Dependents' Educational Assistance (Ch. 35)

Eligibility (gateway — veteran/service member must meet ONE): (1) rated 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) due to a service-connected disability (includes 100% schedular or TDIU, provided VA designated the rating permanent with no future exams scheduled); (2) died from a service-connected condition, or died in the line of duty (not due to misconduct); (3) is missing in action (MIA) or was captured in the line of duty by a hostile force for at least 90 days; (4) is being forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign government or power for at least 90 days; or (5) is hospitalized or receiving outpatient care for a service-connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for that disability. Dependents include spouse and children.

Children — qualifying events ON OR AFTER August 1, 2023 (PACT Act / Isakson-Roe Act): NO age limit and NO time limit on use. For qualifying events BEFORE August 1, 2023: generally ages 18-26 (must use within an 8-year window before age 26).

Spouse — qualifying events ON OR AFTER August 1, 2023: NO time limit. For qualifying events BEFORE August 1, 2023: must use within 10 years (sometimes 20 years for certain death cases) from VA notification of P&T status or veteran's death.

Up to 36 months of benefits for dependents who started training on or after August 1, 2018; up to 45 months if training started before that date.

Monthly education allowance ($1,574.00/month full-time for the October 2025 - September 2026 rate year), tuition assistance, and tutorial assistance.

Dependent submits VA Form 22-5490 online at va.gov.