What Veterans Need to Know about Federal and State Education Benefits

As a veteran, you may be entitled to education and vocational training benefits. Depending on your circumstances and the state you live in, your dependents may also qualify for education benefits. Here’s what you need to know about the benefits available to veterans hoping to pursue higher education or other training. 

The GI Bill

The oldest and probably best-known educational program for veterans is the one created by the GI Bill in 1944. Under the most recent version of the GI Bill (the Post-9/11 GI Bill), veterans can get benefits to pay for education or to cover expenses while training for a job if: 

• They served on active duty for at least 90 days after September 10, 2001 (continuously or aggregate), or
• They served for at least 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001 and were discharged due to a service-connected disability, or
• They received a Purple Heart

Whether Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits can be combined with other education benefits will depend on the number of periods of service and when those periods of service began. In some circumstances, GI Bill benefits may be transferable to a veteran’s dependents. 

The Montgomery GI Bill

There are two Montgomery GI Bill programs veterans may be eligible for, either alone or in combination with Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. 

Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD)

A veteran may qualify for MGIB-AD benefits if they served at least two years on active duty and: 

• Were honorably discharged, and
• Have a high school diploma, GED, or at least 12 hours of college credit, and
• Didn’t decline benefits when they started active duty

These are only threshold requirements, though. Individual eligibility is more complex. 

Montgomery GI Bill Select Reserve (MGIB-SR)

A member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard reserves or a member of the Army or Air National Guard may qualify for benefits if: 

• They have a six-year service obligation, or
• They are an officer who agreed to serve six years in addition to their original service obligation

AND

• They completed initial active duty training, and
• They obtained a high school diploma or equivalent before completing initial active duty training, and
• They remain in good standing while serving

Additional Benefits for Disabled Veterans

Disabled veterans may also be entitled to education assistance under the VA’s Vocational Readiness and Employment program. And, if the veteran has a permanent 100% disability rating or TDIU classification, dependents may also be eligible for education benefits. The VA provides a comparison of education benefits here. 

State Education Benefits for Veterans

Many states offer educational benefits to veterans, and sometimes to their spouses or children. However, these benefits differ from state to state. Your regional VA office may be able to help you identify these benefits, or you can check with your state’s Department of Veterans’ Affairs. 

Veterans Help Group is Here for You

At Veterans Help Group, our experienced advocates are dedicated to ensuring that veterans and their families get the benefits they deserve. To learn how we can help with your VA benefits issue, call 855-855-8992 right now, or fill out our contact form here.

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