Education Benefits

Education Benefits for Veterans and Their Families

We assist veterans and their families in applying for VA education benefits to support their academic and career goals.

Veterans Using Their Own Benefits:
Veterans may apply for education benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill for themselves. The application can be completed online via the VA website or by mail using Form 22-1990. To use these benefits, veterans must enroll in a VA-certified school, and the school’s certifying official will submit enrollment details to the VA.

Transferring Benefits to Family Members:
Veterans may transfer unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to eligible family members, including spouses and children. To do so, the family member must meet eligibility criteria and provide necessary information such as the sponsor’s military service record, current contact details, and bank account information for direct deposit. Applications for transferred benefits are submitted online or by mail using Form 22-1990e. The family member must also enroll in a VA-certified institution.

Education Benefits for Surviving Family Members:
Surviving spouses and children of veterans may qualify for the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program. Applications can be submitted online or by mail using VA Form 22-5490. Required information includes the veteran’s military service history, the applicant’s contact details, and banking information for benefit payments. Enrollment must be at a VA-certified school.

Key Considerations:

• Eligibility: Different education programs have varying eligibility requirements.
• Transferred Benefits: Veterans can transfer up to 36 months of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to their spouse or dependent children.
• DEA Program: Designed for spouses and children of veterans who died or became disabled due to service.
• School Certification: The educational institution must be approved by the VA, and enrollment must be certified by an authorized school official.

Education Benefits Guideline

Veterans can apply for VA education benefits for themselves and their eligible family members. Veterans may use the Post-9/11 GI Bill for their own education and have the option to transfer unused benefits to spouses or dependent children. Additionally, surviving spouses and children may qualify for the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program.

Using Benefits for Veterans:

• Apply for the Post-9/11 GI Bill: Complete the application online via the VA website or by mail using Form 22-1990.
• Enroll in a School: The institution must be certified by the VA to accept education benefits.
• Certify Enrollment: The school’s certifying official will submit enrollment information directly to the VA.

Transferring Benefits to Family Members:

• Check Eligibility: The family member must be the spouse or child of a veteran who has elected to transfer benefits.
• Gather Required Information: This includes the sponsor’s military service history, the family member’s current contact information, and bank account details for direct deposit.
• Apply: Submit Form 22-1990e online or by mail to request transferred benefits.
• Enroll in a VA-Certified School: The educational institution must be approved by the VA.

Education Benefits for Family Members of Deceased Veterans:

• Apply for DEA: Complete VA Form 22-5490 online or by mail via the VA website.
• Provide Required Information: Include the veteran’s military service record, current contact details, and banking information.
• Enroll in a VA-Certified School: Enrollment must be certified by an authorized official.

Key Points to Remember:

• Eligibility: Requirements vary between programs and applicants.
• Transferred Benefits: Veterans may transfer up to 36 months of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to spouses or dependent children.
• DEA Program: Designed for surviving spouses and children of veterans who died or became disabled due to service.
• School Certification: Only VA-approved schools with a certifying official can submit enrollment information to the VA.