How to Apply for VA Education Benefit Programs

To obtain your GI Bill benefits, you must apply for them to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Complete the required application and attach all supporting documents. Send the application and supporting documents to the IHCC Veterans Affairs Office. IHCC staff will review the application and send it to the VA. Applications may be obtained either from any VA office, the IHCC Veterans Affairs Office, or by clicking on the application links below (Acrobat Reader required).

The required application documents and procedures for each GI Bill chapter are listed below. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Indian Hills Veterans Affairs Office.

VA Education Benefit Application Requirements

Chapter 30 - The Montgomery GI Bill

Complete Application for Education Benefits, VA Form 22-1990
Attach a photocopy of Copy 4 of all DD Form 214. (Don't have one?)
If you are married and applying for benefits under Chapter 30, Category 2, you will also need to attach a statement listing the names and social security numbers of your dependent spouse and/or dependent children.

Chapter 31 - VA Vocational Rehabilitation

Complete Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation, VA Form 28-1900
Contact the VA Regional Office in Des Moines by calling 800.827.1000 and request an appointment with a VA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

For more information, contact Gary Beckman, VA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, via email.

Chapter 32 - Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)

Complete Application for Education Benefits, VA Form 22-1990
Attach a copy of all DD214, Separation from the Armed Forces

Chapter 35 - Survivors' and Dependents' Education Assistance

Complete Application for Survivors' and Dependents' Education Assistance, VA Form 22-5490
You may be required to provide proof of dependency, which may include a marriage certificate, birth certificate, divorce decree, etc.

Chapter 1606 - Montgomery GI Bill (Selected Reserves)

Complete Application for Education Benefits, VA Form 22-1990
Attach Notice of Basic Eligibility, DD Form 2384, which may be obtained from your National Guard/Reserve unit
If you are eligible for a National Guard "kicker", attach a copy of DD Form 4, Annex K from your National Guard enlistment contract
If you are eligible for "kicker" from service as an Army Reservist, attach a copy of DA Form 5435-1-R, Statement of Understanding - The Selected Reserve Montgomery GI Bill Kicker Program (10 USC 16131)

Chapter 1607 - Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP)

Complete Application for Education Benefits, VA Form 22-1990
Attach a copy of your activation orders and a copy of your DD Form 214
If you are eligible for a National Guard "kicker", attach a copy of DD Form 4, Annex K from your National Guard enlistment contract
If you are eligible for "kicker" from service as an Army Reservist, attach a copy of DA Form 5435-1-R, Statement of Understanding - The Selected Reserve Montgomery GI Bill Kicker Program (10 USC 16131)