VA chapters

Chapter 33-Post 9-11GI Bill

Depending on the students situation, chapter 33 benefits can include payment of tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, and a stipend for books and supplies. To be eligible for chapter 33 benefits the service member had to serve on active duty for at least 90 aggregate days after 09/10/01. Tuition and fees are based on the service members eligibility rate. Monthly housing allowance and book stipends are based on the students rate of pursuit. If the student is only enrolled as a half time student they will only receive 50% of their BAH. BAH rate information can be found here.

Upon approval the student usually has 36 months of entitlement, they may be able to extend benefits to the end of the term if their benefit expire before the term ends. All decisions on extensions are requested and determined through the VA. The student has 15 years from last date of discharge or separation to use their benefit. Sometimes a student will not receive the full 36 months if the benefits were transferred to them by a spouse or parent, or if they are switching from one chapter to another.

Chapter 30-Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty

To qualify for Chapter 30 benefits, you must have entered active duty on or after June 30, 1985 and made contributions to the Montgomery Fund while on active duty. Eligibility is based on how much time has been served as active duty. To qualify for the monthly benefits the service member has to either be active for at least 2 years, or have an obligation of 3 years or been active for 2 years and 4 years in the Selected Reserves. Additional veterans may be eligible if they were voluntarily or involuntarily separated from the service because of a reduction in personnel, or if they were able to convert their education benefit from Chapter 32 to Chapter 30. You may receive up to a maximum of 36 months of benefits under this program. Veterans have 10 years from their discharge date to use the benefits.

If you are enrolled in Chapter 30 you have the option of exhausting your entitlement then obtaining an additional 12 months through Chapter 33 for a total of 48 months of entitlement. To apply, call the VA (1-888-442-4551) to determine when your Chapter 30 benefits will exhaust, and when to apply for Chapter 33. You will have to make it clear on the "Remarks" section of your application that you wish to start your benefit after you fully exhausted your Chapter 30 entitlement.

 

Chapter 31-Vocational Rehabilitation

Vocational Rehabilitation or Voc Rehab assists veterans with service connected disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs.

Eligibility:

  • Veterans who have received, or will receive, a discharge that is "other than dishonorable".
  • Have a service related disability rating of at least 10% or a memorandum rating of 20% or more from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • Is in need of vocational rehabilitation due to disability and employment handicap. Once eligibility is determined you will be assigned a Voc Rehab counselor, who will work with you to determine the following:
  • Determine transferable skills, aptitudes, and interests.
    Identify viable employment and/or independent living services options.
  • Explore labor market and wage information.
    Identify physical demands and other job characteristics.
  • Narrow vocational options to identify a suitable employment goal. Investigate training requirements.
  • Identify resources needed to achieve rehabilitation.

Entitlement to services is determined on an individual basis, Voc Rehab may be provided for up to 48 months, and the veteran usually has 12 years from the date they are notified of entitlement. The VA may approve an extension of time and/or length of training in certain cases. For more detailed information visit Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Service

Chapter 35 - Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA)

Chapter 35 is educational assistance paid to dependents of veterans. Eligible dependents receive a monthly stipend to assist with costs of school and supplies. The dependent is responsible to make payments to the school, the VA will not send funds to the university on behalf of the student.

Eligibility:

You must be a son, daughter, or spouse of:

  • A veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service connected disability. the disability must arise out of active service in the Armed Forces.
  • A veteran who died from any cause while such permanent and total service connected disability was in existence.
  • A service member missing in action or captured in line of duty by a hostile force.
  • A service member forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power.
  • A service member who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a service connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for that disability.

Chapter 1606 - Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserves (MGIB-SR)

Chapter 1606 is an educational program for active members of the Selected Reserves. This includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. You must have a six year obligation to service in the Selected Reserves and have completed basic training. A monthly stipend is paid to the students based on their training time and/or training program. You may reeive up to a maximum of 36 months and have 14 years from the date you became eligible for the program to use the benefit.

Chapter 1607 - Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)

REAP is an educational program for active members of the Selected Reserve called to active duty and members of the Individual Read Reserve (Army IRR, Air Force IRR, Navy IRR, and Marine Corps IRR) called to active duty in response to a contingency operation declared by the President or Congress. Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security (Coast Guard) determine who is eligible for chapter 1607. The Department of Veterans Affairs administers the program and pays benefits.

Detailed information about all VA educational benefits are listed on the the Veterans Affairs website.