Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program

(DEA, Chapter 35) The Survivors' and Dependents Educational Assistance Programs (DEA) 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. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs at VCU. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

Visit the GI Bill Web Site for details about this program »

How to Apply
If you are applying for VA education assistance for the first time:

1. Complete the VCU Veterans Affairs (VA) Education Assistance application and instructions (pdf).
2. Attach a copy of your VCU admission letter to the application.
3. Attach a completed Veterans Administration's Application for Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (VA Form 22-5490) to the application.
4. Attach a completed VCU Veterans Educational Benefits Transfer Credits Evaluation form (pdf) to the application.
5. Submit the application packet to the VCU Veterans Affairs Office. Your enrollment will be certified and your application packet will be reviewed and forwarded to the regional Veterans Administration Office.
6. When you receive your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and award letter from the Veterans Administration, provide a copy of each to the VCU Veterans Affairs Office.

If you applied for VA education assistance at VCU previously:

1. Complete the VCU Veterans Affairs (VA) Education Assistance application and instructions (pdf).
2. Submit the application to the VCU Veterans Affairs Office. Your enrollment will be certified and your application will be reviewed and forwarded to the regional Veterans Administration Office.

If you have received VA education assistance previously at another college or university but not at VCU:

1. Complete the VCU Veterans Affairs (VA) Education Assistance application and instructions (pdf).
2. Attach a copy of your VCU admission letter to the application.
3. Attach a completed Veterans Administration's Request for Change of Program or Place of Training (VA Form 22-5495) to the application.
4. Attach a completed VCU Veterans Educational Benefits Transfer Credits Evaluation form (pdf) to the application.
5. Submit the application packet to the VCU Veterans Affairs Office. Your enrollment will be certified and your application packet will be reviewed and forwarded to the regional Veterans Administration Office.
6. When you receive your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and award letter from the Veterans Administration, provide a copy of each to the VCU Veterans Affairs Office.