Verify school enrollment for DEA benefits

You must verify your enrollment every month to receive your benefits for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA or Chapter 35). Find out how to verify your enrollment.

How do I verify my enrollment for DEA?

You can verify your enrollment in any of the ways listed here.

By email

If you choose to verify your enrollment each month by email, we’ll send a message to the email address we have in our records for you.

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.

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). We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET.

Related information

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.

Need more help?

GI Bill Hotline: 888-GIBILL-1 (888-442-4551)

Students Outside the U.S.: +1-918-781-5678

VA benefits hotline:

VA.gov technical support:

MyVA411 main information line:

Telecommunications Relay Services (using TTY) TTY: 711