Office of Veteran Affairs

38 U.S.C. 3697A governs eligibility for Chapter 36 services. Every Veteran, Servicemember and qualifying dependent may receive Chapter 36 services as many times as requested as long as he/she is still eligible.

Veterans/Servicemembers

Veterans who are within one year from the date of discharge or release from active duty are eligible to receive Chapter 36 services. The discharge must be under conditions other than dishonorable.

Also, Veterans participating in the following VA education assistance programs are eligible to receive Chapter 36 services, regardless of discharge date. The one year from discharge requirement does not apply to the situations below:

1. Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30)

   To qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB), active-duty Servicemembers enroll and pay $100 per month for 12 months to be entitled to receive a monthly education benefit once they have completed a minimum service obligation. The MGIB provides up to 36 months of education benefits. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following release from active duty. Visit www.gibill.va.gov for additional information on entitlement criteria for VA educational assistance.

2. Veterans Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 32)

   Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) is available to those who entered service for the first time between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985. VEAP benefits can be used for degree, certificate, correspondence, apprenticeship/on-the-job training programs and vocational flight training programs. In certain circumstances, remedial, deficiency and refresher training may also be available. Benefit entitlement is up to 36 months. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following release from active duty. Visit www.gibill.va.gov for additional information on entitlement criteria for VA educational assistance.

3. Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)

   The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of service on or after September 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability. Approved training under the Post-9/11 GI Bill includes graduate and undergraduate degrees, vocational/technical training, on-the-job training, flight training, correspondence training, licensing and national testing programs, and tutorial assistance. The program pays for tuition and fees, in addition to a monthly housing allowance and a stipend for books and supplies. Benefit entitlement is up to 36 months. Generally, benefits are payable for 15 years following release from active duty. In the event that a Veteran transfers Chapter 33 benefits to a dependent, the dependent could then apply for and receive Chapter 36 services. Visit www.gibill.va.gov for additional information on entitlement criteria for VA educational assistance.

4. MGIB Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)

   A Reservist must be actively drilling and have a six-year obligation in the Selected Reserve to be eligible for services under Chapter 1606. Approved training under this benefit includes graduate and undergraduate degrees, vocational/technical training, on-the-job or apprenticeship training, correspondence training and flight training. Benefit entitlement is up to 36 months. Entitlement to this benefit is generally contingent upon continued service in the Selected Reserve. Visit www.gibill.va.gov for additional information on entitlement criteria for VA educational assistance.

5. Reserve Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 1607)

   The Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) is an educational program that provides assistance to members of the Reserve components who are called or ordered to active service. Approved training under REAP includes graduate and undergraduate degrees, vocational/technical training, on-the-job or apprenticeship training, correspondence training and flight training. Benefit entitlement is up to 36 months. Entitlement to REAP is generally contingent upon continued service in the Reserve Components. Visit www.gibill.va.gov for additional information on entitlement criteria for VA educational assistance.

Others

Current beneficiaries of the following VA education assistance programs are eligible to receive Educational, Vocational and Career Counseling services:

1. Benefits for Certain Children of Vietnam Veterans (Chapter 18)

   VA provides monetary allowances, vocational training and rehabilitation, education services and health care benefits to certain Korea and Vietnam Veterans' birth children who are born with spina bifida. See M28R.VII.A.3 for additional information on the implementation of Chapter 18 services.

2. Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35)

   Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain Veterans. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship and on-the-job training. Remedial, deficiency and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. The period of eligibility varies as it is based on a number of factors.

The request for Chapter 36 services should be annotated in the remarks section of the form 22-1990.