VA Form 22-5490: How to Apply for DEA & Fry Benefits

VA Form 22-5490: How to Apply for DEA & Fry Benefits – If you are the spouse or child of a veteran or service member and need financial help paying for college, vocational training, or on-the-job training, VA Form 22-5490 is the key document you need. This official form lets eligible dependents apply for Chapter 35 Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) or the Chapter 33 Fry Scholarship.

The VA strongly prefers that applicants use the free online tool instead of the paper form. The online process is faster, often provides an immediate decision, and lets you download your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) right away in many cases.

What Is VA Form 22-5490?

VA Form 22-5490, officially titled Dependents’ Application for VA Education Benefits, is used by spouses and dependents to apply for VA education benefits for the first time or to update an existing benefit record.

Current revision: January 2025 (supersedes all earlier versions).
Download the official PDF:
Download VA Form 22-5490 (PDF)

You can also start the application directly on VA.gov without downloading anything.

Who Should Use VA Form 22-5490?

Use this form if you are:

  • The spouse or child (including stepchild or adopted child) of a veteran or service member.
  • Applying for education benefits for the first time under Chapter 35 DEA or the Fry Scholarship.
  • Making changes to an existing benefit (new COE, program switch, or applying based on a different qualifying veteran).

Do not use this form if you are a veteran applying for your own benefits (use VA Form 22-1990 instead).

Eligibility Requirements for Chapter 35 DEA Benefits

To qualify for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA / Chapter 35), both you and the veteran/service member must meet VA requirements.

The veteran or service member must meet one of these conditions:

  • Permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability.
  • Died as a result of a service-connected disability.
  • Died in the line of duty.
  • Missing in action or captured by a hostile force for more than 90 days.
  • Forcibly detained or interned by a foreign power for more than 90 days.
  • Receiving hospital or outpatient treatment for a permanent and total service-connected disability and likely to be discharged for that disability.

You (the applicant) must be the spouse or child of that individual and meet relationship and age rules. Eligibility for spouses can end upon divorce or certain remarriages. Children generally have no age limit if they became eligible on or after August 1, 2023.

Important recent change: DEA benefits for secondary (high school) education are discontinued for programs starting on or after August 1, 2026.

Fry Scholarship (Chapter 33) Eligibility

The Fry Scholarship provides benefits similar to the Post-9/11 GI Bill for:

  • Children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001 (active duty or certain Selected Reserve service-connected deaths).

You must answer specific questions on the form (Items 13A–13C) about the circumstances of death. The election between DEA and Fry Scholarship is often irrevocable, so compare both options carefully before choosing.

Benefits and Current Payment Rates (Effective October 2025)

DEA pays a monthly stipend directly to you (not the school) to help cover education or training costs.

Current full-time monthly rates (institutions of higher learning and non-college degree programs):

  • Full-time: $1,574.00
  • ¾-time: $1,244.00
  • ½-time: $912.00
  • Less than ½-time but more than ¼-time: Up to $912.00 (or tuition & fees, whichever is less)
  • ¼-time or less: Up to $393.50 (or tuition & fees, whichever is less)

On-the-Job Training (OJT) / Apprenticeship rates decrease over time and require at least 120 hours of work per month for the full amount.

You may also receive help with:

  • Special restorative or vocational training (if you have a disability)
  • Licensing, certification, and national test fees
  • Educational and career counseling

Duration: Up to 45 months (depending on when training began) or 36 months for programs starting on/after August 1, 2018.

How to Apply for VA Education Benefits Using Form 22-5490?

Recommended: Apply Online (Fastest Option)

The VA’s online application takes about 15 minutes. You will need:

  • Your Social Security number and contact information
  • Bank account details for direct deposit
  • The veteran/service member’s SSN or VA file number and date of birth
  • Details about your relationship and the qualifying event

Start here:
Apply for DEA or Fry Scholarship online

Many applicants receive an immediate decision and can download their Certificate of Eligibility right away.

Apply by Mail (Paper Form)

  1. Download and complete VA Form 22-5490 (PDF).
  2. If you have already chosen a school, mail the form to the VA Regional Processing Office that serves the state where your school is located.
  3. If you have not chosen a school, mail it to the RPO that serves your home state.

Tip: Tell your school’s Veterans Certifying Official that you have applied so they can submit your enrollment information promptly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing VA Form 22-5490

Gather these items before you start:

  • Your personal information (SSN, address, phone, email, bank routing/account numbers)
  • Qualifying individual’s information (name, SSN or VA file number, branch of service, dates of service, date of death or disability rating if applicable)
  • Marriage date (for spouses) or relationship details (for children)
  • High school completion date or expected date (especially important for younger applicants)

Main sections of the form:

  • Part I: Your (applicant) information and direct deposit setup.
  • Part II: Qualifying individual (veteran/parent/spouse) details and service information.
  • Part III: Your relationship to the qualifying individual and benefit selection (DEA or Fry Scholarship — choose carefully).
  • Part IV: Age, high school status, and any request for special training or counseling.
  • Part V & VI: Prior VA benefit history and your own military service (if any).
  • Part VII & VIII: Signatures (parent/guardian must sign if you are under 18).

Key advice: Read every instruction on the form. The choice between Chapter 35 DEA and Fry Scholarship is often irrevocable. If you qualify for both, compare the benefits carefully using VA’s comparison tools.

What to Expect After Submitting Your Application?

  • Online applicants: Many receive an instant or same-day decision and can download their COE immediately.
  • Paper applicants: Expect a decision letter in the mail within about 30 days (longer if more information is needed).
  • Once approved, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) showing your entitlement.
  • Provide the COE to your school’s certifying official.
  • You must verify your enrollment monthly (required as of 2026) to continue receiving payments.
  • Payments are sent directly to you via direct deposit.

Tips for a Smooth Application Process

  • Apply online whenever possible — it is faster and reduces errors.
  • Double-check the veteran’s SSN and service details; mistakes are a common cause of delays.
  • Have your bank information ready for direct deposit.
  • If you are unsure which benefit to choose (DEA vs. Fry), speak with a VA education counselor first.
  • Keep copies of everything you submit.
  • If you need help, call 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) or use the MyVA411 line.

Here are trusted, current resources for applicants:

  1. VA Form 22-5490 Official Page – Download form and basic instructions.
  2. Apply for DEA or Fry Scholarship Online – Fastest way to apply.
  3. Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) Overview – Full eligibility and program details.
  4. Current DEA Payment Rates – Monthly benefit amounts.
  5. How to Apply for VA Education Benefits – General guidance for all applicants.
  6. GI Bill Comparison Tool – Compare schools and programs that accept VA benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions About VA Form 22-5490

Can I use both DEA and Fry Scholarship?
Spouses generally must choose one. Children may be able to use both in certain situations (from separate qualifying events), but total months are limited.

How long do benefits last?
Up to 45 months in most cases, depending on when your training began.

Do I have to pay the money back?
No — these are grant-style benefits, not loans. However, you must use them for approved programs and follow enrollment rules.

What if I already started school?
You can still apply. Notify your school’s certifying official immediately so they can submit your enrollment certification.

Is there a deadline to apply?
There is generally no strict deadline, but benefits have time limits based on when you became eligible and your age (for children). Apply as soon as possible.

This guide is based on official VA information current as of June 2026. Rules and rates can change, so always verify the latest details directly on VA.gov or by contacting a VA education representative. The online application is the quickest and easiest path for most people.

If you have questions about your specific situation, start the online application or call the VA education hotline for personalized guidance. Good luck with your education journey!