GI Bill & Education Benefits

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the most generous education benefit available to veterans. It covers up to 36 months of education benefits, including tuition, a monthly housing allowance, and a books and supplies stipend.

What It Covers

• Tuition and fees: Paid directly to the school, up to the full in-state tuition rate at public schools. For private and foreign schools, up to a yearly cap (adjusted annually — $29,920.95 for the 2025–2026 academic year).
• Monthly Housing Allowance (BAH): Based on the E-5 with dependents Basic Allowance for Housing rate for the ZIP code of the school. Only paid to students taking more than half-time coursework. Online-only students receive a reduced rate (currently half the national average).
• Books and supplies stipend: Up to $1,000 per academic year, paid proportionally per term.

Eligibility

You must have served at least 90 aggregate days of active duty after September 10, 2001 (excluding entry-level training for certain branches). Veterans who were discharged for a service-connected disability after at least 30 continuous days may also qualify.

Benefit Percentage Tiers

The percentage of benefits you receive is based on how long you served on active duty after September 10, 2001:

How to Apply

Apply online through VA.gov (search "Apply for education benefits"), by calling 1-888-442-4551, or by mailing VA Form 22-1990. You will need your DD-214 and information about the school and program you plan to attend.

The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) predates the Post-9/11 GI Bill and works differently. Instead of paying tuition directly, it provides a fixed monthly payment to the veteran, who is responsible for paying the school.

The $1,200 Buy-In

Most service members had $100 per month deducted from their pay for the first 12 months of active duty ($1,200 total). This pay reduction is non-refundable, even if you never use the benefit. However, it unlocked up to 36 months of education benefits.

Monthly Rates

As of October 2025, the full-time monthly rate for MGIB is $2,518.00/month (effective October 2025) for veterans who served three or more years of active duty. Rates are lower for less than three years of service. The payment goes directly to the veteran, not the school.

Eligibility

• You must have elected to participate in MGIB (opted in during enlistment and paid the $1,200)
• You must have completed your first obligated period of active duty
• You must have received an honorable discharge
• You must have a high school diploma or equivalent before the end of your first period of active duty

MGIB vs. Post-9/11 GI Bill

Most veterans who qualify for both will benefit more from the Post-9/11 GI Bill because it covers full tuition and pays a housing allowance. However, MGIB may be better in some cases — for example, if you attend a low-cost school and the flat MGIB monthly payment exceeds what the Post-9/11 GI Bill would pay. You can switch from MGIB to Post-9/11, but you cannot switch back. The VA can help you compare benefits.

Eligibility Categories

MGIB eligibility falls into four categories based on how and when you entered service:

• Category I: Entered active duty for the first time after June 30, 1985, had pay reduced by $100/month for 12 months, and completed the initial period of active service continuously.
• Category II: Entered active duty before January 1, 1977, served at least 1 day between October 19, 1984 and June 30, 1985, and elected MGIB during the open enrollment period (October 9–31, 1996). Had $1,200 withheld from military pay.
• Category III: Not eligible for MGIB based on active duty service but had eligibility as a result of a new qualifying period of active duty. Elected MGIB before being separated from active duty.
• Category IV: Active duty service member who was on active duty on October 9, 1996, had money remaining in a Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) account, and elected MGIB.

$600 Buy-Up Program

The MGIB Buy-Up program (38 USC 3015(g)) allows active-duty service members to increase their monthly MGIB payment by contributing up to an additional $600 before separation. For the maximum $600 contribution, this adds approximately $150 per month to your MGIB benefit for all 36 months — a potential return of $5,400 on a $600 investment. The Buy-Up election must be made while on active duty. Contact your base education office to enroll.

Kicker (College Fund)

Some branches offer an additional MGIB "kicker" (also called the Army or Navy College Fund) as a recruiting incentive. The kicker adds extra money on top of the standard monthly MGIB payment. Kicker amounts vary by branch and MOS but can add up to $950/month. The kicker must be part of your enlistment contract — it cannot be added after the fact. Check your enlistment documents or contact your branch's education office to confirm whether your contract includes a kicker.

