U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA, Chapter 35)
Deadline
No deadline posted
Award
Monthly payment; 2026-27 full-time rate $1,621 per month
VA does not post an application deadline. Apply before your term starts.
Who it's for
Spouses and children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability, or who died, are missing, or were captured.
Things to double-check:
- Veteran rated permanent and total (P&T), or died / MIA / POW
What you need to apply
- VA Form 22-5490
- Veteran's VA file number or Social Security number
- School and program details
Your next 3 steps
- Apply on VA.gov or mail VA Form 22-5490.
- Tell your school's certifying official you applied.
- Verify your enrollment every month once payments start.
The Veteran is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability, or
Military family? Scholarships are only part of it. VetUnlocked lists federal and state benefits, travel perks, and more, each with an official source.