This guide is for all spouses, children, and dependents of active military personnel eligible for education assistance under Chapter 35 Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA). These students are usually looking to know how much financial aid they will have available to use in 2025. Lucky for you and me, we can now get the latest rate information. Below, we review these rates to help you know what to plan for your educational or training dollars.
Your monthly DEA benefit will depend on two important factors:
- The type of education or training you are receiving: whether college degrees, vocational training, apprenticeships, or correspondence courses.
- Your course load or hours: The monthly amount is highest for full-time students. For part-time students and trainees, the amount will be paid according to level of participation.
If your school term starts mid-month, your benefit will be prorated for that month.
Chapter 35 DEA Benefits
Enrolled Status | Monthly Rate
- Full-time: $1,536.00
- 3/4-time: $1,214.00
- 1/2-time: $890.00
- More than 1/4, less than 1/2: $890.00 (or fees and course cost, whichever is less)
- 1/4-time or less: $384.00 (or fees and course cost, whichever is less)
Example: If your school term begins on the 10th day of the month, you will be charged about one-third of the monthly rate for that period.
Vocational School
Enrolled Status | Monthly Rate
- Full-time: $1,536.00
- 3/4-time: $1,214.00
- 1/2-time: $890.00
- More than 1/4, less than 1/2: $890.00 (or fees and cost of course, whichever is less)
- 1/4-time or less: $384.00 (or fees and cost of course, whichever is less)
On-the-Job Training (OJT)
Month Ended | Monthly Rate
- Months 1-6: $975.00
- Months 7-12: $733.00
- Months 13-18: $481.00
- Over 19 Months: $245.00
NOTE: You must complete a minimum of 120 hours per month to receive full payment in the On-the-Job Training program.
Correspondence Training (for spouses only)
- 55% of scheduled course cost
Special Restorative Training (for children only)
Enrolled Status | Monthly Rate
- Full-time: $1,536.00
- Expedite Fee: VA covers fees above $405.00/month.
State Testing Fees
Type of Testing | Refund
Licensing and Certification | $2,000 in any eligible examination
State Testing | Unlimited
How Maximize Your Benefits
Bring these to max out your benefits with Chapter 35 DEA :
- Be enrolled full time so you’ll be able to draw the most each month.
- In an apprenticeship or on-the-job training, make sure you’ve been logged for at least 120 hours a month.
- Check Eligibility to Pay with your school or VA counselor.
- Call VA: 1-888-442-4551 (TTY: 711) or through the online Ask VA portal if you are still unsure.
Education is an opportunity to be transformed, and these new Chapter 35 rates for 2025 allow you to maximize this aid given.
FAQs
Q.What is the full-time Chapter 35 DEA rate for 2025?
A.The full-time monthly rate for college and vocational programs is $1,536.
Q.Does DEA provide for examination certification?
A.The VA covers a maximum amount of $2,000 of the licensing and testing for certifications.
Q.Does DEA pro-rate payments if classes fall within the mid-month period?
A.Yes. If you enroll in the middle of the month, then you will be pro-rated your payments for that month based on your enrolled days.
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