How to Apply for the GI Bill Kicker

In order to use Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance benefits, you must meet the qualification requirements and follow the general application procedures, as well as the procedures specific to the GI Bill Kicker.

General Application Procedures

If you are using the GI Bill benefits for the first time, complete and sign a VA Form 22-1990, Application for Benefits. Bring this form, along with proof of benefit eligibility (described below), to the VA Certifying Official (VACO) for your school or training program.

If you’d prefer, you can mail your application and proof of eligibility to the VA Regional Processing Office (RPO) that serves the state or territory where your school is located (addresses below).

You can also apply online by visiting the VA’s Veterans On-Line Application website. Even if you apply online, the signature page must be mailed to the VA.

For questions, contact the VA at 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551). You’ll also find additional information about GI Bill benefits at the GoArmyEd Portal. Once there, click the "New User" button on the bottom of the page.

Montgomery GI Bill Kicker Program Procedures

Proof of eligibility: National Guard Kicker contract

STEP 1: Bring a copy of your Kicker Contract, along with proof of eligibility for your basic GI Bill benefit and applicable VA forms, to the VA Certifying Official (VACO) at your school or training program.

STEP 2: Make sure your VACO completes and submits a VA Form 22-1999, Certification of Enrollment, for each semester or training period.

* The Kicker program is a state-managed program. If you have any questions related to these forms or contracts, contact your state Education Services Office (ESO).

VA Regional Processing Office Mailing Addresses

  • Eastern Region (CT, DE, DC, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT, VA, WV, Foreign Schools):
    • VA Regional Office
    • P.O. Box 4616
    • Buffalo, NY 14240-4616
  • Southern Region (FL, GA, NC, PR, SC):
    • VA Regional Office
    • P.O. Box 100022
    • Decatur, GA 30031-7022
  • Central Region (CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, ND, SD, TN, WI, WY):
    • VA Regional Office
    • P.O. Box 66830
    • St. Louis, MO 63166-6830
  • Western Region (AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, LA, MS, NM, NV, OK, OR, TX, UT, WA, Trust Territories/Philippines):
    • VA Regional Office
    • P.O. Box 8888
    • Muskogee, OK 74402-8888

Current Guard Soldiers can get information on education programs by emailing the Guard Support Center or calling 1-866-628-5999. If you would like to join the Guard and take advantage of these benefits, click Join the Guard below.