Chapter 35 VA Benefits: Chapter 35 of the VA benefits application process can be hard to understand, but knowing what to expect can help.
Chapter 35 benefits are meant to help the qualified family members of veterans or service members who have died, gone missing in action, or are permanently disabled because of a problem they had while serving. These perks help pay for training and schooling, so family members can reach their academic and career goals.
Here is all the information you need to know about eligibility, the application procedure, and what to anticipate if you’re thinking about applying for these benefits.
For the Veteran or service member, one of the following must be true:
- They are permanently disabled due to a service-connected disability.
- They have died as a result of a service-connected disability.
- They died while serving in the line of duty.
- They are missing in action or were captured in the line of duty by a hostile force for more than 90 days.
- They were forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign entity for more than 90 days.
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For family members:
Children can be single or married. They can only claim the benefit if they enlist in the military and are released from duty without receiving a dishonourable discharge.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and DEA benefits are both concurrently available to spouses.
Divorce or remarriage, however, may impact eligibility (with certain exclusions).
Monthly payments may be made to eligible family members to assist with educational fees or costs related to job training or apprenticeships.
These advantages can be applied to:
- College or graduate degree programs.
- Career-training certificate or diploma courses.
- Apprenticeships and on-the-job training.
Additionally, benefits can also be applied towards:
- Licensing and certification tests.
- National testing, such as college admissions exams.
- Preparatory courses, sometimes referred to as “prep courses.”
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The length of advantages varies based on when you began receiving instruction or training.
Benefits under programs that started before August 1, 2018, however, are limited to 45 months for those that start after that date, and 36 months for those that start after.
For more assistance in making the most of your chances, you can also get career and educational advice.
How to Apply for Chapter 35 VA Benefits
The process of applying for Chapter 35 benefits is simple, but it does take some planning.
If you’re looking for benefits as a spouse or dependent, you must fill out VA Form 22-5490.
The following items should be prepared:
- Social Security numbers for both the applicant and the Veteran or service member.
- Basic information about the school or training facility you plan to attend.
- Bank account details for direct deposit.
- Education history of the applicant.
After gathering the required data, complete the education benefits form.
You can print the confirmation message you receive after submitting it for your records.
Claims are normally processed by the VA in 30 days. They will get in touch with you by mail if they require more information.
You will receive an award letter if your application is accepted or a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) after it has been examined.
A letter of denial outlining the decision will be sent if it is not authorized.
To assist you take full use of your educational benefits, the VA also provides tools and counseling services. Don’t miss out on these options.
