VA Form 22-5490 is the application for Chapter 35 — Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA). If you are the spouse, surviving spouse, or child of a veteran who was permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected condition, died from a service-connected condition, or is listed as a prisoner of war or missing in action, you may qualify for monthly education payments through this program. DEA pays up to $1,574 per month (October 2025–September 2026 rate) for full-time enrollment and covers degree programs, vocational training, apprenticeships, and more.
Who Qualifies for Chapter 35 DEA?
You may be eligible for DEA benefits if you are the spouse, surviving spouse, or child of a veteran or service member who meets at least one of these conditions:
- The veteran has a permanent and total (P&T) service-connected disability
- The veteran died from a service-connected condition
- The veteran died while on active duty
- The veteran is listed as a prisoner of war (POW) or missing in action (MIA)
- The veteran was discharged from active duty due to a service-connected disability that was rated permanent and total at the time of discharge
Age Limits for Dependent Children
Dependent children can use DEA benefits between the ages of 18 and 26. In certain cases the VA can extend this window, but you should confirm current rules at VA.gov or with a VA education case manager.
What Does DEA Pay?
DEA is a monthly stipend paid directly to the student. The amount depends on how many credits or hours you are enrolled in. Rates below are for the August 1, 2026 academic year rate period (October 2025–September 2026):
| Enrollment Status | Monthly Rate (2025–2026) |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $1,574.00 |
| Three-quarter time | $1,243.00 |
| Half-time | $910.00 |
| Less than half-time (more than quarter-time) | Up to $912.00 (not to exceed tuition and fees) |
| Quarter-time or less | Up to $393.50 (not to exceed tuition and fees) |
You can receive DEA benefits for a maximum of 45 months of full-time education or training. Part-time enrollment extends the calendar time but the total benefit still equals 45 months of full-time equivalent.
What Types of Education and Training Are Covered?
- College and university degree programs (associate, bachelor's, master's, doctoral)
- Vocational and technical training programs
- Apprenticeships and on-the-job training (OJT)
- Correspondence courses
- Secondary school programs (in certain situations)
- Vocational rehabilitation and employment programs for eligible dependents
DEA vs. Post-9/11 GI Bill — You Must Choose One
If you are eligible for both DEA (Chapter 35) and the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), you cannot use both at the same time and you cannot switch back and forth while enrolled. You must make a one-time, irrevocable election. Here is a quick comparison:
| Feature | DEA (Chapter 35) | Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly stipend (full-time) | $1,574 | Varies by school and location |
| Tuition & fees paid directly to school | No — stipend only | Yes — up to state-school cap |
| Housing allowance (BAH) | No | Yes — based on school ZIP code |
| Books and supplies stipend | No | Up to $1,000/year |
| Maximum duration | 45 months | 36 months |
| Choice irrevocable? | Yes — once you choose, you cannot switch | Yes |
Important: For many students attending public four-year universities, the Post-9/11 GI Bill often provides more total value because it pays tuition directly and adds a BAH. However, DEA's 45-month cap gives more total time. Talk with a VA education counselor or a School Certifying Official (SCO) at your school before you elect.
How to Apply — Step by Step
- Download VA Form 22-5490 from VA.gov or pick it up at your nearest VA regional office.
- Complete all sections. You will need the veteran's Social Security number or VA file number, your relationship to the veteran, and information about the school or training program you plan to attend.
- Gather supporting documents. This may include the veteran's discharge papers (DD-214), death certificate if applicable, and proof of your relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate).
- Submit the application. Mail it to the VA regional processing office, submit online through VA.gov, or take it to your nearest VA regional office in person.
- Wait for a VA decision. The VA will send you a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) once your application is approved. Take this to your school's veterans' certifying official.
- Have your school certify your enrollment each semester so the VA can release payments.
Where to Mail the Form
If you choose to mail your application, send it to the VA regional processing office that serves your state. You can find the correct address using the VA's facility locator at VA.gov/find-locations/.
If the Veteran's Disability Status Is Not Yet Established
To qualify for DEA, the veteran's service-connected disability must be rated permanent and total (P&T). If the veteran has not yet applied for an increased rating or P&T status, that step comes first. Learn more about how P&T ratings work in our TDIU explainer — in some cases, veterans who cannot work due to their disabilities can reach an effective 100% rate through Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability. Once that rating is established, dependents may qualify for DEA.
If you need to add or verify a dependent on the veteran's VA record, you may also need VA Form 21-686c, which is the form used to add a spouse or child to an existing VA disability claim.
Next Steps
If you believe you qualify for Chapter 35 DEA, here is what to do today:
- Download VA Form 22-5490 and complete it as accurately as possible.
- Contact the School Certifying Official at the school or training program you plan to attend — they process DEA certifications regularly and can help you navigate the paperwork.
- If you are also considering VA disability benefits for yourself (for a service-connected condition), visit our VA Form 21-526EZ page to start that separate process.
- Questions about the veteran's disability rating? Use our free VA disability rating calculator to estimate potential benefits.