VA Form 22-0989: Restore GI Bill Benefits After School Closure – If your school closed, lost VA approval, or suspended your program—especially during or after the COVID-19 period—you may qualify to restore used education benefits. VA Form 22-0989 (Education Benefit Entitlement Restoration Request Due to School Closure, Program Suspension or Withdrawal) is the official form to apply for this restoration.
This comprehensive guide explains eligibility, how to complete and submit the form, key deadlines, and tips for a successful claim. Information is based on current VA resources as of 2026.
Who Should Use VA Form 22-0989?
You may need this form if:
- Your school permanently closed or had its approval to receive VA benefits withdrawn.
- Your program of study (major or training) was suspended.
- The disruption occurred due to COVID-19 between March 1, 2020, and June 1, 2022 (temporary closure or suspension).
- You lost training time or did not receive credit for enrolled classes.
Eligible programs include:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
- Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA/Chapter 35)
- Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB Chapter 30)
- MGIB-Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
- Post-Vietnam Era VEAP (Chapter 32)
Note: Restoration is generally for the term/period where you lost credit. However, special rules (effective August 1, 2021) may allow restoration of your entire program if you transferred fewer than 12 credits to a new school (for affected enrollments through September 30, 2025).
Key Eligibility Details and Recent Changes
- You do not always need to enroll in a new school before applying (especially for closures after December 27, 2022). Answer “No” to relevant questions if unsure about credit transfer.
- Provide details about credit transfer (or lack thereof) via attestation on the form.
- VA restores entitlement only for periods without credit or lost training time in most cases.
Always verify your specific situation on the official VA site.
Step-by-Step: How to Complete VA Form 22-0989?
- Download the latest form (May 2024 revision):
Download VA Form 22-0989 PDF - Fill in Part I — Applicant Identification (name, VA file/SSN, address, phone, email).
- Part II — School and Program Details:
- School name/address that closed/suspended.
- Dates and circumstances (closure, suspension, withdrawal).
- Whether you received credit, completed the program, or were still enrolled.
- New school info (if applicable) and credit transfer details (especially <12 credits for full restoration).
- Part III — Certification and Signature. Sign and date (ink signature required for paper).
Tip: Be accurate and attach supporting documents like school closure notices, transcripts, or withdrawal letters. Use “Remarks” (Item 12) for extra details.
OMB Control No. 2900-0859 — Expires 05/31/2027. Estimated completion time: 15 minutes.
How to Submit VA Form 22-0989?
Mail to:
Restoration of Entitlement Team
Muskogee Regional Processing Office
P.O. Box 8888
Muskogee, OK 74402-8888
Or submit electronically via Ask VA (preferred for faster processing).
You can also contact VA Education Benefits by phone or check status through your VA.gov account.
Additional Resources
- Official VA Form Page: VA Form 22-0989
- GI Bill Restoration Information: Visit benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/Restoration.asp
- Apply for or manage benefits: VA Education Benefits
- Update direct deposit: Available online via VA.gov.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Can I restore benefits if I already graduated from the closed school?
Possibly, depending on whether you received full credit. The form asks specific questions about completion and credit received.
What if my new school accepted some credits?
If fewer than 12, you may qualify for broader restoration under the 2021 rules. Attest to this on the form.
Is there a deadline?
Apply as soon as possible. Special full-restoration provisions apply to certain dates (e.g., through Sept 30, 2025 for qualifying cases).
Do dependents qualify?
Yes, eligible DEA/Chapter 35 beneficiaries can use this form.
Protect Your Benefits: Act Now
School closures can disrupt your education and waste hard-earned GI Bill entitlement. VA Form 22-0989 provides a clear path to restoration so you can continue your training without penalty.
For personalized help, log into VA.gov, contact the Muskogee office, or reach out via Ask VA. Veterans and eligible dependents should review their Certificate of Eligibility (COE) after submission.