Monthly Enrollment Verification

Unlike the Post-9/11 GI Bill, MGIB requires you to verify your enrollment each month to continue receiving payments. You can verify through the VA's WAVE system or by calling 1-877-823-2378. If you miss a verification, your payments will be suspended until you verify. Set a calendar reminder for the last day of each month.

Formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, the VR&E program helps veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain suitable employment. It can cover education and training costs that go well beyond what the GI Bill provides.

What It Covers

• Tuition and fees (no cap — it can cover the full cost of private schools)
• Books, supplies, and required equipment
• A monthly subsistence allowance (similar to BAH)
• Tutoring and special accommodations if needed
• Job placement assistance, resume help, and interview coaching
• Self-employment support in some cases

Eligibility

• You must have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% from the VA
• You must have an employment barrier — meaning your disability limits your ability to prepare for, obtain, or maintain suitable employment
• You must have received or will receive a discharge that is not dishonorable
• Generally, you must apply within 12 years of your VA disability rating notification, though exceptions exist. Veterans discharged on or after January 1, 2013 have no time limit.

How It Works

After applying using VA Form 28-1900, you will be assigned a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) who will work with you to develop an individualized rehabilitation plan. This plan outlines your employment goal and the services and training needed to achieve it. VR&E is separate from the GI Bill — using VR&E does not use up your GI Bill entitlement, though there are rules about using both simultaneously.

The DEA program provides education and training benefits to eligible dependents and survivors of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected condition, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-connected condition.

Who Is Eligible

• Spouse or child of a veteran with a permanent and total service-connected disability
• Surviving spouse or child of a service member who died on active duty or from a service-connected disability
• Spouse or child of a service member currently missing in action or captured
• Children must generally be between ages 18 and 26 to use the benefit. Children whose eligibility event occurred on or after August 1, 2023 have no age limit.
• Spouses generally have 10 years from the date the VA determines eligibility. Eligibility events on or after August 1, 2023 have no time limit.

What It Provides

DEA provides up to 36 months of education benefits. It covers degree programs, certificate programs, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training. The benefit is a monthly payment made directly to the student. DEA does not cover tuition directly — the monthly allowance is meant to help cover all expenses.

The Yellow Ribbon Program helps cover tuition costs that exceed the Post-9/11 GI Bill cap — particularly at private schools, out-of-state public schools, and graduate programs.

How It Works

• Participating schools voluntarily agree to cover a portion of the excess tuition
• The VA matches whatever amount the school contributes — so if the school covers $10,000, the VA covers another $10,000
• Some schools cover 100% of remaining tuition, making attendance effectively free for eligible veterans
• Not all schools participate, and those that do may limit the number of students or specific programs

Eligibility

• You must be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100% benefit level
• Active-duty service members at the 100% benefit level are eligible, as are spouses of active-duty members using transferred benefits
• Fry Scholarship recipients are also eligible
• Check the VA's Yellow Ribbon school search tool on VA.gov to see if your school participates

This scholarship provides up to 9 additional months (approximately $30,000) of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for students in high-demand STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programs.

Eligibility

• You must be enrolled in an undergraduate STEM degree program or a teaching certification program that leads to teaching STEM
• You must have six months or fewer of Post-9/11 GI Bill entitlement remaining at the time of application
• The program must require at least 120 semester credit hours (or 180 quarter credit hours) for completion
• The VA maintains a list of qualifying STEM programs

This scholarship does not apply to graduate programs (except teaching certification). It is specifically designed to help veterans whose STEM programs require more coursework than their GI Bill entitlement covers.

The Department of Defense allows eligible service members to transfer unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to their spouse or dependent children. This is one of the most valuable family benefits in the military — but it comes with strings attached.

