VA Form 22-5495
Dependents' Request for Change of Program or Place of Training
You are using DEA (Chapter 35) benefits and changing to a different school or program.
- Who fills it
- dependent
- Journey phase
- Education & Training
- Estimated time
- 15-20 minutes.
- When to file
- Before or immediately when you start at the new school/program.
Official VA form page: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-22-5495/
Gather before you start
- ▸New school/program name and VA facility code
- ▸Effective date of change
- ▸Current school/program
Attach with the form
Section I - Applicant Identification
Blocks 1-4Name, SSN, veteran sponsor VA file number, current schoolPII
Your information. Include the veteran sponsor's VA File Number so VA can link this change to the correct DEA file.
(your name, SSN, veteran VA file number, current school)
Common mistakes
- ×Not including the veteran sponsor's VA File Number - change cannot be linked to your DEA record.
Section II - New School/Program
Blocks 5-9New school name, address, VA facility code, start date
Provide complete information about where you are going. New school must be VA-approved.
(new school name, VA facility code, start date)
Common mistakes
- ×Not verifying new school is VA-approved before changing.
Section III - Signature
Blocks 10-11Applicant signature and datePII
Sign and date. By signing you certify the information is accurate under penalty of perjury.
(signature/date)
Common mistakes
- ×Not filing until after starting at the new school - retroactive payment is limited.
Statutory and regulatory authority
- 38 USC 3501 - DEA basic entitlement.