Post-9/11 GI Bill

• Veterans who have served at least 90 days of military service after Sept. 11, 2001, and those discharged from active duty after 30 days for service-connected disabilities qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The program provides a scholarship to cover the cost of tuition for veterans pursuing higher education. In addition, veterans pursuing full-time studies receive an annual book and supplies grant of $1,000 and a separate monthly grant for housing. According to the VA, Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are available within 15 years after leaving active duty and provide veterans with benefits for 36 months.
  
  

Active Duty GI Bill

• Veterans who are on active duty are eligible to receive a monthly grant through the Active Duty Montgomery GI Bill. The program allows veterans to receive grant benefits for a maximum of 36 months. The VA authorizes veterans to use the proceeds from the monthly grant to pay for college, join a flight training or an apprenticeship program and to pay for approved licensing and certification exams. The Active Duty GI Bill also provides additional grants benefits to veterans through its kicker program. According to the VA, veterans can receive up to $5,400 in additional benefits (as of 2011) by contributing an additional $600 to the grant program while on active duty.
  
  

Selected Reserve GI Bill

• Members of the Selected Reserve, which includes the reserve components of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Army National Guard and the Air National Guard are eligible to apply for an educational grants from the Selected Reserve GI Bill. Like the Active Duty GI Bill, veterans receive proceeds from the grant for up to 36 months to help pay for a college degree, independent study programs or vocational and flight training. Eligible veterans can also apply for the scholarship to take remedial and deficiency courses, but only under special circumstances approved by the VA. However, eligibility for education grants under the Selected Reserve GI Bill ends upon leaving Reserve service.
  
  

Veterans Educational Assistance

• VEAP is a special scholarship available to veterans who began active duty service between Dec. 31, 1976, and July 1, 1985. According to the VA, the program is funded by contributions from the veteran and the government. The government matches every $1 in veteran contributions with $2 in government contributions. Veterans using this scholarship program may use proceeds to pay tuition and fees associated with a college degree program, a professional certificate, on-the-job training, flight training or vocational programs. The length of the benefit entitlement is dependent upon the amount of monthly contributions. Veterans who make larger contributions receive benefits for a longer period of time. However, veterans have 10 years after release from active duty to use the scholarship benefits. Unused funds are automatically refunded by the VA.