- Veteran Affairs. VA Disability Payment Schedule: What day will veterans receive their benefits in May 2025?
- Veteran Affairs. Chapter 35 VA Benefits: How much can you get for a non-college degree program?
For many students relying on Chapter 35 benefits, the start of the month means more than just flipping a calendar page - it's time to look out for that important direct deposit. Chapter 35 of the GI Bill, officially called Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA), offers monthly stipends to eligible dependents of veterans, helping cover the costs of education and training.
If you're enrolled in college, an apprenticeship, or a non-degree program, these payments are crucial for keeping things on track. The VA generally sends the money after your school certifies your enrollment, either within a few weeks or at the start of the month. But with certification timelines and school processing speeds varying, it's easy to wonder: when exactly will the May 2025 payment show up?
May 1st is the key date for most students
If your enrollment certification was already submitted and processed, you can expect your Chapter 35 payment to hit your on Wednesday, May 1, 2025. According to VA.gov, the VA aims to deliver these payments on the first business day of each month - and this year, May 1st falls neatly on a Wednesday.
However, if your school certified your enrollment later than expected or there were any changes (like dropping a class or switching programs), your payment might come a little later, usually within 14 business days. Military.com confirms that processing times can vary, so checking your eBenefits portal is a good move if you're still waiting.
For students in apprenticeship or on-the-job training programs, payments work a little differently. Instead of a standard monthly amount, your benefits decrease over time as you gain experience. Non-college degree program students, on the other hand, generally receive a lump sum at the beginning of their training term.
And if you're wondering about a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA), that's not part of Chapter 35 benefits. Unlike the Post-9/11 GI Bill, DEA benefits are focused strictly on tuition, fees, and direct stipends - not housing costs.
For the most accurate updates, students are encouraged to to the eBenefits portal or call the VA's Education Call Center at 1-888-442-4551.
Whether you're using your benefits to pay for textbooks, tuition, or just to stay on your feet during training, making sure your enrollment is certified early is the best way to get your payment on time. May 1st is just around the corner - and so is that next check.