Apply for Education Benefits
If you are a Servicemember or Veteran interested in education and training opportunities, use this form (22-1990) to apply for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
For Forms 22-1990E, 22-1990N, 22-1995, 22-5490, and 22-5495
You must apply for education benefits using eBenefits.va.gov if you are:
- A spouse or dependent
- A survivor of a Veteran
- A candidate for The National Call to Service program
- A current education benefit recipient who wants to change schools
What are the steps to apply with form 22-1990?
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Prepare
Check your eligibility
You may be eligible for more than one benefit, based on your service. When you apply, you have to pick which one you want to use:
- Post- 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
- Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB-AD, Chapter 30)
- Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR, Chapter 1606)
- Post-Vietnam Era Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (VEAP, Chapter 32)
An accredited representative with a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) can help you pick the right program.
Learn about educational programs
- Compare estimated benefits by school using the GI Bill Comparison Tool.
What you need to fill out this application
- Social Security number
- Bank account direct deposit information
- Education and military history
- Basic information about the school or training facility where you want to attend
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Apply
Other Ways to Apply
- Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee assist you.
- Work with your school’s VA certifying official. This person is usually in the Registrar or Financial Aid office at the school of your choice.
- Call 888-442-4551 (888-GI-BILL-1) to have the application mailed to you. Fill it out and mail it to your VA regional claims processing office.
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VA Review
How long does it take VA to make a decision?
- We usually process claims within 30 days.
What should I do while I wait?
- The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging. VA offers tools and counseling programs to help you make the most of your educational options.
What if VA needs more information?
- We will contact you if we need more information.
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Decision
- We usually process claims within 30 days.
- You’ll get a COE in the mail if your application was approved. Bring this to the VA certifying official at your school.
Checking in on the status of your application?
- We usually process claims within 30 days.
- If we’ve asked for documents, please upload them through the GI Bill site.
- You can’t make changes to your application.
- Call 888-442-4551 (888-GI-BILL-1) if you have questions.
Please note: Content on this Web page is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal advice or to be a comprehensive statement or analysis of applicable statutes, regulations, and case law governing this topic. Rather, it’s a plain-language summary. If you are seeking claims assistance, your local VA regional office, a VA-recognized Veterans Service Organization, or a VA-accredited attorney or agent can help. Search Accredited Attorneys, Claims Agents, or Veterans Service Organizations (VSO) Representatives.