VA Form 22-1990t: Apply for GI Bill Tutorial Assistance – If you are using VA education benefits such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, or Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) and need extra help in a required course, VA Form 22-1990t (Application for Individualized Tutorial Assistance) lets you request supplemental payments to cover tutoring costs. This official VA form helps eligible students receive up to $100 per month (not to exceed actual tutoring costs) with a lifetime maximum of $1,200.
The current version of the form is dated January 2025. Always download and use the latest official version to avoid processing delays.
What Is VA Form 22-1990t?
VA Form 22-1990t is the required application to claim reimbursement for individualized tutoring under most VA education benefit programs. It serves as both an application and enrollment certification. The form must be completed by you (the student/applicant), your tutor, and your school’s certifying official (SCO). For Post-9/11 GI Bill users, your course instructor must also sign a specific section.
This benefit is supplemental to your regular monthly GI Bill housing allowance, tuition payments, and books stipend. It is designed to help you succeed in courses that are necessary for completing your approved program of education.
Download the official form here: VA Form 22-1990t (PDF) – January 2025
You can also access it on the official VA page: VA Form 22-1990t – Veterans Affairs.
Who Is Eligible for Individualized Tutorial Assistance?
You may qualify if you meet all of the following requirements (per official VA guidelines):
- You are using VA education benefits and are enrolled at least half-time (or have a rate of pursuit of 50% or higher if using the Post-9/11 GI Bill).
- The course for which you need tutoring is required for graduation or completion of your approved program.
- Your instructor has determined that tutoring is necessary for you to successfully complete the course.
- Your tutor is not a close relative (spouse, parent, brother, sister, or child).
- You are training in a post-secondary program at an educational institution approved for VA benefits.
Important note: Even if you are currently passing the course, you may still qualify if the grade will not count toward program completion without additional support. Always start by speaking with your instructor and school certifying official.
How Much Tutorial Assistance Can You Receive?
VA pays up to $100 per month for tutorial assistance, but the amount cannot exceed your actual tutoring costs. The lifetime maximum across all VA education programs is $1,200.
Payment is made directly to you as a supplement to your other GI Bill benefits. How it affects your entitlement depends on which benefit you are using:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) or DEA (Chapter 35): No charge to your entitlement.
- Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30 or 32) or Chapter 1606: No entitlement charge for the first $600 of tutorial assistance. Amounts above $600 may result in entitlement charges based on your full-time monthly rate.
These rules are detailed in the form instructions and on the official VA Tutorial Assistance page.
How to Prepare and Apply for Tutorial Assistance?
Follow these steps before completing VA Form 22-1990t:
- Speak with your instructor — Request a written recommendation confirming you need tutoring to succeed in the course. This letter goes to your school’s certifying official.
- Contact your school’s certifying official (SCO) — They maintain your VA records and can help coordinate tutor assignment and confirm hourly rates in many cases.
- Arrange tutoring — Work with a qualified tutor (not a close relative). Keep detailed records of dates, hours, and costs.
- Gather information — Have your VA file number or Social Security number, school details, course information, and tutoring session records ready.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Completing VA Form 22-1990t
Complete the form after you have received the tutoring. Follow the official instructions printed on the form itself. Here are the key steps:
- Complete Items 1–13 (your information, veteran details if different, mailing address, school information, and tutoring details). In Item 10, list the specific subject(s) or course(s) (e.g., “Math 101” or “Biology 210”). Be sure to complete every block A through F in Item 12 — this section covers tutoring dates, hours/sessions, charges, and certifications. Incomplete blocks are a frequent cause of delays.
- Have your tutor review and sign Items 14A and 14B. The tutor must certify that they provided the tutoring shown, that the charges are correct, and that they are not a close relative of yours.
- Take the form to your school’s certifying official — They complete Items 15 and 16 and sign Items 17A and 17B.
- Post-9/11 GI Bill users only — Take the form to your course instructor/professor. They must sign Item 18A and complete Item 18B, certifying that tutorial assistance is essential to correct a deficiency and that the course is required for your approved program.
- Review everything for accuracy and ensure all required signatures and dates are present. The form must be signed and dated on or after the date of the last tutoring session for which you are claiming payment (see Item 12b).
Critical deadline: VA will not pay for any tutoring received more than one year before the date they receive your completed claim.
Where and How to Submit VA Form 22-1990t?
Mail the completed, signed form to the VA Regional Processing Office (RPO) that serves your state or the location of your school. The form includes a detailed chart on page 3 with the exact addresses and list of states served.
General mailing information (verify with the latest form):
- Eastern Region RPO: VA Regional Office, P.O. Box 4616, Buffalo, NY 14240-4616
- Western Region RPO: VA Regional Office, P.O. Box 8888, Muskogee, OK 74402-8888
Call VA Education toll-free at 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) or use Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 711 if you need help confirming the correct address. Do not email the completed form.
What to Expect After Submitting Your Application?
VA will review your claim for completeness, eligibility, and supporting signatures. If approved, payment is issued as a supplemental benefit (added to your existing education payments or sent separately). Processing times vary; keep copies of everything you submit.
If your claim is delayed or denied, common reasons include missing signatures (especially Section 18 for Post-9/11), incomplete Item 12 blocks, or tutoring that occurred more than one year prior. Contact your school SCO or VA for status updates.
Practical Tips to Avoid Delays with VA Form 22-1990t
- Work closely with your school’s certifying official from the beginning — they are your best on-campus resource.
- Submit claims monthly or promptly after tutoring ends rather than waiting for large accumulated amounts.
- Double-check that the tutor’s signature clearly states they are not a close relative.
- Keep original receipts or invoices from your tutor showing dates, hours, and amounts paid.
- Use the current January 2025 version of the form only.
- If you are using the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ensure your instructor completes Section 18 before submission.
Frequently Asked Questions About VA Form 22-1990t and Tutorial Assistance
Can I submit the form online?
No. VA Form 22-1990t must be completed on paper with original signatures and mailed to the appropriate Regional Processing Office.
Does tutorial assistance reduce my remaining GI Bill entitlement?
It depends on your benefit chapter. There is no entitlement charge for Post-9/11 GI Bill or Chapter 35 users. Montgomery GI Bill users receive the first $600 without charge; amounts above that may affect entitlement.
Can I use any tutor?
The tutor must not be a close relative. Many schools can recommend qualified tutors or have tutoring centers that coordinate with VA requirements.
How often can I submit claims?
You can submit monthly or after completing a block of tutoring sessions. Each claim must be signed and dated on or after the last session date being claimed.
Additional Official Resources for GI Bill Students
These trusted VA resources provide further guidance:
- Official VA Tutorial Assistance page — Detailed eligibility and process overview.
- VA Form 22-1990t page — Direct access to the current form and related links.
- VA Education and GI Bill homepage — Central hub for all education benefits.
- GI Bill education and training site — Tools, rate tables, and contact information.
- How to apply for GI Bill benefits — Related forms and application guidance.
- Current VA education benefit rates — Includes notes on tutorial assistance.
- Call VA Education: 1-888-442-4551 (Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Central Time).
Disclaimer: This guide summarizes official VA information from va.gov and the January 2025 VA Form 22-1990t instructions. Program rules, addresses, and form versions can change. Always verify details directly on VA.gov, in the current form instructions, or by contacting VA or your school’s certifying official before submitting any claim. This article does not replace official VA guidance.
By following the steps above and using the official form and resources, you can successfully apply for the individualized tutorial assistance you need to succeed in your education program.