EDUCATION AND TRAINING

SURVIVORS’ & DEPENDENTS’ EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE

WHAT IS SURVIVORS’ & DEPENDENTS’ EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE

(DEA)?

Survivors' & Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) is an education benefit for eligible spouses and 

children of certain Veterans. Eligible persons can receive up to 45 months of full-time or equivalent 

benefits for: 

• College, Business, Technical or Vocational Courses, High School Diploma or GED, Independent 

Study or Distance Learning courses 

• Correspondence Courses (Spouses Only) 

• Apprenticeship/On-the-Job Training 

• National Exams (e.g. SAT, LSAT, GRE, GMAT) 

• Remedial, Deficiency, and Refresher Training (in some cases) 

• The cost of tests for licenses or certifications needed to get, keep, or advance in a job 

Note: Log onto our GI Bill website to find out if the program is approved for VA educational benefits,

then click on “Choosing a School” tab and Search for approved Education and Job Training Programs 

at VA's WEAMS Institution Search Tool. 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE? 

To be an eligible for DEA you must be the son, daughter, or spouse of: 

• A Veteran who died, or is permanently and totally disabled, as the result of a service-connected 

disability. The disability must arise out of active service in the Armed Forces. 

• A Veteran who died from any cause while such service-connected disability was in existence. 

• A Servicemember missing in action or captured in the line of duty by a hostile force. 

Disabilitiesdetermined by VA to be related to your military service can lead to monthly non-taxable compensation, enrollment in the 

VA health care system, a 10-point hiring preference for federal employment and other important benefits. Ask your VA 

representative or Veterans Service Organization representative about Disability Compensation, Pension, Health Care, Caregiver 

Program, Career Services, Educational Assistance, Home Loan Guaranty, Insurance and/or Dependents and Survivors’ Benefits.
• A Servicemember forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign government or 

power. 

• A Servicemember hospitalized or receiving outpatient care for a VA determined serviceconnected permanent and total disability may be eligible for DEA benefits. 

HOW LONG IS THE PERIOD DURING WHICH THIS BENEFIT MAY BE USED? 

Spouses and surviving spouses generally have 10 years from the date VA establishes eligibility to use 

the benefit. Spouses and surviving spouses will remain eligible for 20 years if the VA rated the veteran 

permanently and totally disabled with an effective date of 3 years from discharge. Surviving spouses 

of Service members who died while on Active Duty also have 20 years from the date of the Service 

member’s death to use the benefit. 

Children may use the benefit while they are between the ages of 18 and 26. 

Note: These time limits can be extended under certain circumstances. For details, call the toll-free 

number or visit our website. 

HOW MUCH DOES VA PAY? 

The amount VA pays is based on the type of training program and training time (i.e. full-time, halftime, etc). Benefits are paid monthly and in arrears. If attendance is less than a month or less than 

full-time, payments are reduced proportionately. Current payment rates can be found on our website. 

HOW CAN YOU APPLY?

Once you find a program approved for VA training you can apply online. 

For more information, call toll-free 1-888-442-4551 (1-888-GI BILL 1) or visit our GI Bill website.

Education Service – February 2015