Breaking Down VA Benefits Chapters: Your Complete Guide to GI Bill & More

If you’re a veteran, service member, or dependent, the VA offers different education benefit chapters.

Here’s the breakdown so you can see which one fits you:

Chapter 30 – Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty)

• For: Veterans who paid $1,200 during their first year of service (after June 30, 1985)

• Covers: Tuition, books, training programs

• Payment: Monthly stipend paid directly to you

Chapter 31 – Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E)

• For: Veterans with at least a 10% service-connected disability

• Covers: Tuition, training, career counseling, job placement

• Payment: School costs covered + monthly housing allowance

Chapter 32 – Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)

• For: Service between 1977–1985 with contributions made to VEAP

• Covers: Tuition, fees, training programs

• Payment: Government matches your contributions 2-to-1

Chapter 33 – Post-9/11 GI Bill

• For: Veterans who served after Sept. 10, 2001 (90+ days active duty)

• Covers: Full tuition, housing, books

• Payment: Tuition paid to your school + housing and book stipends to you

• Bonus: Can transfer benefits to your spouse or kids

Chapter 35 – Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)

• For: Spouses & children of veterans who are permanently disabled or passed away due to service

• Covers: College, job training, certifications

• Payment: Monthly stipend paid directly to the dependent

Chapter 36 – Education & Career Counseling

• For: Veterans, service members, and dependents

• Covers: Free counseling, career planning, resume help

• Payment: No cash payments — free guidance services

Chapter 1606 – Montgomery GI Bill (Selected Reserve)

• For: Guard and Reserve members (Selected Reserve)

• Covers: College, trade school, certification programs

• Payment: Monthly stipend

Note: Chapter 34 (Vietnam-Era GI Bill) and Chapter 1607 (REAP) are no longer active.

Not sure what financial aid is available to you? Get the details here.

 

Takeaways

• Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33): Best for most recent veterans

• VR&E (Chapter 31): Best if you have a service-connected disability

• DEA (Chapter 35): Best for spouses and children

• MGIB-SR (Chapter 1606): Best for Reservists

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