VA Chapters and Benefits
Membership in the US Armed Forces may qualify you and your dependents for one or more VA Educational Benefits programs. These educational programs are mandated under Titles 38, 32, and 10 US codes. It is important for you to know which chapter you fall under so that you will know which benefits are available to you.
The Montgomery GI Bill® - Active Duty Educational Assistance Program, also known as MGIB-AD or Chapter 30, provides education benefits to Veterans and Servicemembers who have at least two years of active duty.
These benefits are typically paid to students on a monthly basis. Students receive their VA education benefit payments on or after the first of the month following the month payment is due.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at benefits.va.gov/gibill.
The Veteran Readiness and Employment program, also known as VR&E or Chapter 31, assists entitled Veterans with service-connected disabilities and an employment handicap to prepare for, obtain, and maintain a job. It also helps entitled transitioning Servicemembers.
If you are a Servicemember or Veteran with a service-connected disability and not currently able to work, VR&E also offers services to help you live as independently as possible.
The Post 9/11-GI Bill®, also known as Chapter 33, helps you pay for school or job training. If you’ve served on active duty after September 10, 2001, you may qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33).
If you’re a member of the Reserves who lost education benefits when the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) ended in November 2015, you may qualify to receive restored benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill® allows service members to transfer unused education benefits to immediate family members, such as spouses and children. Once the Department of Defense approves the transfer, the spouse or dependent children can apply for up to 36 months of benefits. The benefits may include funding for tuition, housing, books, and supplies.
The Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program, also called Chapter 35, offers education and training opportunities to the dependents of veterans who are disabled due to a service-related condition or who died on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition. Eligible persons can receive up to 45 months of full-time or equivalent benefits for college, business, technical or vocational courses, or a high school diploma or GED.
The Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) program, also known as Chapter 1606, offers up to 36 months of education and training benefits to eligible members of the Selected Reserve, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard or Air National Guard.
Learn about a range of VA education benefits you may be eligible to receive. These include programs that may help you get added GI Bill® benefits. They also include alternative programs if you’re a Veteran or a member of the National Guard or Reserve and you’re not eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.
For more information:
Shaquita Hopson Alfonso, Associate Director of Military & Veterans Services
shaquita.alfonso@meridiancc.edu
601.484.8723