Military Grants for School

Montgomery GI Bill

• The Montgomery GI Bill is available to active-duty members who have served at least three years and were honorably discharged upon separation. Recipients attending qualifying schools receive monthly financial benefits according to their attendance status. While the benefits are intended for direct payment to the school, Montgomery GI Bill recipients can use them however they want. The amount changes every October.

  VA Regional Processing Office
  125 South Main Street
  Muskogee, OK 74401
  1-888-442-4551
  gibill.va.gov

Post 9/11 GI Bill

• The Post 9/11 GI Bill is available to honorably discharged members who served at least 30 days in active duty status after September 11, 2001. Benefits are paid from the VA directly to the school in the amount that is equal to or lesser than the highest public undergraduate tuition rate in the school's state. For example, 2010 Colorado Beneficiaries can receive up to $497 per credit hour paid directly to the institution. Up to $1,000 per year can also be reimbursed for books. Students attending full time can also receive Base Allowance for Housing (BAH) each month, which will be equivalent to rates allowed for E-5 with dependents.

  VA Regional Processing Office
  400 South 18th Street
  St. Louis, MO 63103
  1-888-442-4551
  gibill.va.gov

Vocational Rehabilitation and Education Program

• Military members that are rated as having more than 20 percent service-connected disabilities could qualify for the Vocational Rehabilitation and Education Program (VR and E). Members with a 20 percent rating that are unable to perform their civilian-equivalent military jobs after separation can use the VR and E program to help pay for vocational retraining. This includes books, tuition and any special equipment associated with the new occupation.

  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
  Attention: Vocational Rehabilitation and Education Program
  810 Vermont Avenue, NW
  Washington, DC 20420
  1-800-827-1000
  vba.va.gov/bln/vre/

Dependents' Educational Assistance

• Dependents of permanently disabled veterans may also receive education grants through the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA). They would receive monthly benefits for up to 45 months, much like the Montgomery GI Bill. Eligibility begins from the disability determination date and is good for 10 years after. Children between 18 and 26 are eligible to receive DEA benefits. Marrying in this age range does not stop the benefits.

  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
  Attention: Dependent Education Assistance
  810 Vermont Avenue, NW
  Washington, DC 20420
  1-800-827-1000
  vba.va.gov/survivors/