Unlocking VA Education Benefits: A Veteran’s Roadmap to Educational Success

Learners considering obtaining counterfeit college diploma certificates

We’re not born knowing everything. It would be pretty handy if we were, but in reality, we need to absorb knowledge like a sponge, and from that, we can find our way toward a new career. 

 

As a veteran, you certainly understand that knowledge is power. Throughout your training and service, you took on broad new concepts and instructions – and used them excellently. The thing is, when you leave the military, and you head back out into the world, it can seem a little daunting to start learning something new. It’s almost like starting over. 

 

But never fear! This is an opportunity for you to find another passion and go for it. And you won’t be alone either; adult education, not only VA education, is seriously in demand, so you’re sure to meet other like-minded people along the way. 

 

It can be overwhelming, right? Well, if it weren’t, it wouldn’t be worth it. 

 

These pages contain all the information you’ll need, and from there, the sky really is the limit. If you’ve always wanted to break into a new career, now is the time.

 

a group of students studying together

 

Table of Contents

 

I. Understanding VA Education Benefits
   A. Eligibility Criteria
II. Types of VA Education Benefits
   A. The Post-9/11 GI Bill
   B. Montgomery GI Bill
   C. Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA)
III. Applying for VA Education Benefits
   A. Required Documents
   B. The Application Process
   C. Certification and Enrollment
IV. Using VA Education Benefits
   A. Housing Allowance
V. State-Specific VA Education Benefits
VI. Learnings Recap
VII. Final Thoughts

 

TL;DR: Key Takeaways

 

Let’s start at the beginning. What are VA education benefits? They’re specific programs designed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to help people like you. Within this, eligible veterans, service members, and their families can apply and receive benefits, such as college tuition payments, help finding the right educational opportunities, and career counseling. 

 

You might have heard of a few of the most popular programs brought out by the VA, including the Montgomery GI Bill, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and the DEA, also known as the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program. 

 

If you’re approved, you may receive benefits such as tuition expenses, housing assistance, covered fees, and money for supplies and books across a huge range of programs. These include vocational training, certification, and even degrees.

 

Several states also offer extra help such as scholarships, grants, and even wavering tuition fees altogether.

 

Understanding VA Education Benefits

 

It’s understandable if you’re a little skeptical at this point. After all, someone is offering to pay for your education or at least help you with it; what’s the catch? Well, there isn’t one. You just need to be eligible. The number of veterans able to take advantage of va education benefits has increased thanks to successful appeals in court, such as one veteran who fought for his right to access benefits to VA education.  

 

Education can be expensive, but the perk here is that your course may be paid for, even if it’s a degree. Think about it: you will become qualified for a completely new career, arm yourself with skills, and not have to pay a penny. Even if your course isn’t completely paid for, other aspects may be, including housing wherever your college of choice is located, money for books, and other equipment you need to complete your course. It just makes the road to a new career so much easier.  Even better news? VA education benefits are extended to your family, so your spouse and/or children can also take advantage of these benefits. So, whether it’s a degree, a vocational course, a diploma, or a certification, you can start dreaming now, thanks to these education benefits for veterans.

 

Replica college degree rolled and tied with a red ribbon placed on top of books

Eligibility Criteria

 

We keep saying, ‘if you’re eligible,’ so let’s address that next. We’re going to delve into this in more detail later in this article, but for now, to meet the basic eligibility criteria for veterans education benefit, you must:

 

    • Be able to meet the basic definition of a veteran.
    • Not have been discharged dishonorably
    • Meet requirements for active duty, which is at least 90 days under the Post-9/11 bill.

 

As you can see, there isn’t anything particularly complicated, so military education benefits are open to many people. The sad thing is that many veterans believe there is no help out there, but it’s simply down to these benefits not being explained and clearly visible to potential users. Thankfully, by reading this article, you don’t have that problem!

 

Types of VA Education Benefits

 

Several different bills have been passed by the government that affect education benefits for veterans, and each has specific eligibility and needs. Having a basic overview of these bills is important, so you know where you stand when applying.

