Benefits are payable for educational pursuits starting on or after August 1, 2009.
VA pays educational benefits under this non-contributory program to those veterans who, on or after September 11, 2001, served:
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at least 30 continuous days on active duty and were discharged due to a service connected
disability; or
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90 consecutive days or more on active duty.
Veterans discharged with disabilities receive 100% of the educational benefits and
benefits expire 15 years from the date the veteran was released for a service-connected
disability.
Veterans serving on active duty between 90 days and 36 months receive benefits on
a sliding scale between 40% for 90 days, and 100% for 36 or more months and benefits
expire 15 years from the last period of active duty of at least 90 consecutive days.
Veterans eligible under the Montgomery GI Bill can transfer any unused portion of
the benefit to a dependent spouse or dependent child. Eligible participants are entitled
to receive a percentage of the following:
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benefits used to pay for tuition, fees, and tutorials are paid to the veteran at the
beginning of each quarter, semester, or term. Tuition, fees, and tutorial benefits
are paid directly to the educational institution;
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a housing stipend is paid directly to the veteran (or eligible dependents) on a monthly
basis;
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a yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1000 per year is paid directly to the
veteran (or eligible dependent); and
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a one-time payment of $500 is paid to certain veterans relocating from highly rural
areas.
A veteran may also receive reimbursements for license or certification tests (e.g.,
broker, certified public accountant), national tests (e.g., SAT, GMAT, ACT), or assistance
for apprenticeships or on-the-job training.
The benefits are not augmented for dependents.