VA Form 22-5490
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.
- Who fills it
- dependent
- Journey phase
- Education & Training
- Estimated time
- 30-45 minutes.
- When to file
- Before starting your program. DEA has a 10-year benefit period from the event (veteran's death, MIA designation, or P&T determination). Children between 18-26.
Official VA form page: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-22-5490/
Gather before you start
- ▸Veteran's VA File Number and status (100% P&T, death from SC condition, MIA, POW)
- ▸Your name, SSN, DOB, relationship to veteran
- ▸Marriage certificate (spouse) or birth certificate (child)
- ▸School you plan to attend
Attach with the form
- ▸VA rating decision showing 100% P&T (or death certificate, MIA orders)
- ▸Marriage certificate (spouse) or birth certificate (child)
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)
Common mistakes
- ×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.
Authority
- 38 USC 3501 - DEA basic entitlement.
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)
Common mistakes
- ×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)
Common mistakes
- ×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)
Common mistakes
- ×Not confirming the 10-year benefit window has not expired before applying.
Statutory and regulatory authority
- 38 USC 3501 - DEA basic entitlement.