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Chapter 35 Dependent Education Assistance (DEA) Purpose
The Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program, also known as Chapter 35, provides a monthly payment to help you cover the cost of school or your expenses.
For more information and eligibility requirements Survivors’ And Dependents’ Educational Assistance | Veterans Affairs
How to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for Chapter 35 benefits
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Go to Education and Career Benefits for Family Members | Veterans Affairs
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On the left side of the page select ‘Apply for DEA / Fry Scholarship’
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On the next page you will be directed to sign in using your preferred method of login (DS Login, ID.me, etc.) to start your application.
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Complete the application process and submit your application!
It can take the VA up to 30 DAYS to process your digital application, please be sure to check the status online every 2-3 business days. After your application has been processed by the VA, a COE will be mailed to your home address.
How the VA determines your monthly stipend (rate)
The VA bases your monthly rate (or payment amount) on these 2 factors:
The type of education or training you’re getting, and
How many courses you’re taking or how far along you are in your on-the-job training or apprenticeship program
You may get less than the full rate each month if any of these is true:
You’re enrolled in fewer courses than what we consider to be full time, or
Your clock hours per week are less than what we consider to be full time, or
You’re getting on-the-job training, or
You’re in an apprenticeship program
For more stipend information visit: Current VA Education Benefit Rates | Veterans Affairs
NOTICE:
As of November 10th, 2025, Student Business Services manages all military education benefit applications, questions and/or inquiries. This includes federal military benefits and the Hazlewood Act exemptions.
All processes will now be completed through their office located on the third floor of West Hall.
For any questions regarding the processing or implementation of your benefits, including the status of submitted documents, please contact Texas Tech University Student Business Services (SBS) through the SBS Military Services portal: https://help.sbs.ttu.edu/TDClient/209/Portal/Requests/ServiceCatalog?CategoryID=2826 or by calling (806) 742-3272. They will be able to view your application, all documents and will be able to assist you further if needed.
Official communication is done through TTU Email. The SBS Office will contact you via your TTU email if additional documentation is required.
Students have up to the LAST DAY OF CLASSES to submit their application, please see the Texas Tech Academic Calendar.
IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT TO ENSURE THEY HAVE SUBMITTED AN APPLICATION & UPLOADED NEEDED DOCUMENTS EACH SEMESTER.
If you need assistance obtaining your COE, please call VA education benefits (Monday – Friday, 8:00am -7:00pm ET) at 1(888) 442-4551 or visit va.gov/education/how-to-apply/. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Education and Training. The use of military-themed imagery does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Department of Defense.