Election Period Nears End to Switch VA Education Programs

Washington, D.C. — Certain current and former servicemembers may be eligible for Montgomery G.I. Bill education benefits that they previously could not obtain, if they elect to switch education programs before Oct. 9, 1997.

Legislation signed into law Oct. 9, 1996, enables certain servicemembers and veterans eligible for the Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) to instead elect to use education benefits provided by the Montgomery G.I. Bill. To switch to the newer education program, active duty servicemembers and veterans discharged after October 8, 1996, must have had money in their VEAP account on October 9, 1996.

“While we believe those affected by this legislation are aware of their option to elect Montgomery G.I. Bill education benefits, we are making every effort to ensure eligible servicemembers have the opportunity to act before the October deadline,” said VA’s Acting Under Secretary for Benefits Stephen Lemons.

The Montgomery G.I. Bill entitles servicemembers and veterans greater benefits than VEAP. Generally, monthly benefits under the Montgomery G.I. Bill (Active Duty) program amount to $427.87 for up to 36 months of full-time training. VA or the Department of Defense will collect from those individuals who elect to switch a $1,200 payment required of all participants in the Montgomery G.I. Bill–Active Duty program.

Servicemembers should contact their Education Officer for election procedures. Veterans can call VA toll-free at 1-800-827-1000 for assistance in filing an election. Information on VA education benefits also is available on VA’s Internet Home Page at http://www.va.gov/benefits/education.

The law requires that an election be completed by October 8, 1997. The servicemember’s or veteran’s $1,200 pay deduction or payment does not have to be made by that date, but benefits cannot be granted until the full payment is made.