Applying for the GI Bill is easier than you may think, and you can use the GI Bill for many types of training, not just a college degree. Most people can even apply online and get an instant eligibility certificate from the VA in less than 3 minutes!
To apply for the GI Bill, just go to VA's website, click on the "Sign In" button on the top right hand corner of the page. If you don't have an account, you can create one with either ID.me or Login.gov.
ProTip: Either sign in method is fine, but to make your life easier sign in both ways, just in case one method is unavailable anytime in the future, or if one method is easier to use on your phone or computer than the other.
- ID me also allows you to verify yourself as a veteran for veteran-only discounts online and at local retailers, see our discounts section for more details.
- Login.gov also allows you to use the same login method for other government websites like USAJOBS or TSA PreCheck, Thrift Savings Plan and more.
Either way, once you create an account and login to your VA.gov account you can apply for the GI Bill on the "Education" section of your VA homepage.
Once you open the application for benefits, you will see much of it pre-filled with your name and military information.
Make sure you know your banking information, to set up direct deposit, it's required.
Fill out some basic information, click submit, and in a matter of seconds you will have a certificate of eligibility for the GI Bill. You can use this certificate to show schools, or other training programs you are interested in that you've got GI Bill benefits at.
You can find schools, training programs, certification programs and employers which are approved for GI Bill use on the VA's GI Bill Comparison Tool, this tool also lets you see how much money you will receive from the GI Bill.
The GI Bill offers reimbursement for several types of training including on-the-job and apprenticeship training, training to receive a license or certification, reimbursement for testing programs, vocational training, and more.
Keep Up With Your Education Benefits
Whether you need a guide on how to use your GI Bill, want to take advantage of tuition assistance and scholarships, or get the lowdown on education benefits available for your family, Military.com can help. Subscribe to Military.com to have education tips and benefits updates delivered directly to your inbox.
