The DEA program, also referred to as Chapter 35, provides education and training and financial assistance to eligible dependents of veterans. If you are the child or spouse of a veteran who is permanently disabled due to a service-connected injury or has died during service, you may qualify and receive these benefits. This program helps cover tuition fees and other education-related costs for eligible recipients attending a higher educational institution or vocational training. Being an eligible dependent, those benefits should be paid towards tuition fees and other educational expenses for either higher education or vocational training.
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Eligibility requirements
In order to be eligible for DEA benefits, the applicant and the veteran or service member will have to meet specific eligibility criteria. Certain guidance on the incapacitating status of the concerned veteran specifically pinpoints cases to include wherein the individual may be unable to work for life, those who have died due to such disability, or those who have suffered the greatest personal sacrifice of all, that being in defense of their duty. The dependents who have, in truth, been granted the benefits of one service member missing for more than 90 days as a result of hostile action or being captured by a hostile force may also apply if he has been detained or interned for more than 90 days by a foreign power. Furthermore, the dependents of service members who are hospitalized or under outpatient treatment for service-related permanent and total disability, expected to be discharged as a result of this condition, may also be known to be entitled to such benefits.
Children of eligible veterans are entitled to receive DEA benefits regardless of marital status. Those children would be disqualified while on active duty in the military. After their service, they can utilize it only if they were honorably discharged. The spouse of an eligible veteran is entitled to receive DEA benefits while also having access to VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). However, if the spouse remarries or divorces the veteran, the benefits may cease. Under certain circumstances, if the remarriage or divorce was consequent to death or divorce, further benefits could be reinstated.
Available benefits
DEA benefits provide financial assistance in the form of monthly payments to help cover educational expenses. These benefits apply to college degree programs, non-collegiate degree programs, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training. If education or training began prior to August 1, 2018, recipients may receive benefits for a full 45 months. Programs that commenced on or after August 1, 2018, will receive benefits for a maximum of 36 months. Additionally, recipients may qualify for educational and career counseling services to help with career planning and job placement.
Choosing an Approved School
Fittingly, various schools and programs are available for the use of DEA benefits. It will be important to ascertain that the program and institution are VA-approved before applying. The GI Bill Comparison Tool will assist in identifying approved schools and programs. The applicants may also confer with their school’s certifying official to verify that their chosen program is approved for DEA benefits.
Either by Post or Online DEA Benefits Application
One can apply for DEA benefits either online or by mail. The individuals who prefer an online process can apply through the VA website. Or, they can complete VA Form 22-5490 and send it through the regional processing office where their school or state of residence is located. After the application is submitted, all applicants must inform their certifying official within their school about the enrollment verification with VA.
Receiving Monthly Payments
Non-college program enrollers must provide a monthly verification of their enrollment in order for them to continue receiving payments. Recipients under the college degree program need not verify enrollment so as to continue receiving the DEA benefits. Payments are sent directly to the recipient to support tuition and other education-related costs.
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Help With Applications
Indeed, those who have issues facing them while applying have help available through VA-accredited representatives. These professionals assist with procedures that fill out paper correctly and ensure all documents have been submitted.
How to Maximize the DEA Fees
There are opportunities for most educational endeavors, from various forms of college coursework to vocational training, apprenticeships, and career counselling. By knowing the eligibility criteria and the process of applying, dependent children of disabled veterans can successfully tap into financial assistance for education. Eligible dependents are indeed at an inherent advantage of making the maximum use of all resources and planning education to realize their academic and career dreams in such a way.
