Veterans Educational Assistance Program

Apply

Find SchoolsFollow these three steps to apply for VEAP benefits, and then VAJoe.com can help you find schools where you can use your VEAP benefits.

  1. Find a VA-Approved Educational Program

    Most regionally and nationally accredited colleges and universities are VA-approved. But you can double-check if the institution you want to attend is VA-approved by calling the toll-free GI Bill phone number: 1-888-GIBILL-1. VAJoe.com can also help you find schools.

  2. Paperwork

    If You Are a Veteran
    1. Complete an Application for VA Education Benefits form (VA Form 22-1990).
    2. Send VA Form 22-1990 along with the Member Copy (copy 4) of your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214) to the VA regional office that has jurisdiction over the state where you will be training.
    If You Are a Veteran Who Has Already Started Training
    1. Complete an Application for VA Education Benefits form (VA Form 22-1990).
    2. Locate your Member Copy (copy 4) of your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214).
    3. A representative of the program you are enrolled in needs to complete an Enrollment Certification form (VA Form 22-1999). This form is not available online. 
    4. The program representative needs to mail all three forms (VA Form 22-1990, VA Form 22-1999 and the Member Copy of DD Form 214) to the VA regional office that has jurisdiction over the state where you are training. 
    If You Are Active Duty
    1. Your base’s education services officer must approve your enrollment.
    2. Your commanding officer must verify your service.

  3. Approval and Maintaining Your Account

    The VA makes an eligibility decision in four to eight weeks. If you’re approved, the VA sends a letter explaining the benefits you’ll receive.

    After you begin receiving benefit checks, you must complete the VA’s Web Automated Verification of Eligibility (WAVE) each month. It’s easy and quick to do. Either log on to the VA WAVE website or call the toll-free number: 1-888-GIBILL-1.


JoeTip: Refunds

You may request a refund of your unused VEAP contributions. Complete an Application for Refund of Educational Contributions (VA Form 24-5281) and send it to your nearest VA regional office.

But even if you don’t request a refund, after you have been out of the service for 10 years, unused contributions will automatically be refunded.

JoeNote

Benefit checks are sent by direct deposit.

JoeNote

If you are currently on active duty and wish to receive VEAP benefits, you must have at least three months of contributions available.


JoeWarning

After the VA processes your application, it may send you requests for more information.

Joe Note: Completing
Forms Online

Some of the forms you need can be submitted online through the Veterans Online Applications (VONAPP) website.

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