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Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
Pays tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, and a books and supplies stipend for college, graduate school, vocational training, apprenticeships and some licensing tests. Benefit level is a percentage (50% to 100%) based on your active-duty time after September 10, 2001. Most people get up to 36 months of benefits. If your service ended on or after January 1, 2013, there is no deadline to use it (Forever GI Bill).
- Who qualifies
- Generally at least 90 days of active-duty service after September 10, 2001 (or a service-connected discharge after 30 days), with an honorable discharge. Some service members can also transfer benefits to dependents (see Transfer).
- How to apply
- Apply online at VA.gov (VA Form 22-1990), or through your school’s certifying official. Compare schools with the GI Bill Comparison Tool.
- Official links
- VA: Post-9/11 GI Bill · Transfer benefits (must be done while serving)
Rates change: Housing and tuition caps change every academic year. See official rates.
Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB-AD, Chapter 30, and MGIB-SR, Chapter 1606)
An older GI Bill that pays a fixed monthly amount directly to you while you are in school or training; you pay the school. Active-duty members usually paid into it ($1,200 buy-in) when they joined. Reservists may qualify for MGIB-Selected Reserve. Compare carefully with the Post-9/11 GI Bill before choosing, because some elections are irrevocable. If you qualify for both, recent changes may allow more combined months of benefits; ask VA.
- Who qualifies
- MGIB-AD: you enrolled and paid in, had a high school diploma or equivalent, and met the service requirement. MGIB-SR: a 6-year Selected Reserve obligation and other requirements. MGIB-AD generally must be used within 10 years of leaving active duty.
- How to apply
- Apply on VA.gov. Use the comparison tool to see which GI Bill pays more for your program.
- Official links
- VA: Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty · VA: Compare education benefits
Rates change: Monthly MGIB rates change each year (usually October 1). See official rates.
Yellow Ribbon Program
Helps cover tuition and fees above the Post-9/11 GI Bill cap at private schools, out-of-state public schools, and some graduate programs. Participating schools agree to contribute an amount and VA matches it. Not every school participates, and many limit the number of slots.
- Who qualifies
- Veterans at the 100% Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit level (and some others, such as Fry Scholarship recipients and certain transferees). Active-duty members are not eligible, though their spouses using transferred benefits may be.
- How to apply
- Check the school’s Yellow Ribbon agreement with the GI Bill Comparison Tool, then ask the school’s certifying official. Schools handle Yellow Ribbon on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Official links
- VA: Yellow Ribbon Program
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E, Chapter 31)
Helps veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs. Services can include career counseling, education or training (often including tuition and a subsistence allowance), job placement, and help starting a business. It is separate from the GI Bill.
- Who qualifies
- Generally a VA service-connected disability rating (often 10% or higher, with an employment handicap) and a discharge other than dishonorable. If you were discharged on or after January 1, 2013, there is no time limit to use VR&E. Some service members can apply before separation.
- How to apply
- Apply on VA.gov (VA Form 28-1900). You will meet with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to build a plan.
- Official links
- VA: VR&E · VA: VR&E eligibility
Rates change: Subsistence allowance rates change yearly. See official rates.
VA disability compensation
A tax-free monthly payment for injuries or illnesses caused or made worse by your service. VA assigns a rating from 0% to 100% in 10% steps. A rating can also open doors to VR&E, VA health care priority, and state benefits (such as property tax relief). You can file up to 180 to 90 days before separation through Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD).
- Who qualifies
- Veterans and service members with a current condition linked to service and a discharge other than dishonorable. Certain conditions are presumed service-connected (for example, under the PACT Act for burn pit and other toxic exposures).
- How to apply
- File on VA.gov (VA Form 21-526EZ). A free accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can help you file at no cost. Never pay anyone to file an initial claim.
- Official links
- VA: Disability benefits · VA: Pre-discharge (BDD) claims · VA: PACT Act · Find an accredited representative
Rates change: Compensation rates change each year with a cost-of-living adjustment. See official rates.
VA health care
Comprehensive care at VA medical centers and clinics, and in some cases community providers. Many veterans pay nothing; others pay small copays based on their priority group and income. Recently separated combat veterans and those covered by the PACT Act have enhanced eligibility.
- Who qualifies
- Most veterans who served on active duty and weren’t dishonorably discharged, subject to minimum service and priority group rules.
- How to apply
- Apply on VA.gov (VA Form 10-10EZ), by phone, or at a VA facility.
- Official links
- VA: Health care eligibility
VA home loan guaranty
VA backs loans made by private lenders, which often means no down payment, no private mortgage insurance, and competitive rates. Most borrowers pay a one-time VA funding fee; veterans receiving VA disability compensation are generally exempt. You can use the benefit more than once.
- Who qualifies
- Veterans, service members, and some surviving spouses who meet minimum service requirements. You need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
- How to apply
- Request your COE on VA.gov or through your lender, then apply for the loan with a VA-approved lender.
