What is DEA Chapter 35?

To be eligible for DEA Chapter 35, you must be the dependent of a 100% permanent and total disabled veteran.

This is much more rare than the GI Bill, and due to it not being as popular there is less information out there about it.

DEA Chapter 35 Eligibility- Dependents

Who qualifies for DEA Chapter 35?

All legal dependents of a 100% permanent and total (PT) disabled veteran are entitled to DEA Chapter 35.

Dependents include stepchildren and adopted children.

DEA Chapter 35 Eligibility- Time Limitations

If your spouse is rated at 100% permanent and total at the time of discharge, as a spouse you have 20 years from that date to use it.

If your spouse is rated at 100% permanent and total after the time of discharge, as a spouse you have 10 years to use the benefit from the date the benefits are back dated to.

DEA Chapter 35 Benefits- Children

There are no time restrictions based on the years it has been post-discharge or rating for using the benefits like there are for spouses.

Children do not have the 10 or 20 year limit like spouses do.

However, children may only use the benefit from the ages of 18-26 years old. 

How are DEA Chapter 35 benefits paid?

The compensation rates are paid directly to you, the beneficiary. 

The funds are not paid to the school.

This means spouses using the benefits get the funds wired to their bank account. This is the same for children- the beneficiary must get the funds wired to their own bank account. 

It is then the beneficiary's responsibility to pay the school, not DEA Chapter 35. 

This is unlike MyCAA and the GI Bill that pay the school directly on your behalf.

You are compensated directly based on the amount of part time or full time student that you are.

You have to work with the military liaison at your school of choice that verifies your percentage of full time.

How much do you get paid by DEA Chapter 35?

You receive the funds based on the percentage of full time you are. 

Click here to see the current VA DEA Chapter 35 Compensation Rates 

What other questions do you have about DEA Chapter 35? 

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