Kiatbaca – When you or your loved one served in the US military, you have access to various benefits to support you and your family. One such benefit is the Chapter 35 of the VA, offering educational assistance to eligible spouses and dependents of service members who became disabled or died while serving. It can be challenging to navigate through the eligibility requirements, the application process, and the benefits available to you. This blog will help you understand everything you need to know about Chapter 35 benefits, from who is eligible to how to apply, to how the benefits will benefit you. Whether you’re a U.S. citizen or not or a veteran or not, this post will provide you with all the necessary information to help you or your loved one achieve their educational goals.
What is Chapter 35 of the VA?
Chapter 35 of the VA is the Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) program available to eligible spouses and children of certain veterans. This program provides financial assistance for education and training opportunities to the dependents of veterans who have service-related disabilities, have died as a result of military service, or were declared missing in action or prisoners of war. The benefits are paid directly to the student, and it is their responsibility to pay for the charges. To use Chapter 35 benefits at a new institution, an applicant must fill out a request for change of program or place of training form. The VA File number should be the Social Security Number (SSN) of the veteran. Registration and certification for Chapter 35 benefits typically take 3-5 business days, but it may take longer during peak enrollment periods.
What are the benefits of Chapter 35?
Chapter 35 is a federal program that offers education and training benefits to eligible dependents of veterans. The program provides up to 45 months of benefits which can be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and correspondence courses for spouses. However, all tuition charges must be paid out of pocket or through financial aid, as no money is sent directly to schools.
Monthly benefit stipends are paid directly to the student based on the type of training and credit hours taken. Chapter 35 recipients may also be eligible for up to 81 months when combined with other VA education benefits. These benefits offer an excellent opportunity for veterans’ dependents to pursue their education and improve their future prospects.
What are the eligibility requirements for Chapter 35 benefits?
The Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) program, also known as Chapter 35 VA Benefits, is intended for eligible spouses and children of particular veterans. The program provides up to 45 months of education and training benefits to pursue certificate and degree programs. The student is responsible for paying their own tuition fees. Still, the program provides a monthly stipend based on enrollment status. New and returning students can access the necessary Chapter 35 (Dependents Educational Assistance) forms through the GI Bill website. If eligible recipients choose to use DEA program benefits together with other VA education benefits, they may receive up to 81 months of GI Bill benefits. Ensure that you go through the DEA program application process if you meet the eligibility requirements.
How to apply for Chapter 35 benefits?
Chapter 35 benefits are reserved for eligible dependents of veterans and provide up to 45 months of education and training. To apply for Chapter 35 benefits, one can either contact their school’s certifying official or utilize the VA’s online application form. The forms required for new or returning students are available online.
Upon receiving Chapter 35 benefits, the student receives a monthly stipend based on their enrollment status, with the student responsible for tuition. On-campus, Veteran Services offers a four-part payment plan for Chapter 35 students using VA benefits. In short, Chapter 35 benefits are an excellent way for eligible dependents of veterans to receive educational training and assistance.
What are the requirements for receiving Chapter 35 benefits?
Chapter 35 benefits offer valuable education and training benefits for eligible dependents of certain veterans. Dependents of permanently or totally disabled veterans can receive up to 45 months of full-time education benefits through Chapter 35. This benefit is also available for dependents of veterans who died while in service, or as a result of a service-related disability. However, to be eligible for Chapter 35 benefits, dependents must meet certain requirements.
To apply for Chapter 35 benefits, students need to fill out forms such as VSC-35 and Apply for Benefits. Chapter 35 benefits offer a monthly stipend based on enrollment status, but students are responsible for paying their own tuition. Additionally, Chapter 35 recipients may be eligible to receive up to 81 months of GI Bill® benefits if used in conjunction with other VA education benefits. If you are a dependent of a veteran, it is worth exploring Chapter 35 benefits to support your education and training goals.
How will Chapter 35 benefit me?
If you are a dependent of a veteran with a service-related disability or death, Chapter 35 benefits can provide you with educational assistance. The benefit can be transferred to another eligible dependent under certain circumstances. To apply for the benefit, new students will need to fill out specific forms, and returning students will need to complete a VSC-35 form to certify hours and apply. Dependents can receive up to 45 months of assistance, which can be used for degree programs, apprenticeships, and other types of training. This benefit is an excellent opportunity for dependents to pursue their educational goals and establish a solid foundation for their future.
Can I receive Chapter 35 benefits if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Chapter 35 benefits provide educational assistance to dependents of veterans. To qualify for these benefits, the sponsor must be 100% service-connected disabled. If you meet these criteria, you may be eligible for a monthly stipend based on your enrollment status. Chapter 35 benefits cover a range of educational programs, including college, vocational, apprenticeships, and more.
Non-U.S. citizens who meet certain criteria may also be eligible for Chapter 35 benefits. However, it’s important to note that there is no documented information on this eligibility criterion. Hence, it is essential to check with the local VA office to confirm eligibility. If you’re a non-U.S. citizen, it’s important to understand your options for educational assistance and to explore all of the resources available to you.
Can I receive Chapter 35 benefits if I am not a veteran?
Chapter 35 benefits are available to certain family members of a permanently and totally disabled veteran or a child of a veteran who died due to a service-connected disability. The list of eligible recipients includes spouses, surviving spouses, and children. DEA benefits can be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, or certain approved courses. Surviving spouses can also receive DIC payments if using DEA benefits.
It’s important to note that the duration of benefits depends on the type of recipient. For instance, a veteran spouse’s benefits end 10 years from eligibility, while surviving spouse benefits end 20 years from the date of death. DEA benefits provide up to 45 months of education and training benefits, and recipients may be eligible for up to 81 months if used with other VA education benefits. So, if you or your family member meets the eligibility requirements, then you can surely apply for Chapter 35 benefits.
Can I receive Chapter 35 benefits if I am not a resident of the United States?
There is no information available on whether non-residents of the United States are eligible for Chapter 35 benefits. However, Chapter 35 benefits are available to military-affiliated students whose sponsor is 100% permanently disabled or deceased. These benefits offer a monthly stipend based on the student’s enrollment status, but they do not cover tuition. Eligible students must apply for Chapter 35 benefits through the GI Bill website and provide a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and other required forms, such as VSC-35 and an application for benefits, to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans and their dependents can take advantage of several education benefits such as the Chapter 35, and the availability of any benefit depends on different factors that can vary from case to case.
Conclusion
Chapter 35 of the VA provides educational assistance to the family members and dependents of disabled or deceased veterans. This benefit is a significant help, as it alleviates some of the financial hardships incurred by family members who have lost or have a disabled veteran in the family. To qualify for Chapter 35 benefits, the dependents must meet certain criteria. After meeting the eligibility requirements, the application process can be started. To help you understand the benefits of Chapter 35 and how they can aid you or your loved ones, read our comprehensive blog. It provides clarity on educational assistance and explains how you can reap the benefits of Chapter 35.