Complete Guide to VA Education Benefits
Comprehensive overview of all VA education benefits including the GI Bill, VR&E, tutorial assistance, licensing reimbursement, work-study programs, and how to maximize your support.
As a veteran, you've earned access to some of the most comprehensive educational assistance programs available. Beyond the well-known GI Bill, the Department of Veterans Affairs offers numerous educational benefits designed to support your academic success, career development, and professional advancement.
This complete guide covers all types of VA education benefits, from tutorial assistance and licensing reimbursement to work-study programs and on-the-job training. Understanding your full range of educational benefits helps you maximize the support available to you.
Primary Education Benefit Programs
Choose the main program that best fits your service history and goals
Post-9/11 GI Bill
Chapter 33
Key Benefits:
Full tuition, housing allowance, books stipend, Yellow Ribbon
Eligibility:
90+ days active duty after 9/11/2001
Benefit Amount:
Up to $28,937/year private + housing
Montgomery GI Bill
Chapter 30
Key Benefits:
Fixed monthly payment for education
Eligibility:
2+ years active duty service
Benefit Amount:
$2,150/month for 36 months
MGIB Selected Reserve
Chapter 1606
Key Benefits:
Education support for Reserve/Guard
Eligibility:
6-year Reserve obligation
Benefit Amount:
$426/month while serving
VR&E Services
Chapter 31
Key Benefits:
Comprehensive career training & placement
Eligibility:
10%+ disability with employment handicap
Benefit Amount:
Unlimited tuition + subsistence
Need detailed information about specific programs?
Supplemental Education Benefits
Additional benefits you can use alongside your primary education program
Tutorial Assistance
Up to $100/month
$1,200 total
Extra help with challenging coursework. Does not count against GI Bill months.
Requirements:
Enrolled at least half-time, need demonstrated
Licensing & Certification
Up to $2,000/test
No limit on tests
Reimbursement for professional license and certification exam fees.
Requirements:
Using VA education benefits, approved exam
Work-Study Program
Minimum wage or higher
25 hours/week
Earn money working in VA-related positions while attending school.
Requirements:
Enrolled 3/4 time or more
National Testing
Full test fee
Multiple tests covered
Coverage for SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, and other admission tests.
Requirements:
Using VA education benefits
Tutorial Assistance: Getting Academic Support
What's Covered
- Individual tutoring sessions
- Small group tutoring
- Subject-specific academic help
- Test preparation support
- Online tutoring services
- Study skills coaching
Payment Details
Monthly Maximum
$100
Lifetime Maximum
$1,200
Does NOT count against your 36 months of GI Bill
How to Apply for Tutorial Assistance
- 1. Identify need for tutoring (below C average or struggling with material)
- 2. Find a qualified tutor through your school or independently
- 3. Complete VA Form 22-1990t with tutor's section filled out
- 4. Have school certify the need and forward to VA
- 5. Receive approval and payment (typically within 2-4 weeks)
Work-Study Programs: Earning While Learning
Earnings
Federal/State Min Wage
or higher
Work Hours
Up to 25/week
during school
Payment
Paid in Advance
bi-weekly or monthly
Eligible Work-Study Positions
VA Facilities
- • VA hospitals and clinics
- • Regional office support
- • Vet Center positions
- • Administrative roles
Outreach Services
- • Assisting other veterans
- • Benefits application help
- • Veteran events support
- • Peer support services
School Positions
- • Veterans services office
- • Certifying official assistant
- • Student veteran support
- • Enrollment assistance
State Agencies
- • State veterans affairs
- • State veterans homes
- • Veteran service programs
- • Community outreach
On-the-Job Training & Apprenticeships
Learn a trade while earning a salary plus VA benefits
How OJT/Apprenticeship Benefits Work
The VA provides decreasing monthly payments as your training progresses and your wages increase. You receive both your employer's wages AND VA benefits.
