Post-Vietnam Era Veterans’ Educational Assistance
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
To provide educational assistance to persons entering the Armed Forces after December 31, 1976, and before July 1, 1985; to assist persons in obtaining an education they might otherwise not be able to afford; and to promote and assist the all-volunteer military program of the United States by attracting qualified persons to serve in the Armed Forces.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Veteran (including dependents)
- Active-Duty Service Person (including dependents)
- Reservist (including dependents)
- Other
The participant must have entered on active duty on or after January 1, 1977, and before July 1, 1985, and either served on active duty for more than 180 continuous days receiving an other than dishonorable discharge, or have been discharged after January 1, 1977 because of a service-connected disability. Also eligible are participants who serve for more than 180 days and who continue on active duty and have completed their first period of obligated service (or 6 years of active duty, whichever comes first). Participants must also have satisfactorily contributed to the program. (Satisfactory contribution consists of monthly deduction of $25 to $100 from military pay, up to a maximum of $2,700, for deposit in a special training fund.) Participants may make lump-sum contributions. No individuals on active duty in the Armed Forces may initially begin contributing to this program after March 31, 1987.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
Awards are authorized at the designated VA Regional Processing Office.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 15 to 30 days
For FY 22, VA took an average of 15 days to process an initial application for benefits.
Program details & compliance
Description
To provide educational assistance to persons entering the Armed Forces after December 31, 1976, and before July 1, 1985; to assist persons in obtaining an education they might otherwise not be able to afford; and to promote and assist the all-volunteer military program of the United States by attracting qualified persons to serve in the Armed Forces.
Mission Categories
Primary: Higher Education
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Participants may pursue: (1) courses at colleges and universities leading to associate, bachelor or graduate degrees (including courses taken via accredited independent study, provided those courses lead to a standard college degree or a certificate that reflects educational attainment offered by an institution of higher learning); (2) courses leading to a certificate or diploma from colleges or universities or from business, technical or vocational schools; (3) apprenticeship or on-the-job training programs for individuals not on active duty; (4) correspondence courses, under certain conditions; (5) flight training, if the individual holds a private pilot license and meets the medical requirements upon beginning the training program; (6) state-approved teacher certification programs; (7) preparatory courses for tests necessary for admission to a college or graduate school; (8) reimbursement for licensing and certification tests approved for veterans; (9) entrepreneurship training; (10) reimbursement for national exams for admission to college or for college credit.
Restrictions
Benefits generally expire 10 years from release of active duty. If the benefits have not been completely used after the 10 years, the remaining contributions are automatically refunded to the Veteran.
Required Documentation
Military discharge certificate, certification of enrollment by educational institution in approved courses leading to an educational, professional or vocational objective and such other certifications as may be developed by VA and the Department of Defense.