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Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits - Education and Training Overview

For many veterans, educational assistance may be the greatest benefit from the many Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits available. The programs are available without regard to disability status, and the opportunity to obtain a new or advanced degree or extensive vocational training and counseling may offer the greatest chance to achieve self-sufficiency for veterans with disabilities. These assistance programs afford maximum opportunity for self-determination as well, since in most cases the recipient is in complete control of the desired outcome.

There are four major programs available to qualified veterans that provide financial assistance for education and training. Eligibility varies based on time, dates, and type of service, and type of separation. Benefits may vary based on type of program, duration of service, and/or "kicker" payments offered at various times by the Department of Defense as inducements to help meet enlistment quotas.

Additionally, there is a separate major program that provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service related condition.

Major VA Educational Programs

The major VA education and training programs discussed in this Help system are:

·          Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits - Post 9-11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008

·           Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty)

·           Montgomery GI Bill (Selected Reserve)

·           Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)

·           Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)

·           Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA)

Additional VA Programs

Several other programs supplement or complement the major programs. If you have questions on these programs contact the VA Education Service toll-free number 1-888-442-4551.

·          Tuition Assistance "Top-Up" - An amendment to the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty education program permits VA to pay a Tuition Assistance Top-Up benefit. The amount of the benefit can be equal to the difference between the total cost of a college course and the amount of Tuition Assistance that is paid by the military for the course.

·          Work-Study Program - This program is available to any student receiving VA education benefits who is attending school three-quarter time or more. An individual working under this program may work at the school veterans' office, VA Regional Office, VA Medical Facilities, or at approved State employment offices. Work-study students are paid the greater of either the State or Federal minimum wage.

·          Tutorial Assistance Program - Tutorial assistance is available if you are receiving VA educational assistance at the half time or more rate and have a deficiency in a subject making tutoring necessary.

·          Reimbursement for National Tests - Section 106 of PL 108-454 allows VA to reimburse claimants for the fee charged for national tests for admission to institutions of higher learning, and national tests providing an opportunity for course credit at institutions of higher learning.

·          Reimbursement for Licensing and Certification Tests. - You can receive reimbursement for some licensing and certification tests you take on or after March 1, 2001. These tests must be specifically approved for the G.I. Bill. VA can pay only for the cost of the tests and not other fees connected with obtaining a license or certification.

NOTE: Additional information for school officials, veterans and dependents can be found on VA's Education Services Web page at http://www.gibill.va.gov, or by calling 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).

Source

Some information for this topic was drawn from the VA website at:
http://www.gibill.va.gov/
http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/rates.htm

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