❮ Veteran Resources

GI Bill Resource Guide

About this resource guide

The GI Bill supports veterans by funding their education and training programs for a new career path. Before submitting an application for your GI Bill benefits to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, it is important that you read the eligibility requirements to see which section applies to you and your military history. This resource guide provides the links and tools for you to compare schools/programs, check eligibility, and more.

What can you expect?

  • Eligibility links: Check if you meet the GI Bill's requirements
  • Information about the application process
  • College Navigator: Search for and compare institutions
  • Reimbursement details: If you had to take a test or preparatory course

Near the end of the page, you can download an infographic to access the links and information mentioned in this resource guide.

Figuring out your eligibility

During WWII, Congress discussed how they could help veterans when they returned home. In 1944, the first GI Bill was passed, offering veterans education and training, loan options, and unemployment pay [1]. Since then, the bill has undergone several revisions, the latest including an expansion passed in 2017. To figure out which section of the GI Bill you are eligible for, click the links below.

U.S. Department of Defense Quote and Number of Veterans

Applying for your benefits

Now that you know which section of the GI Bill you are eligible for, you should learn how to apply for your benefits. Click the link below for more information.

Materials and Information Needed to Apply

Using the College Navigator search engine

College Navigator is a search engine that helps you find and compare institutions/programs. To look for programs and services for veterans at a particular school, click the search result and scroll down to the “Servicemembers and Veterans” section. Watch the video below to learn how to conduct a search.

Estimating benefits with the GI Bill Comparison Tool

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs created the GI Bill Comparison Tool to help you estimate benefits for the programs and schools that you are interested in with a simple search. To use this tool, you’ll need to know your military history, GI Bill benefit eligibility, potential school location, and education preferences. Watch the video below to learn how to use this online tool.

Submitting an Application for Reimbursement

If you had to take a test or preparatory course for your studies or career, the links below provide helpful information about reimbursement eligibility.

Infographic Download

Infographic Download

Quiz

1. At the school/institution, who do you contact regarding your GI Bill benefits?
  1. Certifying Official(s)
  2. Resident Assistant
  3. Dean
2. Which U.S. department helps veterans access their GI Bill benefits?
  1. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
  2. U.S. Department of Education
  3. U.S. Department of Defense
3. Once your GI Bill benefits application has been approved, you'll receive a Certificate of Eligibility.
  1. True
  2. False
4. Tests and preparatory courses are eligible for reimbursement by submitting an application.
  1. True
  2. False
5. Using the GI Bill Comparison Tool, where do you find your school's mailing address?
  1. Listed beside "Recipients"
  2. Next to "Send here"
  3. Under "Contact details"

Other GIENC Lessons

Figuring out your eligibility

[1] U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). VA History. VA History - VA History Office. Retrieved November 16, 2021, from https://www.va.gov/HISTORY/VA_History/Overview.asp

[Image Quote] U.S. Department of Defense. (2019, January 9). 75 Years of the GI Bill: How Transformative It's Been. 75 Years of the GI Bill: How Transformative It's Been > U.S. Retrieved November 16, 2021, from https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/story/Article/1727086/75-years-of-the-gi-bill-how-transformative-its-been/

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2021, October 18). Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33). Post-9/11 GI Bill | Veterans Affairs. Retrieved November 16, 2021, from https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2021, October 18). Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR). Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) | Veterans Affairs. Retrieved November 16, 2021, from https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/montgomery-selected-reserve/

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2021, October 18). Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD). Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) | Veterans Affairs. Retrieved November 16, 2021, from https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/montgomery-active-duty/

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2020, September 22). Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (VEAP). Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) | Veterans Affairs. Retrieved November 16, 2021, from https://www.va.gov/education/other-va-education-benefits/veap/

Applying for your benefits

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2021, November 12). How to apply for the GI Bill and related benefits. How To Apply For The GI Bill | Veterans Affairs. Retrieved November 16, 2021, from https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). Welcome to Ask VA (AVA). Home Custom Portal. Retrieved November 17, 2021, from https://ask.va.gov/

Using the College Navigator search engine

Institute for Education Sciences: National Center for Education Statistics. (n.d.). College Navigator. College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved November 16, 2021, from https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/

Estimating benefits with the GI Bill Comparison Tool

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). GI BillⓇ Comparison Tool. GI BillⓇ Comparison Tool: VA.gov. Retrieved November 16, 2021, from https://www.va.gov/gi-bill-comparison-tool/

Submitting an Application for Reimbursement

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2020, March). Licensing and Certification Test Reimbursement. VA Licensing and Certification Test Reimbursement Fact Sheet. Retrieved November 16, 2021, from https://benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/education/LCTR.pdf

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2020, April). Preparatory Course. VA Preparatory Course Fact Sheet. Retrieved November 16, 2021, from https://benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/education/PC.pdf