How do I apply for education benefits?
You can securely fill out your application for benefits online. Click here and scroll down to the green “find your education benefits form” button. You will need your social security number, military history, and education plan. The VA also asks for your direct deposit information so that allowances can be sent directly to your bank account.
When does the Gi Bill pay?
The VA pays your tuition and fees directly to the school, once enrollment has been verified. The Post 9/11 GI Bill also pays a housing allowance and book stipend directly to eligible students receiving benefits. Payments are issued at the beginning of the month for training that occurred during the previous month. For example, if you are enrolled in a program on September 1, the soonest you will be paid is October 1. If you have a class that ends on September 14, with another starting on September 18, you will receive a housing stipend from Sept 1-14, then for September 18-30. This is why your housing payments may not always look the same or be deposited at the same time.
For information on Montgomery GI Bill benefits, click here.
Will the Gi Bill pay for school online?
Yes! Whether you attend in person or online, the Post-9/11 GI Bill will still pay tuition, housing, and supply stipend. View current rates here.
Which Gi Bill do I qualify for?
You could be eligible for Post-9/11 education benefits if you served at least 90 days active duty, either continuous or interrupted, after September 10, 2001. To learn more about your eligibility for Post-9/11, Montgomery, or other VA education benefits, visit this link or contact the VA Education Help Desk at 1-888-442-4551.
You can be eligible for more than one education benefit, but can only receive payments from one program at a time. The maximum amount of VA education benefits you can receive is 48 months, with an exception if you are eligible to use Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment benefits first.
Can the Gi Bill be used by my spouse?
Yes! If you have transferred your benefits, or are eligible to. You may be able to transfer your Post-9/11 benefits if you are an active duty service member or in the Selected Reserve. All of these must be true:
You’ve completed at least 6 years of service on the date your request is approved, AND
You agree to add 4 more years of service, AND
The person getting benefits has enrolled in DEERS.
If you have already exited service, your benefits cannot be transferred.
Will the Gi Bill pay for a Master’s degree?
Yes! The Post-9/11 GI Bill can be used for undergraduate and graduate degrees, vocational/technical training, OJT and apprenticeships, flight training, and more.
Can the Gi Bill be extended?
Sometimes. There are certain circumstances that can extend your eligibility period if your GI Bill has an expiration date.
You may also qualify for an additional 9 months of tuition up to $30,000 if you are an eligible veteran or dependent in a high-demand STEM field through the Edith Norse Rogers STEM Scholarship.