HOW CAN I DETERMINE MY ELIGIBILITY FOR VA EDUCATION AND TRAINING?

Updated December 5, 2022 · 1 Min Read

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs helps veterans of any military branch find out if they qualify for VA education and training benefits. Though some veterans think that they don't qualify because they didn't spend enough time in the military or because they never spent time in combat, most veterans do receive some assistance. ...

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The United States Department of Veterans Affairs helps veterans of any military branch find out if they qualify for VA education and training benefits. Though some veterans think that they don't qualify because they didn't spend enough time in the military or because they never spent time in combat, most veterans do receive some assistance. Students who want to know more can find out about the types of benefits available and how they can use those benefits as well as how to apply for help.

Types of Benefits

When most people think of military education benefits, they think of the GI Bill. Signed into law after World War II, the GI Bill provides veterans with financial assistance when it comes to buying a home or opening a small business. It also provides assistance in regards to education and vocational training. The VA offers benefits that pay for students to go back to school and get the training necessary to start a career outside of the military. Students will learn how to use the skills they developed in the military both in school and on the job later.

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Using Those Benefits

The benefits offered by the VA provide students with money they can use for almost any type of training. Though some students use that money to pay for an associate's or a bachelor's degree, they also receive money they can use in a master's or a doctoral degree program. Veterans can also use those funds to pay for a vocational training program that awards them diplomas or certificates instead of degrees. The money often goes directly to the student and not the school. Students can use their benefits to pay for on-campus housing and to purchase a computer and other supplies they need.

Finding Out More

There are different versions of the GI Bill for those who enlisted before or after 9/11 and different types of benefits available from the VA. Students often find that the information available online is confusing and that it doesn't provide them with the answers they need. The best way for them to find out more and to learn about the benefits they can use for school is at the VA itself. They can use the VA website to find the closest office to them and to make an appointment to speak with a representative in person or over the phone.

How to Apply

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, students can apply for VA education and training in four different ways. They can apply online and use the website to check their eligibility before they apply. The website also lets students request any forms they might need. They can also visit a VA office and apply in person or request the VA mail them the forms they need and then send the completed forms through the mail. The VA recommends that students talk to representatives on their college campuses who can help them through the process of applying.

Benefits for veterans are available from the federal government. Those benefits help them start life over again after retiring or leaving any branch. Students who want to know if they qualify for any of the VA education and training benefits and programs can contact the VA directly, look online and talk to the schools they want to attend.

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