How you apply for benefits depends on whether or not you’ve decided on your program.

If You've Decided on a Program

1. Find out if the program is approved for VA benefits. To do this, you can check with the school’s Financial Aid Office or training facility employment office, search the GI Bill web site here, or contact VA at 1-888-GIBILL-1.
   If the facility hasn’t requested approval before, ask the school or training facility official to contact the VA to request approval.
2. Click here to apply for education benefits online or obtain a hard copy of the application form (VA Form 22-1990).  If you are submitting a paper copy click here to see where to send it.
3. Ask the school or training official to certify your enrollment to VA.

If the program has been approved for VA benefits, check in with the school or training facility official who certifies enrollments for VA benefits. At a school, this certifying official may be in one of the following offices: Financial Aid, Veterans Affairs, Registrar, Admissions, Counseling, or others. For on-the-job training or an apprenticeship, the official may be in the Training, Finance, Personnel, Union, or other office. VA will review your application and let you know whether we need anything else. The certifying official isn’t a VA employee, and can’t make decisions about your eligibility for VA benefits.

If You Haven’t Decided on a Program

If you haven’t decided on a program, or simply want a determination of your eligibility for education benefits, just submit the application to the appropriate VA regional office (click here for contact information). If you’re eligible, you’ll receive a Certificate of Eligibility showing how long you’re eligible and how many months of benefits you can receive.

How Do You Get and Submit the Application for Benefits?

You can get and submit the application (VA Form 22-1990) on-line, or submit a printed copy.

For information about how to apply, please click here. This link will take you to both the online and hard copy application forms (available on our web site under "Education Benefits." You can also obtain an application form from your school or local VA Regional Office.