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GI Bill®

How do I use my GI Bill® benefits?

A: It’s a simple process. First, you have to go online to apply to use your benefit. Fill out the online application. The application will be automatically sent to a VA Regional Office. It will take that office about 4-6 weeks to process your application.  Once processed, you will receive a letter in the mail from the VA. If approved, this letter will be titled “Certificate of Eligibility” and will tell you what benefit you are entitled to, how many months of entitlement you have, and what percentage of benefit you are entitled to.  When you receive this letter, give it to the Veteran Service Office. This is the documentation that we need to process your GI Bill® benefit. Once we have this, everything will happen automatically for you.

GI BILL® PROGRAMS

Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill®) – This is the “old” GI Bill® that was in place prior to the Post-9/11 GI Bill® was put in place.  Those that are eligible for this program served prior to September 11, 2001.  If you entered into service prior to June 2008, you may have signed up for the Montgomery GI Bill®.  Those that signed up for this program paid into the program during the first year of enlistment.

Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation Program) – This program assists Veterans with service-connected disabilities and an employment handicap. In order to determine eligibility, the Veteran must speak with a VA Voc-Rehab Counselor.

Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®) – This the current GI Bill® that is available to all who have served on or after September 11, 2001.  This program pays In-State Tuition & Fees to the school, plus pays a Monthly Housing Allowance and Book Stipend to the student while enrolled in school.

Chapter 35 (Dependent Education Assistance) – To be eligible for this program, you must be a spouse, son or daughter of a Veteran who 1) has a service-connected permanent and total disability; OR 2) is Missing in Action.  This program provides a monthly stipend to the student while enrolled in school.

Chapter 1606 (Montgomery GI Bill® – Selected Reserve) – This benefit is available for members of the Selected Reserve of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, and the Army and Air National Guard. This program provides a monthly stipend to the student while enrolled in school. An individual can receive EAP and Chapter 1606 GI Bill® benefits simultaneously.

“GI Bill ®” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Last Updated 8/29/23