More and more Veterans and their families are skipping the traditional four-year college path in favor of something faster, cheaper, and more practical: trade and vocational programs.
The best part? VA benefits, especially under Chapter 35, can help cover the cost. Whether you’re learning to weld, repair HVAC systems, become a certified medical technician, or pursue another hands-on career, the Department of Veterans Affairs offers real support for real careers.
Benefits
Chapter 35, officially known as the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) Program, isn’t just for college tuition.
It’s specifically designed to help eligible dependents of Veterans pay for a variety of educational and training programs—including non-college degree options at trade schools, vocational programs, and technical institutions across the country.
This flexibility gives military families more choices. Instead of going into student debt for a four-year degree, they can pursue training that leads to steady, well-paying jobs in high-demand industries.
Payments
Chapter 35 offers monthly payments based on how much time you spend in training each week. These amounts are updated regularly, but here’s a breakdown of what you could expect for 2025:
| Enrollment Status | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| Full-time (18+ classroom or 22+ hands-on hrs/week) | $1,536 |
| Three-quarter time | $1,214 |
| Half-time | $890 |
| Less than half but more than quarter-time | Up to $890 (or tuition/fees) |
| Quarter-time or less | Up to $384 (or tuition/fees) |
Payments are prorated based on your actual start date. So, if your program starts mid-month, your check will reflect the number of days you were enrolled.
Hours
Time in class really matters when it comes to VA benefits. The number of hours you spend each week determines your payment level. For Chapter 35:
- Full-time: At least 18 classroom hours or 22 hours in hands-on training weekly
- Three-quarter time: Around 13 to 17 hours
- Half-time: Roughly 9 to 12 hours
- Less than half-time: Varies, and payment may only cover tuition and fees
Be sure to track your hours and talk to your school’s certifying official. They’ll report your enrollment to the VA and help ensure your benefits are accurate.
Tools
To check your current rates or look into which schools and programs are approved by the VA, the GI Bill Comparison Tool is your go-to resource. It’s simple to use and can help you find everything from welding schools in Texas to medical coding programs in New York.
Organizations that work with Veterans can also walk you through eligibility, applications, and choosing a training program that fits your goals.
Opportunity
For many Veterans and their families, Chapter 35 is more than just financial help—it’s a path toward long-term stability. Skilled trades are in demand, and unlike many white-collar jobs, they don’t always require years of schooling to get started.
With hands-on experience, lower costs, and a direct route to employment, trade programs backed by VA benefits are quickly becoming the smart choice.
FAQs
What is Chapter 35 used for?
It’s for education benefits for Veteran dependents.
Can Chapter 35 cover trade school?
Yes, including non-college degree programs.
What’s full-time under Chapter 35?
18+ hours classroom or 22+ hours hands-on weekly.
How much is full-time payment?
$1,536 per month for full-time students.
Where do I check Chapter 35 eligibility?
Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool or VA resources.
