Choosing and using your benefit
Is Chapter 31 better than the GI Bill?
VR&E (Chapter 31) can pay more if you have a service-connected disability, especially at costly schools or with dependents. It runs on an approved plan.
If you have a service-connected disability rating, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E, Chapter 31) may pay more than the GI Bill, and I tell every eligible student to at least look at it. VR&E is an employment program, not a tuition program, so the trade-off is flexibility: a VA counselor has to approve your goal, your school, and your classes.
Who qualifies
- Generally a VA service-connected disability rating of 10 percent or higher.
- A finding by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) that your condition creates an employment handicap.
- An application within the basic eligibility period, generally 12 years from discharge or from your first rating notice, whichever is later.
When VR&E often comes out ahead
- High tuition at a private or out-of-state school, since VR&E pays approved tuition without the Chapter 33 cap.
- Multiple dependents, which raise the VR&E subsistence allowance.
- Online-only programs, where Chapter 33 pays a reduced housing rate.
- Long programs. VR&E generally provides up to 48 months, versus 36 for Chapter 33.
- You need accommodations or help getting hired after graduation.
Chapter 33 can still win when your school is in a high-cost area and tuition is already covered. You cannot draw both in the same term, but eligible students can ask their VRC about having the housing portion paid at the Post-9/11 rate.
- Apply with VA Form 28-1900 on VA.gov.
- Attend your evaluation appointments with your counselor.
- Build and sign your rehabilitation plan with your counselor.
- Your counselor sends your school an authorization, and then your certifying official can certify you.