When Do Chapter 35 Payments Begin?
Demystify Chapter 35 education benefits. Understand the application process and when payments begin for eligible dependents.
The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program, often referred to as Chapter 35 benefits, provides educational and training opportunities for eligible dependents of veterans. This program supports families by helping them pursue higher education or vocational training, offering financial assistance to reduce the economic burden.
Understanding Chapter 35 Education Benefits
Chapter 35 benefits are designed for spouses and children of veterans who have a service-connected disability that is permanent and total, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-connected condition. Eligibility also extends to dependents of service members listed as missing in action, captured in the line of duty, or forcibly detained for over 90 days. The program provides financial support for various educational paths, including college degrees, certificate programs, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training.
Children are generally eligible between the ages of 18 and 26, though certain circumstances, such as military service, can extend this period, typically not beyond age 31. Spouses usually have 10 years from the date the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) determines eligibility or the date of the veteran’s death to use benefits. If the veteran was rated permanently and totally disabled within three years of discharge, a spouse may have up to 20 years of eligibility from that effective date.
The duration of these benefits is generally up to 36 months if the program began on or after August 1, 2018. For those who started using the program before August 1, 2018, up to 45 months may be available. If a dependent is eligible for both Chapter 35 benefits and the Fry Scholarship, they must choose one program.
The Application Process for Chapter 35
Applying for Chapter 35 benefits involves completing specific forms and gathering necessary documentation. The primary form required is VA Form 22-5490, known as the “Dependents’ Application for VA Education Benefits,” which can be submitted online through the VA website or by mail.
Before submitting the application, collect key information and documents. This includes the applicant’s Social Security Number and the veteran’s service history. Children may need a birth certificate, and spouses might need a marriage certificate. All supporting documents should be attached to the application.
When filling out VA Form 22-5490, applicants provide details about their relationship to the veteran, the veteran’s qualifying status, and their educational goals. The form also requests banking information for direct deposit of benefits. This data is used by VA claims examiners to determine eligibility.
Receiving Your Chapter 35 Payments
Once a complete application for Chapter 35 benefits is submitted, the VA processes it within four to six weeks, issuing an Eligibility Paper (EP). After receiving the EP, provide a copy to the school’s certifying official, who then submits an enrollment certification to the VA. This school certification process also takes about four to six weeks.
Payments under Chapter 35 are disbursed monthly and paid in arrears, meaning payment is for the previous month of attendance. For example, if classes begin on February 1, the first payment can be expected in early March. Payments are prorated based on the number of days enrolled in a given month; if classes start mid-month, the payment will reflect only the days attended.
Factors influencing when payments begin include the timely submission of the initial application, the VA’s processing time for eligibility, and the school’s verification of enrollment. Continued receipt of payments requires ongoing monthly enrollment verification, particularly for first-time Chapter 35 students or those in certificate programs. Benefits are paid directly to the student via direct deposit.