Requirements

• You must have served at least 6 years in the Armed Forces (active duty and/or Selected Reserve) at the time of transfer
• You must agree to serve an additional 4 years from the date of the transfer election
• The transfer must be approved while you are still an active member of the Armed Forces — you cannot transfer after separation
• Each branch has its own transfer policies and may have additional requirements

Key Details

• You can split months between multiple dependents (e.g., 18 months to a spouse and 18 months to a child)
• You can revoke or modify the transfer at any time while still in service
• Children can use the transferred benefits starting at age 18 (or after high school) and generally must use them before age 26. Children can only begin using transferred benefits after the service member has completed 10 years of service.
• Spouses can begin using transferred benefits immediately and do not have a time limit, but cannot receive the housing allowance if the service member is on active duty
• If you are retired or have separated, you can no longer change your Transfer of Entitlement elections

The application process is straightforward, but there are several steps to follow:

1. Choose your benefit: Determine which education benefit is right for you (Post-9/11, MGIB, VR&E, etc.). If you are unsure, contact the VA Education Call Center at 1-888-442-4551.
2. Apply online: Go to VA.gov and search for "Apply for education benefits." You will fill out VA Form 22-1990 (for new applications) or VA Form 22-1995 (to change your school or program).
3. Gather your documents: Have your DD-214, Social Security number, bank account information (for direct deposit), and details about your school and program ready.
4. Submit and wait: After submitting, the VA will send you a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) that shows your benefit level and remaining entitlement. Processing typically takes 30 days.
5. Contact your school's certifying official: Every VA-approved school has a School Certifying Official (SCO) in the registrar or financial aid office. Give them your COE. The SCO will certify your enrollment to the VA each term.
6. Verify enrollment monthly: For MGIB, you must verify your enrollment each month through the VA's WAVE (Web Automated Verification of Enrollment) system or by calling 1-877-823-2378 to continue receiving payments.

Note on eBenefits: The VA has been migrating tools from eBenefits to VA.gov. Most education benefit tasks — including applying, checking your COE, and viewing remaining entitlement — can now be done on VA.gov directly.

• Online vs. in-person BAH rates: If you take all of your classes online, your monthly housing allowance will be significantly lower than in-person rates. Even one in-person class can qualify you for the full in-person BAH rate for your school's ZIP code. Check your program carefully.
• Verify your school is VA-approved: Not all schools and programs are approved for GI Bill benefits. Use the VA's GI Bill Comparison Tool on VA.gov to verify your school and program before enrolling. If the school is not approved, the VA will not pay.
• Housing allowance is only paid during enrollment: BAH payments are prorated and only cover the days you are enrolled. You will not receive housing allowance during breaks between terms (summer break, winter break, etc.) unless your break is shorter than a specific threshold.
• Monthly enrollment verification is required: If you fail to verify your enrollment, your payments will stop. Set a recurring reminder to verify each month.
• Do not withdraw without talking to the VA first: Dropping below full-time enrollment or withdrawing from classes can create an overpayment debt with the VA. If you need to reduce your course load, talk to your school's SCO and the VA before making changes.
• Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool: The VA's comparison tool on VA.gov lets you estimate your benefits at different schools, including housing allowance, Yellow Ribbon amounts, and graduation rates.
• Keep your entitlement in mind: You have 36 months of benefits. A standard four-year bachelor's degree uses about 32–34 months. If you change majors or programs, you may run short. Plan ahead.
• The 15-year time limit: For the Post-9/11 GI Bill, there is no longer an expiration date for benefits if you were discharged on or after January 1, 2013. If you were discharged before that date, you have 15 years from your last discharge date to use your benefits.
• Consider VR&E if you have a disability rating: VR&E (Chapter 31) can be more generous than the GI Bill because it has no tuition cap and provides additional support services. If you qualify, explore this option before or alongside the GI Bill. Use it alongside our Career Explorer to plan your post-graduation career path.

