Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) Program

Survivors' & Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) is an education benefit for eligible spouses and children of certain Veterans.

What is the process?

About

Eligible persons can receive either 36 or 45 months of full-time or equivalent benefits for:

• College, Business, Technical or Vocational Courses, High School Diploma or GED, Independent Study or Distance Learning courses
• Correspondence Courses (Spouses Only)
• Apprenticeship/On-the-Job Training
• National Exams (e.g. SAT, LSAT, GRE, GMAT)
• Remedial, Deficiency, and Refresher Training (in some cases)
• The cost of tests for licenses or certifications needed to get, keep, or advance in a job

If your school or training started before August 1, 2018, you may be able to get benefits for up to 45 months. 
If your school or training started on or after August 1, 2018, you may be able to get benefits for up to 36 months.
Note: You may also get educational and career counseling. 

Check the current payment rates for DEA

Who is eligible?

You may be eligible for these benefits if both you and the Veteran or service member meet certain eligibility requirements.

One of these descriptions must be true for the Veteran or service member:

  • The Veteran is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability, or
  • The Veteran died as a result of a service-connected disability, or
  • The service member died in the line of duty, or
  • The service member is missing in action or was captured in the line of duty by a hostile force for more than 90 days, or
  • The service member was forcibly detained (held) or interned in the line of duty by a foreign entity for more than 90 days, or
  • The service member is in the hospital or getting outpatient treatment for a service-connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for that disability

When and where is this service offered?

This service is available throughout the year during regular business hours except during scheduled holidays.

Location, directions and hours of operation

Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information

By appointment only


800 West Branch Street
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

Tel: (805) 781-5766

Fax: (805) 781-5769

By appointment only


240 Scott Street
Paso Robles, CA 93446

Tel: (805) 781-5766

Fax: (805) 781-5769

Monday - Friday 9-5


801 Grand Avenue
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Tel: (805) 781-5766

Fax: (805) 781-5769