Effective August 1, 2026

VA can no longer pay Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA/Chapter 35) for new secondary-school programs beginning on or after August 1, 2026.

This includes: , High school coursework, GED-level training, Tutoring, and Academic remediation

The change comes from federal law changing the definition of an eligible educational institution from a secondary school to a post-secondary school. VA News

Does this apply to me?

This matters if you or your dependent qualifies for Chapter 35 DEA benefits and planned to use those benefits for high-school-level or other secondary education.

Chapter 35 generally provides education benefits to eligible spouses and children of certain veterans or service members, including veterans who are permanently and totally disabled because of a service-connected disability. Veterans Affairs

What if the program started before August 1?

There is limited protection for students who were already enrolled.

If the secondary program began before August 1, 2026, VA says benefits can continue through the end of that academic term.

After that, VA cannot continue paying Chapter 35 benefits for another secondary-school term—even if the additional term is necessary for the student to graduate. VA News

Does this eliminate Chapter 35?

No. Chapter 35 still exists.

Eligible spouses and children can continue using DEA for approved post-secondary education and training, subject to the program's normal eligibility requirements. Veterans Affairs

This change specifically removes secondary-school-level education from the standard Chapter 35 benefit.

Do I need to do anything?

If you're currently using, or planned to use, Chapter 35 for high-school-level education, check with VA before assuming those payments will continue.

VA says it is contacting affected beneficiaries and schools.

For questions about your individual education benefits, you can also contact VA Education Benefits at: 888-442-4551

Why this matters

For families who planned around Chapter 35 paying for secondary education, that benefit is no longer available for programs beginning August 1, 2026 or later.

That's the change.

Verify It Yourself

VA — Chapter 35 High School Benefits Change

VA — Current Chapter 35 DEA Information

Effective: August 1, 2026

Last verified: October 6, 2026