Educational and Career Counseling (VA Chapter 36) 
Find out how to apply for VA Chapter 36 benefits to get free Veteran Educational and Career Counseling services. You may be eligible if you re leaving active service soon, if you ve been discharged within the past year, or if you re the dependent of a Veteran. 

Who s eligible for Educational and Career Counseling? 
You can get these services if one of the following is true. You: Will be discharged from active duty within 6 months , or Separated from active duty not more than one year ago, or Qualify as a Veteran or service member for educational assistance under a VA educational program, or Are currently receiving VA education benefits Note: If you re the dependent of a Veteran , you may also qualify for Educational and Career Counseling. Learn more about employment benefits for dependents 

What benefits can I get? 
Counseling to help you decide which civilian or military jobs you want to help you find a training program or job Educational and Career Counseling to help you deal with issues that get in the way of your success in training or employment Academic and adjustment counseling 

How do I get these benefits? 
First , you ll need to apply for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment benefits. Then , you ll work with your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor VRC. 

Follow these steps to apply online now 
Sign in to your eBenefits account. Select Apply. Click Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits. Apply for Education and Career Counseling. If you're eligible , we ll invite you to an orientation session at your nearest VA regional benefit office. Go to eBenefits to apply 

You can also apply by mail 
Fill out an Educational / Vocational Counseling Application VA Form 28 - 8832. Download VA Form 28 - 8832 PDF Mail the completed form to your nearest VA regional benefit office. Find your nearest VA regional benefit office If you qualify , we ll invite you to an orientation session at a VA regional ben

user: Good morning, i'm thinking about get into some education, I heard you can offer some benefits for veterans so, how ca i get them?

assistant: Well, first of all, you'll have to apply for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment benefits. After that, you'll be assigned a Counselor to work with.

user: O.k so there's a process behind that. It makes sense. In any case, can i apply using mail?

assistant: Sure, you can do that. Just download VA Form 28-8832 for Educational / Vocational Counseling Application and fill it out.

assistant: Do you want to know what happens if you qualify?

user: Yes, please.

assistant: Good, If you qualify, we'll invite you to an orientation session at a VA regional benefit office near you.

user: Pretty simple but effective. So, to be sure, if i qualify, i'll get an invitation, right?

assistant: That's correct, that's how it is.

user: Which benefits brings me to be qualified?

assistant: Well, you get counseling to help you decide which civilian or military jobs you want; Also, you get help to find a training program or job, besides Educational and career counseling.

user: O.k. Sorry for this, but i think i didn't start well this conversation. Could you tell me how can i apply for this counseling in first place.

assistant: Don't worry. You may be eligible for this if you're leaving active service soon or if you have been discharged within the past year or if you are the dependent of a veteran.