Survivors & Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA). The following guide will help you determine if you are eligible and how to apply for the the Dept. of Veterans Affairs DEA program. The Survivor's and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veterans. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. If you are a spouse, you may take a correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. 2015-2016 DEA Payment Rates-these rates are effective October 1, 2015.