The short answer
Choosing Chapter 35 education benefits (DEA) after 18 affects whether VA pays the Veteran extra compensation for that child. CHAMPVA is a separate benefit with its own test: an unmarried child 18 to 23 who's enrolled in school. Keep the school certification on file with CHAMPVA, and confirm the child's status with CHAMPVA directly if anything changes.
What is the Chapter 35 election?
It's a choice VA makes families decide when a child turns 18 and is in school.
Under 38 CFR 21.3023, a child who can get both Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA, also called Chapter 35) and school-based dependent pay on the Veteran's compensation, pension, or DIC has to pick one. Once the child starts DEA, VA can't pay the school-age dependent amount for that child after 18.
The election has to be in writing, and it becomes final when the child starts a DEA program, which VA treats as the date of the first DEA payment. More on DEA: VA's DEA page.
Does that election end CHAMPVA?
The election rule is about money: the dependent amount on the Veteran's award versus DEA payments. It doesn't say anything about health care.
CHAMPVA uses its own test. Under 38 CFR 17.271, which uses the definition of "child" in 38 U.S.C. 101(4), a child age 18 to 23 counts if they're unmarried and pursuing a course of instruction at an approved school.
VA's CHAMPVA page says students can keep CHAMPVA between 18 and 23, need to send a school certification letter, and have to recertify once a year.
So the question for CHAMPVA is still: Is the child unmarried, under 23, enrolled, and certified? Not: Is the child on the Veteran's compensation award?
Why do families get confused?
Because the two benefits use similar words. When a child elects DEA, VA removes them as a school-age dependent on the Veteran's compensation. Families often hear "removed as a dependent" and assume every benefit tied to that child ended.
If CHAMPVA drops your child or denies a claim after a DEA election, don't assume that's final. Call CHAMPVA at 800-733-8387, ask what eligibility end date they have on file and why, and send the current school certification if it's missing.
What should you report, and to whom?
- To CHAMPVA: school certification each year, plus any change in enrollment, graduation, leaving school, or marriage. More here: CHAMPVA for students 18 to 23.
- To VA for compensation: the DEA election and dependency changes, through your usual dependents process.
- To the school's certifying official: DEA enrollment, so payments start.
The school can usually provide one letter for CHAMPVA and handle DEA certification separately.
Is there a different rule for a disabled child?
Yes. For a child who became permanently unable to support themselves before 18, often called a helpless child, DEA and compensation can generally be paid at the same time, and CHAMPVA doesn't depend on school or age. More here: CHAMPVA for a child unable to self-support.
Is there a long-term effect to know about?
One. Under the same rule, a child who isn't helpless, qualified for DEA based on the Veteran's permanent and total rating, and started DEA may not later qualify as a dependent for compensation if the Veteran's rating is reduced, or for DIC after the Veteran's death. That's about payments, but it's worth knowing before you choose.