 

The most popular programs include the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill, and the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program, also known as DEA. The Post-9/11 GI Bill, in particular, is pretty commonly accessed. It helps veterans with active service after September 10, 2001. The perk of this program is that benefits can be transferred to an individual’s dependents while they’re still actively serving. 

 

Can you imagine being able to give your children the gift of education? You’re setting them up for an amazing future. So many veterans are now fighting for their rights to access benefits with great success, such as a veteran who successfully fought for additional education benefits, thanks to his extended service. Your diploma, certificate, or degree is your key to many doors, so once you achieve it, keep it safe or consider opting for a fake diploma. You might think we’re jumping ahead of ourselves, but there’s nothing wrong with thinking positively!

 

The Post-9/11 GI Bill

 

Let’s discuss the Post-9/11 Bill in more detail. If you were in active service after September 10, 2001, you may be eligible for its benefits. It’s a pretty comprehensive bill that covers many expenses, including tuition, fees, housing, and books. If your college is away from your home, e.g. if you live in a rural area currently, it can also help you relocate. 

 

To apply for VA education benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you must have served at least 90 days on or after September 10, 2001, have been honorably discharged or received a Purple Heart, or served 30 continuous days on or after September 10, 2001, and you were discharged with a service-connected disability. Of course, you can also apply as the dependent child of a veteran who meets the above criteria.

 

 

a group of students studying together

 

Transferring Benefits

 

We’ve talked about transferring your benefits to your dependents, but it’s pretty amazing and worth delving into. Perhaps you don’t want to go ahead and learn something new, but your child really wants to. In that case, if you’re eligible under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you can transfer the benefits you would have had and give your child the ultimate gift. 

 

It’s a pretty simple process. You just need to ensure your eligibility under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, as we discussed in the last section, and then apply in your child’s name. They will need to provide some information too, but the process is generally quite straightforward. 

 

Montgomery GI Bill

 

Next, we have the Montgomery GI Bill. This bill has two subsections: one for active duty and one for selected reserves. The great thing about this particular bill is that it offers a monthly stipend for you to use for your education, including books, resources, housing, etc. 

 

This bill is much simpler, making it a lot easier to go about your business and learn whatever it is you’ve set your heart on. There is less paperwork to deal with beforehand, mostly because you’re given the money to use for your education, rather than everything being arranged beforehand. 

 

The great thing here is that the Montgomery GI Bill offers peace of mind and financial support. It’s no fun deciding you’ll embark on this life-changing course only to find that you’re struggling to make ends meet. By being granted a monthly amount of money, you don’t have to think about that, and you can focus on what you’re learning. 

 

What’s not to like about that?

 

Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (MGIB-AD)

 

Let’s explore the Active Duty version of the Montgomery GI Bill now. As the name suggests, this particular program focuses on helping those on active duty go ahead and embark upon their educational dreams without worrying about how they’re going to afford it. It’s a great way to plan your future outside of the military, to complement the service you’re on currently, or simply to enjoy a learning experience. 

 

Applicants must have enlisted after July 1, 1985, and must show a monthly certificate to keep money rolling in. 

 

The monthly stipend you will receive allows you to cover your educational expenses while you’re in active service, hitting that peace of mind button once more. And let’s be honest, there’s nothing particularly low-cost about going to college, so this is a huge weight off your shoulders.

 

This veteran’s education opportunity is a fantastic option for those who are approaching the end of their service and starting to think about what comes next.

 

An active-duty service member studying, representing the educational opportunities provided by the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (MGIB-AD) program.

 

Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)

 

The Selected Reserve part of the Montgomery GI Bill is slightly different. To be eligible for this program, applicants must enlist or apply for an extension of reserve duty after July 1, 1985, within the Selected Reserve and National Guard. From there, it’s possible to receive anywhere up to 36 months of benefits, and these benefits end ten years after becoming eligible. So, that’s a good amount of time!

 

As with the active service version, this program allows guardsmen and reservists to continue their service while still committing to their education. It’s literally the best of both worlds. Again, there is a monthly stipend to cover expenses incurred at college and studies, and a self-certificate is needed every month to receive it. 

