Detailed Information

VEAP is available if you elected to make contributions from your military pay to participate in this education benefit program. The Government matches your contributions on a $2 for $1 basis. You may use these benefits for degree, certificate, correspondence, apprenticeship/on-the-job training programs, and vocational flight training programs. In certain circumstances, remedial, deficiency, and refresher training may also be available.

Benefit entitlement is 1 to 36 months depending on the number of monthly contributions. You have 10 years from your release from active duty to use VEAP benefits. Any entitlement not used after the 10-year period, your portion remaining in the fund will be automatically refunded to you.

II. Eligibility
To qualify, you must meet the following requirements: Entered service for the first time between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985;
Opened a contribution account before April 1, 1987;
Voluntarily contributed from $25 to $2700;
Completed your first period of service; and
Were discharged or released from service under conditions other than dishonorable.

If you are currently on active duty and wish to receive VEAP benefits, you must have at least 3 months of contributions available. Contributions may be withdrawn if you do not meet the basic eligibility requirements or if you formally request a refund of the contributions withheld.

What Does VA Pay?
The total dollar amount of your benefits is the sum of:
Your total contributions, PLUS
Matching funds from VA equal to 2 times your contributions, PLUS
Any DOD contributions or "kickers"

The monthly amount you'll receive is based on the total (above), the number of months you contributed, the type of training you're in, and your training time. Click here for payment chart.

III. How to Apply
When you find an approved training program, bring a copy of your DD-214 (member 4) to the Veterans Affairs Office. Complete VA Form 22-1990 (PDF), Application for Education Benefits. The VA office will send your paper work to the Atlanta RPO for processing.

Note: If you wish to withdraw your contributions from VEAP, obtain and complete VA Form 24-5281, Application for Refund of Educational Contributions, and send it to your nearest VA regional office.

IV. Other Related Benefits
Work-Study Program
Tutorial Assistance

Additional information is available on VEAP in our pamphlet or call us at 352-392-1374, ext. 7413