Dependents Educational Assistance – DEA (Chapter 35)

The Dependents Educational Assistance Program (DEA) provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veterans (Chapter 35).  You must be the spouse or dependent of:

• A Veteran who died or permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability.  The disabilities must arise out of active service in the Armed Forces.
• A Veteran who died from any cause while such permanent and total service-connected disability was in existence.
• A service member missing in action or captured in line of duty by a hostile force.
• A service member forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power.
• A service member who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a service-connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for that disability.

Dependents who use Chapter 35 Benefits, the VA will send funds directly to the student.  The student will be responsible for submitting payment for tuition and fees to the university.

Chapter 35 (Dependents Educational Assistance) Forms:

• New Student: What Forms Do I Need?
• Returning Student: Certify My Hours (VSC-35)
• Apply for Benefits

Additional Information for Dependents:

• Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship)
• Scholarship for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans