Surviving Spouse + Dependent Benefit
Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA / Chapter 35)
Education benefits for surviving spouses + children of veterans permanently disabled or deceased.
Eligibility
- Spouse / child of veteran rated P&T (Permanent and Total) before death OR died of service-connected cause
- Children: ages 18-26 (extensions possible)
- Spouse: 10-year window from veteran's death (or 20 years for some cases)
- Monthly amount
- ~$1,536 full-time (varies by enrollment level)
- Duration
- Up to 36 months (or 45 for some cases)
- Form
- VA Form 22-5490
How this differs from GI Bill transferability
DEA is for survivors. Post-9/11 GI Bill transferability lets a still-living veteran transfer their unused months to spouse/dependents.
In crisis? Call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line — 24/7 confidential. Family members can also reach the line; bereaved family members of fallen service members are specifically supported.
Other survivor + dependent benefits
About this guide
Survivor + dependent benefits are administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Always verify current eligibility + amounts at va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits before filing. CVSOs (County Veterans Service Officers) and VSOs (American Legion, VFW, DAV) file these claims for surviving spouses at no cost.