| Training Period | VA Payment Rate |
|---|---|
| First 6 months | 100% of housing allowance |
| Months 7-12 | 80% of housing allowance |
| Months 13-18 | 60% of housing allowance |
| Months 19-24 | 40% of housing allowance |
| Remaining months | 20% of housing allowance |
Example Calculation:
Location housing allowance: $2,000/month
- • Months 1-6: $2,000/month VA + your wages
- • Months 7-12: $1,600/month VA + your wages
- • Months 13-18: $1,200/month VA + your wages
Popular Apprenticeship Fields
Construction Trades
HVAC & Mechanical
Electrical
Plumbing
Automotive
Information Technology
Healthcare
Culinary Arts
Emergency Services
State-Specific Education Benefits
Many states offer additional education benefits that supplement federal VA programs
California
CalVet Fee Waiver - Free tuition at state colleges
Texas
Hazlewood Act - Free tuition up to 150 credit hours
Illinois
Illinois Veteran Grant - Free tuition at state schools
New York
Veterans Tuition Award - Full SUNY/CUNY tuition
Florida
Florida GI Bill - Tuition waivers at state institutions
Don't Miss State Benefits!
Contact your state Department of Veterans Affairs to learn about benefits available in your area. State benefits can save you thousands of dollars per year.
Many state benefits can be used alongside federal GI Bill benefits, maximizing your total education support.
How to Maximize Your Education Benefits
Strategic approaches to get the most value from your VA education benefits
Stack Supplemental Benefits
Combine primary GI Bill with tutorial assistance ($100/month), work-study earnings, licensing reimbursement ($2,000/test), and state benefits.
Strategic Enrollment Planning
Maintain full-time status for maximum housing allowance, plan summer sessions to extend benefits, and time graduation to maximize benefit use.
Leverage State Benefits
Research and apply for state veteran education benefits that supplement federal programs. Many states offer free tuition or additional stipends.
Use Yellow Ribbon Program
For expensive private schools, Yellow Ribbon can cover costs beyond GI Bill maximum through school contributions matched by VA.
Pro Tips for Success
- Apply for Certificate of Eligibility 2-3 months before starting school
- Maintain full-time status to maximize housing allowance
- Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to research schools
- Keep school's certifying official informed of enrollment changes
- Apply for tutorial assistance early if struggling with courses
- Research state benefits before choosing a school location
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use multiple education benefits at the same time?
Generally, you can only use one primary VA education benefit at a time (Post-9/11 GI Bill, MGIB, or VR&E). However, you can simultaneously use supplemental benefits like tutorial assistance, work-study, and licensing reimbursement alongside your primary benefit. You also may combine VA benefits with state veteran education benefits and scholarships.
Do education benefits cover trade schools and certifications?
Yes, VA educational assistance covers trade schools, vocational programs, and professional certifications at VA-approved institutions. This includes HVAC certification, CDL training, IT certifications, nursing programs, and countless other career training programs. Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify program approval.
Can I use benefits for online education?
Yes, you can use VA education benefits for online programs at approved schools. However, students taking only online courses receive a reduced housing allowance ($1,002/month in 2025) rather than location-based rates. Taking at least one in-person class per term qualifies you for the full location-based housing allowance.
What happens if I fail a class while using GI Bill benefits?
Failing a class doesn't automatically stop your benefits, but you must maintain satisfactory academic progress. If you fail due to mitigating circumstances beyond your control, you won't have to repay benefits. However, failing due to poor attendance or conduct may require repayment. Always communicate with your school's certifying official if you're struggling.
How many types of education benefits can veterans use?
Veterans can potentially access numerous benefit types: one primary benefit (Post-9/11 GI Bill, MGIB, VR&E, etc.), plus tutorial assistance, licensing reimbursement, work-study, state benefits, and private scholarships. The key is understanding which can be used simultaneously versus sequentially to maximize your total educational support.
Ready to Use Your Education Benefits?
Contact VA education services or get personalized assistance
GI Bill Hotline
1-888-442-4551
Education benefits support
VR&E Services
1-800-827-1000
Vocational rehabilitation
Online Resources
- • VA.gov/education
- • GI Bill Comparison Tool
- • Submit via AskVA
Explore Specific Programs
Get detailed information about individual education benefit programs