VA Chapter 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill
The most widely used VA education benefit for veterans who served after September 10, 2001
Program Overview
The Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) provides financial support for education and housing to 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. It is the most generous education benefit offered by the VA.
- • Covers up to 100% of tuition & fees at public schools
- • Provides monthly housing allowance (based on E-5 with dependents rate)
- • Annual books & supplies stipend ($1,000/year)
- • 36 months of benefits (4 academic years)
- • Can be transferred to dependents (with service requirements)
Eligibility Requirements
Service Requirements
Benefit percentage is determined by length of active-duty service:
Discharge Requirements
Must have received an honorable discharge. General discharge under honorable conditions may qualify in some cases.
Time Limit
Benefits must be used within 15 years of release from active duty. The VA may extend this time limit if the veteran was prevented from training due to a disability or being held by a foreign government or power.
Benefits Breakdown
Tuition & Fees
- • Public schools: Up to 100% of in-state tuition
- • Private schools: Up to $28,937.17/year (2024-2025)
- • Foreign schools: Up to $28,937.17/year (2024-2025)
- • Paid directly to the school
Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)
- • Based on E-5 with dependents BAH rate
- • Location: School's ZIP code
- • Prorated by training time
- • Only for students attending more than half-time
- • Online-only students: Fixed rate of $1,014.03/month (2024)
Books & Supplies Stipend
- • Up to $1,000 per academic year
- • Prorated by credit hours
- • Paid at beginning of term
- • Paid directly to student
Additional Benefits
- • Yellow Ribbon Program (additional tuition support)
- • Vocational/Tech training programs
- • On-the-job training
- • Flight training
- • Correspondence training
- • Licensing & certification tests
VASCO Certification Guidelines
Required Information
- • Student's full name and VA file number
- • Term dates (start and end)
- • Credit hours enrolled
- • Training time (full-time, 3/4, 1/2, less than 1/2)
- • Tuition and fee amounts
- • Program of study
Timing Requirements
Certifications should be submitted within 30 days of the term start date. Late certifications may delay student payments.
Status Changes
Must report immediately:
- • Withdrawals or drops
- • Reduction in credit hours
- • Changes in training time
- • Graduation or program completion
- • Last date of attendance
🎗️ Yellow Ribbon Program
The Yellow Ribbon Program allows institutions to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed the maximum Chapter 33 benefit.
How It Works
The school contributes a certain amount toward uncovered expenses, and the VA matches that amount. This can cover the full cost of tuition at private institutions.
Example: If tuition is $50,000 and the Chapter 33 benefit is $28,937.17, the remaining $21,062.83 could be covered if the school contributes $10,531.42 and the VA matches with $10,531.42.
Eligibility for Yellow Ribbon
- • Must be eligible for the maximum benefit rate (100%)
- • Veteran or transfer of entitlement recipient
- • School must participate in the program
- • Student must be accepted into participating program
Common Issues & Solutions
Issue: Student drops below half-time
Impact: Student loses Monthly Housing Allowance
Action: Submit amendment immediately with last date of attendance at more than half-time status. Calculate prorated MHA.
Issue: Student withdraws from all courses
Impact: Student owes debt for unearned benefits
Action: Report last date of attendance immediately. VA will recalculate benefits and may create a debt for the student and/or school.
Issue: Late certification
Impact: Delayed payment to student and school
Action: Submit certification as soon as possible. Consider implementing automated reminders for term start dates.
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