In most cases, the GI Bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits. However, there are specific situations where your benefits can be extended or restored. If you are eligible for more than one VA education program, the combined maximum across all programs is 48 months (38 USC 3695).

Delimiting Dates (Expiration)

• Discharged on or after January 1, 2013: Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits do not expire, thanks to the Forever GI Bill — Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act (P.L. 115-48).
• Discharged before January 1, 2013: Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits expire 15 years after your last separation from active duty. Montgomery GI Bill benefits expire 10 years after separation.

Case 1: STEM Scholarship Extension

The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship (38 USC 3320) provides up to 9 additional months of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, capped at $30,000. You must have 6 months or fewer of entitlement remaining and be enrolled in an approved STEM program. Apply with VA Form 22-10203. See our full STEM Scholarship guide for details.

Case 2: School Closure or Disapproval

If your school permanently closes or loses VA approval while you are enrolled and using GI Bill benefits, you can apply to have your entitlement restored. This is authorized under 38 USC 3699, as amended by the Veterans Eligible to Transfer Schools (VETS) Credit Act (P.L. 117-297, enacted December 27, 2022).

• For closures or disapprovals after December 27, 2022, you do not need to enroll in a new school before applying for restoration.
• For full-program restoration, you must certify on VA Form 22-0989 that fewer than 12 credit hours from the closed program transferred to a new school.
• COVID-19 temporary closures between March 1, 2020 and June 1, 2022 are also covered.

Case 3: Disability or Illness

Veterans whose delimiting date has passed (those discharged before January 1, 2013) may qualify for an extension if a physical or mental disability prevented them from using benefits within the original eligibility period. Per 38 USC 3031(d) and 38 CFR 21.5296:

• Medical evidence must show the disability prevented initiating or completing a program during the original eligibility period.
• The disability must not result from willful misconduct.
• A disability of 30 days or less is generally not considered grounds for an extension unless the veteran was forced to discontinue or prevented from enrolling.
• Request by sending a letter to VA with supporting medical documentation. Contact VA through Ask VA for guidance.

Case 4: Additional Qualifying Service or Captivity

• New period of active duty: A subsequent period of active duty of 90 or more consecutive days (or 30 or more days if discharged for a service-connected disability) can generate a new delimiting date.
• Captivity by a foreign government: Time held by a foreign government or power after discharge does not count against the delimiting period. Provide start and end dates when requesting an extension.

For a complete overview of extension options, visit VA.gov's GI Bill Extension page.

VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) is a VA program that places Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRCs) directly on college campuses to help veterans succeed in higher education and transition into civilian careers. The program operates through the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) service and currently has counselors at approximately 104 schools nationwide.

Services Provided

• Benefits assistance: Help with GI Bill enrollment, payment issues, and certification questions
• Career counseling: Guidance on career paths, employment goals, and connecting education to civilian careers
• Academic support: Help with course selection, program planning, and academic challenges
• Vocational testing: Assessments to identify career aptitudes and interests
• Readjustment counseling: Support for the military-to-college transition
• Disability accommodations: Help navigating school disability services
• Referrals: Connections to VA Medical Centers, Vet Centers, and community services

Who Is Eligible

• Veterans using any VA education benefit
• Active-duty service members
• Qualifying dependents (such as those using Fry Scholarship or DEA benefits)
• You do not need to be enrolled in VR&E (Chapter 31) to use VSOC services — the program is open to any veteran or eligible person at a participating school

How to Find a VSOC Counselor

Visit VA's VSOC page for the full list of participating schools with counselor contact information. You can also check with your school's veterans affairs office, or use Ask VA to find out if your school has a VSOC counselor. If a VSOC counselor determines you may qualify for VR&E (Chapter 31), they can facilitate that referral directly.

The VA Work Study Program (38 USC 3485) allows veterans and eligible dependents receiving VA education benefits to earn tax-free money by performing VA-related work while attending school.

