Our Veterans Center Staff are here to help guide you through the process of using your VA Education Benefits from application to graduation
We understand this process can be overwhelming and we are here to help you better understand your VA Education Benefits, eligibility and the application process. Please contact our office or visit us in person, appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome.
The first step in the process to use your VA Education benefits is applying to the VA. After your application is approved, the VA will send you a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). It could take up to 30 days to receive your COE. We recommend that you start the process at least two months before the start of your first semester. You can apply to use your VA Education benefits online on the VA website.
Once you have received your COE our office will need a copy along with our Veterans Request for Certification form. You may submit these forms in person or via email to veterans@missouri.edu. We will use this information to certify your enrollment with the VA.
Students using VA Education Benefits are required to verify their attendance monthly with the VA, except for Chapter 35 DEA and Chapter 31 VR&E. For more information on attendance verification for each chapter visit the VA Website.
The following is a brief description of each Chapter of VA Education benefits for additional information visit VA education website or contact the MU Veterans Center.
Chapter 33: Post 9/11 GI Bill®
- Military personnel who completed at least 90 days of aggregate service after Sept. 10, 2001, or who developed service-connected disabilities after 30 days (see chart below)
- Up to 36 months of benefits
- Can be used for any approved degree or certificate program
- This benefit pays net tuition and billable fees, a book allowance and monthly housing allowance based on the veteran’s percentage of eligibility.
- If eligible Monthly Housing Allowance based off of BAH of E-5 with dependents while school is in session Prorated for student’s rate of pursuit
- For online only students, pays half the national average.
- If eligible Monthly Housing Allowance based off of BAH of E-5 with dependents while school is in session Prorated for student’s rate of pursuit
- Service members may be eligible to transfer this benefit to their dependents find more information on transferability from your service branch.
| Qualified Active Duty Service | Eligibility Percentage |
|---|---|
| At least 36 months | 100 percent |
| At least 30 continuous days on active duty and must be discharged due to service-related disability | 100 percent |
| At least 30 months, but fewer than 36 months | 90 percent |
| At least 24 months, but fewer than 30 months | 80 percent |
| At least 18 months, but fewer than 24 months | 70 percent |
| At least 6 months, but fewer than 18 months | 60 percent |
| At least 90 days, but fewer than 6 months | 50 percent |
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Chapter 1606: Montgomery GI Bill® – Selected Reserve
- Up to 36 months of benefits
- Must have completed basic training and advanced individual training (AIT) to receive Chapter 1606 benefits.
- This Benefit only pays a monthly stipend directly to the eligible student while classes are in session. Payments are prorated and based on rate of pursuit.
Chapter 35: Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program (DEA)
Dependents of veterans who have a 100 percent permanent service-connected disability or are deceased due to service or a service-connected disability
- 36 months of education benefits
- Must be used for approved program of study
- This Benefit only pays a monthly stipend directly to the eligible student while classes are in session. Payments are prorated and based on rate of pursuit.
Chapter 31: Vocational Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
Veterans who have service-related disabilities of more than 10 percent
- Separate application from other GI Bill® benefits
- If deemed eligible, you will be assigned a vocational rehabilitation counselor who will work with you to determine if you are approved to participate in the VR&E program.
- If approved the program this benefit covers tuition, billable fees, necessary bookstore supplies and a monthly housing allowance.
Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill® – Active Duty (MGIB)
Many military personnel who have served 36 months on active duty with honorable discharge are eligible
- Up to 36 months of benefits
- This Benefit only pays a monthly stipend directly to the eligible student while classes are in session. Payments are prorated and based on rate of pursuit.
*For more in-depth information on GI Bill® entitlement please visit the Department of Veterans Affairs education website.*