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Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits - Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)

The Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) is one of the four major education and training programs available to veterans. VEAP is also known as Chapter 32 benefits.

Eligibility

Under VEAP, active duty personnel voluntarily participated in a plan for education or training in which their savings were administered and added to by the federal government. Service members were eligible to enroll in VEAP if they entered active duty for the first time after Dec. 31, 1976, and before July 1, 1985. Some contribution to VEAP must have been made prior to April 1, 1987. The maximum participant contribution is $2,700. While on active duty, participants may make a lump-sum contribution to the training fund.

A service member who participated in VEAP is eligible to receive benefits while on active duty if: (1) at least three months of contributions are available, except for high school or elementary school, in which case only one month of contributions is needed; and (2) the first active-duty commitment is completed. If the individual's first term is for more than six years, benefits may be available after six years. To attend an elementary or high school program, the individual must be in the last six months of the first enlistment.

A veteran who participated in VEAP is eligible to receive benefits if the discharge was under conditions other than dishonorable on or after Jan. 1, 1977, and served for a continuous period of 181 days or more, or was discharged for a service-connected disability.

Education eligibility may be established even though the required active duty is not completed if the veteran was discharged or released for a service-connected disability.

Education and Training Available

VEAP participants may pursue associate, bachelor or graduate degrees at colleges or universities. Courses leading to a certificate or diploma from business, technical or vocational schools may also be taken. Other opportunities may include apprenticeship or on-the-job training programs; cooperative courses; correspondence courses; tutorial assistance; refresher, deficiency and other training; and state approved alternative teacher certification programs. VEAP participants may also pursue licensing and certification tests approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

Flight training also may be pursued, including solo flying hours up to the minimum required by the FAA for the rating or certification being pursued. Before beginning training, the veteran must have a private pilot license and continue to meet the medical requirements for a commercial license throughout the training program.

A participant may study abroad in programs leading to a college degree and in programs which offer, as part of the curriculum, nontraditional training away from school. A participant with a deficiency in a subject may receive tutorial assistance benefits if enrolled halftime or more.

Period of Eligibility

A veteran has 10 years from the date of last discharge or release from active duty to use VEAP benefits. This 10-year period can be extended by the amount of time the veteran could not train because of a disability or because of being held by a foreign government or power. The 10-year period may also be extended if the veteran reenters active duty for 90 continuous days or more after becoming eligible. For periods of less than 90 days, the veteran may qualify for extensions under certain circumstances. The extension ends 10 years from the date of discharge or release from the later active duty period. A veteran with a discharge upgraded by the military will have 10 years from the date of the upgrade.

Work-Study

Participants may be paid a work-study allowance if they train at the three-quarter or full-time rate. They may elect to be paid 40 percent of the total allowance in advance. Participants under the supervision of a VA employee may provide VA outreach services, prepare and process VA paperwork, and work at a VA medical facility or perform other VA approved activities. They may also help at national or state veterans' cemeteries in addition to assisting in outreach services furnished by State Approving Agencies.

Counseling

Educational and vocational counseling may be available for veterans who are eligible for VA educational assistance, who are on active duty and within 180 days of discharge or who have been discharged one year or less. VA will help individuals understand their educational and vocational needs and plan an educational or vocational goal.

Payments

When the participant elects to use VEAP benefits, the Department of Defense will match the participant's contribution at the rate of $2 for every $1 the individual put into the fund. The department also may make additional contributions to the fund in exchange for special duties performed by the participant.

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).

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