Veterans Benefits

Veterans Affairs Information Sheet

Veterans Affairs administers several education programs as set down in law, Title 38 United States Code.  Each program is found in a different chapter of the law and this chapter number is often used to refer to the different benefit programs.  They also have specific names.  Each program provides different benefits for different groups of individuals.   

Eligible Programs 

Chapter 30                  Montgomery GI Bill- Active Duty is the most common and newest program.  It is for individuals who have been on Active Duty since 7/01/85, and who paid into an education fund for one year.  They receive 36 months of full-time benefits. 

Chapter 1606              Montgomery GI Bill- Selective Reserves (formerly chapter 106) is for individuals in the Selective Reserves or National Guard who are not on Active Duty.  They must be currently and actively drilling and under a 6 year contract.  They are only eligible for benefits as long as they remain in the reserves. 

Chapter 34                  GI Bill is the oldest GI Bill program which has been phased out.  A few individuals are eligible to be rolled into Chapter 30.  It is for individuals who enlisted during the Vietnam era (8/4/64 through 12/31/76) and continue on active duty until at least 6/1/88. 

Chapter 32                  Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) is the post-Vietnam era program.  It is for individuals who served on active duty from 1/1/77 through 6/30/85.  This chapter is being phased out.  

Chapter 35                  Dependents Educational Assistance Program is the only benefit for individuals without military service.  It is for the dependents of a member of the Armed Forces who has died while on active duty or as the result of a service-connected disability, or is 100% permanently and totally disabled for a service-related reason.  Dependents receive up to 45 months of full-time benefits.  Children generally are eligible for benefits between the ages of 18 and 26, but in certain instances may begin before age 18 and continue beyond age 26. 

Chapter 31                  Vocational Rehabilitation is for disabled veterans.  This is the most unique program and each school is assigned a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist to work with these students, and to assist the School Certifying Official.  These disabled veterans go through a testing process to determine if they are eligible for the benefit.  If eligible, the VA sends an Authorization. 

*The University of Mobile does not determine Veterans eligibility.  Each Veteran must have their program determined by VA before UM begins processing.