VA Chapter 35 benefits in 2026 give important financial help to spouses and children of veterans. This support helps them continue education and training without too much stress. For full time students, the monthly payment can go up to $1,574. These rates apply to the VA benefit year that runs from October 1 2025 to September 30 2026. The amount reflects the latest yearly increase made by the VA.
Chapter 35 is also called Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance. This program supports families of veterans who became fully disabled because of service or who died due to military duty. Instead of sending money directly to colleges or schools, the VA sends a monthly payment to the student.
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Who can Use Chapter 35?
The benefit covers many types of learning. Students can use it for college degrees technical schools job training apprenticeships and other approved programs. Most people can receive payments for up to 36 months. Children usually must use the benefit between ages 18 and 26. Spouses may have more flexible time limits based on their personal situation.
How Payments Work?
The monthly payment depends on how many classes a student takes. Full time students get the highest amount. Part time students get less based on their enrollment level. If a student starts or finishes classes in the middle of a month the VA adjusts the payment.
- For 2026 full time students in college or vocational programs receive $1,574 per month. Three quarter time students receive $1,244.
- Half time students receive $912.
- Students who attend less than half time but more than quarter time can receive up to $912 but not more than the actual cost of tuition and fees.
- Quarter time or lower enrollment pays up to $393.50 and also cannot go beyond tuition costs.
Special Training Programs
Apprenticeships and on the job training follow a different payment plan. The VA lowers payments over time because trainees usually earn more money as they gain experience. For the first six months the payment is $999 per month. From month seven to twelve it becomes $751. Months thirteen to eighteen pay $493. After nineteen months the payment drops to $251.
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Correspondence training works differently and is only for spouses. Instead of monthly payments the VA pays back 55% of the approved cost for each finished lesson. Children who need special restorative training may receive full time payments equal to regular college rates. Some fast track programs may also include extra support.
Chapter 35 also helps with career growth. The VA can repay money spent on licensing and certification exams. It can cover up to $2,000 for approved tests. National exams have no payment limit but the VA still reduces benefit months based on how much it pays.
