Chapter 35 VA benefits provide the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program benefits, which serve as an essential support system for veterans’ dependents. This article discloses the March 2025 payment schedule consisting of benefit amounts alongside specific payment dates. The department provides educational fund assistance to eligible veteran dependents through this program, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs official website.
Users who meet program requirements will receive the established monthly payment benefit
Chapter 35 benefits specifically support the spouses and children of veterans who lost their lives or gained permanent total disability in connection with their military service. Educational funding can be used across various educational programs, including college degrees, vocational training, and apprenticeships. Benefit amounts from Chapter 35 depend on the education program you attend and your enrollment level.
Under the education program, a full-time student receives monthly benefits of $1,536 for higher education attendance. A three-quarters-time enrollment qualifies you for $1,214 each month, whereas $890 is the benefit amount for students who enroll at half-time. Veterans enrolled for fewer than half-time classes receive payment amounts calculated according to their enrollment days for the month.
Benefit payments for March 2025 will be distributed according to specified date schedules
The Veterans Affairs Department distributes monthly benefits for current dates through payments on the first day of succeeding months. The VA makes payments in advance to the final business day of the current month when the payment date (1st) aligns with a weekend or holiday. The payment for March 2025 will be issued on April 1.
New DEA program enrollees will receive their first payment (related news) on the first day of the month after class commencement. The payment amount will reflect the period from the start date of the classes. The first payment period extends from February 20 through February 28 since your education began on February 20.
This provision covers all benefits included in Chapter 35 of the program
Higher Education
The monthly payment rates for undergraduate or graduate degree students have specific levels.
- Full-time enrollment: $1,536
- 1/4-time enrollment: $1,214
- 1/2-time enrollment: $890
Eligible students who take between half-time and quarter-time classes receive benefits costing $890 per month but limited to actual tuition and fees expenses.
The monthly fee amounts to $384 or the actual tuition and fees expenses depending on enrollment at 1/4-time or less.
Each term, you will get a single payment for tuition and fees unless those costs are higher than the designated rates because the rates were established to pay tuition expenses.
Vocational Training and Apprenticeships
The monthly rates for trade and vocational schools follow a pattern that matches those of higher education schools. Different rates depend on the scheduled number of clock hours in your attendance:
- Full-time enrollment: $1,536
- 3/4-time enrollment: $1,214
- 1/2-time enrollment: $890
Military personnel who take classes less than half-time yet more than quarter-time will receive either $890 or their tuition and fee costs, with the lower amount being the final decision.
The payment amounts to either $384 or the actual tuition and fees costs, depending on enrollment at 1/4-time or less.
The monthly rate for on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs decreases at each training program phase.
- Months 1 to 6: $975
- Months 7 to 12: $733
- Months 13 to 18: $481
- More than 19 months: $245
You can earn the complete benefit amount only when you work 120 hours each month. Reducing your payments reduces your entitlement charges.
Correspondence Training and Special Programs
Through correspondence training, the VA provides financial assistance equal to 55% of established fees based on completed lessons. The full-time rate for special restorative training amounts to $1,536 per month, while extra payments are made for all tuition fees in excess of $405.
The VA reimburses fees for qualifying licensing and certification tests up to a maximum payment of $2,000. Each $1,536.00 fee incurs a monthly entitlement charge. Beneficiaries (here’s related news) who spend any amount on national test fees get unlimited reimbursement at the designated entitlement charge level.
Among the benefits of VA, Chapter 35 states that veterans receive support for their family dependents, which helps them achieve their studies and professional development goals. Knowing the payment system and program coverage enables beneficiaries to design financial strategies that maximize these benefits.