Survivors' and Dependents' Application for VA Education Benefits (DEA - Chapter 35)
You are the spouse or dependent child of a veteran who is 100% P&T from a service-connected condition, died from a SC condition, is MIA, or was a POW - and you want educational assistance.
Gather before you start
Attach with the form
Section I - Applicant Identification
Blocks 1-6Your name, SSN, DOB, address, relationship to veteranPII
Your information as the dependent applying for DEA benefits. Must be spouse or dependent child of a qualifying veteran. Children must be between 18 and 26 (with exceptions for service disruptions).
(your name, SSN, DOB, relationship)
- Children over 26 applying - generally ineligible unless there was a military service period that extended eligibility.
- Not knowing that spouses generally have a 10-year window from the qualifying event.
Section II - Veteran Sponsor Information
Blocks 7-12Veteran name, VA File Number, qualifying statusPII
Identify the veteran and their qualifying status: (1) 100% permanent and total disability from SC condition, (2) Death from SC condition, (3) Missing in action, (4) Captured or detained by enemy forces. Include VA File Number for cross-reference.
(veteran name, VA file number, qualifying basis)
- Applying based on a temporary 100% rating instead of a permanent and total rating.
- Not knowing DEA and CHAMPVA can both be received simultaneously by dependents of 100% P&T veterans.
Section III - School/Program
Blocks 13-16School name, address, VA facility code, program
VA-approved school or training program.
(school name, VA facility code)
- School must be VA-approved for DEA benefits to pay.
Section IV - Certification
Blocks 17-18Applicant signature and datePII
Sign and date. By signing you certify the information is accurate under penalty of perjury.
(signature/date)
- Not confirming the 10-year benefit window has not expired before applying.