Federal Educational Benefits for Veterans

CHAPTER 30: Montgomery GI Bill ®-Active Duty

• This program pays a monthly benefit to eligible active-duty service members or veterans. Persons on active duty must serve at least two years of continuous active duty before becoming eligible to receive benefits under MGIB-AD. If you are on active duty, consult with your Education Service Officer (ESO) before applying for VA benefits.
• The ESO will discuss the various educational assistance opportunities available. Federal law prohibits concurrent payment of tuition assistance by the military service and VA educational assistance for pursuit of the same class. Students who are on active duty or terminal leave are eligible for reimbursement for tuition and required fees only.
• For further information, see the pamphlet published by the VA at https://www.vets.gov/gi-bill-comparison-tool/

CHAPTER 31: Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment

• This program pays tuition and fees, the cost of required textbooks and supplies, a monthly stipend, and assistance with employment. You may be eligible for benefits under this chapter if you have a service-connected disability. You must meet with a vocational rehabilitation counselor who will determine your eligibility.
• Contact information for Chapter 31:
• Effective August 1, 2011, if you are also eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill ® (chapter 33), you may choose the Post-9/11 GI Bill ® monthly housing allowance instead of the Vocational Rehabilitation Subsistence Allowance.
• For more information see https://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/index.asp.

*Tuition and Fees are just a part of a student’s expenses while attending a particular college. To review the estimated expenses for one year including tuition, housing and food, books, supplies, transportation, loan fees, and miscellaneous expenses here at UT Permian Basin visit our webpage.

CHAPTER 33: Post 9/11-GI Bill ®

• This program pays a percentage of tuition and fees (see pay scale chart on next page), a monthly housing allowance if your rate of pursuit exceeds 50%, and a stipend for books and supplies. The $600 buy up payable under the Montgomery GI Bill ® and REAP is not payable under the Post-9/11 GI Bill ®.
• You may be eligible for these benefits if you:
  • served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty after September 10, 2001, and
  • are still on active duty or
  • were honorably- discharged from active duty; or
  • released from active duty and placed on the retired list or temporary disability retired list; or
  • released from active duty and transferred to the Fleet Reserve or Fleet Marine Corps Reserve; or
  • released from active duty for further service in a reserve component of the Armed Forces; or
  • were discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability and you served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001
  • For more information see GI Bill ® Post 9/11 

CHAPTER 35: Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program - DEA

• This program pays a monthly benefit based on enrollment status. These benefits are available to dependents of:
  • a veteran who either died or is permanently and totally disabled as a result of a service-connected disability arising out of active-duty service (or died from any cause while so disabled);
  • a service member missing in action or captured in line of duty; or forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power;
  • A service member hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a service-connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged from service for that disability (effective December 2006).
• For further information, see the pamphlet published by the VA at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/

Chapter 1606: Montgomery GI Bill ® Selective Reserve - SR

• This is an educational program for active members of the Selected Reserve. Eligible recipients receive a monthly stipend based on enrollment status.
• Chapter 1606 eligibility is determined by the Department of Defense. Basic eligibility requires a six-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve and satisfactory participation in required Selected Reserve training.
• For further information, see the pamphlet published by the VA at https://www.vets.gov/gi-bill-comparison-tool/

Chapter 1607: Reserve Educational Assistance Program - REAP

• This educational benefit is for certain Reservists who were activated after September 11, 2001. To be eligible, you must be a member of a reserve component and have performed active service for a minimum of 90 consecutive days.
• Eligible recipients will receive a monthly stipend based on enrollment status and period of service.
• Additional benefits may be available under the Post-9/11 GI Bill ®.
• For further information visit http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/reap.asp
• Program in sunset as of 11/25/2015. Students already in program may continue until 11/25/2019

The Forever GI Bill ®: New GI Bill ®

• There’s no longer an expiration date. Previously, veterans had to use their Post-9/11 GI Bill ® within 15 years of their last 90-day period of active-duty service. That Requirement is going away.
• It will also apply to spouses who are receiving education benefits through the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship for family members of service members who have been killed in the line of duty since Sept. 10, 2001.
• This bill changes the way the VA uses time in service to calculate eligibility.
• For further information, see the pamphlet published by the VA at https://www.va.gov/gi-bill-comparison-tool

The Hazlewood Act is a State of Texas benefit that provides qualified Veterans, spouses, and dependent children with an education benefit of up to 150 hours of tuition exemption, including most fee charges, at public institutions of higher education in Texas. This act can be used for your undergraduate and graduate coursework. This does NOT include living expenses, books, or supply fees.

Texas Hazlewood Exemption Application

Eligibility for this benefit and answers to frequently asked questions can be seen at http://www.tvc.texas.gov/Hazlewood