EDUCATION BENEFITS

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Disclaimer: I am not a service officer for any organization and I am NOT employed by the VA. This information is intended as an aid for fellow veterans and service members. Please verify all information with the VA or a veterans service organization.

EDUCATION BENEFITS

The VA pays monthly benefits to eligible veterans, dependents, reservists, and service members while they are in an approved training program such as college, on-the-job training, and various kinds of technical training. The major programs are:

· Montgomery GI Bill

Persons who first entered active duty after June 30, 1985, and had money deducted from their military pay are generally eligible. You can use these benefits in service or out of service. Some Vietnam Era veterans and certain veterans separated under special programs are also eligible. The Montgomery GI Bill also includes a program for members of the Selected Reserve and National Guard members.

· Veterans Education Assistance Program (VEAP)

This program is for veterans who entered active duty for the first time after December 31, 1976, and before July 1, 1985, and contributed to an education fund.

· Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance

Some spouses and children are eligible for education benefits.

What Are the Time Limits for Using Benefits?

Generally, the following time limits apply. These time limits can sometimes be extended. Veterans have 10 years from the date they were last released from active duty to use their education benefits.
Reservists and National Guard members have 10 years from their eligibility date, which is determined be the Department of Defense or the Department of Transportation. Spouses have 10 years from the date VA determines them eligible. Children are generally eligible from age 18 until age 26.

How Do You Find Out If You’re Eligible?

To find out if you are eligible for VA educational assistance, you must send VA an application. If you are a service member, veteran, reservist, or National Guard, use VA Form 22-1990, Application for Education Benefits. If you are the child or spouse of a veteran, use VA Form 22-5490, Application for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance.

To get an application or for more information, visit our website at http://www.gibill.va.gov or call us at 1-888-GI BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).

It is a good idea to send in this application now, even if you don’t plan to start school right away. That way you will be sure to have the VA information you need when planning for your education.

Which VA Office Handles Your Education Claim?

There are four regional educational processing offices that handle claims for the entire country, divided into four regions. Find the state where you’ll be attending school or job training. You should mail inquiries or claims for education benefits to the processing office for that region.


CENTRAL REGION
MT, WY, CO, ND, SD, NE, KS, MN, IA, MO, WI, IL, MI, IN, KY

VA Regional Office
PO Box 66830
St. Louis, MO 63166-6830
E-mail: STLRPO@vba.va.gov


EASTERN REGION
OH, WV, VA, PA, MD, DC, DE, NJ, NY, CT, RI, MA, VT, NH, ME

VA Regional Office
PO Box 4616
Buffalo, NY 14240-4616
E-mail: BUFFRPO@vba.va.gov

WESTERN REGION
WA, OR, ID, CA, NV, UT, AZ, NM, OK, TX, AK, HI
VA Regional Office
PO Box 8888
Muskogee, OK 74402-8888
E-mail: MUSKRPO@vba.va.gov

SOUTHERN REGION
AR, LA, MS, TN, AL, GA, NC, SC, FL, PR & VI

VA Regional Office
PO Box 100022
Decatur, GA 30031-7022
E-mail: ATLRPO@vba.va.gov

For more information, visit the website at http://www.gibill.va.gov or call our toll-free number, 1-888-GIBILL-1
(1-888-442-4551).