Active duty or selected reserve members may transfer education benefits if they have at least 10 years of military service on the date they decide to transfer benefits. If the service member has six years of service, the member must agree to serve an additional four years from the date the member initiates the transfer.
Benefits may only transfer to a spouse, children, or both. The transferee must be enrolled in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Report System and be eligible to receive benefits at the time of transfer. Divorce does not affect eligibility, but the service member may revoke the transfer at any time.
Benefits are available immediately whether the service member is on or separated from active duty. The monthly stipend, books and supplies are not available while the service member is on active duty. The spouse has up to 15 years from the date of the service member's separation from active duty.