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

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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.

You can also apply:

By mail

Call us at 888-442-4551 to request that we send the application to you. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET. Fill out your form and send it to the VA regional processing office that’s right for you.

In person

Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee help 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 an accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative to get help applying for education benefits.

What happens after I 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.