VA Educational Benefits

Need help picking out the right Educational Benefits. This website will help you understand which Chapter best fits you. Best Educational Benefits For You.

Tuition Assistance (TA) is a program offered to eligible members of the military that pays for a service member’s college tuition. More information can be found at the following link: Tuition Assistance Program Overview.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a benefit for individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

• Pays tuition and fees up to 36 months.
• Pays an annual book stipend - $1000.
• Pays E5 BAH w/dep rate.
• Benefits payable for up to 15 years after separation.
• US Department of Veteran's Affairs -- GI Bill Info.

The Montgomery GI Bill is a benefit for individuals who contributed $1200 to the basic program while on Active Duty. All individuals who were separated or retired with an honorable discharge or were separated under the Voluntary Separation Incentive (VSI) or Special Separation Benefit (SSB) are eligible.

• Pays $1368/month for full time student veteran.
• If you paid into the Army College Fund or $600 kicker, you will receive additional money.
• Benefits available for up to 10 years after separation from active duty.
• US Department of Veteran's Affairs -- GI Bill Info.

The MGIB-SR program may be available to you if you are a member of the Selected Reserve and have completed your Initial Active Duty Training (tech school). The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard.

• Eligibility is determined by your Reserve or National Guard component.
• To expedite processing, please obtain a copy of your DD 2384, Notice of Basic Eligibility "NOBE” from your unit.
• If you enlisted on or after October 1, 1992, your period of eligibility ends 14 years from your beginning date of eligibility, or on the day you leave the selected reserve.
• If you are mobilized or called to active duty your eligibility may be extended.
• US Department of Veteran's Affairs -- GI Bill Info.

The Secretaries of each military service, Department of Defense, and Department of Homeland Security (Coast Guard) will determine eligibility and establish the program to provide educational assistance to members of the Reserves of the armed forces who are called to duty for 90 days or more. Members may be eligible after serving 90 consecutive days on active duty after September 11, 2001.

• Please provide a copy of any notice of eligibility for this program you have received from your Military Service Department.
• Provide copies of your DD-214, orders to active duty, release from active duty and NOBE if you have never applied for 1606 or 1607 benefits.
• US Department of Veteran's Affairs -- GI Bill Info.

VR&E's primary benefit program is vocational rehabilitation services for veterans who have a service-connected disability of 20% and higher. To receive services a veteran must be found both eligible and entitled. The outcome of these services lead to suitable employment that is consistent with their aptitudes and interests, or achieving independence in their daily living.

Follow link for more information on The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) VetSuccess Program.

You can call or visit the VR & E at the following address below : 

Dennis Chavez Federal Building
500 Gold St., SW 
Albuquerque, NM 87102
1-800-827-1000

 If you are already in the VR & E program - did you know that UNM also has assistance availble to you, with the UNM Accessibility Resource Center .

DEA provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, who are anticipated to be released from a military hospital with 100% disability or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service related condition. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits.

• Spouse or dependent child of a veteran who:

• Is 100% disabled due to a service-connected disability.
• Is on active duty and missing for more than 90 days.
• Is missing in action or was captured in the line of duty.
• Has died due to a service-connected disability or incident.

• US Department of Veteran's Affairs -- GI Bill Info.

There is a provision under Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill that enables eligible service members to transfer their eligibility to their dependents. There is a very stringent established criteria the service member must meet to be eligible for the Process to Transfer Their Benefits:

Eligible dependents include:

• For more information visit VA website: Transfer of Post-9/11 GI-Bill Benefits to Dependents (TEB).
• For more information about the Policy on Transfer of Benefits.
• Spouse: Not eligible for BAH or Books while member is on Active Duty.
• Child: Eligible only after member has served at least 10 years. They will receive BAH and the Books stipend.