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The Post-9/11 GI Bill remains the most generous education benefit for veterans, covering up to 36 months of tuition and fees at public universities, a monthly housing allowance based on location, and a books-and-supplies stipend. Eligibility is based on active-duty service after September 10, 2001, with tiered benefits depending on length of service. Veterans with 36 months or more of aggregate service generally qualify for 100% of the benefit.
One of the most underused features is the ability to transfer unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a spouse or dependent children. To do this, you must be on active duty or in the Selected Reserve and have served at least six years, with a commitment to serve four more. Dependents can use transferred benefits for degree programs, vocational training, flight training, and even some licensing and certification tests.
The Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program, commonly called Chapter 35 or DEA, provides education benefits to spouses and children of veterans who are totally and permanently disabled due to a service-connected condition, or who died while on active duty or from a service-connected condition. Unlike the GI Bill, Chapter 35 does not include a housing stipend, but it does cover tuition and fees for approved programs.
To apply for any VA education benefit, submit VA Form 22-1990 through VA.gov or the VA education portal. Before enrolling, verify that your school and program are approved by the VA. The VA also offers vocational rehabilitation through the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program for veterans with service-connected disabilities that limit their ability to work — a separate but equally valuable pathway worth exploring if you qualify.