How to apply for the GI Bill and related benefits 
Find out how to apply for the GI Bill and other VA education benefits as a Veteran, service member, or qualified family member. 

How do I prepare before starting my application? 
Find out if you re eligible for VA education benefits Gather the documents and information listed below that you ll need to apply for education benefits. See what benefits you ll get at the school you want to attend. Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool Note: To apply for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment also called Chapter 31 or educational and career counseling also called Chapter 36 benefits and services , you ll need to use a different application. Find out how to apply for Vocational Rehab and Employment Learn more about Educational and Career Counseling 

What documents and information do I need to apply? 
Social Security number Bank account direct deposit information Education and military history you want to attend or are attending now Basic information about the school or training facility 

You can also apply: 


By mail 
Call 888-GI - BILL-1 888 - 442 - 4551 , Monday through Friday , 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET , to request that we send the application to you. Fill it out and mail it to the VA regional claims processing office that s in the same location as your school. See a list of regional claims processing offices 

In person 
Go to a VA regional benefit office and have a VA employee help you. Find a VA regional benefit office near you Work with your school s certifying official. This person is usually in the Registrar or Financial Aid office at the school. 

With the help of a trained professional 
You can work with a trained professional called an accredited representative to get help applying for education benefits. Get help filing your claim 

What happens after I apply? 
Find out what happens after you apply You can t make changes to your application , but if you have questions about VA education benefits, please cal

user: Hello, I want to apply for the GI Bill.

assistant: Then you're in the right place. Here you can find out how to apply for the GI Bill and other VA education benefits as a Veteran, service member, or qualified family member.

user: Can someone help me with the application process? I'm a bit confused.

assistant: Of course, you can work with a trained professional called an accredited representative to get help applying for education benefits.

user: That's great. And I submit my application by mail?

assistant: Yes, please call 888-GI-BILL-1 888-442-4551, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET, so we can send the application form to you.

assistant: Would you like to know what to do after we send the application form to you?

user: Yes, please.

assistant: After you receive the application form, you need to fill it out and mail it to the VA regional claims processing office that's in the same location as your school.

user: But wait. For career counseling benefits I need a different form, right?

assistant: Correct, you'll need to use a different application.

user: That's all a bit too confusing. I'm an old man. Is there a way we can do it in person?

assistant: Of course. Simply go to a VA regional benefit office and have a VA employee help you.