Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA, Chapter 35)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Check before you apply: details change often, so confirm on the official page before you apply.
- Who it's for
- Spouses and children of a veteran or service member who is permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability, died from a service-connected disability, died in the line of duty, or is missing in action or was captured
Open to: spouses, family or caregivers. - Cost
- Free with benefit (VA pays you a monthly amount, which may not cover all tuition)
- Free with no benefit?
- No
- What you get
- Monthly VA education payments for up to 36 months for spouses and children of eligible veterans and service members; can be used for degrees, trade or technical school, on-the-job training and apprenticeships, and licensing and certification tests
- Type
- Funding, scholarship or grant
- Credential strength
- 4/5: Major benefit that can pay for recognized degrees or certifications; value depends on what it funds.
- Duration
- Varies
- Format
- Online or in person (Depends on the school or program)
- Location
- Approved schools and programs
- Deadline
- Apply any time online
- Next start
- Varies
- Stipend / housing / travel
- Monthly payment from VA (up to 36 months)
- Jobs it can lead to
- Depends on what it funds
- Notes
- No time limit to use DEA if you became eligible on or after Aug 1, 2023; earlier eligibility dates have different rules.
- Official page
- va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/education-and-careers/dependents-education-assistance
- Last checked
- Oct 7, 2026