VA Education Benefits
Your service is an investment in your future. Here's how to get the most out of your education benefits.
Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
For veterans who served after Sept. 10, 2001. Covers full tuition at public schools, provides a monthly housing allowance, and a $1,000/year book stipend. Maximum benefit at 36 months of service.
VR&E (Chapter 31)
Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment is for veterans with a service-connected disability. It can pay for education, training, and job placement services—often superior to the GI Bill for disabled veterans.
Transfer to Dependents
Veterans who served 10+ years (with commitment to serve more) may transfer unused GI Bill months to a spouse or dependent children. A major benefit worth over $100,000 in education costs.
Chapter 35 DEA
Available to spouses and children of 100% P&T disabled veterans. Provides up to 45 months of education benefits for degree programs, vocational training, and apprenticeships.
VR&E vs. GI Bill: Which Is Better for Disabled Veterans?
If you have a service-connected disability rated 20% or higher and a vocational handicap, VR&E (Chapter 31) is almost always superior to the GI Bill:
- ✓Pays tuition at any school, public or private
- ✓Provides a monthly subsistence allowance on top of your disability pay
- ✓Covers books, supplies, and tutoring
- ✓You can use GI Bill for dependents while using VR&E for yourself