UCLA
Veteran Resource Center

Chapter 35

Chapter 35 is also known as Dependent Education Assistance / Survivor Dependent Benefits

Who qualifies for the benefit?

The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs determines your eligibility for this benefit. To see if you meet the eligibility requirement for this benefit, visit the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance (DEA) website.

What does the benefit cover?

  • Monthly stipend only that is paid directly from VA to the student via direct deposit or check.
    • As of October 1, 2023
      • Full-time enrollment: $1,488 for each full month
      • 3/4-time enrollment: $1,176 for each full month
      • 1/2-time enrollment: $862 for each full month
  • Non-Resident Supplemental Tuition Waiver
    • If you are deemed a non-resident/out-of-state student for tuition purposes and use this benefit for your first term at UCLA, you will receive a non-resident tuition fee waiver.
    • This will waive the non-resident supplemental tuition fee waiver for your degree program so long as you maintain continuous enrollment at UCLA (fall, winter, spring terms).
    • A waiver does NOT make the student a CA Resident for tuition purposes.
    • No additional tuition or fee funding

How do I apply for the benefit?

  • Apply online at www.va.gov
  • As of June 2024, the webpage looks like:

VA-Online-screenshot

Once I am awarded the benefit, how do I submit the benefit award letter to UCLA?

  • Submit your benefits to UCLA via the Benefit Certification Request portal.
    • Note, the VA does not communicate benefit eligibility to UCLA. You must upload your award letter to UCLA.

What is considered full-time?

For Fall/Winter/Spring terms:

  • Full-time units for an undergraduate at UCLA are 12 units or more.
  • Full-time units for a graduate student at UCLA are 8 units or more.

For Summer Terms:

  • Full-time units for an undergraduate or graduate student at UCLA are 1 unit per week of courses
    • Ex: For a student enrolled in a 6 week session, in order to be considered full-time, the student must be enrolled in 6 or more units.

If I have questions, who should I contact?