Use transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits
The Defense Department approves the transfer; the eligible family member then applies to VA to use it.
Who this program may help
The service member must satisfy DOD transfer requirements. Family use has separate age, service and timing rules.
Read official eligibility instructions1. Confirm the DOD transfer
VA cannot grant the initial transfer of education entitlement.
The service member requests the transfer through DOD’s milConnect process while in the qualifying service status.
Why this matters
A VA education application does not establish DOD transfer approval.
Official action:
Open DOD milConnectDOD decides the transfer request.
Official references
2. Read when the family member can use the benefit
Spouse and child use rules differ.
Read the applicable eligibility and use-limit section before planning enrollment.
Why this matters
Transfer approval does not remove every use requirement.
VA evaluates the family member’s use eligibility.
Official references
3. Choose the adult or under-18 application method
An adult dependent applies with their own verified account.
Do not use the sponsor’s signed-in account for the dependent. For a dependent under 18, use the PDF application on their behalf.
Why this matters
VA says an application through the sponsor’s account will be denied.
Documents for this step
- VA Form 22-1990e — Apply to use transferred GI Bill benefits
PDF application, including the specified under-18 route
conditional
VA receives the family member’s application.
Official references
4. Apply to VA to use the transferred entitlement
VA Form 22-1990e requests the family member’s education benefit.
Apply through the dependent’s online application or follow the PDF’s education-office instructions.
Why this matters
DOD approval and the VA application are separate tasks.
Official action:
Continue to VA to use transferred benefitsKeep the application copy and filing confirmation.
VA sends the education decision.
Official references
5. Coordinate with the school and preserve the transfer
The school certifies enrollment and VA decides use of the benefit.
Keep the decision, follow verification instructions, and use milConnect for transfer changes.
Why this matters
Unused transferred months do not move back automatically.
VA processes enrollment; DOD handles transfer changes.