The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) distributes education benefits under Chapter 35 (also known as the Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program) based on strict timelines and enrollment certifications. For many recipients, especially new students or those attending part-time, understanding exactly when to expect a payment can be a source of confusion.
Chapter 35 benefits support the dependents of eligible veterans by covering approved education and training programs. As these benefits are often essential for covering tuition and living costs, delays or partial payments can cause concern if not clearly understood in advance.
Payments Are Made in Arrears and Based on Enrollment Timing
Under the current VA schedule, Chapter 35 payments are not issued at the beginning of each school month but rather after the month is completed. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, DEA benefits for February 2026 are scheduled to be deposited on or around March 1, 2026. The VA emphasizes that this structure (known as arrears-based payment) is standard for all education benefits within the system.
The exact arrival date can vary based on several logistical factors. If March 1 falls on a weekend or federal holiday, or if a student’s bank requires extra processing time, the deposit may appear a day earlier or later. Additionally, the VA notes that any delays in enrollment certification submitted by schools can impact when a payment is processed. First-time beneficiaries or students who switch schools or adjust their course loads may also experience slight lags in payment.
February’s shorter calendar length may further influence the final amount a student receives. For students whose classes begin mid-month or end before February concludes, the VA calculates partial-month payments on a daily basis, based on actual attendance. This ensures benefits are issued only for the days a student is actively enrolled in approved coursework.
Benefit Rates Depend on Attendance Level and Enrollment Period
According to the VA, the standard full-time Chapter 35 benefit rate for the 2025–2026 academic year is $1,488 per month. However, students enrolled less than full-time or only during part of the month will receive a prorated payment. This approach is applied universally to ensure that assistance aligns directly with the level and duration of a student’s academic participation.
The VA uses clearly defined enrollment thresholds, full-time, three-quarter-time, half-time, and less-than-half-time, to determine payment amounts. As such, students who do not meet full-time criteria for February 2026 will receive a reduced benefit, even if they were full-time during other months of the academic year.
It is also worth noting that any inaccuracies or delays in reporting by the educational institution may result in postponed payments. The VA recommends students confirm that their schools have submitted accurate and timely enrollment certifications to avoid processing issues. According to the VA’s education benefits hotline, most cases of late payments can be traced back to certification delays or incomplete documentation.
While Chapter 35 beneficiaries can generally rely on the regular schedule, expecting February’s payment to arrive around March 1, those with non-standard academic calendars or inconsistent attendance should anticipate possible variations. In all cases, the best way to ensure on-time deposits is consistent communication between the student, their school, and the VA.
