Education Benefits for Veterans - VeteranAid (2024)

Posted in Uncategorized on August 4, 2017
Tags: college, military, veterans benefits

When your EAS is approaching, or you’ve been separated from the U.S. Armed Forces for some time and are considering your next step, it’s important to carefully review the educational and training benefits available to benefit your future. Whether you’re wanting to return to (or attend for the first time) a college classroom, or want to learn more about a professional-level hands-on vocation, there are resources and funds available to help make this a reality.

One of the best-known educational benefits is the GI Bill, a benefit available to veterans for a certain time period (typically within 15 years after separation) that pays the veteran’s tuition and potentially living assistance for attending school after being honorably discharged or retiring. The veteran will have paid monthly into the system during his or her service time, and then receives a substantially higher return on the investment to use towards continuing education in a VA-approved institution for up to 36 months (the months do not have to be consecutive). In some cases, these funds may also provide assistance for buyingEducation Benefits for Veterans - VeteranAid (1) your materials and textbooks, and also paying for your housing while attending school.

There are numerous variations on the GI Bill that an active duty servicemember, reservist, or veteran should review and understand to see which would be most beneficial to his or her goals and situation (you can talk to you Education Service Officer, your nearest Veteran Service Officer, or use the VA’s online GI Bill Comparison Tool). For example, you may be eligible for the:

Additionally, active duty and reservists may be eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill, also known as Chapter 30, a program that assists active duty servicemembers who have completed a minimum service obligation and have enrolled, paying $100 per month for 12 months. These funds are dedicated to helping them pursue higher education degrees, certificates, and other education and training while still serving. Active duty and reservists may also be eligible for the Post-9/11 Bill so it’s important to understand the differences between the two programs.

Educational institutions do not recognize funds from the GI Bill as financial aid as it is typically paid directly to the veteran. Once you’ve applied for the Post-9/11 bill, been accepted, and enrolled in your approved institution, you may also notice a “VAED TREAS 310” deposit to your account, which is the VA Book and Supply Stipend of up to $1,000 annually (or $500 per semester). This fund is paid out approximately two weeks prior to the first day of classes at the rate of $41.67 per credit hour enrolled; the amount you receive depends on how many classes you are taking. These non-taxable funds are yours to spend as you see fit, as the VA does not require receipts from the recipient. Similarly, the GI Bill pays a pro-rated Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) – based on the local Basic Allowance for Housing for that area – in the month following each month of enrollment (you will receive the payment at the first of the month following each month you’ve been enrolled).

Veterans looking to learn more vocational or hand-on skills – including jobs like firefighter, union plumber, and hotel management – can leverage numerous educational benefits, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill and on-the-job apprentice programs. These programs allow veterans to learn a trade or skill through training on the job rather than by attending a formal program of classroom-based instruction for a degree or certificate. A veteran generally enters into a training contract for a specific period with an employer, is paid a percentage of a journeyman wage, and at the end of the training period, the gains job certification or journeyman status. If the veteran is using the GI Bill, he is she is also most likely eligible for the monthly housing allowance.

In some cases, the benefits of the Post-9/11 GI Bill may be transferrable to an active-duty servicemember or reservist’s spouse or child, or split them between the two. This option is only applicable while the servicemember is in active duty, and all 36 months of benefits, or any remaining benefits, may be transferred. The Department of Defense (DoD) rather than the VA determines whether or not you can transfer benefits to your family, but once the DoD approves the transfer, the new beneficiaries apply for them at VA. There are also two national survivor and dependent scholarships available – The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship) and The Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program – as well as scholarships and state-level education benefits for survivors.

The VA education and training webpage, along with your nearest VA regional benefits office and Veteran Service Officer, can connect you with a long list of tools and services that can help you transition to civilian life, continue your education, choose your next best step, and get your skill set and resume career-ready. There may be additional educational benefits for you or your dependents that are unique to your state, so be sure to ask about those opportunities when meeting with a counselor, or check with your state’s Department of Veteran Affairs.

While the transition to civilian life can seem a bit daunting, there is a large network of resources and other veterans waiting to assist you, who have been in your shoes, and want to see you succeed. By leveraging these resources, you can make the most of the benefits your service had earned and make your life after the military successful and rewarding.

Written by Megan Hammons
Education Benefits for Veterans - VeteranAid (2024)

FAQs

How many total months of VA education benefits can I get? ›

You may qualify for up to 48 months of benefits if you're eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill and either MGIB-AD or MGIB-SR benefits. Recent changes: If you're using MGIB-AD benefits and you switch to Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, you're no longer restricted to your remaining MGIB-AD entitlement, and.

