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The GI Bill is one of the most valuable benefits the VA offers, and one of the most frequently underused. It can cover tuition, housing, books, and fees, and in some cases, those benefits can be transferred to a spouse or child.
This page covers the major VA education programs, how they work, and how to choose the right one for your situation. Whether you’re thinking about college, a vocational program, or passing benefits on to a dependent, here’s what you need to know.
For other great resources, check out our Other VA Benefits guide.
Summary of Key Points
- The Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) is the most comprehensive VA education benefit.
- Eligibility is based on active-duty service after September 10, 2001 (minimum 90 days).
- The Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30) is an older program still used by veterans who didn’t opt into the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
- Veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31).
- Eligible veterans can transfer unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a spouse or dependent children while still on active duty.
Table of Contents
Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the primary education benefit for veterans who served on active duty after September 10, 2001.
It covers:
- Full tuition (for in-state public schools), paid directly to your school
- Monthly housing allowance (based on E-5 with dependents rate)
- Annual books and supplies stipend
Benefit Tiers
The amount you receive depends on how much qualifying active-duty service you have.
- At 36 months or more, you’re eligible for 100% of the benefit.
- At 90 days, you’re eligible for 40%.
- And there are multiple tiers in between.
Benefits are available for up to 36 months of education.
The housing allowance is calculated at the E-5 with dependents rate for the zip code of your school. Online-only students receive a reduced rate. Benefits stop during breaks of more than a week if you’re not enrolled.
Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30)
The Montgomery GI Bill predates the post-9/11 GI Bill and works differently.
Instead of paying the school directly:
- You receive a flat monthly stipend
- You pay tuition yourself
Most veterans who are eligible for both programs choose the Post-9/11 GI Bill because the total value is typically higher — especially when you factor in the housing allowance. However, the switch is permanent. Once you elect the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you cannot go back to Chapter 30.
Some veterans choose to keep Chapter 30 when:
- Using the GI Bill Kicker (an additional monthly payment offered as an enlistment incentive by the DOD)
- Attending low-cost schools
- The monthly payment structure works better
Interested in a trade school? Review our guide about which trade schools and certification programs take the GI Bill.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31)
Chapter 31, now called the Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program, is designed for veterans with service-connected disabilities that create barriers to employment.
- Tuition, books, and fees
- Job training and apprenticeships
- Career counseling and placement
- Monthly subsistence allowance
To qualify, you need a service-connected disability rating of at least 10%, or a memorandum rating of 20% or higher while you’re still in the service. You also need to be within 12 years of your separation date or the date you were first notified of a VA disability rating, whichever is later, though exceptions exist.
VR&E often provides more comprehensive support than the GI Bill — especially for veterans needing career retraining. If you qualify for both, compare carefully before choosing.
Transferring GI Bill Benefits to Dependents
Active-duty service members with at least six years of service can apply to transfer unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a spouse or dependent children. The transfer must be approved by your branch of service and requires a commitment to serve at least four additional years.
Important Rules
- Spouse can use benefits immediately
- Children may use benefits after meeting service requirements, even if the service member is still on active duty
- The total benefit can’t exceed 36 months
- Must transfer while still on active duty
Review more about how to transfer the GI Bill and other key questions.
Yellow Ribbon Program
The Yellow Ribbon Program is an add-on to the Post-9/11 GI Bill that helps cover tuition costs at private schools or out-of-state schools where tuition exceeds the VA’s maximum public school rate.
Participating schools agree to cover a portion of the gap, and the VA matches it dollar for dollar.
Important limitations include:
- Not all schools participate
- Schools set participation limits
- Only available at the 100% eligibility tier
If you’re considering a school with tuition above the VA’s in-state rate, check whether it participates in Yellow Ribbon and how many slots it offers. Popular programs fill up fast.
How to Apply for VA Education Benefits
You can apply for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, or Chapter 31 through VA.gov or by submitting VA Form 22-1990. Once approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Eligibility to submit to your school.
For Chapter 31, the process starts with an eligibility determination. You’ll submit VA Form 28-1900 and go through a meeting with a VR&E counselor who helps you identify goals and build a rehabilitation plan.
Schools certified to receive VA education benefits have a School Certifying Official (SCO) who coordinates with the VA on your behalf. Your SCO will verify your enrollment each term and submit the paperwork needed to release your benefits.
Education & GI Bill Resources
Recap: What Matters Most
- Post-9/11 GI Bill offers the highest overall value
- Chapter 30 may still make sense in niche situations
- VR&E can be more powerful for career changes
- Transfers must be done while on active duty
- Choosing the right program depends on your goals
Conclusion
VA education benefits aren’t one-size-fits-all, but they can be among the most impactful benefits the VA offers. Your ideal program depends on your service history, your disability rating, your career goals, and whether you want to transfer benefits.
Understanding which program fits your situation is the first step toward using what you’ve earned.
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FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
How many months of GI Bill benefits do I have?
Eligible veterans receive up to 36 months of education benefits. If you switched from the Montgomery GI Bill to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, any months you used under Chapter 30 count against your 36-month total. You can check your remaining entitlement on VA.gov or by contacting the VA Education Call Center.
Can I use the GI Bill for online school?
Yes. Online programs at VA-approved schools are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. However, the monthly housing allowance for online-only students is set at half the national average. If you take even one in-person class, your housing rate changes.
What happens to my GI Bill benefits if I drop a class?
Dropping a class after the term begins means you might owe money to the VA. Your school will certify the change to the VA, which may recalculate what you were owed. Contact your School Certifying Official.
Can I use GI Bill benefits and VR&E at the same time?
No, you generally use one program at a time. However, veterans eligible for both should compare them before choosing. Chapter 31 is often more comprehensive and may cover costs and living expenses that Chapter 33 doesn’t.
Is there a time limit on using GI Bill benefits?
Yes, typically 15 years. However, the Forever GI Bill removed that limit for veterans who left active duty on or after January 1, 2013.
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About the Author
Katie McCarthy
Katie McCarthy is a writer and editor with experience in daily news and digital and print magazine publishing. She honed her editorial (and firearms) skills at Guns & Ammo before helping launch Black Rifle Coffee Company’s Coffee or Die Magazine as the managing editor. She holds degrees in English (BA) and public administration (MPA). Katie is a military spouse and word nerd who enjoys reading, hiking, camping, gardening, and spending time with her family.
