Finding the GI Bill That's Right for You

If you are unsure which GI Bill works best for you, visit the GI Bill website to compare the programs:

• Scroll to the bottom of the GI Bill home page and click on “Compare the Programs.”
• Click on the “Comparison Chart between the Post-9/11 and other GI Bills.”

Applying for VA Educational Benefits

You may apply for VA Educational Benefits online by accessing the VA application through the GI Bill website:

• Click “Apply for Benefits”
• Click “Launch VONAPP”
• Click “I Am a New VONAPP User”
• Create a VONAPP Account
• Select the appropriate application from the drop-down menu and complete. Veterans complete 22-1990. CH 33 dependents complete 22-1990E. CH 35 (DEA) dependents complete 22-5490.
• Once completed, click submit to electronically send your application to the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office for processing.

If you don't have the capability to apply online, you can call 1-888-GI BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) to have a form mailed to you.

VA Services/Programs at UM

Our office participates in a variety of VA-sponsored services, including:

Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty

This program provides educational benefits for individuals who entered military service after June 30, 1985. Your basic pay will be reduced $100.00 a month for the first 12 months of your service unless you specifically elect not to participate in this program. The money is nonrefundable.

If you participate in this program, the VA requires that you certify your enrollment once a month. You may do this in either of two ways:

• • On the web: Visit the VA's WAVE (Web Automated Verification of Enrollment) site.
  • By phone: Call 1.877.823.2378.

Chapter 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill

• • General Information
  • Important Changes in Tuition/Fee Coverage
  • Notice Regarding Federal Funds and Tuition Assistance
  • Yellow Ribbon Program
  • U of M Yellow Ribbon Request Form

Chapter 35: Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program

If you are the son, daughter, or spouse of a veteran classified as "totally disabled," you are eligible for the educational assistance program.

Chapter 1606: Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve

You are eligible for this assistance program if you are a member of the Selected Reserve, including the National Guard, and if you enlisted, reenlisted, or extended your enlistment for 6 years or more in the Selected Reserve after June 30, 1985.

If you participate in this program, the VA requires that you certify your enrollment once a month. You may do this in either of two ways:

• • On the web: Visit the VA's WAVE (Web Automated Verification of Enrollment) site.
  • By phone: Call 1.877.823.2378.

Chapter 1607: Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)

REAP provides educational assistance to Reservists components called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency. However, Chapter 1607 benefits cannot be used with other VA educational benefits.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Chapter 31: Vocational Rehabilitation-Veterans with Disabilities

To participate in this program you must have a military-related disability or disabilities that the VA has rated as at least 20 percent compensable.

Submit these documents to our office:

• • a current Vocational Rehabilitation Authorization
  • UM Request for Certification form (pdf)

Work Study

Be sure to familiarize yourself the VA's Work Study Guidelines. Then, complete and submit a VA Application for Work Study Allowance.

• VA Application for Work Study Allowance form and instructions 

Tuition Deferment

Service members, veterans, and dependents of veterans who are eligible for and receiving VA educational assistance benefits may request that tuition and fees for a semester be deferred until the end of the semester. Contact us for more information.

Tutorial Services 

Tutorial assistance to defray the cost of needed tutoring is available to eligible persons under Chapters 30, 32, 35, and 1606. For those under Chapter 31, payment is charged directly to the VA.

The tutoring allowance is a supplement to your monthly educational assistance check and is paid without any entitlement. 

• VA Application and Enrollment Certification for Individualized Tutorial Assistance