Accessing Military Benefits for College

Hello there, anybody know how one would go about getting military benefits for college? Is it available to everyone in service or are there specific criteria you need to fulfill?

Absolutely, there's a variety of programs available for active military members, veterans, and even dependents in some cases, that assist with the cost of tertiary education. The most recognized one is the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) which provides up to 36 months of education benefits, generally available for servicemembers and veterans who have at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or were discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. The full amount of your benefits is determined by your length of service.

Another important program is the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB), split into two categories: MGIB-AD for active duty members and MGIB-SR for selected reservists.

For veterans who were disabled during service, there is the Vocational Rehab and Employment Program (Chapter 31) which helps with job training, employment accommodations, resume development, and job seeking skills coaching.

Then there's the Survivor's and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA, or Chapter 35), which offers education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans.

It's critical to note that each program has its own set of qualifications and benefits so you'll need to identify which program best aligns with your circumstances, and look into the specifics. Each branch of the military has Education Services Officers (ESOs) who can provide information about these programs, so they'd be a good first point of contact.

After identifying the right benefits program, it's typically a matter of applying through the Veterans Affairs (VA) website, or by filling out a VA Form 22-1990 and submitting it to your regional VA processing office.

Just bear in mind that timing matters when it comes to these benefits. Some expire or decrease in value a certain amount of time after your military service. It's best to consult with your ESO or a VA rep to make sure you're making the most of them.