Paying For School

GI BILL
 

Chapter 33 Known as the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the newest benefit program was created for individuals who have served on Active Duty after 9/11/01. Rate of payment is based on the length of time served.
 

Chapter 30 The Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty, was the most common program. Is it for individuals who entered on Active Duty anytime since July 1, 1985 and who paid into an education fund for one year ($100 a month for the first 12 months on active duty).
 

Chapter 1606 The Montgomery GI Bill – Selective Reserves (pdf)  is for individuals in the Selected Reserve or National Guard (not on Active Duty). They must be actively drilling and under a 6-year contract. They are eligible for benefits only as long as they remain in the Reserves or Guard.
 

Chapter 1607 The Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) is a Department of Defense education benefit program, designed to provide educational assistance to members of the Reserve components called or ordered to Active Duty in response to war or national emergency (contingency operation) as declared by the President or Congress. This program makes certain individuals who were activated after September 10, 2001, either eligible for education benefits or increased benefits. This program is being phased out and is only eligible to those who elected to receive the benefit prior to Nov 24th 2015 (the program will remain in effect until Nov 24th 2019 for those already enrolled).
 

Chapter 35 The Dependents Educational Assistance Program (DEA) is for dependents of a member of the Armed Forces who died on active duty or as the result of a service-connected disability, or is 100% permanently and totally disabled based on a service-related reason. Dependents receive up to 45 months of full-time benefits. Children are generally eligible for benefits between the ages of 18 and 26, but in certain instances may begin before age 18 and continue beyond age 26. They have a VA file or claim number (C#) that is related to the parent or spouse under whom they are eligible. The dependent’s file is also identified with a suffix (10 or W, 41 or A, 42 or B, etc.). The Chapter 35 program has its own application form (VA Form 22-5490), and its own Change of Program/Training form (VA Form 22-5495).
 

Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) is a program for veterans with at least a 10% service connected disability. This is a unique program. Full tuition, fees, books, and in many cases parking costs are paid by the VA to the school. In addition, the student gets a monthly stipend depending on training status. THIS IS NOT THE GI BILL and NOT an educational benefit program. Education costs may be part of rehabilitation and training for employment. The Veteran must work with a VR&E case worker for eligibility information.
 

The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship) provides Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to the children and surviving spouses of Service members who died in the line of duty while on active duty after September 10, 2001. Eligible beneficiaries attending school may receive up to 36 months of benefits at the 100% level.

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