Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
You may be able to continue your education by using part of your military pay to help cover the cost of school. Find out if you can get benefits through the Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)—a $2-to-$1 government-match program for educational assistance.
Am I eligible for VEAP benefits?
You may be eligible for VEAP benefits if you meet all of these requirements.
All of these must be true:
- You entered service for the first time between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985 (for all branches other than Air Force), and
- You opened and put money into your VEAP account before April 1, 1987, and
- You put in $25–$2,700 on your own, and
- You finished your first period of service and didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge
If you served in or are serving in the Air Force, you must meet these additional requirements:
- You entered service for the first time between December 1, 1980, and September 30, 1981, and
- You enlisted in one of these Air Force specialties: 20723, 20731, 20830, 46130, 46230A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, or Z, 46430, or 81130, and
- You enlisted in one of these locations: Beckley, WV; Buffalo, NY; Dallas; Fargo, ND; Houston; Jackson, MS; Louisville, KY; Memphis, TN; Omaha, NB; Philadelphia; Seattle; Sioux Falls, SD; or Syracuse, NY
Note: If you’re currently on active duty, you must have at least 3 months of contributions available to use your VEAP benefits.
How do I get VEAP benefits?
You’ll need to send a letter to request VEAP benefits.
You can send a letter to us in 1 of these ways:
Mail your letter
Find your regional processing office address
Upload your letter through Ask VA
How many months of benefits can I get, and how long do I have to use them?
The amount of benefits you get (up to 36 months) will depend on how much money you put into your VEAP account every month.
You have 10 years from your release from active duty to use your VEAP benefits.
Can I get the money back that I put into my VEAP account?
Yes. You can withdraw the money in your VEAP account if you don’t meet basic qualifying requirements or if you formally ask for a refund.
To ask for a refund, complete an Application for Refund of Educational Contributions (VA Form 22-5281).
Get VA Form 22-5281 to download
Send the form to your nearest VA regional office.
Get the address of your nearest VA regional office