 

Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA)

 

Of course, you may be reading this article not because you’re a veteran but because one of your parents was. Their bravery and sacrifice will never go unnoticed, and one of the most heartfelt ways to honor them as their child is to dedicate your education to them. 

 

The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program, better known as DEA, provides financial assistance for education to the dependents of service members lost in battle, missing, captured, or disabled. This program is wide-ranging and offers a large amount of options, including vocational training, college, and courses to enhance existing skills. 

 

Of course, it can be very difficult to think about the next steps when a parent is no longer around, but you know they would want you to use these benefits and improve your life’s situation. The DEA program offers many opportunities, as well as career counseling to help you understand your potential next steps. That way, you can dedicate your learning and your future career to your parents in the very best way possible.

 

And that, without a doubt, is exactly what they would want for you.

 

A family portrait of a military spouse and children, representing the beneficiaries of the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA).

 

Applying for VA Education Benefits

 

You know everything about the different programs available, but now you need to know how to apply for VA education benefits. 

 

Yes, the whole process of applying for anything is pretty long-winded and tedious, and we’re not going to lie to you; this isn’t going to happen overnight. However, the process should be pretty straightforward as long as you get your paperwork in order and you submit everything together. From there, you just wait for the green light. 

 

It’s far better to be meticulous at this stage than to press ‘submit’ and get a letter telling you you’re not eligible. Do your homework first, take your time, and your application is far more likely to come back with a positive answer. Also, as one veteran recently discovered, make sure that you’re not eligible for more than one set of benefits

 

Remember, the VA reviews every application carefully and fairly, so you don’t need to worry about other aspects. You have nothing to worry about as long as you are eligible and you’ve completed the sections correctly. The VA is there to help you, after all. 

 

You should also be aware of any paperwork you need to submit once you’ve been approved. For instance, you may need to submit a Certification of Request Form for each semester you plan to use your benefits. It’s just something to be aware of. If you do all this, you can look forward to achieving your diploma, degree, or certification! 

 

Required Documents

 

Lots of paperwork, right? Well, yes, but it’s worth it in the end. 

 

The most common documents you’ll need to apply for Veterans Affairs education benefits include proof of military service, transcriptions, enrollment information, and personal identification details, such as your Social Security number, date of birth, and full name. 

 

If your application is successful, you’ll also need the details of the college or training facility you’re planning to attend. This will give the VA information about what type of support you’ll need. 

 

A good piece of advice is to start putting together the necessary documents as early as possible, so you don’t run into any delays or problems. You can never be too organized. 

 

The Application Process

 

Thankfully, the application process is pretty straightforward, if not a little time-consuming. You simply head to the website, log in, or register if you’ve never used it. Then, you’ll see the page to start your application. You’ll be guided through a series of questions and, before submitting, you’ll be asked to upload your documents. 

 

That’s it, you press ‘submit’! 

 

Your application will then be assessed, usually taking around 30 days. If you’ve missed something and the VA needs more information, they’ll contact you. So, whether you’ve applied under the Post-9/11 GI Bill or a different program, you just have to sit tight and wait. 

 

Boring, yes, necessary? Again, yes.

 

A veteran filling out paperwork, representing the application process for VA education benefits.

 

Certification and Enrollment

 

Once your application has been successfully approved (hurrah!) you can move to the certification and enrollment section. You’ll be sent a letter in the mail confirming that your application for education benefits has been approved. You’ll need to take this to the VA certifying official at your college or school of choice. This will allow you to start using your veterans’ education benefits. 

 

After this, the VA and educational institute will communicate with each other to check your enrollment and program details. However, this isn’t something for you to worry about; you’ve done the hard work; you just need to start thinking about your new horizons. 

 

You can help make this process smoother by proactively communicating with the VA and your college so your enrollment process is easy and seamless. Basically, whatever information they ask for, don’t hang around; just give it to them. 

 

Using VA Education Benefits

 

Now it’s time to celebrate! You’ve done the hard work, and it’s time to use those benefits as they’re meant to be used. This is something you’ve earned, so go out there and enjoy the freedom they give you. 

