Many benefits are available to advance the education and skills of Veterans and Servicemembers. Spouses and family members may also be eligible for education and training assistance. Learn more about these benefits below.
Students are currently eligible to use education benefits at the Syracuse University Main Campus, in the Syracuse University online programs and at the Lubin and Fisher House locations in New York City
Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill®Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill®
The Montgomery GI Bill® (MGIB) is available to those who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces. The MGIB-AD program—sometimes known as Chapter 30—provides education benefits to Veterans and Servicemembers who have at least two years of active duty. Information on the MGIB-AD is available online here.
Chapter 31: Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment
Ch. 31 Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Vet Success Program.
Any Veteran can tell you what the GI Bill® is, but what about VocRehab? If you thought it was just another way to go to school, you’re only partially right. The purpose of VocRehab is simple: Assist service-disabled Veterans to train for, find, and hold down a suitable job, or achieve independence in daily living. VocRehab is for service-connected Veterans who want to take their careers in a direction that previous training and current disabilities make difficult.
Who qualifies?
To apply, you must be at least 10 percent service-connected disabled, hold an honorable or other than dishonorable discharge and apply for the program. You can receive up to 48 months of entitlement and the period of eligibility is 12 years after separation or the notification of a disability rating, whichever came last. But, if you have a serious disability, you can use Voc Rehab services after the 12 years have expired and your entitlement can be extended past 48 months.
When should I sign up?
It takes about 45 days from submitting an application to being approved for benefits, so get started well before you want to take advantage of the program.
What Happens after Eligibility is Established?
The Veteran is scheduled to meet with a VRC for a comprehensive evaluation to determine if he/she is entitled for services. A comprehensive evaluation includes:
- An assessment of the Veteran’s interests, aptitudes, and abilities
- An assessment of whether service connected disabilities impair the Veteran’s ability to find and/or hold a job using the occupational skills he or she has already developed
- Vocational exploration and goal development leading to employment and/or maximum independence in the Veteran’s daily living at home and in the community
How can I get paid the Post-9/11 GI Bill® rate for my Vocational Rehabilitation program?
A Veteran participating in the VR&E Program who qualifies for Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits can elect to receive the GI Bill® rate of pay instead of the regular Chapter 31 subsistence allowance. In most cases, the GI Bill® rate is higher than the regular Chapter 31 rate of pay. To elect the GI Bill® rate, the Veteran must have remaining eligibility for the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, and must formally choose the GI Bill® rate. Your VRC can help you with election. Veterans participating in the VR&E Program who elect the Post-9/11 rate are paid at the 100% rate level for their school and training time, even if their Post-9/11 GI Bill® eligibility is less than 100%. Additional benefits are also available through the VR&E Program, such as payment of all required books, fees, and supplies as well as other supportive services.
How Can I Apply?
- Log in to your eBenefits account
- Select “Additional Benefits” from your Dashboard
- Select “Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program” – be sure to read the program information and to update your contact information – and apply for either the “Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program” or “Education/Career Counseling”
- If it is determined that you are eligible, you will be invited to attend an orientation session, in-person, at the nearest VA Regional Office
Chapter 32: Veterans Educational Assistance Program
The Veterans Educational Assistance Program is the post-Vietnam era program. It is for individuals who served on Active Duty from January 1, 1977 – June 30, 1985. The program is also known as VEAP, and required contributions made by the service member.
Chapter 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill®
The Post- 9/11 GI Bill® is an education benefit program for individuals who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. Information on the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® is available online here.
Chapter 35: Survivors’ & Dependents’ Educational Assistance
The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program offers education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or of Veterans who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition. Information on the Dependents Education Assistance Program is available online here.
Chapter 36: Education and Career Counseling Program
- Career Choice – understand the best career options based on your interests and capabilities
- Benefits Coaching – guidance on the effective use of VA benefits and/or other resources to achieve education and career goals
- Personalized Support – Academic or adjustment counseling and personalized support to help remove any barriers to success
Eligibility: Transitioning service members within six months prior to discharge from active duty, veterans within one year following discharge from active duty, any Servicemember or Veteran eligible for a VA education benefit, and all current VA education beneficiaries. Information on Education and Career Counseling is available online here.
Chapter 1606: Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserves (MGIB – SR)
MGIB-SR program provides education and training benefits to eligible members of the Selected Reserve, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard or Air National Guard. Eligibility for this program is determined by the Selected Reserve components and VA makes the payments. Information on the MGIB-SR is available online here.
Chapter 1607: The Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
The Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) is a recent Department of Defense education benefit program, designed to provide educational assistance to members of the Reserve components called or ordered to
Active Duty in response to war or national emergency (contingency operation) as declared by the President or Congress.
This program makes certain individuals who were activated after September 10, 2001, either eligible for education
benefits or increased benefits
‘GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.