Use the tabs below to gain a basic understanding of VA’s different educational benefit programs. Keep in mind the eligibility criteria and benefit aspects of the programs are complex and it is ultimately VA’s responsibility to determine eligibility for individual programs. For additional information, refer to the GI Bill website or contact the Education Call Center at 888-GIBILL-1 (888-442-4551).
- Post 9/11 GI Bill - (Chapter 33)
Minimum Eligibility Requirement
90 aggregate days of active duty service after 9/10/01Maximum # of Months of Benefits
36 months – may extend to end of term if expires during termEntitlement
48 month maximum if combined with one or more programDuration of Benefits
15-year time limit on use of benefits if release from active duty was before 1/1/2013
Unlimited time to use benefits if release from active duty was on or after 1/1/2013.How Payments are Made
Tuition – paid to school
Housing – paid to student monthly
Books & Supplies – Paid to student at beginning of term - Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (Chapter 30)
Minimum Eligibility Requirement 2 or 3 years of active duty depending on branch and service dates
Maximum # of Months of Benefits 36 months – may extend to end of term if expires during term
Entitlement 48 month maximum if combined with one or more program
Duration of Benefits 10 years from last discharge or separation.
Duration may extend for disability that prevents completion of program.How Payments are Made Paid to student
- Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance - (Chapter 35)
Minimum Eligibility Requirement Veteran’s death or permanent and total disability as a result of service
Maximum # of Months of Benefits 45 months (Colmery Act – 36 months)
Entitlement 81 month maximum if combined with one or more program
Duration of Benefits 8 years – children (ages 18-26)
10 years – spouse
20 years – spouses of Veterans rated permanent and total disabled within 3 years of discharge or death on active duty.How Payments are Made Paid to student
- Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
Minimum Eligibility Requirement Active reservist with minimum 6 year commitment after 6/30/85
Maximum # of Months of Benefits 36 months
Entitlement 48 month maximum if combined with one or more program
Duration of Benefits 14 years from your beginning date of eligibility, or on the day you leave the Selected Reserve.
May extend if disability incurred or aggravated by service in selected reserve prevents completion of program.How Payments are Made Paid to student
- Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31)
Minimum Eligibility Requirement Not Applicable; however, character of discharge must have been other than dishonorable
Maximum # of Months of Benefits 48 months
How Payments are Made Tuition & Fees (T&F): Paid to school
Subsistence Allowance Stipend: Paid directly to student.
Books & Supplies: All required books and supplies are 100% covered