The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is providing a lifeline to dependents and spouses of veterans through the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program. This program offers financial assistance for college education or job training to those who have lost a father or spouse in action or due to a service-connected disability.
Known as Chapter 35, the DEA program is available to surviving spouses or dependents of veterans who have been killed, captured, or lost in action. It also extends to spouses or dependents of veterans with permanent and total disabilities. To apply for the DEA program, individuals can do so online or by mail, providing their Social Security number and sponsor’s information.
Applicants must also furnish details about the school or training facility they plan to attend, as well as their bank account information for direct deposit and academic history. For those who have not yet enrolled in a program, filling out VA Form 22-5490 and sending it to the regional processing office in their state is the next step.
If already enrolled, applicants must inform their school’s certification officer about their VA educational benefits application and have the officer submit their registration information online. To qualify for VA-dependent education benefits, individuals must be 18 years or older and meet specific criteria related to the veteran or service member’s status, such as being permanently disabled or having died in the line of duty.