Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEAP)  - Chapter 35

DEA provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service related condition. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. If you are a spouse, you may take a correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. This program is also commonly known as Chapter 35.

More Information on Chapter 35.

Benefits Overview:

Chapter 35 provides the student with a monthly stipend paid directly to the student while they are taking classes. The payment is affected by the student’s enrollment status. Check the VA website for current rates.

Application Procedure:

 If you have not received a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA:  

1. Log on/Register at the VA's ebenefits website (VONAPP).
• Complete the Application for VA Education Benefits (VA form 22-5490). or,
• Complete the Paper Form.
• Print a copy of the form.

After your application has been processed by the VA you will be sent a letter of eligibility from the VA that states: “You must take this letter to your school. Your School must certify your enrollment before you can get paid.” You will need to send a copy of that letter to this office (keep the original for your own records).  After you have enrolled in your courses you will need to complete a Veterans Enrollment Certificate (VEC) and submit it to our office.

Benefit Maintenance:

Semester:

 Each Semester you, the student, will need to complete a Veterans Enrollment Certificate (VEC) after you enroll in classes each semester. Completion of this form ques the Veterans Success Center to certify your hours to the VA.