United States · VA education · Rates effective October 1, 2026
VA DEA Chapter 35 rates, 2026-27.
Monthly education benefits for survivors and dependents, by enrollment level and training type.
Chapter 35 DEA pays up to $1,621.00 a month for full-time enrollment at a college or university, $1,281.00 at 75% and $939.00 at 50%, for October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
The short version
Chapter 35 (the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance, or DEA, program) pays eligible spouses and children of veterans who died, are missing, or have a permanent and total service-connected disability. For October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027, the full-time rate at a college or university is $1,621.00 a month. These rates are in effect now; VA's page was last updated October 14, 2026.
Colleges and non-college degree programs (Oct 1, 2026 to Sep 30, 2027)
| Situation | Monthly rate (full month) |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $1,621.00 |
| 75% enrollment | $1,281.00 |
| 50% enrollment | $939.00 |
| More than 25% and less than 50% | $939.00 or tuition and fees, whichever is less |
| 25% or less | $405.25 or tuition and fees, whichever is less |
The same rates apply to trade and vocational schools, based on scheduled clock hours. Payments are prorated by days of enrollment in the month: if school starts on the 20th, you are paid for 11 days, about a third of the monthly rate.
On-the-job training and apprenticeships
| Situation | Monthly rate |
|---|---|
| Months 1 to 6 | $1,029.00 |
| Months 7 to 12 | $774.00 |
| Months 13 to 18 | $508.00 |
| More than 19 months | $259.00 |
To get the full amount you must work at least 120 hours each month.
Other payments
- Special restorative training, full time: $1,621 a month; if you are eligible for accelerated charges, VA pays tuition and fees over $427 a month. VA may reduce entitlement by 1 day for every monthly payment of $54.03 (1/30 of the full-time rate).
- Correspondence training (spouses only): 55% of the established cost for lessons you complete.
- Licensing and certification tests: up to $2,000 for test fees; entitlement is charged at 1 month for every $1,621 paid. National tests: no limit on reimbursement, same entitlement charge.
Worked example (VA's arithmetic)
A student enrolled between 25% and 50% in a 90-day term can receive up to $939 x 3 = $2,817 for the term, but if tuition and fees are lower, VA pays the lower amount as a lump sum at the start of the term.
Eligibility, briefly
You may be eligible if you are the spouse or child of a veteran who died or is missing, or who has a permanent and total service-connected disability. Eligibility periods depend on the age or date of the VA rating; for example, if the veteran was rated permanently and totally disabled with an effective date within 3 years after discharge, benefits in most cases end 20 years from that date. If the veteran died on active duty, the Fry Scholarship may apply instead; it has its own rates.
Common mix-ups
- Confusing Chapter 35 with the Fry Scholarship or transferred GI Bill benefits, which have different rate pages.
- Assuming rates reset on December 1 like compensation. VA's current DEA rates run from October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027.
- Expecting a full-month payment for a partial month. Payments are prorated by days.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Chapter 35 DEA in 2026-27?
$1,621.00 a month for full-time enrollment at a college or university, $1,281.00 for 75% and $939.00 for 50%, effective October 1, 2026.
When do DEA rates change?
Each October 1. The current rates cover October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
How much does DEA pay for an apprenticeship?
$1,029.00 a month in months 1 to 6, $774.00 in months 7 to 12, $508.00 in months 13 to 18 and $259.00 after that, if you work at least 120 hours a month.
Are DEA payments prorated?
Yes. Payment is a percentage of the full month based on days enrolled; a school starting on the 20th pays 11 days, about a third of the monthly rate.
What if I am enrolled less than half time?
VA pays up to $939.00 a month for more than 25% to less than 50% enrollment, or $405.25 at 25% or less, but no more than your tuition and fees.
Can I get paid for licensing or certification tests?
Yes, up to $2,000 for test fees. Each $1,621 paid uses 1 month of entitlement.
Can children use correspondence training?
No. VA says only spouses using Chapter 35 can get correspondence training.
Sources
Read directly from the primary sources below on November 2, 2026 (eCFR text current through October 29, 2026). Anything calculated by TNAADO is labeled as a calculation. VA rates change each December 1 (compensation, DIC, pension) or October 1 (education); check the linked page for the latest table.
Reference, not a VA determination or legal advice
Rates are copied from the VA pages cited in Sources. VA decides your rating, your SMC level, your dependents and your payment. This page does not tell you whether you qualify and is not legal or financial advice; an accredited representative (VSO, attorney or claims agent) can review your case.