Federal Benefits for Veterans
As a Veteran you should know what benefits you have earned. This is the first installment concernig Benefits and will start you on the right track to understanding what you have earned due to your honorable service and how to access the benefits available.
You first question might be, “How do I know if I am eligible for benefits”?
Eligibility for most VA Benefits are is based upon an other than dishonorable discharge from the active military services. Some military personnel may be eligible for some benefits while still on active duty when they have completed; 90 days of service during wartime /or conflict periods, or two years of service since 1980, or 181 days of peacetime service.
How to access your VA Benefits is very simple and can be done in one of two ways. If you know how to use or have access to a computer, you can file for benefits by going to: http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp and following the instructions provided. The other way is to file VA Form 21-526. You should always include a copy of your DD 214 when filing using VA Form 21-526.
Education Benefits
The VA pays monthly benefits for veterans, dependants, reservist and some active duty service members while they are in an approved training program such as college, on the job training, and various kinds of technical training. The programs available are:
Montgomery GI Bill
Veterans who first entered service after June 30, 1995 and had money deducted from their military pay are generally eligible. You can use these benefits in service or out of service. Some Vietnam Era veterans and certain veterans separated under special programs are also eligible. The Montgomery GI Bill also includes a program for members of the selected reserve and nation Guard members.
Veterans Education Assistance (VEEP)
This program is for veterans who entered active duty for the first time after December 31, 1976 and before July 1 1985, and contributed to an education fund.
Survivors and Dependants Education Assistance
Some spouses and children are eligible for education benefits.
What are the time limits to use the benefits?
Generally the following time limits apply. Sometimes the time limits can be extended.
Veterans have 10 years from the date of their last discharge from active duty to use their education benefits. Reservists and National Guard members have 10 years from their eligibility date, which is determined by the Department of Defense or the Department of Transportation. Spouses have 10 years fro the date VA determines them eligible. Children are generally eligible from age 18 until age 26.
How to find out if you’re eligible
To find out about you eligibility for VA education assistance, you must send VA an application. If you are a service member, veteran, reservist, or National Guard, use VA Form 22-1900, Application for Education Benefits. If you are a child or spouse of a veteran, you will need to file using VA Form 22-5490, Application for survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance. VA Forms are available in PDF Format at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/
For more information about education benefits visit: http://www.gibill.va.gov/
In my next installment I will cover VA Life Insurance benefits, the types available, who is eligible, and who may receive payment waivers.
Let me hear from you the readers concerning any questions you might have concerning this subject or other va benefit subject you may be interested in.
January 21st, 2008 at 5:07 pm
I would like to find out if I am eligible for VA medical benefits. I served in the Army from 1970-1973. I am now 59 years old and I did use two years of education benefits after I left the Army. I did not serve as a combat Vietnam veteran.
If I am eligible, I would like to find out the method by which to apply for such benefits as I am no longer employed and have no health insurance.
Thanks in advance for your help,
Larry Tullar
January 22nd, 2008 at 12:27 am
Larry,
you need to apply for benefits through the va. The best thing to do is take a copy of your DD214 (discharge paper) to a veteran service officer at the American Legion,or disabled veterans or even a state veterans office. The service officer will help you in applying for benefits.
May 28th, 2008 at 5:52 am
I would like to find out if it is ineligable from the 10 year point of your end service or if you left goverment service. i left the military in 1989 but i took a goverment job 1/1/2 years later with the FAA and was unabale to attend school since the FAA has you going out to OKC for school every few months for about 11 years. I never got to use my VEEP and i had asked about a refund or using it for my wifes student loan or at least one of my kids education fund? how do i find out?
April 19th, 2009 at 9:02 am
I was in the Army National Guard from 1966-1972 and honorably discharged. Am I eligible for and GI benefits? Would I be able to use a military base BX? Thanks in advance.
April 19th, 2009 at 9:03 am
I was in the Army National Guard from 1966-1972 and honorably discharged. Am I eligible for any GI benefits? Would I be able to use a military base BX? Thanks in advance.