There are different programs for educational support for members of the Armed Forces, and there are programs that are in effect for those that have not served for a number of years, and for those Servicemembers who have had a long career and that are nearing retirement. If you served for 20 years or longer, and began your service before 1985 then you may be eligible for a specific program offered by the Veterans Administration. It is a program called VEAP, or Veterans Educational Assistance Program. It is an educational matching fund program that will match money that you contribute at a ratio of 2 to 1. For every dollar in money that you put in your educational fund the US Government will give two dollars. It is a program that will give you a leg up if you are wishing to get an education or pursue vocational training.
These are benefits that can be used for apprenticeship, or vocational training as well as college or university classes. In some cases if you need refresher training, deficiency or remedial training then you may also qualify to use the benefits for those purposes as well. The Maximum amount of benefits you can get is 36 months worth of benefits under the VEAP program. If you are a veteran, and no longer on active duty you have up to ten years to access the VEAP program benefits that you may still qualify for. For those personnel that contributed money to their own VEAP benefit account and then didn’t use the educational benefits any contributed money will be refunded at the end of the ten-year eligibility period.
There are some restrictions, and not every Veteran is eligible for the VEAP program. If you deposited money before 1987 in a VEAP program account between 25 and 2,700 dollars, if you enlisted before 1985, if you are eligible for an honorable discharge and if you have completed successfully your initial term of enlistment then you may be qualified for this program.
The best manner to find out if you are eligible is to contact the VA and inquire. If you do qualify then you should get the VA Form 22-1990. Complete the form and apply, and if you do qualify then you can expect to start receiving benefits after the VA has completed your application. Most times that is all that you have to do in order to start receiving your VEAP program educational benefits.
