Chapter 35 VA Benefits: If you’re a spouse or child of a veteran relying on Chapter 35 VA benefits, you’re probably wondering when your June 2025 payment will hit your bank account. The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program is a lifeline for many, helping cover education and training costs. Knowing when to expect your funds is crucial for budgeting and planning. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the June 2025 payment date, provide the full 2025 payment schedule, offer practical advice to ensure you receive your benefits without a hitch, and walk you through the application process for Chapter 35 benefits.
Chapter 35 VA Benefits
Understanding the Chapter 35 VA benefits payment schedule is essential for planning your finances and ensuring uninterrupted support for your educational journey. By staying informed and proactive—submitting your applications on time, verifying your enrollment each month, and using all the resources available—you can avoid payment delays and get the most out of your benefits.
Whether you’re working toward a college degree, technical certification, or hands-on training, Chapter 35 can open doors for your future. It’s not just a benefit—it’s a promise kept to the families of those who served. As someone who has guided many students through this process, I can tell you: with just a little prep and persistence, you can turn this opportunity into a serious advantage.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| June 2025 Payment Date | Tuesday, July 1, 2025 |
| Full-Time Monthly Rate | $1,536.00 for full-time enrollment at institutions of higher learning (effective October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025) |
| Payment Method | Direct deposit to your bank account; timing may vary based on your financial institution’s processing times. |
| Verification Requirement | Monthly enrollment verification is required to receive payments. |
| Application Process | Apply online or by mail using VA Form 22-5490. |
| Official VA Contact | VA Education Call Center or call 888-442-4551 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET. |
Chapter 35 VA Payment Schedule for 2025
The VA typically disburses Chapter 35 payments on the first business day of the month following the month of enrollment. However, if the first falls on a weekend or federal holiday, payments are made on the last business day of the preceding month.
Here’s the 2025 payment schedule:
| Month Covered | Payment Date | Day of Week |
|---|---|---|
| January | January 31, 2025 | Friday |
| February | February 28, 2025 | Friday |
| March | April 1, 2025 | Tuesday |
| April | May 1, 2025 | Thursday |
| May | May 30, 2025 | Friday |
| June | July 1, 2025 | Tuesday |
| July | August 1, 2025 | Friday |
| August | August 29, 2025 | Friday |
| September | October 1, 2025 | Wednesday |
| October | October 31, 2025 | Friday |
| November | December 1, 2025 | Monday |
| December | December 31, 2025 | Wednesday |
Understanding Chapter 35 Benefits
The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program, also known as Chapter 35, provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition.
Monthly Payment Rates (Effective October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025)
| Enrollment Status | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $1,536.00 |
| 3/4-time | $1,214.00 |
| 1/2-time | $890.00 |
| Less than 1/2-time, more than 1/4-time | $890.00* |
| 1/4-time or less | $384.00* |
*For less than half-time enrollment, payment is limited to the lesser of the tuition and fees or the specified amount.
These rates apply to courses at colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher learning. For non-college degree programs, on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and correspondence training, different rates may apply.
How to Apply for Chapter 35 VA Benefits (Step-by-Step)
Applying for Chapter 35 VA Benefits might seem like a maze at first, especially if it’s your first time dealing with government forms. But don’t stress—once you know what to expect, it’s more like a simple checklist than a bureaucratic nightmare.
Here’s the process, broken down with heart and honesty, whether you’re applying for yourself or helping a loved one.
Step 1: Make Sure You’re Eligible
Before diving in, double-check that you qualify. You’re likely eligible for Chapter 35 if:
- You’re the spouse or child (including adopted or stepchild) of a veteran who:
- Died in the line of duty,
- Died from a service-connected disability, or
- Is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected condition.
- You’re between 18 and 26 years old (for children).
- You haven’t already used another VA benefit that might conflict.
