Military and Veteran Services

GI Bill® Chapter 35 (Survivors and Dependents Assistance [DEA])

Program Information

DEA offers education and training opportunities to dependents of Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or of Veterans who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition.  (Illinois veterans may qualify for the MIA/POW scholarship also listed on our website)

Application Process

Click here to be directed to the online application.

Covered Costs

Chapter 35 benefits provide a monthly stipend directly to the recipient.  This program does not directly pay the university tuition or fees.  It is the responsibility of the student to ensure payment to the university for tuition and fees.

Please visit http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/resources/benefits_resources/rate_tables.asp for current payment rates.

Campus Requirements/Steps 

1. Submit your application to the university.  Do not pay application fee as it will be automatically waived.
2. Complete GI Bill® application.  (see Application Process)
3. You will receive an eligibility letter for the GI Bill® from the VA in 4 to 6 weeks.  This form can be turned in at the Military and Veteran Resource Center or can be when you complete the GI Bill® Certification Request Form.  See below:
4. Complete the GI Bill® Certification Request Form 
   1. Students must already have class schedule to complete; first time students can also upload a copy of their Certificate of Eligibility through this process.
   2. Complete online here: Click Here for the GI Bill® Certification Request Form
   3. This form is completed each semester and anytime a class is added or dropped.
   4. Online submission will be automatically submitted.
   5. NOTE: If benefits are used at another school, proceed to the application process and begin an application.  Answer the question that asks if you are updating benefits to be directed to the correct form. 

Eligibility Requirements 

1. You must be a spouse or child (including stepchild or adopted child) of a:
   1. Veteran permanently and totally disabled as the result of, or dies of, a service-related disability.
   2. Disability must arise out of or be aggravated by active duty.
      • Veteran with a permanent and total service-connected disability who dies from any cause.
      • Servicemember who is missing in action or is captured in the line of duty and is currently being held by a hostile force.
      • Servicemember who is currently being forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign government or power.
      • Servicemember who VA determines has a service-connected permanent and total disability, and at the time this determination is a member of the Armed Forces who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient medical care, services, or treatment and is likely to be discharged or released from service due to this service-connected disability.
2. If a child of a Veteran, you may receive benefits from the ages 18 to 26.
   1. In certain instances, benefits may be granted to those under or above this age range. 
   2. Applicants will be notified of their possible beginning and ending dates based on their claims.

Link for VA Full Benefit Description

https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/survivor_dependent_assistance.asp