Veterans Educational Assistance Program
(VEAP)
VEAP is available if you elected to make contributions from your military pay to participate in this education benefit program. Your contributions are matched on a $2 for $1 basis by the Government. You may use these benefits for degree, certificate, correspondence, apprenticeship/on-the-job training programs, and vocational flight training programs. In certain circumstances, remedial, deficiency, and refresher training may also be available.
Benefit entitlement is 1 to 36 months depending on the number of monthly contributions. You have 10 years from your release from active duty to use VEAP benefits. If there is entitlement not used after the 10-year period, your portion remaining in the fund will be automatically refunded.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:
Entered service for the first time between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985;
Opened a contribution account before April 1, 1987;
Voluntarily contributed from $25 to $2700;
Completed your first period of service; and
Were discharged or released from service under conditions other than dishonorable.
If you are currently on active duty and wish to receive VEAP benefits, you must have at least 3 months of contributions available.
Contributions may be withdrawn if you do not meet the basic eligibility requirements or if you formally request a refund of the contributions withheld.
How Much Can I Get?
The monthly benefit paid to you is based on the type of training you take, length of your service, your category, and if DOD put extra money in your VEAP Fund (called "kickers").
How Can I Apply ?
Once you have registered for your classes bring a photocopy of your DD-214 to the Veterans' Service Office and fill out a VA Form 22-1990 (application for education benefits) and the school's VS2005F Form. You will have to fill out a VS Form for each term you wish to collect benefits at UW-River Falls.
If you are on active duty, you must have your enrollment approved by your base Education Services Officer, and you must have your service verified by your Commanding Officer. If you wish to withdraw your contributions from VEAP, obtain and complete VA Form 24-5281 (application for refund of educational contributions) and send it to your nearest VA regional office.
How Can I Get More Information?
Call 1-800-827-1000 or visit the VA web page at www.va.gov.
Information from www.va.gov.
