Veterans Services: Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA/Chapter 35)

The Dependents’ Educational Assistance program (DEA, Chapter 35) provides a housing allowance to dependents of eligible veterans while they are enrolled in an accredited program. Typically, eligible veterans are those who have a VA disability rating of 100%. In addition to the this VA benefit, Western Washington University will waive up to 200 credits for a student who is a Washington State residents and whose eligible sponsor is a Washington State resident. This waiver only applies to a student’s pursuit of his or her first bachelor’s degree, but Chapter 35 can be used for a total of 45 months towards any accredited program. The housing allowance and the waiver are separate benefits. You must apply for both to receive both.

Transfer students who used the tuition waiver at other Washington State schools must submit a supplemental form along with their waiver application. Click here to download supplemental form.

Students should apply for benefits at least three months before they plan to start school. Students who have confirmed enrollment at WWU should contact the Veterans Services Office as soon as they receive a Letter of Eligibility form the VA.

Follow the links below to learn more about eligibility, application, and payment:

• Basic Chapter 35 Information
• Payment Rates
• Apply for VA Benefits
• Veterans Parents Overview
• Veteran Monthly Payment Calendar
• Apply for Tuition Waiver
• Tuition Waiver Supplemental Form