GI Bill Education Benefits
Education benefits based on service (not disability rating).
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About this benefit
Eligibility
Must have served at least 90 days of active duty after 9/10/2001 (Post-9/11 GI Bill) or meet other program requirements. Honorable discharge required.
Covers
Tuition and fees, monthly housing allowance (BAH), books and supplies stipend up to $1,000/year (prorated based on enrollment), and a one-time $500 rural relocation benefit (for those relocating from a county with 6 or fewer persons per square mile).
Duration
Up to 36 months of full-time education benefits. Veterans with multiple qualifying service periods may access up to 48 months total ("Rule of 48").
Time limit
If you separated before January 1, 2013, you must use benefits within 15 years of your last discharge. If you separated on or after January 1, 2013, there is no time limit (Forever GI Bill).
Transferability
Service member must have at least 6 years of service AND commit to 4 more years. Transfer request (TEB) must be submitted via DoD milConnect WHILE STILL SERVING on active duty or in the Selected Reserve. Spouses can use transferred benefits immediately; dependent children can only begin using benefits after the service member completes 10 years of service.
How to apply
Submit VA Form 22-1990 online at va.gov.
Verified against official source
Last checked 2026-04-30 against www.va.gov. Always confirm current rates and rules with the VA before applying — eligibility rules and dollar amounts change with each fiscal year.
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