- Official links
- VA: Home loans
Rates change: Funding fee percentages and limits are set by law and can change. See official rates.
SGLI and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
Your SGLI coverage continues free for 120 days after separation. VGLI lets you keep group life insurance as a veteran, renewable for life, with premiums based on age.
- Who qualifies
- Veterans who had SGLI. Apply within 240 days of separation to avoid health questions; you can still apply up to 1 year and 120 days after separation with evidence of good health.
- How to apply
- Apply online through VA.gov.
- Official links
- VA: VGLI · VA: SGLI
Rates change: Premiums vary by age and coverage amount. See official rates.
TRICARE after service: retiree plans, TAMP and CHCBP
Retirees and their families can keep TRICARE (Prime or Select, where available) but must enroll after retirement. Some separating members get 180 days of transitional coverage through the Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP). The Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) is premium-based temporary coverage for 18 to 36 months after TRICARE or TAMP ends.
- Who qualifies
- Retirees: military retirees and eligible family members. TAMP: certain separations (for example, involuntary separations and some reserve members coming off active duty). CHCBP: those losing TRICARE or TAMP eligibility.
- How to apply
- Retirees: enroll within 90 days of retirement (a qualifying life event). CHCBP: enroll within 60 days after losing TRICARE or TAMP.
- Official links
- TRICARE: Separating · TRICARE: Retiring · TRICARE: TAMP · TRICARE: CHCBP · TRICARE: Health plans
Rates change: Enrollment fees and premiums change each calendar year. See official rates.
DoD SkillBridge
Lets service members spend up to their last 180 days of service in civilian training, apprenticeships, or internships with approved organizations, while still receiving military pay and benefits.
- Who qualifies
- Active-duty members (and some others) within 180 days of separation who have unit commander approval. Mission needs come first, so approval is not guaranteed.
- How to apply
- Search approved programs on the official site, apply to the organization, then route your request through your chain of command. Start 6 to 12 months ahead.
- Official links
- skillbridge.osd.mil
Veterans’ preference and VEOA (federal hiring)
Veterans’ preference gives eligible veterans an advantage in federal hiring. 5-point preference generally goes to veterans with qualifying active-duty service (for example, during certain war periods or campaigns). 10-point preference generally goes to veterans with a service-connected disability or Purple Heart, and some family members. The Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) lets eligible veterans apply to jobs open only to current federal employees (merit promotion). Retirees at the rank of major/lieutenant commander or higher usually don’t get preference unless disabled.
- Who qualifies
- Honorably discharged veterans who meet OPM criteria. VEOA: preference eligibles, or veterans separated after 3 or more years of continuous active service. Some members can apply up to 120 days before separation using a statement of service.
- How to apply
- Apply on USAJOBS and upload your DD-214 (member 4 copy) or statement of service. For 10-point preference, include SF-15 and a VA letter.
- Official links
- OPM: FedsHireVets · OPM: Vet Guide · USAJOBS: Veterans
Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX)
Temporary weekly income while you look for work after leaving active duty. Benefit amounts and length are set by the state where you file, using the state’s rules.
- Who qualifies
- Generally ex-service members separated under honorable conditions after qualifying active-duty service. Retirees can file too, though retired pay may reduce the benefit in some states.
- How to apply
- File with the state workforce agency where you plan to look for work, as soon as possible after separation. Have your DD-214 ready.
- Official links
- DOL: UCX program
Rates change: Benefit amounts vary by state and change over time. See official rates.
State benefits (example: Colorado)
Every state offers its own veteran benefits, such as tax breaks, tuition help, license plates, hunting and fishing licenses, and park passes. Search your state’s veterans affairs office. Colorado example: veterans with a 100% permanent and total VA rating (or individual unemployability) can apply for a property tax exemption on 50% of the first $200,000 of their primary home’s value. Colorado residents with a 50% or higher service-connected rating (or a Purple Heart) can get a free Independence state parks pass. Colorado also has a military retirement income tax provision.
- Who qualifies
- Set by each state. Colorado’s property tax exemption requires an honorable discharge, qualifying rating, and owning and living in the home.
- How to apply
- Contact your state veterans office or a county Veteran Service Officer. In Colorado, property tax applications go to your county assessor.
- Official links
- Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs · Colorado property tax exemption · Colorado Parks and Wildlife passes · VA: State veterans affairs offices
Rates change: Colorado figures can change with state law. See official rates.
DoD COOL and credentialing
Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) maps your military job (MOS, rating, AFSC) to civilian certifications and licenses, and many services will pay for credential exams while you serve. Certifications like PMP, CompTIA Security+, or CDL can help you clear six-figure job requirements. After service, the GI Bill can also pay for some licensing and certification tests.
- Who qualifies
- Service members in each branch have their own COOL program and funding rules. Veterans can use COOL for research.
- How to apply
- Look up your occupation on COOL, then follow your service’s process to request funding before you separate.
- Official links
- DoD COOL · VA: Licensing and certification tests
