Education Benefits

Photo credit: William Stitt. A young black man in a graduation cap and gown sits smiling on a bench in a garden

Veterans Guide to Education Benefits

The Montgomery G.I. Bill (“GI Bill”) has helped thousands of veterans receive a college education or vocational training after service. This article provides information and resources for the various VA educational benefit programs.
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A Servicemember’s Guide to Student Loan Interest Rates

Since August 14, 2008, the Higher Education Opportunity Act has also made it possible for servicemembers to use the SCRA to have their interest rate reduced to six (6) percent on federal student loans that were taken prior to their entry into active duty.
Photo credit: Muhammad Rizwan. A young man wearing a graduation cap and gown smiles at the camera.

Chapter 35 - Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA)

Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA) provides education and training benefits to eligible dependents of certain servicemembers and veterans. Read more about it here.
Graduate

Changes Made to Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Some new changes to the PSLF program specifically benefit those with military service. This article explains more about those benefits and who is eligible.

GI Bill?

Question:

I served on active duty in the Army for two years ending in June 1963. This was a "volunteer for the draft" full term. (Which I did). I received some VA education benefits for two years in college ending in 1968. I think I used the GIBill home mortgage benefit one time in about 1972 - 1974. Right now I am 40% VA disabled (hearing loss). I'm getting kind of old, but would like to get a two year degree. Do I have any educational benefits left?

 

Jim's Reply:

Probably not. However, over the years the education benefits that we receive have morphed into something unrecognizable by a Vietnam era vet. Benefits are greatly different for each era and the only person I know who keeps up with all that is the financial counselor at the institution you're thinking of attending. 
 

I refer veterans to these financial counselors at colleges all the time. The finance folks have a real interest in getting the answers right...that's how they earn a living.
 

I think your ambition to earn a degree at this time of your life is commendable and I wish you the best! Good luck.

 

P.S. from StatesideLegal

You can learn more about possible educational benefits here. The link will take you to an overview of several benefits, how to qualify, and how to apply.  Best of luck!

 

Photo credit: Esther Tuttle. A white woman, in profile, stands wearing a black graduation cap and gown

Selected Reserve GI Bill (MGIB-SR)

The VA has a GI Bill for certain Reserve members which offers up to 36 months of educational and training benefits. Read here for more information on the Selective Reserve GI Bill.
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Chapter 33 - Post 9/11 G.I. Bill

The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill is the newest version of the program and includes several types of benefits. This article talks about the program, eligibility and how to apply.
Photo credit: Esther Tuttle. A white woman, in profile, stands wearing a black graduation cap and gown

Chapter 32 – Veterans Education Assistance Program (VEAP)

Veterans Education Assistance Program (VEAP) is available only to veterans who elected to make VEAP contributions from their military pay. Read more about the VEAP program here.
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Chapter 30 - Active Duty GI Bill (MGIB)

Chapter 30, officially known as The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB), provides up to 36 months of education benefits for eligible servicemembers. Learn more about it in this article.

TDIU

Question:

I recently got TDIU at 80%. It says permanent and total on decision letter. Does my 15 year old daughter qualify for Chapter 35 DEA (education benefits) and CHAMPVA? Thank you.

 

Jim's Reply:

Yes. It should say that in your award letter but when it comes to publishing those letters, no two are ever the same and none are ever complete. It's an absurdity perpetuated over the years by VA and they won't recognize there is a problem. (Sigh)
 

Start with applying for CHAMPVA by clicking here and be prepared for a massive cluster. The CHAMPVA folks never recognize TDIU as eligible until you argue with them a bit.
 

Talk with the providers offices who will be giving care for your daughter long before you need them...they each have insurance staff who will be glad to get your CHAMPVA account set up early. CHAMPVA is great health insurance although using it can be a challenge at times. The system, like the rest of VA, is a bit clunky.
 

Your dependent won't use the C35 benefits for a while but the person who will be your best friend when the time comes is the college financial counselor who has experience dealing with C35 benefits. Start early in the process and all should go well. Good luck.