Department of Veterans Affairs Education Benefits Overview

Eligibility is for individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001 or individuals discharged with a service connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill®*. Post 9/11 GI Bill® will become effective for training on or after August 1, 2009.

 Vocational Rehablition - Chapter 31

Any veteran with a disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs of 20% or more is entitled to apply for Vocational Rehabilitation. Vocational rehabilitation provides payment of tuition, fees, books, and required supplies along with a monthly stipend.

Benefits for Members of the Selected Reserve - Chapter 1606

Effective July 1, 1985, members of the selected reserve of the U.S. Armed Forces may be eligible for 36 months of training under Chapter 1606 educational assistance, to be used within ten years of the date of eligibility on the NOBE. 

Dependents of Military Personnel and Veterans - Chapter 35

Children and spouses of veterans who died or are permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability are eligible for benefits under Chapter 35. Children must be between 18 and 26 years of age. Spouses must use the benefit within ten years of becoming eligible.

National Guard Tuition-Commander Certificate

Available to members of the New Jersey National Guard, this program requires students to produce a signed Commander's Certificate each semester, and to file a FAFSA each academic year. The National Guard wavier covers tuition only up to 17 credit hours. Students are still responsible for any additional credits over 17 per a semester and university fees.

 *GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs(VA). More information about benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. Goverment website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill