How Much Is the Chapter 35 Stipend?
Understand your Chapter 35 VA educational stipend. Learn how amounts are determined, current rates, and how to receive your payments effectively.
Chapter 35, known as the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program, provides educational benefits to eligible family members of deceased or disabled veterans. This program aims to support the pursuit of higher education or job training. It serves as a financial aid mechanism for spouses and children of service members who have a permanent and total service-connected disability, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-connected condition.
Factors Determining Your Chapter 35 Stipend Amount
The amount of your monthly Chapter 35 stipend is determined by several factors, with your enrollment status being a primary consideration. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) categorizes enrollment into different training times, such as full-time, three-quarter time, half-time, and less than half-time. Each of these statuses corresponds to a distinct payment tier, meaning the more credits or hours you are enrolled in, the higher your potential monthly benefit. For instance, full-time enrollment in a college program typically involves a course load of 12 or more credit hours per term.
The academic year also influences the stipend amount, as rates are subject to annual adjustments. These updates usually take effect on October 1st, reflecting changes in educational costs and economic factors. Therefore, the specific academic year in which you are enrolled will dictate the applicable stipend rate for that period.
The type of educational program you pursue can also affect how your enrollment status is assessed. While college and university courses have clear full-time equivalents, vocational training, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training programs may have different methods for calculating the equivalent of full-time participation. For example, on-the-job training and apprenticeships typically have a tiered payment structure that changes as you progress through the program.
Current Payment Rates
The specific dollar amounts for the Chapter 35 stipend vary based on enrollment intensity and the type of training. For the academic year beginning October 1, 2024, and extending through September 30, 2025, the monthly rates for institutions of higher learning are set. A full-time student can expect to receive $1,536.00 per month.
Students enrolled at three-quarter time receive $1,214.00 monthly, while those attending half-time are paid $890.00. For enrollment less than half-time but more than one-quarter time, the monthly stipend is $890.00, or the actual cost of tuition and fees, whichever is less. If enrolled for one-quarter time or less, the benefit is $384.00 per month, or the cost of tuition and fees, whichever is less.
Apprenticeship and on-the-job training programs have a distinct payment schedule that gradually decreases over time. During the first six months of training, participants receive $975.00 per month. This amount adjusts to $733.00 for months seven through twelve, and then to $481.00 for months thirteen through eighteen. For training extending beyond nineteen months, the monthly stipend is $245.00.
If your enrollment begins or ends mid-month, your payment will be prorated based on the number of days you were enrolled. For the most current and official rates, beneficiaries should always consult the Department of Veterans Affairs’ official website, as this information is regularly updated.
Receiving Your Stipend Payments
Chapter 35 stipend payments are typically disbursed on a monthly basis, usually at the end of each month for the preceding month of enrollment. These funds are generally sent directly to the beneficiary’s bank account via direct deposit, providing a convenient method of receipt.
A significant requirement for receiving consistent payments is monthly enrollment verification. Beneficiaries must confirm their continued enrollment to the VA each month. This verification can be completed through methods such as text message, email, the Ask VA online portal, or by phone. Failure to complete monthly verification can lead to delays or interruptions in benefit payments.
The VA may adjust payment amounts if there are changes in your enrollment status during a term, such as dropping or adding courses. An overpayment might occur if changes in enrollment are not promptly reported or processed. If an overpayment happens, the VA will typically seek to recover the funds, which may involve adjustments to future benefit payments.
A notable financial aspect of Chapter 35 benefits is their tax-exempt status. Payments received through the DEA program are generally not considered taxable income for federal or state tax purposes. This means that beneficiaries do not need to include these stipend amounts as income when filing their tax returns, which can be a significant financial advantage.