How To Apply For The GI Bill And Related Benefits | Veterans Affairs

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      • Past rates: 2023-2024
      • Past rates: 2022-2023
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In this section How to apply for the GI Bill and related benefits

Find out how to apply for the GI Bill and other VA education benefits as a Veteran, service member, or qualified family member.

How do I prepare before starting my application?

• Find out if you’re eligible for VA education benefits
• Gather the documents and information listed below that you’ll need to apply for education benefits.
• Learn about what benefits you’ll get at the school you want to attend.Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool

What documents and information do I need to apply?

• Social Security number
• Bank account direct deposit information
• Education and military history
• Basic information about the school or training facility you want to attend or are attending now

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Note: To apply for Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31) or educational and career counseling through Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (Chapter 36), you’ll need to use a different application.

Find out how to apply for Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31)

Find out how to apply for educational and career counseling (Chapter 36)

You can also apply:

By mail

Call us at 888-442-4551 to request that we send the application to you. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET. Fill out your form and send it to the VA regional processing office that’s right for you.

Find your regional processing office address

In person

Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee help you.

Find a VA regional office near you

Work with your school’s certifying official. This person is usually in the Registrar or Financial Aid office at the school.

With the help of a trained professional

You can work with an accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative to get help applying for education benefits.

Get help filling out an application

What happens after I apply?

Find out what happens after you apply

You can’t make changes to your application, but if you have questions about VA education benefits, please call 888-442-4551, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET.

If we’ve asked you for documents, you can upload them using QuickSubmit on AccessVA.

Upload supporting documents using QuickSubmit on AccessVA

How long does it take VA to make a decision?

30 days

Average time to process education claims

Other VA benefits you may want to explore

• If you have a service-connected disability that limits your ability to work or prevents you from working, find out if you can get VR&E benefits and services—like help exploring employment options and getting more education or training if required.

• Find out how to get free educational and career counseling if you are leaving active service soon, have been discharged within the past year, or are a Veteran or dependent who is eligible for VA education benefits.

• If you have—or want to start—your own business, we can help. Register to do business with VA and get support for your Veteran-Owned Small Business.

• If you’re the spouse or surviving spouse of a service member or Veteran, find out if you’re eligible for the Defense Department’s Spouse Education Career Opportunities (SECO) program. And learn about other resources to help you build your career or start a small business. family members access valuable career resources.

Last updated: November 15, 2024