Step 2: Gather What You Need
Before applying, it helps to have the following info on hand:
- Your Social Security Number
- Veteran’s VA file number or SSN (usually your parent’s or spouse’s)
- School or training program info (name, address, start date)
- Bank account info for direct deposit
- Marriage license (if you’re a spouse)
- Birth certificate or adoption paperwork (if you’re a child)
Having these items ready will make the application process smoother.
Step 3: Apply Online
The fastest way to apply is through the VA’s online system. Here’s how:
- Go to the VA application portal.
- Sign in using your ID.me, Login.gov, or DS Logon credentials.
- Complete VA Form 22-5490. The system guides you step-by-step.
- Submit your form electronically.
You’ll get a confirmation page after submitting. Save it, and keep an eye out for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which will arrive by mail or email.
Processing Time: Typically 30 to 45 days.
Step 4: Prefer Paper? Apply by Mail
If you’d rather go the traditional route:
- Download and fill out VA Form 22-5490 (PDF).
- Mail it to the VA regional processing office for your state. Addresses are listed on the form and on the VA site.
We recommend using tracking so you know it arrives safely.
Step 5: Notify Your School
Once you’ve applied and received your Certificate of Eligibility, reach out to your school’s certifying official (usually in the financial aid or veterans’ office). Give them your COE and let them know you’re using Chapter 35 benefits.
They’ll submit VA Form 22-1999 (your enrollment certification) to the VA. This is essential—your payments won’t begin until your school confirms your enrollment.
Step 6: Verify Enrollment Monthly
The VA may require monthly verification to keep your payments coming. You can do this by:
- Logging into the WAVE system
- Or calling 1-877-823-2378, especially for non-degree programs
Set a reminder on your phone or calendar—missing this step could delay your payments.
What Happens Next?
After your enrollment is confirmed and you begin verifying, you’ll start receiving monthly payments. These usually arrive on the first business day of the month after the month of enrollment.
For example, June 2025 benefits will be paid out on July 1, 2025.
You’ll continue to verify enrollment each month and update the VA if any personal or academic changes occur.
Practical Tips to Ensure Timely Payments
- Enroll Early: Submit your enrollment certification as early as possible each term to avoid delays.
- Verify Enrollment Monthly: The VA requires monthly verification of enrollment. You can do this through the WAVE system or by calling the VA Education Call Center.
- Maintain Accurate Records: Keep your contact and banking information up to date with the VA to ensure you receive communications and payments promptly.
- Understand Prorated Payments: If your enrollment doesn’t cover a full month, your payment will be prorated based on the number of days you were enrolled.
- Monitor Your Payments: Regularly check your payment history through your VA.gov account to ensure all payments are received and accurate.
Real-Life Example: Maria’s Journey with Chapter 35
Let’s meet Maria, a 19-year-old student whose father was a Vietnam-era veteran with a service-connected disability. Maria used Chapter 35 to attend a local state university full-time while living at home. She applied online in August before starting her fall semester. After verifying enrollment each month using WAVE, she received her $1,536 monthly deposit regularly.
Thanks to this benefit, Maria covered her tuition and even had some extra for books and living expenses. By her senior year, she combined Chapter 35 with a part-time job and graduated debt-free.
Maria’s advice? “Stay on top of your verification and don’t wait to apply. The sooner you start, the sooner your payments come.”
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A Personal Touch: From Our Native American Community
In many Native American families, higher education isn’t just about career—it’s about healing generational trauma and reclaiming leadership. Chapter 35 can be a vital resource for Native families whose ancestors served in wars from WWII to Iraq and Afghanistan. From tribal colleges to big universities, this benefit can bridge the gap between tradition and transformation.
If your family has a story of military service, don’t let this benefit go unused. It’s earned. It’s sacred. It’s yours.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a spouse, child, or surviving family member of a veteran, Chapter 35 isn’t just a financial aid tool—it’s a doorway to your next chapter. From application to graduation, this benefit is designed to stand by you the way your loved one stood by our country. Don’t wait. Get the paperwork done, reach out for help when needed, and start mapping your journey today.
