VA Chapter Benefits

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Chapter 30- Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty)

Chapter 30 provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible veterans. If you are currently in service, you may be eligible after 2 years of active duty. Those who entered active duty for the first time afte June 30, 1985, received a high school diploma or equivalent before the end of your first obligated period of service  and received an honorable discharge may also be eligible. The amount awarded is based on the type of training you take, length of service, your category, and if DoD put extra money in your MGIB fund. You have about 10 years to use these benefits. The current full-time rate for those with three or more years of service and enrolled in an institutional program is $1,321 per month.

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Chapter 31- Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits

Chapter 31 is a program designed to help veterans with service-connected disabilities become suitably employed, maintain employment, or achieve independence in daily living. Services generally last up to 48 months and include counseling, education and training, financial aid, assistance, and, if needed, medical treatment. Eligibility is available for those who served on or after September 16, 1940, those with service-connected disabilities are rated at least 20% by the VA, you need Vocational Rehabilitation to overcome an employment handicap, and it has been less that 12 years since the VA notified you of your qualified SCD.

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Chapter 33- Post-9/11 GI Bill

Chapter 33 provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for Chapter 33. This benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits and benefits can be transferred to dependents. Some of the benefits of the Post- 9/11 GI Bill go towards tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, books and supplies, and a one-time rural benefit payment.

Individuals serving an aggregate period of active duty after Sept. 10, 2001 can receive the following percentages based on length of service:

Active duty service

Maximum Benefit

At least 36 months

100%

At least 30 continuous days and discharged due to service-connected disability

100%

At least 30 months < 36 months (1)

90%

At least 24 months < 30 months (1)

80% (3)

At least 18 months < 24 months (2)

70%

At least 12 months < 18 months (2)

60%

At least 6 months < 12 months (2)

50%

At least 90 days < 6 months (2)

40%

(1) Includes service on active duty in entry level and skill training. (2) Excludes service on active duty in entry level and skill training. (3) If the individual would only qualify at the 70% level when service on active duty in entry level and skill training is excluded, then VA can only pay at the 70% level.

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Chapter 35- Survivors’ & Dependents’ Educational Assistance

Chapter 35 is an education benefit program for eligible spouses and children of veterans who died, or is permanently and totally disabled, as a result of service,  and service members missing in action or captured in the line of duty by hostile forces or forcibly detained. Spouses of disabled veterans  have 10 years from the date the VA establishes eligibility; those whose spouses died while on active duty have 20 years. Children may use beneftis between the ages of 18 and 26. Amount awarded is based on the educational program.

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Chapter 1606:  Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)

National Guard and Reserves who have completed the initial Active Duty for training and 180 days of service in the Selected Reserves; may be eligible for up to 36 months of benefit.

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Chapter 1607:  Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP) NOTE: DISCONTINUED BY CONGRESS  

National Guard and Reserves who have completed a minimum of 90 consecutive days on Active Duty after 9/11/01; may be eligible for up to 36 months of benefit.

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Tuition Assistance:

If you are currently serving in the military, you may be eligible for funding offered through the Department of Defense Tuition Assistance program (also known as Federal Tuition Assistance – FTA).  Check with your local Educational Assistance office for eligibility and enrollment requirements.  For Tuition Assistance Top-Up information, click here:  http://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/docs/factsheets/topup.pdf