How can dependents use Chapter 35 benefits in college?

SGT Jamell Culbreath — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 11:25:07 -0400

I'm 100% disability P&T. How can my sons use Chapter 35 benefits in college?

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Sep 10 at 2025 1:31 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 13:31:24 -0400

The school should have a veteran's counselor. They will handle it. At least that is what happened for my daughter at UTA. She just provided my claim number (SSAN)

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2025 3:44 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 15:44:31 -0400

SGT Jamell Culbreath Below is the link to the VA webpage for Chapter 35 benefits. At the bottom is a phone number to call with questions. I recommend that you gather as much information from the VA before contacting the college Veterans Counselor. Good luck.

https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/education-and-careers/dependents-education-assistance/rates/

Chapter 35 rates for survivors and dependents | Veterans Affairs

Get the current rates for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) for October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. And learn about how we determine your rate.

Response by LtCol William Bentley made Sep 21 at 2025 6:05 PM

LtCol William Bentley — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 18:05:20 -0400

The VA benefit to Chapter 35 DEA education benefits is a powerful advantage. But note that it is time-limited: 36 months of full-time study, AND it must be used before the 26th birthday. Based on the program of study, it can be broken down and used for part-time study, i.e., when the institution does not consider the credit load to be full-time, such as "12 credits = full time," and "9 credits = 3/4 time," etc. The Veterans Education benefits counselor at each institution will be able to explain how their program works, because under DEA the student must verify their attendance every month during classes for the money to flow, etc. I have two children who used their entire 36 month entitlement to DEA to pay for college (well, almost pay, counting food and lodging costs, DEA didn't cover 100% ... but it was essentially a scholarship of well over $40,000 ...), and one more child who received about 2 years' worth of DEA benefits.

Good luck, WKB (100% P&T/TDIU)