Survivors' & Dependents' Assistance
How to Use Your DEA Survivors' and Benefits Assistance (DEA Chapter 35) at Creighton
The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program, also known as Chapter 35, offers education benefits to dependents of veterans who were disabled or died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition.
The Office of Military & Veterans Affairs will make it as smooth as possible for you to use your DEA benefits to pursue an education at Creighton University.
Before you can receive your benefits for use at Creighton, you must:
- Submit your application for admission and be accepted at Creighton
- Apply for VA educational benefits
- Provide your Certificate of Eligibility (approval of benefits statement from the VA) and a Creighton Information Form
- Enroll and register for classes at Creighton University
Certification Process
After the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs has received your Certificate of Eligibility and Information Form and you’ve registered for classes, we will certify your enrollment with the VA. This certification triggers the VA to begin processing your applicable benefits. Your monthly benefit is paid directly to you, not to the university.
As long as you remain continuously enrolled for subsequent semesters, we will certify your enrollment with the VA. This will be automatic unless you inform us that you do not wish to be certified for a particular course, term, and/or semester.
Current Rates (as of October 1, 2019)
The VA, not Creighton, determines the amount you will receive and will then pay benefits directly to you.
| Enrollment | Monthly Rate |
| Full time | $1,248.00 |
| ¾ time | $986.00 |
| ½ time | $724.00 |
| Less than ½ time/more than ¼ | $724.00 |
| ¼ time or less | $312.00 |
Find Out More
If you have questions or concerns about using your VA education benefits at Creighton, please email Jennifer Austin, program coordinator in the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs, or call her at 402.280.4910.
For specific questions about the DEA program, please explore the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