Who qualifies for VA dependent education benefits? ›

If you're the child or spouse of a Veteran or service member who has died, is captured or missing, or is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability, you may be eligible for the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program.

How long does it take to receive education benefits from VA? ›

If you signed up for direct deposit when you applied for education benefits, we'll deposit your payment into your bank account 7 to 10 business days after you verify your school enrollment. This is the fastest way to receive your payment.

What is Chapter 32 VA education benefits? ›

The Post-Vietnam Era Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) or Chapter 32 is an education benefit available to you if you made contributions from your military pay before April 1, 1987, to participate in this program. Your contributions are matched on a $2 for $1 basis by the Government.

How can I maximize my VA education benefits? ›

  1. Choose a degree that leads to a career you want. ...
  2. Choose a school that allows you to go to classes as much as you are capable. ...
  3. Plan it all out. ...
  4. Choose a school based on the professors and the network they offer you. ...
  5. Don't be afraid to change direction and re-plan everything.

Is VR&E better than GI Bill? ›

Is VR&E better than the GI Bill alone? Yes, because you can use the benefits for 48 months instead of just 36 months. If you sign up for VR&E before you use up Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits, you can still receive a subsistence payment during training.

Do 100% disabled veterans get 100% GI Bill? ›

Eligibility for 100% of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits

You served on active duty and received a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001, or. You served on active duty for at least 30 continuous days (without a break), and we discharged you because of a service-connected disability.

Does VA education benefits count as income? ›

Payments you receive for education, training, or subsistence under any law administered by the VA are tax free. Don't include these payments as income on your federal tax return.

Can I go to college for free if my dad was in the military? ›

​​​The College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents benefit waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at any State of California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus. This program does not cover the expense of books, parking or room and board.

Do you have to pay back VA education benefits? ›

If you're using Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD), Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR), or Survivors' and Dependents' Education Assistance (DEA), you may need to pay us back the benefits we've paid directly to you. And your school will likely ask you to pay them back for any debt we charged to them.

Are VA education benefits considered financial aid? ›

No. You do not have to report VA education benefits on the FAFSA. However, you do need to report non-education VA benefits on the FAFSA. Non-education benefits include: disability, death pension, dependency indemnity compensation and/or VA Work-Study allowances.

Do VA education benefits expire? ›

If you do not use all of your benefits within 15 years, any remaining benefits will expire and will no longer be available. If your service ended on or after January 1, 2013, your benefits do not expire. Some education benefits may be transferred to your spouse and child(ren) before leaving active duty.

What are Chapter 35 VA education benefits? ›

The Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program, Chapter 35, provides education and training opportunities to dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled with a VA rating of 100% due to a service-related condition, or who died while on Active Duty or as a result of a service related ...

Does the VA pay tuition for dependents? ›

The College Tuition Fee Waiver for the Dependents of Veterans -- sometimes called the CalVet Fee Waiver -- is a state benefit that provides a tuition-free education at the CSU and the other state public post-secondary colleges and universities.

Can I use two VA education benefits at the same time? ›

Restrictions on Using Multiple Education Benefits

Of note, veterans can only receive payments for one program at a time. This means that you couldn't have the Post-9/11 GI Bill pay your school directly and give you a housing allowance while also receiving direct MGIB-AD tuition payments.

Can I get more than 36 months of GI Bill? ›

See our Flight Training, Apprenticeship/On-the-Job Training, or National Testing Programs pages for specific information. If you are entitled to more than one GI Bill program, you may be eligible for a maximum of 48 months of entitlement when using benefits under two or more GI Bill programs.

Can I extend my VA education benefits? ›

Send us a letter to request your extension. Include this information in your letter: The type of illness or disability that prevented you from attending school, and. The start and end dates of the time period when you couldn't attend school because of your disability (write the dates like this: mm-dd-yyyy), and.

Does the GI Bill pay for 4 years of college? ›

For example, if you served between 90 and 180 days, you'll qualify for 50 percent of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. Additional education: The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers up to 36 months of college or career training.

What is the maximum the VA will pay tuition? ›

​2024-2025 Eligibility Tiers
​Eligibility Tier​Max Tuition & Fees Payable/Year
70%$20,255.96
​60%$17,362.25
​50%$14,468.54
​40%$11,574.83
3 more rows

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