Apply for GI Bill education benefits
Choose the education program, apply through VA, and connect the decision with your school or training provider.
Who this program may help
Qualifying service and the selected education program matter. Ask VA about program elections and multiple qualifying service periods.
Read official eligibility instructions1. Compare the education programs
GI Bill programs have different eligibility and payment rules.
Compare applicable programs before making an election on the application.
Why this matters
Some choices affect other education entitlement.
Official action:
Compare VA education programsVA decides your entitlement under the selected program.
Official references
2. Check the school and training program
VA approval applies to the program as well as the school.
Use VA’s comparison tool and ask the school’s certifying official about the exact course.
Why this matters
Admission alone does not establish VA approval.
Official action:
Check a school or training programThe school certifies qualifying enrollment.
Official references
3. Apply for the education benefit
VA Form 22-1990 serves the listed Veteran GI Bill programs.
Gather education and military history, then choose online or paper filing.
Why this matters
Family benefits use other applications.
Documents for this step
- VA Form 22-1990 — Apply for education benefits
For supported Veteran education programs
alternative
Official action:
Continue to VA to apply for educationKeep the submitted copy and any official receipt.
VA reviews the application and may request information.
Official references
4. Read the education decision
VA sends a decision letter; an approval may include a Certificate of Eligibility.
Provide the approval letter to the school’s certifying official when requested.
Why this matters
The school and VA need matching benefit and enrollment information.
Official action:
Read what happens after you applyThe decision letter establishes VA’s result.
The school submits enrollment certification.
Official references
5. Complete required enrollment verification
Your own verification differs from the school’s certification.
Follow the current verification instructions for your education program and report changes.
Why this matters
Payments depend on applicable enrollment requirements.
Official action:
Verify school enrollment through VAVA processes certified and verified enrollment.