Chapter 35 Changed for New High-School Programs on August 1

What changed

The legal definition now points to post-secondary education.

VA says Public Law 117-328 changed the definition of an educational institution for Chapter 35 from secondary education to post-secondary education. For programs beginning on or after August 1, 2026, DEA does not cover secondary education.

VA specifically identifies high school coursework, GED preparation, tutoring, and academic remediation as secondary-education uses that are no longer covered for new programs.

The transition rule

An existing program may finish its current academic term—but not roll forward.

If a secondary-education program began before August 1, 2026, VA says benefits can continue until the end of that academic term. VA cannot continue the benefit for a subsequent secondary term, even if the student needs it to graduate.

Who this affects

This is about a specific education benefit, not every family benefit.

Chapter 35 Dependents’ Educational Assistance is available to certain spouses and children of Veterans and service members, including qualifying permanent-and-total disability, death, MIA, and captured-service situations. Eligibility for Chapter 35 does not change the new secondary-education cutoff.

Practical next move

What to do with this information.

1. Confirm the program start date and whether the school classifies the program as secondary or post-secondary education.
2. Talk with the school’s VA certifying official before enrolling or assuming a remaining benefit balance will pay.
3. If a secondary program began before August 1, ask the school and VA how the current academic-term transition is recorded.
4. Use Ask VA or contact VA Education if the program type or end date is unclear.

Verify it yourself

Source rack.

Read the primary source before applying a national announcement to an individual situation.