***Important Message for all students utilizing Ch. 33 Post 9/11 VA Benefits***
Effective immediately, all students utilizing Ch. 33 benefits will need to provide the MVS office a current Certificate of Eligibility (COE) before your benefits will be processed.
I. Benefit Description
The Post-9/11 VA benefit is for individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 VA benefits. The Post-9/11 VA benefit will become effective for training on or after August 1, 2009. This program will pay eligible individuals:
This benefit is payable only for training at an Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) (See comparison chart for more information). If you are enrolled exclusively in online training you will not receive the housing allowance. If you are on active duty you will not receive the housing allowance or books &supplies stipend. This benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits, generally benefits are payable for 15 years following your release from active duty.
For active-duty personnel, the following table applies:
Active Duty Completed After September 10, 2001 |
Percentage of Maximum Amount Payable |
At least 36 months | 100% |
At least 30 continuous days on active duty and discharged due to service-connected disability |
100% |
30 months to 36 months | 90% |
24 months to 30 months | 80% |
18 months to 24 months | 70% |
12 months to 18 months | 60% |
6 months to 12 months | 50% |
90 days to 6 months | 40% |
For reservists, the following table applies:
Post- 9/11 Service | Percentage of Maximum Amount Payable |
At least 36 cumulative months | 100% |
At least 30 continuous days on active duty and discharged due to service-connected disability |
100% |
At least 30 cumulative months | 90% |
At least 24 cumulative months | 80% |
At least 18 cumulative months | 70% |
At least 12 cumulative months | 60% |
At least 6 cumulative months | 50% |
90 aggregate days | 40% |
II. Benefit Eligibility
Only active duty service performed after September 10, 2001, may be considered for determining eligibility for this new benefit. To be eligible, a service member or veteran must have served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty. However, individuals honorably discharged for a service-connected disability who served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001, may also establish eligibility.
III. How to Apply
We will begin accepting applications for the Post-9/11 VA benefits May 1, 2009. For additional information, including how to apply for benefits, visit the VA website. We will update our website as new information becomes available.
You should then make sure that your selected program is approved for VA training. If you are not clear on this point, VA will inform you and the school or company about the requirements.
Visit our office, located in Washington Hall, or give us a call at (706) 729-2255. You can also contact your local VA Regional Office for additional assistance by dialing the toll-free number, 1-888-442-4551.