 

Remember, these benefits are pretty versatile. They offer you financial peace of mind and opportunities you might not have dared to dream about a few months beforehand. Make sure you fully explore what you can gain from your education benefits, and don’t be afraid to use them to their maximum level. They’re yours, after all.

 

A diverse group of students engaged in various educational activities, representing the wide range of eligible programs and expenses covered by VA education benefits.

 

Housing Allowance

 

One of the most interesting benefits you can access is a housing allowance. See, it’s not all about books! This benefit offers you an allowance based on specific factors, such as where you currently live and where you’re going to attend college, your enrollment status, and all of it is tailored to your specific needs. 

 

Let’s be honest: everyday living expenses are pretty stressful when you don’t have them. This allowance cuts all of that out and allows you to make ends meet comfortably while you’re studying. After all, you can’t focus on what you’re supposed to be learning as part of your Veterans Affairs education program if you’re panicking about money. 

 

State-Specific VA Education Benefits

 

There is further good news. Some states offer more VA education benefits than federal programs. It’s important to point out that these aren’t nationwide and will vary from state to state, so it’s important to check in your particular place of residence to find out what might be available to you aside from regular VA education benefits. 

 

We’re just saying there might be something extra, and you don’t want to miss out. 

 

The goal of these state-specific benefits is to offer extra assistance to both veterans and their families. A few examples of benefits include total tuition waivers, grants, and scholarships. These options might be even more beneficial to you than federal programs, so it’s definitely worth looking into for extra flexibility and, well, benefit. 

 

In fact, in some states, these extra benefits are offered to those who don’t qualify for federal help at all. For instance, let’s say that you don’t qualify for a specific program because of a tiny detail. Of course, you’ll feel quite hard done by. In that case, state-specific benefits could offer you an educational lifeline

 

Learnings Recap

 

 

 

So, how do you feel now? Are you excited about the possibility of returning to your education and trying something new? You should be! 

 

 

 

In this section, let’s quickly review what we’ve learned. 

 

 

 

 

    • There are several federal programs, such as the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post 9-11 GI Bill, that offer help for veterans seeking education. These programs may cover help with housing, fees, tuition, and equipment. 

 

 

    • The entire application process might be a little overwhelming at first glance, but prepare everything carefully, and it’s entirely achievable. 

 

 

    • There is flexibility here, as benefits cover not only degrees but certifications and vocational training too. 

 

 

    • It is possible to transfer your benefits to your dependents. Put simply, you’re giving them the gift of education, and there’s nothing better than that. 

 

 

    • Additionally, state-specific benefits are worth exploring. These can give you extra benefits and opportunities, which could include tuition waivers, grants, and scholarships. 

 

 

  • It’s important to realize that eligibility varies from program to program. Still, as long as you do your homework and apply carefully, there is a world of opportunity waiting for you. 

Final Thoughts

 

Knowledge is power. However, knowledge doesn’t come to you in your sleep. For that reason, it’s important to go out there and take in as much information as possible. And who knows, maybe you’ll land on a subject that grabs your attention so much you want to make a new career and work toward a diploma.  

 

That’s exactly what VA education benefits aim to do: allow you to move forward with your learning and adjust to life outside of the military in the best possible way. 

 

These benefits are a true testament to the sacrifices you’ve made as a service member over the years, whether you’re a veteran or in active service. You deserve these benefits; they’re your right. So, don’t hesitate to grab them with both hands and use them to further your future opportunities. 

 

If you need help and support in deciding on your next steps, don’t hesitate to reach out to friends and family members for guidance. Remember, success is a shared experience in the end. 

 

Now, whether you apply for the Post-9/11 GI Bill or a different program altogether, remember one thing: with these VA benefits by your side, the possibilities are truly unlimited. 

 

Remember, as you embark on your educational journey, ValidGrad is by your side every step of the way. We know the challenges of navigating the educational world, whether you need to replace a lost diploma or commemorate your hard-earned achievements. Trust that we’re on hand to help you no matter what your needs are. 

 

So, what’s your next step?

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