Ensure that you are eligible for the GI Bill. You must have served on active duty in the US military for at least 90 days and have been released from active duty or discharged from the military less than 15 years ago. However, to receive 100 percent of the GI Bill's benefits, you must have served on active duty for at least 36 months.
Gather the documents you will need: your most recent DD214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, a copy of your military Kicker Contract and your high college or college transcripts.
Apply for GI Bill benefits with the US Department of Veterans Affairs. You can apply online at that agency's Veterans Online Applications website, or by mail using form 22-1990. You must fill out and submit the required application forms.
Receive notification. Veterans Affairs will formally let you know whether or not you are eligible for the GI Bill and what percentage of benefits you are eligible for.
Find a GI Bill eligible college you would like to attend; select a program to pursue. Any degree granting institution of higher learning in the United States or abroad accredited by a state accreditation agency is eligible. You can verify the college you are interested in attending is eligible by using the Weams Institution Search function on the US Department of Veterans Affairs website.
Apply for admission to the college and program. The specific admission requirements and procedures to follow will be determined by the college and program where you are applying.
Obtain VA enrollment certification. Go to the college's Office of the Registrar and meet with the VA Certifying Official on campus. Fill out the forms as directed for VA enrollment certification.
Receive benefits or benefit payments from the VA. Tuition benefits are paid directly from the VA to the college. Housing benefits are paid via direct deposit to your bank account one calendar month later. Book benefits are paid via direct deposit at the beginning of each academic term.