Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
VEAP is available if you elected to make contributions from your military
pay to participate in this education benefit program. Your contributions are
matched on a $2 for $1 basis by the Government. You may use these benefits
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 1 to 36 months depending on the number of monthly contributions.
You have 10 years from your release from active duty to use VEAP benefits.
If there is entitlement not used after the 10-year period, your portion remaining
in the fund will be automatically refunded.
To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:
- Entered service for the first time between January 1, 1977, and June 30,
1985;
- Opened a contribution account before April 1, 1987;
- Voluntarily contributed from $25 to $2700;
- Completed your first period of service; and
- Were discharged or released from service under conditions other than dishonorable.
If you are currently on active duty and wish to receive VEAP benefits, you
must have at least 3 months of contributions available.
Contributions may be withdrawn if you do not meet the basic eligibility requirements
or if you formally request a refund of the contributions withheld.
You should make sure that your selected program is approved for VA training.
If you are not clear on this point, VA will inform you and the school or company
about the requirements.
Obtain and complete VA Form 22-1990, Application for Education Benefits. Send
it to the VA regional office with jurisdiction over the State where you will
train. If you are not on active duty, send copy 4 (Member Copy) of your DD
Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty. If you are
on active duty, you must have your enrollment approved by your base Education
Services Officer, and you must have your service verified by your Commanding
Officer.
If you have started training, take your application and Member Copy of DD
Form 214 to your school or employer. Ask them to complete VA Form 22-1999,
Enrollment Certification, and send all the forms to VA.
If you wish to withdraw your contributions from VEAP, obtain and complete
VA Form 24-5281, Application for Refund of Educational Contributions, and send
it to your nearest VA regional office.
Additional information is available on VEAP in our pamphlet.
Contact your local VA Regional Office for additional assistance by dialing
our toll-free number, 1-888-442-4551.
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