 22-5490 (completed and signed)

• The veteran’s or service member’s Social Security number or VA file number

• Your Social Security number

• Your school’s VA facility code

• Certificate of Eligibility (COE) after VA processes your application

• DD-214 or service records (if VA does not already have them)

Processing Times and Payment Dates

Chapter 35 DEA payments are made at the beginning of the month following the month of enrollment. For example, your January enrollment payment arrives in early February. Payments are made directly to you, not to your school.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying without confirming eligibility. Confirm that your sponsor meets one of the qualifying conditions before submitting VA Form 22-5490.

Missing the enrollment verification deadline. Starting in 2026, you must verify enrollment each month. Failure to verify means no payment for that month.

Not submitting your COE to your school. Your school cannot certify your enrollment to VA without your COE. Submit it as soon as you receive it.

Electing the wrong beginning eligibility date. You may elect the beginning date of your eligibility. This can affect your entitlement period. Call 888-442-4551 for guidance.

Missing the age 26 deadline for children. Children generally must use Chapter 35 benefits before age 26. Extensions may be available in limited circumstances.

Latest Rule Changes for 2026

High school programs discontinued. Starting August 1, 2026, DEA benefits will no longer pay for new secondary education programs, including high school coursework, GED-level training, tutoring, or academic remediation. Benefits for these programs were previously allowed but have been phased out.

Monthly enrollment verification required. All Chapter 35 students must now verify their enrollment each month to receive payments. This is a change from the previous system, where verification was less frequent.

Common Questions

What is the Chapter 35 DEA phone number?
Call 888-442-4551 (888-GIBILL-1), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET. This is the VA Education Call Center. From outside the U.S., call +1-918-781-5678.

Who qualifies for Chapter 35 DEA benefits?
The spouse or child of a veteran who is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected condition, died from a service-connected disability, died in the line of duty, is MIA, or was captured in the line of duty for more than 90 days.

How much does Chapter 35 DEA pay in 2026?
Full-time students receive **$1,574.00 per month** for the 2025-2026 academic year. 3/4-time students receive $1,244.00, and 1/2-time students receive $912.00. Rates are effective October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026.

What form do I use to apply for Chapter 35 benefits?
Use VA Form 22-5490, Dependents’ Application for VA Education Benefits. Apply online at VA.gov or download the paper form and mail it to the appropriate VA regional office.

How long does it take to get Chapter 35 benefits approved?
Online applications are processed in 30-45 days. Paper applications take 6-8 weeks. You will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in the mail once approved.

Can I get Chapter 35 benefits if I’m married?
Yes. Children can be married or unmarried. Spouses must be married to the qualifying veteran. If you are receiving DIC, you will need to choose between DIC and DEA for the same period.

What is the age limit for Chapter 35 DEA?
Children generally must use the benefit before their 26th birthday. Eligibility begins at age 18 or upon completion of secondary schooling. Spouses generally have 10 years from the date of eligibility.

Does Chapter 35 pay tuition directly to my school?
No. Chapter 35 DEA pays a monthly stipend directly to you. You are responsible for paying tuition, fees, and other expenses from that stipend. This is different from the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

What is the Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?
The COE is a letter VA sends after approving your Chapter 35 application. It confirms your eligibility and details your benefit entitlement. You must submit it to your school’s certifying official.

Do I have to verify my enrollment every month?
Yes. Starting in 2026, all Chapter 35 students must verify their enrollment each month to receive payments. You can verify by text, email, or by calling 888-442-4551.

What happens if I don’t verify my enrollment?
If you do not verify your enrollment by the end of the month, you will not receive a payment for that month. You can still verify later, but payment may be delayed.

Can I use Chapter 35 and other VA benefits at the same time?
You cannot receive Chapter 35 DEA and DIC for the same period. You must choose one. You also cannot use Chapter 35 while on active duty.

Key Takeaways

• The Chapter 35 DEA phone number is 888-442-4551 (888-GIBILL-1), open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. ET.

• Chapter 35 provides monthly education stipends to spouses and children of veterans who are 100% P&T, died from service-connected causes, or are MIA/captured.

• Full-time students receive $1,574.00 per month for the 2025-2026 academic year.

• Apply using VA Form 22-5490 online at VA.gov or by mail.

• Processing takes 30-45 days online; you receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in 6-8 weeks.

• Payments go directly to you, not to your school.

• Children generally must use the benefit before age 26; spouses have 10 years from eligibility.

• Monthly enrollment verification is now required to receive payments.

• High school programs are no longer covered starting August 1, 2026.

• You can contact VA online through Ask VA at ask.va.gov.

Official Resources

• VA Chapter 35 DEA (Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance): va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/education-and-careers/dependents-education-assistance

• Chapter 35 Rates: va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/education-and-careers/dependents-education-assistance/rates

• VA Form 22-5490: va.gov/forms/22-5490

• VA Education Benefits: va.gov/education

• Ask VA (online messaging): ask.va.gov

• VA Contact Us: va.gov/contact-us

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