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Veteran Q&A

What is the GI Bill?

The GI Bill is federal education benefits for veterans, primarily the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30), and VR&E (Chapter 31).

The GI Bill is the federal program providing education benefits to U.S. military veterans and their dependents. Three primary versions: the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) covers up to 36 months of tuition + housing + books for post-9/11 service. The Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30) is a buy-in program for older eras. VR&E (Chapter 31) is vocational rehabilitation for service-connected disabled veterans.

Detail

  • Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33): up to 36 months of tuition (paid directly to school), monthly housing allowance (BAH-equivalent for the school's ZIP), and a $1,000/year books-and-supplies stipend.
  • Eligibility: 90+ days of post-9/11 active duty (incremental tier), or 30+ days if discharged for service-connected disability.
  • Yellow Ribbon Program: schools voluntarily cover tuition costs above the Post-9/11 GI Bill cap (currently $28,937/year at private schools).
  • Transfer to dependents: must agree before separation; minimum 6 years of service required to start transfer; additional 4-year obligation.
  • VR&E (Chapter 31): for service-connected disabled veterans (rating 10%+); covers full tuition + housing + supplies + counseling. Higher monthly stipend than Post-9/11 in many cases.
  • Apply: VA Form 22-1990 (first time), 22-1995 (transfer schools), 22-5490 (dependents under DEA).
In crisis? Call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line — 24/7 confidential, federally-operated. Text 838255. Chat at veteranscrisisline.net.

Related pages

GI Bill — full glossary entryChapter 33 — Post-9/11 GI BillChapter 31 — VR&E vocational rehabVA Form 22-1990 — apply for GI BillDEA — Survivors' & Dependents' Educational Assistance

Other veteran questions

How do I file a VA disability claim?File VA Form 21-526EZ — Application for Disability Compensation.How long does a VA disability claim take?4-6 months on average for an initial decision; longer for complex or appealed claims.What is a DD-214?A DD-214 is the federal Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty issued to every U.S. servicemember leaving active service.What is TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?TDIU is a VA designation that pays at the 100% disability rate when service-connected disabilities prevent you from holding "substantially gainful employment," even if your combined rating is below 100%.Are VA disability payments taxed?No. VA disability compensation is fully tax-free under federal law (38 USC §5301).Is asthma a PACT Act presumptive condition?Yes. Asthma diagnosed after service is a PACT Act burn-pit presumptive for post-9/11 veterans who served in qualifying locations.

About these answers

These plain-English answers are maintained by Wounded Warriors (national 501(c)(3), EIN 86-1336741). We cite VA's official sources where applicable. Always verify the most current rules at va.gov. Free, machine-queryable under CC-BY 4.0.