Eligibility

• Must be receiving VA education benefits (Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, VR&E, DEA, or other VA education programs)
• Must be enrolled at least three-quarter time (75% or more of full-time)
• Priority goes to veterans with service-connected disabilities rated at 30% or more

Pay and Hours

• Pay rate: The greater of the federal minimum wage or the state minimum wage where you work
• Tax-free: Work study pay is not taxable income
• Maximum hours: 25 hours per week multiplied by the number of weeks in the enrollment period (e.g., a 16-week semester = up to 400 hours)
• Payment schedule: VA pays for each completed 50-hour block or every other week, whichever comes first

Qualifying Work Sites

All work must be VA-related. Approved sites and activities include (38 USC 3485(a)(4)):

• VA facilities (medical centers, regional offices, national cemeteries)
• College or university veterans affairs offices and education benefits offices
• State veterans affairs offices and State Approving Agencies
• Congressional offices (distributing VA benefits information)
• Centers of Excellence for Veteran Student Success
• Cooperative VA/school programs and other veterans-related positions at institutions of higher learning

How to Apply

Complete VA Form 22-8691 (Application for Work-Study Allowance) and submit it to the VA regional processing office that handles your education claim. Some schools facilitate placement — check with your school's veterans services office. Questions? Call the VA Education Call Center at 1-888-442-4551.

The 85/15 Rule (38 USC 3680A(d)) is a consumer protection measure that prohibits VA from approving new GI Bill students in any program where more than 85% of enrolled students have their tuition paid by the school or by VA. At least 15% of students must be paying their own way.

Why It Exists

• Prevents diploma mills: Programs that exist solely to capture VA education benefits would struggle to attract the required 15% of non-VA-funded students
• Ensures quality: If at least 15% of students willingly pay tuition, it signals the program has value beyond VA funding
• Protects veterans: Reduces the risk of enrolling in low-quality programs that would not survive without VA money

How It Affects You

• The 85/15 rule is the school's responsibility to maintain — veterans do not need to calculate anything
• If a program violates the rule, VA issues a payment suspension for that specific program (not the entire school)
• Students already enrolled with continuous enrollment may continue receiving benefits
• New VA beneficiaries cannot be certified for a suspended program
• The rule does not prevent you from attending any school — it prevents VA from paying benefits for new enrollees in non-compliant programs

35 Percent Exemption

Schools where 35% or fewer of total enrollment receives VA benefits can apply for an exemption from routine 85/15 reporting requirements (38 CFR 21.4201). This affects the school's paperwork burden but does not change the underlying rule.

If a program you are considering has an unusually high proportion of VA-funded students and very few civilian students, treat this as a quality signal worth investigating. Use the VA's GI Bill Comparison Tool to research schools and programs before enrolling. For more details, see VA's 85/15 Rule page.

Forms for This Topic

The official VA forms relevant to this page, in one place. Select a form to view, download, or add it to your report.

• VA Form 22-1990 — Application for VA Education BenefitsUse VA Form 22-1990 if you want to apply for education benefits under any of the following programs: Post-9/11 GI Bill Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
• VA Form 28-1900 — Application for Veteran Readiness and Employment for Claimants with Service-Connected DisabilitiesUse VA Form 28-1900 if you’re a service member or Veteran with a service-connected disability and you want to apply for Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) benefits.
• VA Form 22-1995 — Request for Change of Program or Place of TrainingUse VA Form 22-1995 to request changes to your education benefits if one of these is true for you: You’re a Veteran or service member, or You’re a dependent of a Veteran or service member using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits
• VA Form 22-10203 — VA Form 22-10203 ↗(opens VA.gov in a new tab)
• VA Form 22-0989 — Education Benefit Entitlement Restoration Request Due to School Closure, Program Suspension or Withdrawal
• VA Form 22-8691 — Application for Work-Study Allowance