GI Bill benefits include, but are not limited to, college level academic degrees and masters level certifications. Veterans who have a college degree and have remaining GI Bill benefits may be able to use those benefits to further expand their career options through certification in specific specialties like Project Management, Federal Contracts Management, Information Systems Security, and Human Resources Management just to name a few.
As an eligible veteran you may receive education and training benefits from the VA under any one or more of the following GI Bill programs:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill
- Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)
- Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves (MGIB-SR)
- Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP)
- Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
- Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA)
Applying for GI Bill Benefits
There are three steps to applying for all GI Bill benefits:
Step One: Log on to the VA online application portal, VONAPP, and follow instructions and prompts.
Helpful VONAPP details:
- If it is your first time using VONAPP you will be asked to create a user account.
- After you log on you will need to select VA Form 22-1990 from the drop down menu.
- If you have already selected a school, VA suggests that you work with the GI Bill certifying official or veteran’s program administrator at your school to process their forms simultaneously. This could save time and headaches later.
- During the VONAPP process you will be asked to select your GI Bill program. If you select the Post-9/11 (Chapter 33) and you are eligible for any previous versions (MGIB, MGIB-SR, REAP, etc.) you will be asked to identify the program you are forfeiting or switching from.
Remember - this decision is “irrevocable,” so choose wisely. - The rest of the form is self explanatory.
Step Two: Wait for VA to process your application and notify you of its decision concerning your eligibility for education benefits. You should receive Certificate of Enrollment in approximately six to eight weeks depending on the VA’s backlog.
Step Three: Once you receive your COE, give it your school’s GI Bill certifying official. At this point your school’s GI Bill certifying official will certify your enrollment. This step can be completed at the same time as your VONAPP if you have already chosen a school. Doing both your VONAPP and the certification can reduce your wait time for benefits.
Benefit Payment Details:
Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, VA will pay your tuition and fees directly to the school and you will begin receiving a monthly housing allowance (if eligible) at the end of each month. The housing payment (or living stipend) is always paid in arrears.
Payments under other GI Bill programs are paid directly to the student. Making you responsible to pay the school for your tuition and fees.
