Your identifying information. Use a reliable email - VA sends benefit approval and certification notices electronically. Chapter 33 notices are time-sensitive (schools have submission deadlines).

(legal name, SSN, contact info)

• ×Using a school email that may expire - use a personal email you will have indefinitely.

Choose ONE: (1) CHAPTER 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill) - best for most veterans; covers 100% tuition in-state for public schools, housing allowance (based on E-5 with dependents BAH), and $1,000/year book stipend; requires at least 90 days of active duty after 9/10/01. (2) CHAPTER 30 (MGIB-AD) - monthly stipend; requires $1,200 contribution; less generous than Ch33 for most. (3) CHAPTER 1606 or 1607 for reservists. Election is generally PERMANENT once Chapter 33 is elected - you cannot switch back.

e.g., Chapter 33 - Post-9/11 GI Bill

• ×Not knowing that electing Chapter 33 is generally permanent - if you later realize Chapter 30 would have been better, you typically cannot switch.
• ×Not asking about transferability before electing - Chapter 33 can be transferred to dependents while on active duty; Chapter 30 cannot.
• ×Veterans with certain Reserve/Guard service assuming they qualify for Chapter 33 - check your specific activation orders; some Reserve/Guard service does not qualify.

Dates and character of discharge for each period of service. Chapter 33 requires at least 90 days of aggregate active duty after 9/10/2001. Percentage of maximum benefit is based on total service: 36+ months = 100%, 30-36 months = 90%, 24-30 months = 80%, etc.

(DD-214 service dates, character of discharge)

• ×Not including all qualifying service periods - aggregate days count toward the percentage.
• ×Assuming a "General (Under Honorable Conditions)" discharge qualifies - it does for most programs but check specific program rules.
• ×Not knowing that active-duty period triggered by reserve activation for federal contingency operations counts for Chapter 33.

List the school, college, university, trade school, or apprenticeship program you plan to attend. The school must be VA-approved. Include the VA facility code if you know it (schools can provide this). If you are not yet admitted, you can still apply - list your intended school.

e.g., Arizona State University, Tempe AZ; VA facility code: 31600

• ×Applying to a school that is not VA-approved - check va.gov GI Bill comparison tool before enrolling.
• ×Not notifying VA if you change schools - you must file VA Form 22-1995 for a change of school.

Sign and date. You can also apply online at va.gov/education/apply-for-education-benefits/application/1990/. Online applications are typically processed faster.

(signature/date)

• ×Not following up with the school's certifying official after approval - VA pays schools after the school submits enrollment certification; if the school does not certify, VA does not pay.
• ×Missing the school's VA enrollment certification deadline - typically before or early in each semester.