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Verify school enrollment for DEA benefits

You may need to verify your enrollment every month to keep getting Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits. Keep reading on this page to find out how to verify your enrollment for the DEA program (also called Chapter 35).

Do I need to verify my enrollment for DEA?

You may need to verify your enrollment to get DEA benefits. Check your award letter to find out if you need to verify.

How do I verify my enrollment for DEA?

You can verify online through Ask VA, by mail, or by phone.

If you haven’t received DEA benefits yet, you may be able to verify by text or email

When you start your program, we’ll send you a text to ask if you want to verify your enrollment by text. If you respond “Yes,” we’ll send you a text each month asking you to verify your enrollment. If you respond “No” or don’t respond within 14 days, we’ll send you an email instead each month asking you to verify your enrollment. We’ll use the address we have in our records for you.

Note: If you’re already receiving DEA benefits, you can’t switch from verifying your enrollment online to verifying using text or email.

Online through Ask VA

Fill out a Student Verification of Enrollment (VA Form 22-8979).

Get VA Form 22-8979 to download

Upload your completed form through Ask VA.

Sign in to Ask VA

By mail

Fill out a Student Verification of Enrollment (VA Form 22-8979).

Get VA Form 22-8979 to download

Mail your completed form to the VA regional processing office that’s right for you.

Find your regional processing office address

By phone

Call us at  (TTY: 711). Then, select 1 to verify your enrollment. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET.

  • If you’re the spouse or child of a Veteran who has died, is missing, or has a permanent and total service-connected disability, you may be able to get help paying for school or job training through the DEA program (also called Chapter 35).

  • Get the current rates for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance.

VA benefits

  • Education and training

    Apply for and manage your GI Bill and other education benefits to help pay for college and cover expenses while you’re training for a job.

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