Veterans Benefits

Veteran benefits

While our office can assist with VA education benefits, we cannot determine eligibility, as applications for VA educational benefits are processed and evaluated directly by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

In addition to VA educational benefits, our office can assist with understanding chapter benefits and answering questions, but we cannot tell a student which benefit is best for them, as each chapter benefit may impact a student differently based on personal circumstances.

  • The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days.
  • You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
  • Generally, benefits are payable for 15 years following your release from active duty.

  • VEAP is available if you elected to make contributions from your military pay to participate in this education benefit program.
  • Your contributions are matched on a 2-for-1 basis by the government.
  • You may use these benefits for degree, certificate, correspondence, apprenticeship/on-the-job training programs, and vocational flight training programs.
  • Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty.

  • Application is separate and distinct from other VA educational benefits (you will work with a VR&E counselor).
  • Disability rating:
    • Active duty servicemembers must obtain a memorandum rating of 20%.
    • Veterans service-connected disability rating of at least 10%.
  • You must have received a discharge that is other than dishonorable.
  • Generally, benefits are payable for 12 years from the date of notification from one of the following
    • Date of separation from active military service, or
    • Date the Veteran was first notified by the VA of a service-connected disability rating.

  • The MGIB-AD program provides up to 36 months of education benefits.
  • This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and other assistance as outlined under the Chapter 30 (MGIB-AD).
  • Under certain circumstances, remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved.
  • Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty.

  • REAP provides educational assistance to members of the Reserve components called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency declared by the President of Congress.
  • The National Defense Authorization Act of 2016 ended REAP on November 25, 2015.
  • Some individuals will remain eligible for REAP benefits until November 25, 2019, while others are no longer eligible for REAP benefits.
  • If you are no longer eligible to receive REAP benefits, you may be eligible to receive benefits under the Chapter 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill.

  • The MGIB-SR program provides education and training benefits to eligible members of the Selected Reserve.
  • Eligibility is determined by the Selected Reserve components and the VA will process payment.
  • Under the MGIB-SR, you may be entitled to receive up to 36 months of education benefits.
  • This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and other assistance as outlined under the Chapter 1606 (MGIB-SR).
  • Under certain circumstances, remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved.

  • The DEA Program offers education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of Veterans who are:
  • Permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition; or
  • Died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition.
  • Benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job-training.
  • Under certain circumstances, remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved.
  • You may receive up to 45 months of education benefits.
  • Effective October 1, 2013, in some cases, DEA beneficiaries may be eligible for up to 81 months of GI Bill benefits.

  • You may be eligible for Fry Scholarship benefits if you are the child or surviving spouse of an active-duty service member who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 200.
  • You may be eligible for up to 36 months of benefits, including:
    • Money for tuition
    • Money for housing
    • Money for books and supplies (up to $1000 per academic year)
  • If you are eligible for the Fry Scholarship, you can apply using VA Form 22-5490.
  • Exception: If your parent died in the line of duty before August 1, 2011, you can use both the Fry Scholarship and DEA. You can get up to 81 months of full-time training, but you can use only one program at a time.

More information

  • The National Call to Service Program is a benefit provided to those who perform a period of national service.
  • This is a Department of Defense program that is administered by the VA.
  • There is a three-tiered service requirement to qualify for incentives under the program.

  • The Edith Nourse Rogers Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) Scholarship allows some eligible veterans and dependents in high-demand fields to extend their Post-9/11 GI Bill or Fry Scholarship benefits.
  • You may be eligible for this scholarship if you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate STEM degree program of if you have a STEM degree and you are working toward a teaching certification.
  • To be eligible, you need to meet all of the requirements list for your situation. To view the requirements, click here: https://www.va.gov/education/other-va-education-benefits/stem-scholarship/.
  • If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply using VA Form 22-10203 (meeting the criteria is not a guarantee that you will be granted the scholarship).

More information

Please note: GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Indiana University South Bend

1700 Mishawaka Ave
South Bend, IN 46615
Phone: 574-520-4872