GI Bill and Education Benefits

This guide is based on official sources listed below. It is general information, not legal or medical advice.

This guide explains the main VA education benefit programs, who can get them, and how to apply.

It covers the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill programs, the Yellow Ribbon Program, the Rogers STEM Scholarship, and help for dependents and survivors.

Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)

If your service ended before January 1, 2013, your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits expire 15 years after your last separation from active duty.

If your service ended on or after that date, the benefits generally do not expire.

Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD)

You generally have 10 years to use your MGIB-AD benefits.

If you served 56 months or more on active duty and are eligible for both the Post-9/11 GI Bill and MGIB-AD, you may qualify for up to 48 months of benefits.

Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)

Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard Reserve, as well as the Army National Guard or Air National Guard, may qualify for MGIB-SR.

You must have a 6-year service obligation in the Selected Reserve, or be an officer who agreed to serve an additional 6 years.

Transferring Benefits to Dependents

You may be able to transfer unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to your spouse or dependent children.

To do so, you must be on active duty or in the Selected Reserve, have completed at least 6 years of service, agree to add 4 more years, and have the dependent enrolled in DEERS.

DEERS is the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System.

If you received a Purple Heart, you do not need to meet the service requirement, but you must still request the transfer while you are on active duty.

You request the transfer through milConnect, the Department of Defense's online portal.

If a dependent is under 18, the service member must apply on their behalf using VA Form 22-1990e.

Yellow Ribbon Program

Tuition costs for out-of-state or private programs that exceed what the Post-9/11 GI Bill pays are offset by the Yellow Ribbon Program.

You may be eligible if you receive Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits and your school participates in the program.

Rogers STEM Scholarship

The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship provides added benefits to eligible Veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill or dependents using the Fry Scholarship.

The Fry Scholarship is a program for the children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001.

Eligibility for the Rogers STEM Scholarship extends to those pursuing an undergraduate STEM degree, as well as to individuals who already hold a STEM degree and are seeking a teaching certification.

Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA)

For a child, if you became eligible, turned 18, or completed high school on or after August 1, 2023, there is no age limit to use DEA benefits.

How to Apply

When applying, you need your Social Security number, bank account direct deposit information, education and military history, and basic information about your school or training facility.

You can get help with your application from an accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative.

The VET TEC 2.0 program helps eligible Veterans and active-duty service members develop skills for a career in a high-tech industry.

Where to get help

Apply online at VA.gov.

For general questions about GI Bill benefits, call 888-442-4551.

For the Veterans Crisis Line, dial 988 then press 1.

To find an accredited representative, visit the VA's website or search for a local Veterans Service Organization.

For the final word on your own eligibility or benefit amount, contact the VA directly and speak with a qualified professional.