The Commonwealth of Massachusetts recognizes that veterans who served between Jan. 31, 1955, and Jan. 1, 1977, were eligible for education benefits through Chapter 34, also known as the Vietnam Era G.I. Bill, and that many should still be able to qualify through the conversion of Chapter 34 benefits to Chapter 30 of the Montgomery G.I. Bill, authorized by Public Law 98-525.
Massachusetts calls such vets Chapter 34/30 beneficiaries and encourages Vietnam veterans who think they might qualify to contact the Veterans Administration (VA) Customer Service Office at 888-442-4551 and ask to speak to an education counselor. The VA determines benefits based on the number of dependents and may include monthly stipends for VA-approved classes and training programs approved.
The Yellow Ribbon Program at the University of Maryland University College offers education benefits for Vietnam veterans who were eligible for Chapter 34 assistance on Dec. 31,1989, as long as they served in active duty at least up until June 30, 1985. Participants have up to 36 months of benefits or whatever portion remains from Chapter 34 entitlements, as long as they use benefits within 10 years of being discharged from active duty.
Central New Mexico Community College offers scholarships paying full tuition and book expenses to Vietnam veterans who have been residents of the state for at least 10 years and who received the Vietnam Campaign or Service Medal. Work-study jobs may also be available to veterans who have qualified for scholarships and other benefits and who are enrolled at least three-quarters of the term.
The Republic of Vietnam awarded Vietnam Campaign Medals to members of the Allied Forces who served at least six months in Vietnam or were wounded there between March 1, 1961, and March 28, 1973.
President Johnson established the Vietnam Service Medals in July 1965 and awarded them to all U.S. military who served between July 3, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam, "contiguous waters or airspace," or in Thailand, Laos or Cambodia in direct support of U.S. actions in Vietnam.
The VA's Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program may provide up to 45 months of education benefits for the son, daughter or spouse of a Vietnam veteran who: is missing in action or was captured in the line of duty by a hostile force; who is permanently disabled as the result of a service-connected disability; or who died from any cause while totally disabled from a condition that arose out of active service in the military.
If you are the spouse of a Vietnam vet who died while on active duty, your educational benefits extend 20 years from the date of death. If you are a daughter or son, you can receive benefits for attending school or job training between the ages of 18 and 26. If you serve in the Armed Forces, your eligibility extends to your 31st birthday, or by however many months and days you spent on active duty.
Check with your chosen educational institution to determine whether the program you would like to undertake is approved for VA funding. If so, submit VA Form 22-4950 to the regional VA office with jurisdiction in the state where the school is located. If you have already started school or training, complete VA Form 22-1999 as well, to verify your enrollment. Send both forms to the VA to apply for assistance.