Did you know that more veterans than ever are using their education benefits? Taking advantage of these benefits is a great way to help ensure a successful transition back to civilian life and work toward long-term goals. From college classes to on-the-job training, a world of educational opportunities awaits veterans and their families—as does a range of benefits to help fund those opportunities.
Here is how to make the most of the benefits available to you:
- Do your homework. Start by learning all you can about the key Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs available under the GI Bill, which include the following:
Post-9/11 GI Bill. The program offers 36 months of tuition and training benefits to those who served after September 10, 2001. Unused benefits can be transferred to your spouse or children.
Montgomery GI Bill. The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) can help you pay for education and training programs. If you’ve served at least 2 years on active duty, find out if you qualify for the MGIB-AD program.
Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP). The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has launched VRRAP as part of its continued effort to support Veterans seeking retraining and economic opportunities in response to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. VRRAP provides up to 12 months of tuition, fee, and monthly housing allowance payments based on Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, to qualifying Veterans seeking training for employment in a high-demand occupation.
Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E). You may receive VR&E services to help with job training, job training, education, employment accommodations, resume development, and job seeking skills coaching. Other services may be provided to assist Veterans and Service members in starting their own businesses or independent living services for those who are severely disabled and unable to work in traditional employment. To learn more about the VR&E program, review the VR&E Process page, and the tabs and links on this page. Click on the “How to Apply” tab to apply for VR&E services.
- Weigh options carefully.Selecting a benefit could make you ineligible for other benefits, so choose carefully. For example, deciding to receive Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits means you’ll have to say no to Montgomery GI Bill funding.
- Watch the clock. Once your military service ends, you have a limited time to use your education benefits— If your service ended before January 1, 2013, your Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) benefits will expire 15 years after your last separation date from active service. You must use all of your benefits by that time or you’ll lose whatever’s left.
- Follow the money.It might take some digging, but you can find a wealth of education funding out there beyond your GI Bill benefits. You may be eligible for other state, federal and private education programs and scholarships. For example:
To help you find the funding you need, try our Scholarship Finder.
- Take time to plan.Your education benefits can be used for a range of options, from a full college degree to technical training, on-the-job apprenticeships and work-study programs, and even flight training. Having so many possibilities can seem overwhelming, so make sure you think about your personal career goals and the types of learning environments that are the best fit for you. You’ve worked hard to earn your benefits, so plan carefully to ensure you make the most of them. If you need additional financial help, consider whether a private student loan from Navy Federal is right for you.
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