Educational Assistance Programs
Several programs are available to help with educational costs for veterans; some programs may have additional eligibility requirements. Note: These programs provide assistance with educational opportunities for veterans; view information about educational opportunities for dependents and survivors, and information about scholarships for dependent children.
Chapter 33 – Post-9/11 GI Bill
Eligibility:
- If you have at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service after Sept. 10, 2011, and are still on active duty, or if you are an honorably charged Veteran or were discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days, you may be eligible for this VA-administered program.
Length of Eligibility:
- You have 15 years from your last separation from active duty or until you have used all of your 36 months of entitlement.
Application Form:
- VA Form 22-1990
Chapter 30 – Montgomery GI Bill
Eligibility:
- First entered active duty 7-1-85 or later and completes active duty of 2 years or more or who completes 2 years of active duty and enters the Selected Reserves for 4 or more years.
Length of Eligibility:
- You have 10 years from the date of your last separation from active duty, or until you have used all of your months of entitlement, whichever is earlier.
Application Form:
- VA Form 22-1990
Chapter 31 – Vocational Rehabilitation
(See Vocational Rehabilitation Page)
Eligibility:
- Must have a service connected disability rated at 20 % or more which causes a demonstrable employment handicap.
Length of Eligibility:
- You have 12 years from your last separation from active duty or from the date service connection is established.
Application Form:
- VA Form 28-1900
Chapter 32 – Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
Eligibility:
- Served on active duty for at least 181 continuous days and enlisted for the first time between 1-1-77 and 6-30-85 inclusive, and signed up prior to 4-1-87 to make contributions while on active duty; can disenroll and later re-enroll if still on active duty.
Length of Eligibility:
- You have 10 years from the date of your last separation from active duty.
Application Form:
- VA Form 22-1990
Chapter 1606 – Educational Assistance for the Selected Reserve
Eligibility:
- Officer – Added 6 years to their current obligation after 6-30-85.
- Enlisted – Enlisted, reenlisted or extended enlistment for a 6-year period after 6-30-85.
Length of Eligibility:
- You may receive benefits until your eligibility period ends or you use all your entitlement, whichever comes first. You have 10 years from the date you became eligible to use your benefits. If you leave the Selected Reserve, generally your benefits end the day you separate; however there are certain exceptions to this rule.
Application Form:
- VA Form 22-1990
The VA’s website for education benefits can be found here: http://benefits.va.gov/gibill/contact_us.asp .
The VA’s Educational Benefits Call Center phone number is 1-888-442-4551.
CPT James Ahn Special Forces Memorial Scholarship
This is an annual scholarship of $1,000 to a Special Forces Veteran who is working towards the completion of a higher education degree. To apply visit the following website: CPT James Ahn Memorial Scholarship
