Determine eligibility for the transfer of education benefits (TEB). The Department of Defense must approve the transfer of benefits before the Department of Veterans Affairs can complete the paperwork process. To be eligible, the service member must have served for at least six years and commit to an additional four years of service when the transfer of benefits is elected. If a service member has 10 years of service and is precluded from an additional enlistment, he must serve out the maximum time he is allowed. If the service member is eligible for retirement before 2013, he must check with the education benefits officer about the amount of additional time required to be served in order to transfer education benefits to his dependents.
Apply for transfer of eligibility with the Department of Defense. A special website that is available only to military members has been created to facilitate the application for transfer of benefits after eligibility of dependents has been determined.
Complete VA Form 22-1990e. The family member whom benefits are being transferred to is required to complete this form. Include information about the type of benefits being transferred as well as school plans and direct deposit information. If assistance is needed in completing the form, contact the nearest VA office or the financial aid office at the school.
Mail the completed form to the VA processing office that corresponds with the location of the school. If a school has not been chosen yet, mail the form to the VA office that corresponds with your home address.