Continuing education is for some veterans a burning way to a successful civilian career. The Post-9/11 GI Bill, popularly known as Chapter 33, is a large funding mechanism to help veterans pay for their tuition, fees, and other training programs. The actual amount of benefits given to you is dependent majorly on how long you served on active duty.
If you served a minimum of 90 days and not more than 3 years, you might still be eligible for some partial benefits. The eligibility tiers have been set forth by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Learning how these benefits are calculated and what percentage you are entitled to will truly help you in making the right decisions about your education and future.
Eligibility Requirements for Chapter 33 Benefits
For obtaining full Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, under usual conditions, you must have one or more of the following qualifications:
- Served active duty for at least 1,095 days (36 months)
- Served active duty and have received a Purple Heart after September 10, 2001.
- Served active duty for at least 30 consecutive days and were discharged due to a service-related disability.
If you don’t have these qualifications, relax, you can still earn benefits computed by percentages based on time served.
Virginia Scope of Benefits After 90 Days
The VA uses a tiered approach to establish eligibility and benefits for veterans who have served between 90 days and 179 days of service (approximately three to five months). If you fall within that group, you are entitled to 50% of the total benefits made under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
The full eligibility tier breakdown depending on time served is given below:
- 910 to 1,094 days (30 to 35 months): 90% of full benefit
- 730 to 909 days (24 to 29 months): 80% of full benefit
- 545 to 729 days (18 to 23 months): 70% of full benefit
- 180 to 544 days (6 to 17 months): 60% of full benefit
- 90 to 179 days (3 to 5 months): 50% of full benefit
How Much Are Chapter 33 Benefits?
VA benefit amounts are reviewed each year and modified to adjust for changes in tuition and other educational costs. By 2025, the highest dollar figure payable to a veteran under the Post-9/11 GI Bill is:
- $28,937.90 per year for veterans in an eligible higher education program.
- $16,535.46 per year for veterans in flight training.
- $14,055.13 per year for veterans in correspondence schools.
- Since a veteran with 90 to 179 days of service is paid at 50% of the total benefits, that means
- If you are going to take a higher education program, you would be entitled to $14,468.95 per year.
- If you are doing flight training, you may be entitled to receive $8,267.73 each year.
- If you are doing correspondence school, you would be entitled to $7,027.57.
Application Process for The Chapter 33 Benefits
The application process is very easy: if you suspect that you are qualified for the VA educational benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, apply online, by post, or visit your local VA office. Here is what it looks like:
Gather your documents: You will need your Social Security Number, bank account information for direct deposit, service history, and the name of the school or program that you are planning to take.
Complete VA Form 22: 1990, which is the application for education benefits.
Submit the application through VA online, mail, or in person
Wait for the VA decision: Within 30 days, VA usually processes these applications. The next thing you’ll receive is the Certificate of Eligibility, which you will have to present to the financial aid office of your school.
Extra Help for Veterans
The Chapter 33 offers lots of extra benefits besides tuition coverage, including the following:
- Housing: Veterans who attend school more than half-time may receive a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) based on where the school is located.
- Book Stipend: Students may be given up to $1,000 yearly for books and supplies.
- Yellow Ribbon Program: Selected schools offer reasonably priced funding to alleviate any extra expenses not compensated by the GI Bill.
Final Thoughts
With the Post-9/11 GI Bill, many veterans now have the opportunity of receiving financial assistance to advance their education and career perspectives. The good thing about the GI Bill is that even with 90 days of service, you get 50% of the benefit. This help immensely in the funding of tuition and training.
Once you know what your obligations are, it allows you to optimize the benefits of your service. If any queries arise, please call the VA or visit your nearest office for assistance with your inquiry. Education unlocks many doors, and application of the right support will assist you in maximizing your post-antiquity.