VA Form 22-1990: Apply for GI Bill Education Benefits – VA Form 22-1990 is the official Application for VA Education Benefits. Veterans, service members, and eligible individuals use it to apply for key GI Bill programs, including the popular Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (Chapter 30), and Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606).
Whether you’re transitioning out of the military, already a veteran, or updating your benefits, this form (or its online equivalent) starts the process for tuition assistance, housing allowances, books, and more.
Download the official VA Form 22-1990 here: VBA-22-1990-ARE.pdf
Why Use VA Form 22-1990?
- First-time applicants: Apply for GI Bill education benefits.
- Existing users: Switch programs, update your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), or make changes.
Note: Dependents using transferred benefits should use VA Form 22-1990E instead. Survivors/dependents use VA Form 22-5490 for Chapter 35.
Key VA Education Benefits You Can Apply For
- Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) — Most comprehensive option for those who served after Sept. 10, 2001.
- Up to 36 months (or more under Rudisill decision) of benefits.
- Pays tuition/fees directly to schools (100% for qualifying public in-state; caps for private/foreign).
- Monthly housing allowance (MHA) based on school location and enrollment.
- Annual books/supplies stipend.
- Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (Chapter 30) — Monthly stipend for education/training.
- Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606) — For current Selected Reserve members.
Additional options include VEAP (Chapter 32) and specific reimbursements (tests, licensing, etc.).
Eligibility Highlights (2026)
Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33):
- At least 90 aggregate days of active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, or
- Purple Heart recipient (post-9/11) with honorable discharge, or
- 30+ continuous days active duty with service-connected disability discharge.
Benefits are tiered by length of service (e.g., 36+ months for full 100%). Non-qualifying service (e.g., certain training, academies) may not count.
Other programs have their own service, contribution, and reserve commitment rules—check the form instructions or VA.gov for details.
Forever GI Bill note: Benefits generally do not expire for those discharged on/after Jan. 1, 2013.
How to Apply for VA Education Benefits? (Step-by-Step)
Recommended: Apply Online (fastest, ~15 minutes)
- Visit the official VA education application: https://www.va.gov/education/apply-for-gi-bill-form-22-1990/
- Create or sign in with ID.me or Login.gov.
- Gather: Military service history, direct deposit info, school details if known, DD-214 (or equivalent).
Paper Option:
- Download and complete VA Form 22-1990.
- Mail to the appropriate VA Regional Processing Office based on your school or home address.
- Notify your school’s VA certifying official.
After submission, you’ll receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) outlining your benefits.
Pro Tip: Attach supporting documents like your DD-214 (Member 4 copy) and NOBE for reserves to speed processing.
What Happens After You Apply?
- VA reviews and issues your COE.
- Enroll in an approved school/program.
- School submits enrollment certification (VA Form 22-1999).
- Verify enrollment monthly for housing payments (Post-9/11).
You can check status and remaining benefits on VA.gov.
Additional Benefits & Programs
- Yellow Ribbon Program — Helps cover higher tuition costs.
- Transfer of Entitlement — Service members can transfer benefits to spouses/children.
- Work-Study, Tutoring, Test Reimbursements.
- Rudisill Decision — Potential for up to 48 months total entitlement in some cases.
Common Questions
How long does it take? Online applications often yield quick decisions; paper may take longer.
Can I change schools or programs? Yes, but update VA and your school.
I’m on active duty — You can still apply.
Get Help
- Call 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).
- Visit VA.gov Education
- Use VA counseling for career/education planning.
Applying for VA education benefits is one of the most valuable steps you can take after service. Start today with VA Form 22-1990 to unlock funding for college, trade school, apprenticeships, flight training, and more.
Official Download: VA Form 22-1990 PDF