Chapter 35 (DEA)

What is Ch. 35?

Chapter 35 is the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program, which provides those who are eligible with education and training opportunities to those who are dependents of veterans who have a VA rating of 100% due to a service-related condition or those who passed away while on Active Duty or due to service-related condition. Chapter 35 offers dependents an average of 36 months and up to 45 months.

Those who wish to receive benefits for attending school must be between the ages of 18 and 26.

For surviving spouses ( spouses of service members who passed away during active duty), Ch. 35 benefits end 20 years from the date of death.

Example of Ch.35 COE

What paperwork is needed for Ch. 35 at SDSU?

Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Certification Request (CR)
- - Important Notes
    - You can only be certified for classes in your degree plan
    - Your sponsor must have a disability rating of 100%
    - Upload your documents through Vets MOD

Vets MOD Instructions

Online Ch.35 application

How to apply for education benefits:

Prepare
To fill out this application, you’ll need your:

- Social Security number (required)
- Sponsor’s Social Security number (required)
- Basic information about the school or training facility you want to attend
- Bank account direct deposit information
- Education history

What if I need help filling out my application?

An accredited representative, like a Veterans Service Officer (VSO), can help you fill out your claim. Get help filing your claim.
Learn about educational programs and see what benefits you’ll get at the school you want to attend. Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool.

Apply

Complete this education benefits form.
After submitting the form, you’ll get a confirmation message. You can print this for your records.

VA review

We usually process claims within 30 days. We’ll let you know by mail if we need more information.
We offer tools and counseling programs to help you maximize your educational options. Learn about career counseling options

Decision

You’ll get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), or award letter, in the mail if we’ve approved your application.
If your application isn’t approved, you’ll receive a denial letter.

Need to Submit your Certification Request (CR)?

Please remember that CRs are processed in the order that they are received. Please submit your CR to Vets Mod as soon as you know your schedule for the upcoming semester. You will need to submit your CR every semester that you plan on using a benefit.

Vets MOD Instructions

Chapter 35 (DEA) FAQ

Why do I need to submit a 5495 or provide my Veteran sponsor SSN?

The Veteran sponsor SSN is how the VA connects the dependent and Veteran to use CH 35. Since the VA does not share your information with us, we ask that you share this form so that we can create an account with the VA. Without this information, we can not make your account, which can cause a delay or lack of payments.

What is the next step after submitting all my paperwork?

We receive your COE, 5495 information, and Certification Request; we then double-check your documents.
Your School Certifying Official will review your classes and check if your classes align with your degree plan. We will reach out to you if we run into any problems

How do I receive my monthly stipend?

The monthly stipend will be sent through direct deposit to the bank account provided in the CH 35 application.

How many units would I have to take to be considered full time?

For SDSU Main campus undergraduate students during the Fall and Spring semesters, 12+ units would be considered full-time. Respectively, 9-11 units would be 3/4 time, 6.1-8 units would be 1/2 time, and anything less would be less than 1/2 time.
For SDSU Main campus graduate students during the Fall and Spring semesters, nine units would be considered as full-time status. Respectively, 6 units would be 3/4 time, 4.5 would be 1/2, and anything less would be less than 1/2 time.
*Winter and Summer sessions vary*

Can I use CalVet and Chapter 35?

As a Dependent, Yes, you can use both, but if you are a Spouse using Ch 35, you must choose between CalVet or Chapter 35.

You cannot use Cal Vet as an out-of-state student. A student must be a California resident as determined by the institution. This requirement is established in California Education Code.

California Education Code Section 66025.3(e) states “The waiver of tuition or fees under this section shall apply only to a person who is determined to be a resident of California pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 68000) of Part 41.”

Non-resident students are not eligible for the CalVet Fee Waiver (or other state education benefits like the State University Grant).

Students who are eligible for Chapter benefits can have their out-of-state tuition deferred.

Textbook cost at SDSU

Day1Ready is a digital-first, flat-rate course materials program created by the SDSU Bookstore with support from the university. It provides all undergraduate students access to their required course materials before the first day of class for a flat rate of $21.75 per unit.

One of the key benefits of Day1Ready is that students receive their course materials in advance, helping them be prepared from day one. Even if a student chooses to opt out of the program, they will still have access to the materials until the add/drop deadline.

You must opt out of the program by the add/drop deadline or you will be charged for the textbooks.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Your student records, maintained by San Diego State University, are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). FERPA gives you the ability to release your education records to third parties, such as a parent, guardian, spouse, etc. **To inquire about a student's benefits, you MUST have FERPA authorization and the appropriate access code.**

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