Chapter 35 VA Benefits 2025 Increase: Chapter 35, also called the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program, helps pay for education, career training, and other costs.
As 2025 gets closer, it’s important to understand how much your education benefits under this program might go up.
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Chapter 35 helps with education in many ways, including through apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and monthly payments to help with tuition. Getting a job training program, vocational certification, or college degree can be expensive. These benefits are meant to make it easier on your wallet.
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You can use the benefits for licensing exams, the SAT, and other national exams, as well as for courses that help you get ready.
You might be able to get benefits for up to 36 to 45 months, depending on when you started school or training. Because of this, the program is a useful way to plan for long-term schooling.
The VA has modified the monthly payment rates for students enrolled in different educational programs for the 2024–2025 academic year. There are different rates for full-time, 3/4-time, and half-time enrollment depending on how many courses you are enrolled in and your level of enrollment.
With effect from October 1, 2024, the following are the new rates:
- Full-time enrollment: $1,536.00 per month
- 3/4-time enrollment: $1,214.00 per month
- 1/2-time enrollment: $890.00 per month
- Less than 1/2-time and more than 1/4-time: Up to $890.00 per month (or the cost of tuition and fees, whichever is less)
- 1/4-time or less: Up to $384.00 per month (or the cost of tuition and fees, whichever is less)
These same rates apply to non-college degree programs like trade school or vocational training; payments are prorated according to the dates of enrollment.
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Training on the Job and Apprenticeships
The monthly payment rates for individuals enrolled in apprenticeships or on-the-job training vary according to the duration of the program:
- Months 1 to 6: $975.00 per month
- Months 7 to 12: $733.00 per month
- Months 13 to 18: $481.00 per month
- More than 19 months: $245.00 per month
As your training progresses and your level of expertise in the field rises, so do these payments.
Writing and Particular Reconstructive Education
The VA will pay part of your costs if you choose to pursue special restorative training or correspondence training.
Couples who complete correspondence courses are eligible to receive 55% of the total cost, and children enrolled in special restorative training may receive up to $1,536.00 per month.
Visit the VA’s website for more details on your particular situation or get in touch with them directly if you have any questions about the amount you are eligible to receive.