Education Benefits for Veterans

Military veterans are entitled to a wide range of education benefits, but a surprisingly large number don't take full advantage of them. There are several ways that military education benefits can help you achieve your personal and professional goals.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill

Veterans with a minimum of 90 days service after September 11, 2001, or those who are discharged with a service-connected disability after serving 30 days could be eligible for GI Bill benefits. These benefits offer financial help with tuition, student fees, housing, books and supplies.

The percentage of the benefit a veteran can claim depends upon the length of active duty service. To claim 100 percent of the Post-9/11 GI Bill veterans' education benefits, vets must serve an aggregate 36 months of active duty, or have been discharged due to a service-connected disability after 30 days continuous service. Furthermore, vets may be able to transfer their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to their spouses and children.

The Yellow Ribbon Program

Each state sets the maximum charge per credit hour and maximum total fees per term that are payable to veterans under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Through the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program, you may be able to claim additional funds that are above and beyond the amount covered by the GI Bill.

The Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty (MGIB-AD)

Under the MGIB program, you could claim up to 36 months of veterans' education benefits within the 10 years that follow your release from active duty. Vets can use MGIB benefits for a range of training and education options, including college, vocational courses, correspondence courses, flight training, entrepreneurship training, and licensing and certification tests.

The $600 Buy-Up Program

When eligible servicemembers make contributions of up to $600 to the Buy-Up program, they can get additional GI Bill benefits of up to $5,400.

Veterans Education Assistance Program (VEAP)

Veterans are eligible for VEAP if they meet the following qualifications: the first period of active duty began between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985, they opened a VEAP account before April 1, 1987, and paid voluntary contributions. Every $1 that was contributed to the account is matched by $2 from the government. You can claim between 1 and 36 months of benefits, depending on how many monthly contributions you made. It's important to note that you must use this education benefit within 10 years of your separation from the military. If you don't, however, your unused contributions are returned to you, but not the government's portion.

State Veteran Education Benefits

Check the Department of Veterans Affairs Website to find out more about the veterans education benefits that could be available to you and your family from your state. Veterans' scholarships, grants for colleges or help with tuition fees are examples of benefits that are offered by states.

With so many education benefits available, take some time to think about how you could make them work for you.

Karin has been a freelance writer for several years. She has a PhD and a background in education and research.