Chapter 35 DEA Benefits - Free Education for Veterans' Dependents (2026)

Chapter 35 Dependents' Educational Assistance provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible dependents of veterans rated 100% Permanent and Total. Spouses and children can use these benefits for college degrees, vocational training, and certification programs.

Who Is Eligible

Dependents of veterans who are rated 100% P&T (Permanent and Total) qualify for Chapter 35. This includes spouses, children between ages 18-26, and in some cases children under 18 who have completed high school. Surviving spouses and children of veterans who died from service-connected conditions may also qualify.

What Chapter 35 Covers

Benefits include college and university programs, vocational and technical training, certification and licensure exams, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training. Monthly stipend amounts vary by training type and full-time vs. part-time enrollment. There is no tuition cap - the benefit is a monthly stipend paid directly to the student.

Learn about all the benefits available to veterans rated 100% P&T.