What Is Chapter 35 DEA?

Chapter 35 education benefits are provided under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35. The program supports eligible dependents of:

• Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability
• Service members who died on active duty
• Veterans who died as a result of a service-connected condition

The program is managed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Key Benefit Limits

• Up to 45 months of benefits for most eligible dependents
• Up to 36 months under the Fry Scholarship
• Children usually eligible between ages 18 and 26
• Spouses usually eligible for 10 years from qualifying event
• Some extensions may apply

Who Qualifies for Chapter 35 Benefits?

The calculator allows you to select your beneficiary type. Eligibility rules differ based on your relationship to the veteran.

1. Child of a Service Member Who Died in Service

Eligible from age 18 to 26.

2. Child of a Veteran with Permanent Disability

Eligible from age 18 to 26.

3. Surviving Spouse

Typically eligible for 10 years from the date of death.

4. Spouse of Veteran with Permanent Disability

Usually eligible for 10 years from the date the VA establishes disability.

5. Fry Scholarship (Children or Spouses)

The Fry Scholarship applies to service members who died after September 10, 2001.

• Provides up to 36 months of benefits
• Children may have extended eligibility (up to age 33 in many cases)

The calculator checks age limits, time limits, and total months used to determine eligibility status.

Current Chapter 35 Payment Rates (2024–2025)

The calculator uses the current academic year rates. For 2024–2025:

• Full-time (12+ credits): $1,361 per month
• Three-quarter time: $1,021 per month
• Half-time: $831 per month
• Quarter-time: $638 per month

Rates adjust based on enrollment level and training type.

If you attend less than full time, your monthly payment is reduced automatically.

How the Chapter 35 Benefits Calculator Works

The calculator uses your selections to determine five core results:

1. Monthly payment rate
2. Months of entitlement remaining
3. Total potential remaining value
4. Out-of-pocket expenses allowance
5. Eligibility expiration date

Let’s break that down.

Step 1: Select Benefit Year

Choose the academic year. Each year has different payment rates. The calculator pulls the correct monthly amounts based on your selection.

Step 2: Select Beneficiary Type

Your selection determines:

• Maximum benefit months (45 or 36)
• Age limit
• Time limit for using benefits

If your age exceeds the limit, the calculator marks you as not eligible.

Step 3: Enter Current Age (For Children)

If you are a child beneficiary, your age matters.

For example:
If you are 27 and your age limit is 26, the calculator will show Age Limit Exceeded.

Step 4: Choose Training Type

The calculator adjusts your rate depending on the type of training.

Options include:

• College or university degree
• Vocational or technical school
• Apprenticeship or On-the-Job Training (OJT)
• Correspondence courses
• Flight training
• Preparatory courses
• Entrepreneurship training

Important Rate Adjustments

• Apprenticeship (first 6 months): 75% of standard rate
• Apprenticeship (after 6 months): 55% of standard rate
• Correspondence courses: 25% of standard rate

This ensures realistic benefit estimates.

Step 5: Select Enrollment Status

Your enrollment level directly impacts your payment.

The calculator automatically applies the correct percentage.

Step 6: Enter Months of Benefits Used

Most dependents have a maximum of 45 months.

Example:

• Maximum: 45 months
• Used: 12 months
• Remaining: 33 months

The calculator subtracts used months from your maximum entitlement.

For Fry Scholarship recipients, the maximum is 36 months.

Step 7: Enter Entitlement Start Date

Your eligibility expiration date is calculated by adding:

• 8 years for children
• 10 years for spouses
• 15 years for Fry Scholarship recipients

If today’s date is beyond that expiration, the calculator will show Eligibility Expired.

Step 8: Special Training Needs

Some selections include remedial courses, restorative training, vocational rehabilitation, or independent living training.

While these options may not change payment amounts in the calculator, they help clarify your education plan.

Step 9: Additional Allowances

The calculator includes:

• Tutorial assistance (up to $100 per month)
• Work-study program eligibility

These allowances supplement your base payment.

Example Calculation

Let’s walk through a simple example.

Scenario:

• 22-year-old child of permanently disabled veteran
• Full-time college student
• 2024–2025 benefit year
• 10 months already used

Results:

• Monthly Payment: $1,361
• Remaining Months: 35
• Total Potential Value: $47,635
• Eligibility Status: Eligible

This gives a clear financial picture for planning tuition, housing, and living costs.

What the Calculator Does Not Replace

This calculator provides estimates only. It does not replace an official VA decision.

Always confirm with:

• VA Education Service
• Your school’s VA certifying official

Rules can change. Individual cases may qualify for extensions.

Why Use a Chapter 35 Benefits Calculator?

Education planning can feel overwhelming. This tool simplifies:

• Financial forecasting
• Eligibility verification
• Academic planning
• Long-term benefit strategy

Instead of guessing, you get structured answers in seconds.

It helps you plan ahead with clarity.

Common Questions

How many months of Chapter 35 benefits can I receive?

Most dependents receive up to 45 months. Fry Scholarship recipients receive up to 36 months.

Can I lose eligibility due to age?

Yes. Children typically lose eligibility after age 26 unless an extension applies.

What happens if I used all months?

If you have zero months remaining, the calculator shows Benefits Exhausted.

Can benefits expire?

Yes. If your eligibility window closes, the calculator will mark your status as expired.