The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) referred to on campus as Chapter 35 is for eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently disabled. Learn more about Chapter 35 eligibility.
New Students
If you’re a new student eligible for the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program—commonly known as Chapter 35—this guide will help you navigate the initial steps to access your benefits. This page outlines the application process and certification requirements to ensure you receive the support you’re entitled to. Let’s get started on your educational journey.
Steps to Apply
- Go to the Vets.gov
- Click “Apply for Education Benefits” (Blue Box on Home Page)
- Click Blue Box “Select Correct Form”
- Applicant is the student attending the university
- If you are a dependent, you must be 18 or graduate high school before you can apply for benefits.
- UA Address: 730 Campus Drive, Tuscaloosa AL 35487
- Student must be listed on bank account for VA deposits
- A Certificate of Eligibility will be sent to you in the mail, it is not sent to the school
VA Payments
All Chapter 35 payments are paid directly to the student. For rate tables for Chapter 35 please see the VA rate tables.
Current Students
As you continue your studies, it’s important to keep your benefit information up to date and complete all necessary steps each term to maintain your eligibility. Here you’ll find essential information on certification procedures, managing your benefits, and key deadlines to help you stay on track and make the most of your educational opportunities at The University of Alabama.
How to Receive Your Benefits Each Semester
All current students (on campus and online) must submit an Advising Worksheet for every semester after the student registers for class. A deadline will be emailed posted at vets.ua.edu every Fall and Spring semester to turn an Advising Worksheet to the Office of Veteran & Military Affairs.
The Office of Veteran & Military Affairs (VMA) will only accept the VMA Advising Worksheets, not worksheets provided by college academic advisors.
Incomplete Advising Worksheets will not be accepted.
Advising Worksheet Guidelines
- Please complete a form for each individual term. For example, SUM I, SUM II and FULL SUM are each separate terms.
- Please submit an Advising Worksheet after you have registered for your classes to ensure accuracy for your GI Bill® certification. The Office of Veteran & Military Affairs can only certify classes in which students are currently registered.
- If you add a class not listed on your Advising Worksheet you must fill out an Add/Drop Form.
- Forms turned in by the deadline will have priority. Forms turned in after the deadline will be processed only after all priority students have been processed.
- After the add/drop period classes dropped after these dates will receive a “W” and are subject to debts from the VA if student goes under full time.
VA Payments
Please keep in mind that the VA pays for number of calendar days in school. So payments in August, December, January, and May will not be for a full month. For payment rates please see the VA rate tables.
The Office of Veteran & Military Affairs does not have access to payment dates from the Veterans Administration for monthly payments, please call the VA Educational Hotline for payment questions 1-888-442-4551.
Academic Requirements
In order to remain in good standing and receive GI Bill® benefits, students must maintain good academic standing at The University of Alabama.