Chapter 35

General Overview

The Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) program provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents and spouses of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or of veterans who died while active duty or as a result of a service-related condition.

Learn more about the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance program from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.

Basic Eligibility

Spouse, children of a veteran and/or service member who meets at least one of the following requirements:

  • Is determined to be permanently and totally disabled from service connected causes.
  • Is on active duty and is likely to be discharged with a permanent and total disability.
  • Died in service.
  • Died of service connected causes.
  • Is currently missing in action or captured in the line of duty.

To Apply for Benefits

  1. Apply for benefits through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

To Use Benefits at UC Davis

  1. Submit the following documentation through the OUR Veterans Portal:
    1. Intake form
    2. Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
      1. Provided by the VA
    3. Academic Plan Form (APF) 
      1. Must submit for each term to apply
  2. If you used VA benefits at a prior institution, you must also submit: 
    1. VA Form 22-5495 (Request for Change of Program or Place of Training)