Breaking Down VA Benefits Chapters: Your Complete Guide to GI Bill & More

If you’re a veteran, service member, or dependent, the VA offers different education benefit chapters.
Here’s the breakdown so you can see which one fits you:
Chapter 30 – Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty)
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For: Veterans who paid $1,200 during their first year of service (after June 30, 1985)
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Covers: Tuition, books, training programs
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Payment: Monthly stipend paid directly to you
Chapter 31 – Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E)
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For: Veterans with at least a 10% service-connected disability
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Covers: Tuition, training, career counseling, job placement
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Payment: School costs covered + monthly housing allowance
Chapter 32 – Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
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For: Service between 1977–1985 with contributions made to VEAP
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Covers: Tuition, fees, training programs
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Payment: Government matches your contributions 2-to-1
Chapter 33 – Post-9/11 GI Bill
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For: Veterans who served after Sept. 10, 2001 (90+ days active duty)
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Covers: Full tuition, housing, books
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Payment: Tuition paid to your school + housing and book stipends to you
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Bonus: Can transfer benefits to your spouse or kids
Chapter 35 – Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
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For: Spouses & children of veterans who are permanently disabled or passed away due to service
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Covers: College, job training, certifications
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Payment: Monthly stipend paid directly to the dependent
Chapter 36 – Education & Career Counseling
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Covers: Free counseling, career planning, resume help
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Payment: No cash payments — free guidance services
Chapter 1606 – Montgomery GI Bill (Selected Reserve)
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Covers: College, trade school, certification programs
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Payment: Monthly stipend
Note: Chapter 34 (Vietnam-Era GI Bill) and Chapter 1607 (REAP) are no longer active.
Not sure what financial aid is available to you? Get the details here.
Takeaways
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Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33): Best for most recent veterans
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VR&E (Chapter 31): Best if you have a service-connected disability
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DEA (Chapter 35): Best for spouses and children
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MGIB-SR (Chapter 1606): Best for Reservists
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