The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a wide range of benefits to veterans and their families. One such benefit is Chapter 35, also known as the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program. This program provides educational and training opportunities to the dependents of certain veterans who have either died or become permanently and totally disabled as a result of their military service. In this article, we will delve into the details of what Chapter 35 VA benefits pay for and how they can be utilized by eligible individuals.
Contents
- 1 Eligibility for Chapter 35 VA Benefits
Eligibility for Chapter 35 VA Benefits
In order to be eligible for Chapter 35 VA benefits, an individual must be the dependent of a veteran who meets one of the following criteria:
- The veteran died while on active duty or as a result of a service-connected disability
- The veteran has a permanent and total service-connected disability
- The veteran is missing in action or captured in the line of duty
- The veteran is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability and is unable to work
Additionally, the dependent must be the spouse, child, or stepchild of the veteran and must be between the ages of 18 and 26. In certain cases, the age limit can be extended if the dependent is still enrolled in a full-time course of study.
Read:Who is eligible for military survivor benefits?Types of Educational and Training Programs Covered
Chapter 35 VA benefits can be used to cover the costs of various educational and training programs, including:
- College degree programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees
- Vocational and technical training programs
- On-the-job training and apprenticeships
- Licensing and certification exams
- Correspondence courses
- Flight training
- Entrepreneurship training
It is important to note that the program must be approved by the VA in order for the benefits to be used. The VA has a list of approved programs on their website, and individuals can also contact their local VA office for more information.
What Chapter 35 VA Benefits Pay For
Now that we have established who is eligible for Chapter 35 VA benefits and what types of programs are covered, let’s take a closer look at what exactly these benefits pay for.
Tuition and Fees
One of the main expenses that Chapter 35 VA benefits cover is tuition and fees. This includes the cost of attending an approved educational or training program, as well as any mandatory fees such as registration fees, technology fees, and lab fees. The amount of tuition and fees covered by Chapter 35 benefits varies depending on the type of program and the location of the school. For example, for a college degree program, the VA will pay up to the maximum in-state tuition and fees for public schools, and up to a certain amount for private schools.
Read:do snap benefits roll overMonthly Stipend
In addition to covering tuition and fees, Chapter 35 VA benefits also provide a monthly stipend to help with living expenses. The amount of the stipend is based on the type of program and the number of credit hours the dependent is enrolled in. For example, for a full-time college student, the monthly stipend is currently $1,265.50. This amount is adjusted annually based on the cost of living.
Books and Supplies
Chapter 35 benefits also cover the cost of books and supplies that are required for the approved program. This includes textbooks, lab equipment, and other necessary materials. The VA will pay up to $1,000 per academic year for books and supplies, and this amount is also adjusted annually based on the cost of living.
Specialized Services
In certain cases, Chapter 35 benefits may also cover specialized services that are necessary for the dependent to complete their educational or training program. This can include tutoring, counseling, and other support services. These services must be approved by the VA and are typically only covered if they are deemed necessary for the dependent to successfully complete their program.
Using Chapter 35 VA Benefits
Now that we have a better understanding of what Chapter 35 VA benefits pay for, let’s take a look at how these benefits can be used.
Read:What time do snap benefits get deposited in texas 2024?Applying for Benefits
The first step in using Chapter 35 VA benefits is to apply for them. This can be done online through the VA’s website or by filling out a paper application and submitting it to the VA. The application will require information about the veteran’s service and the dependent’s educational goals. It is important to note that the application process can take several weeks, so it is recommended to apply as early as possible.
Choosing an Approved Program
Once the application has been approved, the dependent can then choose an approved educational or training program. As mentioned earlier, the VA has a list of approved programs on their website, and individuals can also contact their local VA office for assistance in finding an approved program.
Using Benefits at a College or University
If the dependent is attending a college or university, the school’s VA certifying official will work with the VA to certify the enrollment and report any changes in enrollment or status. The VA will then pay the tuition and fees directly to the school, and the monthly stipend and book allowance will be sent to the dependent.
Using Benefits for Other Programs
If the dependent is attending a non-college degree program, such as a vocational or technical training program, the VA will pay the benefits directly to the dependent. This means that the dependent will be responsible for paying the tuition and fees, and the monthly stipend and book allowance will be sent to them.
Case Study: How Chapter 35 Benefits Helped a Military Spouse Pursue Her Dreams
One example of how Chapter 35 VA benefits have made a significant impact is the story of Sarah, a military spouse and mother of two. Sarah’s husband was killed in action while serving in the military, leaving her to raise their two children on her own. Sarah had always dreamed of going to college and becoming a nurse, but with the added responsibility of being a single parent, she wasn’t sure how she would be able to afford it.
After learning about Chapter 35 VA benefits, Sarah applied and was approved. With the help of these benefits, she was able to enroll in a nursing program at a local community college. The benefits covered her tuition and fees, as well as provided a monthly stipend and book allowance. This allowed Sarah to focus on her studies and not have to worry about the financial burden of going back to school.
Today, Sarah is a registered nurse and is able to provide for her family while also fulfilling her dream of helping others through her work. She credits Chapter 35 VA benefits for making it possible for her to pursue her education and achieve her goals.
Statistics on the Impact of Chapter 35 VA Benefits
According to the VA, in fiscal year 2020, over 40,000 individuals received Chapter 35 VA benefits, totaling over $300 million in payments. This program has made a significant impact on the lives of veterans’ dependents, providing them with the opportunity to pursue their educational and career goals without the burden of financial stress.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Chapter 35 VA benefits provide a valuable opportunity for the dependents of certain veterans to pursue their educational and career goals. These benefits cover tuition and fees, provide a monthly stipend, and cover the cost of books and supplies. By understanding the eligibility requirements and how to use these benefits, individuals can take advantage of this program and make a positive impact on their future. As seen in the case study and statistics, Chapter 35 benefits have made a significant difference in the lives of many individuals, and it is important to spread awareness about this valuable program.
