VA Form 22-1990E: Apply for Transferred GI Bill Benefits

VA Form 22-1990E: Apply for Transferred GI Bill Benefits – Are you a spouse or child of a Veteran or service member who has transferred their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits? VA Form 22-1990E (Application for Family Member to Use Transferred Benefits) is the key document you need to access these valuable education benefits. This comprehensive guide explains eligibility, the application process, required documents, and tips for approval in 2026.

What Is VA Form 22-1990E?

VA Form 22-1990E is the official application used by eligible dependents (spouses and children) to request a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for transferred education benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), and in some cases Montgomery GI Bill programs.

The Department of Defense (DoD) must first approve the transfer of benefits from the service member or Veteran. Once approved, family members use this form to apply with the VA.

Current form details (as of 2026):

  • Revision date: December 2025
  • OMB Control No. 2900-0154
  • Estimated completion time: 15 minutes

Download the official PDF here: VA Form 22-1990E (PDF) Download Now

Who Is Eligible for Transferred GI Bill Benefits?

You must meet both of these criteria:

  • You are the spouse or child of a Veteran or service member.
  • The service member has already transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to you via the DoD’s Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB) program.

Additional notes:

  • Spouses generally have 15 years from the service member’s separation to use benefits.
  • Children must use benefits before turning 26.
  • The transfer must be approved by the service member’s military branch, with specific months and effective dates designated.

Important: Do not use VA Form 22-1990E if you’re applying based on your own military service (use VA Form 22-1990 instead).

How to Apply for VA Form 22-1990E Benefits?

Preferred method: Online Application (fastest processing)

  1. Visit the official VA education benefits application page.
  2. Sign in with your own ID.me or Login.gov account as the family member (not the Veteran’s account).
  3. Select and complete VA Form 22-1990E.
  4. Submit electronically.

Paper Application (by mail):

For dependents under 18: A parent, guardian, or custodian must sign. In some cases, paper submission may be required.

After submission, the VA will process your application and issue a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) if approved.

What to Expect After Applying?

  • Processing time: Varies; check status online via your VA account.
  • Once you have your COE, provide it to your school’s certifying official.
  • The school submits enrollment certification (VA Form 22-1999) to the VA.
  • Benefits include tuition, housing allowance (BAH), and books/supplies stipend (for qualifying programs).

Key Sections of VA Form 22-1990E

Part I – Applicant Information: Personal details, contact info, direct deposit (strongly recommended).

Part II – Benefit Transferred and Type of Education: Select the chapter (usually Chapter 33), type of training (college, vocational, apprenticeship, etc.), and school information.

Part III – Education and Employment History: Previous education and work experience.

Part IV – Additional Assistance: Disclose other funding sources (e.g., Tuition Assistance).

Part V – Service Member Information: Sponsor’s details.

Part VI – Certification and Signature.

Tip: Gather your sponsor’s service details, Social Security Number, and transfer approval information before starting.

Common Reasons for Delays or Denials

  • Signing in with the wrong account (Veteran vs. dependent).
  • Incomplete transfer approval from DoD.
  • Missing direct deposit information.
  • Applying before DoD transfer approval.

Always verify transfer status through milConnect first.

  • Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) — For survivors.
  • Fry Scholarship — For children of fallen service members.
  • VA Form 22-1990 — For Veterans applying on their own service.

Get Help

  • Call VA Education Hotline: 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551)
  • Visit: VA.gov Education Benefits
  • Contact a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for assistance.

Official Apply Page: Apply to Use Transferred Education Benefits Start Application

Maximize Your Benefits

Transferred GI Bill benefits can cover tuition, housing, and more — a powerful tool for family education and career advancement. Apply promptly after transfer approval to avoid delays in starting school or training.

This article is for informational purposes only and is based on official VA sources. Always verify the latest requirements directly on VA.gov, as policies can change.