How to apply for the GI Bill and related benefits
Find out how to apply for the GI Bill and other VA education benefits as a Veteran, service member, or qualified family member.
How do I prepare before starting my application?
- Find out if you’re eligible for VA education benefits
- Gather the documents and information listed below that you’ll need to apply for education benefits.
- Learn about what benefits you’ll get at the school you want to attend.
Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool
What documents and information do I need to apply?
- Social Security number
- Bank account direct deposit information
- Education and military history
- Basic information about the school or training facility you want to attend or are attending now
Note: To apply for Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31) or educational and career counseling through Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (Chapter 36), you’ll need to use a different application.
Find out how to apply for Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31)
Find out how to apply for educational and career counseling (Chapter 36)
You can also apply:
By mail
Call 888-442-4551, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET, to request that we send the application to you. Fill it out and mail it to the VA regional claims processing office that’s in the same location as your school.
Get a list of regional claims processing offices
In person
Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee help you.
Find a VA regional office near you
Work with your school’s certifying official. This person is usually in the Registrar or Financial Aid office at the school.
With the help of a trained professional
You can work with a trained professional called an accredited representative to get help applying for education benefits.
What happens after I apply?
Find out what happens after you apply
You can’t make changes to your application, but if you have questions about VA education benefits, please call 888-442-4551, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET.
If we’ve asked you for documents, you can upload them using QuickSubmit on AccessVA.
How long does it take VA to make a decision?
Average time to process education claims