At a glance
Free if eligible- What it covers
- Paid directly to the eligible student. For October 1, 2026–September 30, 2027, full-time college/noncollege study is up to $1,621 per full month; lower loads, partial months and training categories differ. Entitlement is generally up to 36 months for training starting August 1, 2018 onward, versus up to 45 for earlier starts.As of Oct 16, 2026 · U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ↗As of Oct 16, 2026 · U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ↗
- Income / financial rules
- Eligibility depends on the qualifying service-member/veteran event and dependent relationship, not a published household-income ceiling. The rate is determined by training type/load or apprenticeship stage.As of Oct 16, 2026 · U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ↗As of Oct 16, 2026 · U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ↗
- Who to check first
- A qualifying event can include service-connected permanent total disability/death, line-of-duty death, specified capture/missing/detention over 90 days, or the stated disability-treatment/discharge route. VA determines the actual dependent/survivor case.As of Oct 16, 2026 · U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ↗
- Application timing
- Apply through VA and meet the approved school/training timetable. Personal use periods depend on qualifying events and relationship rules; no universal year-specific application closing date is published here.As of Oct 16, 2026 · U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ↗
Check your eligibility
Some items describe alternative routes rather than requirements for everyone. Use the route that applies to you as a preparation checklist; the program makes the eligibility decision.
How to apply
- 1Apply through VA online or by mailed Form 22-5490, using the correct regional processing address. Tell the chosen school’s certifying official to submit enrollment, even when you applied before selecting a school.As of Oct 16, 2026 · U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ↗
- 2Check the approved programme in the GI Bill Comparison Tool or with its certifying official; follow VA’s required enrollment verification and the current rate table. Monthly payments go to you, not an automatic tuition waiver.As of Oct 16, 2026 · U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ↗
What to watch for
Common questions
What is the main benefit?
Paid directly to the eligible student. For October 1, 2026–September 30, 2027, full-time college/noncollege study is up to $1,621 per full month; lower loads, partial months and training categories differ. Entitlement is generally up to 36 months for training starting August 1, 2018 onward, versus up to 45 for earlier starts.
Is there an income limit?
Eligibility depends on the qualifying service-member/veteran event and dependent relationship, not a published household-income ceiling. The rate is determined by training type/load or apprenticeship stage.
When should I apply?
Apply through VA and meet the approved school/training timetable. Personal use periods depend on qualifying events and relationship rules; no universal year-specific application closing date is published here.
Sources & verification
Source summaries checked by automated research on the dates below. No human professional review is claimed.