🎓 GI Bill Explained

1. Which Chapter Is Right for You?

Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill) — if you served after Sept 10, 2001. Covers tuition + housing allowance (BAH) + books/supplies. The most comprehensive option for most veterans.

Chapter 30 (MGIB) — for pre-9/11 service or if you contributed to MGIB. Monthly stipend paid directly to you.

2. Check Your Eligibility

Chapter 33 requires 90+ days of active duty after Sept 10, 2001 (or 30 days with a discharge for service-connected disability). Benefit level (40%–100%) is based on total months served.

100% benefit = 36+ months active duty. You get 36 months of full education benefits.

3. Apply — Form 22-1990

Apply at va.gov/education using VA Form 22-1990. Apply before school starts — processing takes 4–6 weeks. Your school's certifying official also needs to certify your enrollment each term.

If transferring to a different school, use Form 22-1995 (don't file a new 22-1990).

GI Bill Hotline888-442-4551 · M–F 8am–7pm ET

4. Housing Allowance (BAH)

Chapter 33 pays a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) based on the E-5 with dependent BAH rate for your school's zip code. This is in addition to tuition.

5. Books & Supplies

Chapter 33 pays up to $1,000 per academic year for books and supplies, prorated based on your benefit level. Payment goes directly to you, not the school.

6. Chapter 31 — Voc Rehab (Often Better)

If you have a service-connected disability of 10%+ (or 20%+ in some cases), Chapter 31 Voc Rehab may be your best option. It covers: full tuition and fees, housing allowance, books and supplies, and a monthly subsistence allowance — plus job training, resume help, and employment services.

VA — Voc Rehab (Ch. 31)800-827-1000 · Use Form 28-1900

7. Yellow Ribbon — If Tuition Still Isn't Covered

Chapter 33 doesn't cover the full cost of private school, out-of-state public school, or foreign school tuition. Yellow Ribbon can cover the gap — but only at the 100% benefit level.

You qualify if you meet any of: 36+ months of active duty with an honorable discharge, a Purple Heart recipient (post-9/11) with an honorable discharge, an active-duty member with 36+ months of service, an eligible spouse or dependent child using transferred benefits, or a Fry Scholar.

The school agrees to contribute a set amount toward tuition/fees beyond what Chapter 33 pays, and VA matches that contribution dollar-for-dollar. Schools cap how many students they'll cover each year, first-come first-served — apply and enroll early if you're counting on this.

8. Transferring Benefits to a Spouse or Child

You can transfer some or all of your 36 months to a spouse or child, but you must request it while still on active duty through milConnect — DoD does not allow the request after you separate.

To qualify: at least 6 years of service on the date the request is approved, AND you agree to serve 4 more years. Purple Heart recipients skip the service requirement but must still request the transfer while on active duty.

Spouse: can use transferred benefits immediately, even while you're still serving, but gets no housing allowance until you separate. Separated before Jan 1, 2013: 15 years post-separation to use it. Separated on or after Jan 1, 2013: no expiration.

Child: can't use benefits until you've completed 10 years of service. Must have a high school diploma (or be 18+) and be under 26. Can receive housing allowance even while you're still on active duty.