Maryland Higher Education Commission

 
VETERANS, SERVICE MEMBER AND ELIGIBLE DEPENDENTS

G. I. Bill benefits are offered to a variety of populations.  Student classification and eligibility for educational benefits are based on a term known as "Chapters."  A list of Chapters can be found at the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs website:  www.gibill.va.gov/.

Benefit payments are awarded directly to the veteran or eligible person.  The cost of tuition, books and fees are not directly paid under the G. I. Bill.  A student's benefit stipend is typically paid monthly and based on attendance of classes: full-time, 3/4 time, 1/2 time, or 1/4 time or less.  Payments vary by Chapter and by service award as defined at the G. I. Bill website. 

Individuals who have served or are serving on active duty in the Regular military are classified as Chapter 30 veterans for education benefits purposes.  To be eligible for G. I. Bill benefits students must contribute $1200.00 upon joining or while in the service.

Individuals who joined the military prior to July 1, 1985 may have participated in the Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP).  This program requires a contribution of up to $2700.00.  These individuals are classified as Chapter 32 veterans for education benefit purposes.  Some individuals who remained in the service were allowed to convert their membership from Chapter 32 to Chapter 30, thus changing their entitlement.

Individuals who served on active duty have until ten (10) years after their separation to use their G. I. Bill education benefits.  After that time, the education benefits expire.  Don't lose your benefits, USE THEM!

Individuals who joined the Selected Reserves (Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force, or Coast Guard Reserves, or the Army National Guard or Air National Guard) are classified as Chapter 1606 veterans for education benefits purposes.  The G. I. Bill benefit to which this group is entitled requires no contribution from the service member.  The benefits are only available while the individual is participating in a unit.  Separation from the Selected Reserves, or transfer to an inactive status terminates this benefit.

Spouses and dependents of deceased or totally and permanently disabled veterans may be eligible for G. I. Bill education benefits provided the veteran is disabled or deceased as a result of military service.  Such individuals are classified as Chapter 35 veterans for education benefits purposes.

VA Educational Benefits Programs
Factors to Consider When Choosing a School
List of VA Approved Institutions
Applying for VA Educational Benefits  
Student Handouts, Brochures, and Regulations
Yellow Ribbon Program
Search for Approved Education/Job Training Programs, Approved License & Certifications Programs and Approved National Exams
Licensing and Certification Benefits

Additional Resources for Veterans:
Veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship
Tuition Waiver for Maryland National Guard (PDF)
Leadership Through Action Tillman Military Scholarships (PDF)
Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (PDF)

Additional Resources for Maryland Financial Aid