Eligibility

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The VA Education Service administers the following benefit programs. To discuss your eligibility for educational benefits, please contact a Veterans Benefits Counselor at 1-800-827-1000.

Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty (Chapter 30): The Montgomery GI Bill program provides up to 36 months of education benefits. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty. Persons who first entered active duty after June 30, 1985 for a two to four year enlistment, are generally eligible. Some Vietnam Era veterans and certain veterans separated under special programs are also eligible.

Montgomery GI Bill-Selective Reserve (Chapter 1606): The MGIB-SR program may be available to you if you are a member of the Selective Reserve. The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. 

Montgomery GI Bill Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) (Chapter 1607): This newest benefit program is designed for Reservists called to Active Duty in response to a war or national emergency. Certain Reservists called to Active Duty after September 10, 2001 may be eligible for the education benefit or for increased education benefits.

Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) (Chapter 32): VEAP is available if you first entered active duty between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985 and you elected to make contributions from your military pay to participate in this education benefit program. Veteran contributions are matched on a $2 for $1 basis by the Government. Veterans can receive benefits for 36 months or for the number of months of his or her participation in the contribution plan, whichever is less.

Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA) (Chapter 35): DEA provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, who died while on active duty or as a result of a service related condition, or have been listed as MIA or POW for more than 90 days. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits.

Vocational Rehabilitation Chapter 31: Veterans who have a 20 percent or greater service connected disability may be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Click here for the Voc Rehab link

Time Limits: Generally, veterans have 10 years from the date they were last released from active duty to use their educational benefits. Spouses generally have 10 years from the date they are found eligible. Children are generally eligible from age 18 until age 26. These limits can sometimes be extended. Questions about the expiration of benefits should be directed to the Buffalo Regional Processing Office.