VA Chapter 35 Payment Schedule November: Many students who get support through the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program, also called Chapter 35, are wondering when their next payment will come. This benefit is meant to help dependents of veterans pay for school, and the timing of deposits is very important for those relying on it.
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When to Expect the Payment
The VA usually sends out Chapter 35 payments one month behind. This means that the money you get in November 2025 will cover your school enrollment for October 2025. The deposit is expected to arrive around December 1, 2025, or on the next business day if that date falls on a weekend or holiday.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, “The DEA rates listed here are for October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. We’ll pay you up to the rate listed here based on how many courses you’re taking.” Another note on the VA’s website adds, “This means that the payment for a given month of enrollment is received at the beginning of the following month.”
In simple terms, if you attended classes during October 2025 and your school sent your enrollment certification on time, your Chapter 35 payment should appear in your account in early November. If the certification or paperwork is late, the deposit may take a few extra days.
What can Delay your Chapter 35 Payment?
Several things can affect when the payment reaches your bank. One of the most important is your school’s enrollment certification. The VA cannot release your funds until your school confirms that you are actively taking classes.
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Timing also matters. If your classes start late in the month, the VA might reduce the payment for that period. The agency explains, “For example, if your school starts on the 20th, you would get a payment for 10 days of enrollment that month.”
Bank holidays and weekends can also cause small delays. When the first of the month lands on a non-business day, the deposit is pushed to the next available date. Additionally, new students or those submitting documents for the first time may see longer processing times.
What do the current rates show?
For the period of October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, the VA sets full-time monthly rates for Chapter 35 like this:
- $1,574 for full-time enrollment in a college/university program
- $1,244 for three-quarter time
- $912 for half-time
- $393.50 for -time or less enrollment
These figures underscore the importance of verifying enrollment status each month and keeping your direct deposit and bank details up to date.
