What Are GI Bill ® Education Benefits?
If you’re a U.S. military veteran (or a dependent or spouse of a veteran) seeking to advance your education after serving the nation, the GI Bill ® can be your golden ticket. The GI Bill ® offers a set of education benefits provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help veterans, service members, and their families pay for college, graduate school, and training programs. These benefits cover your tuition and fees, monthly housing allowance, books and educational supplies, and one-time rural relocation assistance.
At EC-Council University (ECCU), veterans are encouraged to use their GI Bill ® education benefits toward bachelor’s, master’s, and graduate certificate programs that prepare them for high-demand roles in the cybersecurity industry. ECCU, which is a Cybersecurity University, allows you to leverage the GI Bill ® education benefits to gain the necessary qualifications to launch your cybersecurity career without facing any financial hardship.
But how do you determine if you qualify for GI Bill ® education benefits? Let’s examine the eligibility criteria below.
Eligibility Criteria for the GI Bill ® and VA Education Benefits
To qualify for GI Bill ® benefits, you must meet certain service-related criteria. Here’s a breakdown of eligibility:
You may qualify if:
- You served at least 90 days of active duty after September 10, 2001.
- You were honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability after 30 continuous days.
- You received a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001.
- You are a dependent using transferred benefits from an eligible service member.
Levels of Benefit
Your benefit percentage (from 40% to 100%) is based on your duration of service. For example:
- 36+ months of service entitle you to 100% coverage
- 30–35 months of service entitle you to 90% coverage
- 24–29 months of service entitle you to 80% coverage
- And so on.
You can verify your eligibility using the GI Bill ® Comparison Tool.
VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE): What It Is and How to Get It
The VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is official proof from the VA that you qualify for GI Bill ® benefits. It outlines:- Your benefit percentage
- Remaining months of benefits
- Time limits for usage
- Your service history used to determine eligibility
How to Apply for a VA Certificate of Eligibility
- Online: Visit VA.gov and fill out VA Form 22-1990.
- By Mail: Request a paper form and send it to your regional VA processing office.
- In Person: Visit a VA regional office for assistance.
- With Help: Contact a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) for assistance in obtaining your COE.
Special GI Bill ® Considerations for Dependents
The GI Bill ® isn’t just for veterans – it can also benefit their families. Through the Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB) program, eligible service members can transfer unused benefits to dependents like their spouses and children.
Requirements
- The service member must request the transfer while still on active duty via milConnect.
- The dependent must be enrolled in the DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System).
- The dependent must apply using VA Form 22-1990e.
Additional VA Programs for Dependents
- Fry Scholarship: For children and spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after 9/11/2001.
- Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance: Offers up to 36 months of education benefits for eligible dependents.
Common Issues and Remedies When Availing GI Bill ® Education Benefits
It’s possible for challenges to arise when you apply for your GI Bill ® education benefits. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:
1. Delayed Payments
- Why it happens: Late school certification or VA processing delays.
- Solution: Contact your school’s VA Certifying Official and call the VA Education Call Center at +1 888-442-4551.
2. Enrollment Changes
- Why it matters: Dropping or adding classes affects your benefit amount.
- Solution: Notify the VA immediately to avoid overpayments or benefit interruptions.
3. Overpayments
- Why it happens: Changes in enrollment or incorrect certifications.
- Solution: Work with the VA to set up a repayment plan or request a waiver if applicable.
4. Housing Allowance Gaps
- Why it happens: No housing allowance is paid during school breaks.
- Solution: Plan ahead financially for breaks between terms.
5. Transfer Denials
- Why it happens: Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB) was not approved or submitted incorrectly.
- Solution: Ensure you initiate the transfer while on active duty and that your dependent(s) apply using the correct form.
If you need help, the Ask VA (AVA) Portal is a great place to submit questions and get swift responses.
ECCU Welcomes Applications from Veterans
Navigating GI Bill ® education benefits can be tricky, but with the right guidance, it becomes a simple and smooth process. EC-Council University guides you through every step and is committed to supporting veterans and their families in achieving their educational goals. Whether you’re a veteran who’s keen on upskilling or a veteran’s spouse or child looking to build a career in cybersecurity, we’ll help you leverage GI Bill ® education benefits to accomplish your mission. You don’t even have to pay an application fee!
Ready to take the next step in your career by becoming a cybersecurity professional? Reach out to our Veterans Admissions Advisor and start your journey today.
Frequently Asked Questions
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)— GI Bill® VA education benefit is to support eligible veterans, service members, and dependents for their graduate schooling and training programs. The GI Bill® VA education benefits cover the following, based on the program type and eligibility-
- Tuition and Fees
- Books and Supplies Stipend
- Monthly Education Stipends
- Support for Vocational, Technical, and Certification Programs
- Apprenticeship and On-the-Job Training Support
- Education Benefits for Eligible Dependents
For more details, you can check here- Read more
ECCU encourages the use of these benefits for bachelor’s, master’s, and graduate certificate programs in cybersecurity.
1. Served in the U.S. Armed Forces
This includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force.
2. Completed Active Duty Service
They must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. This includes:
- Honorable discharge
- General discharge under honorable conditions
3. Met Specific Service Requirements
Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, a veteran must have:
- Served at least 90 days of active duty after September 10, 2001, or
- Been discharged due to a service-connected disability after at least 30 days of service
4. Special Cases
Some National Guard and Reserve members may also qualify as veterans if they were activated for federal service (Title 10 orders) and meet the required service time.
5. Family members under the GI Bill®
- Spouse
- Can use transferred GI Bill® benefits while the service member is still on active duty or after separation.
- Not eligible for the monthly housing allowance if the service member is still on active duty.
- Children
- Must be enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).
- Can use benefits only after the service member has completed at least 10 years of service and the transfer is approved.
- Eligible for housing allowance and book stipend, even if the service member is still on active duty.
The COE is an official document from the VA that certifies and confirms your eligibility for GI Bill® VA education benefits for an approved program of education or training. It includes key details like your benefit percentage, months remaining, time limits, and the service history used for eligibility. You can apply for your COE via:
- Online: Use VA Form 22-1990 on VA.gov.
- By Mail: Request and send a paper form to your regional VA office.
- In Person: Visit a regional VA office for help.
- With Assistance: Contact a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) to help.
- Once obtained, submit your COE to ECCU’s Veterans Enrollment Advisor to start admissions.
Yes. Dependents can avail GI Bill® VA education benefits through the Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB) program. Eligible service members may transfer unused GI Bill® benefits to spouses or children. Requirements include initiating the transfer while still on active duty, raising a request for a Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB) from the DOD through milConnect and having dependents enrolled in DEERS.
Dependents can apply online or by mail. For more information about the application process- Read here
Additional programs include:
- Fry Scholarship, for spouses and children of service members who died in the line of duty after 9/11.
- Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance, offering up to 36 months of benefits for eligible dependents.
- Delayed Payments: Often caused by late school certification or VA processing delays.
Solution: Contact your school’s VA Certifying Official and call the VA Education Call Centre. - Enrollment Changes: Dropping or adding courses can affect your benefits.
Solution: Notify the VA immediately to prevent overpayments or interruptions. - Overpayments: Caused by incorrect certifications or enrollment changes.
Solution: Work with the VA Enrollment Advisors on repayment plans or seek waivers. - Transfer Denials: May happen if the TEB was not properly initiated or submitted.
Solution: Ensure the transfer was requested while on active duty and that appropriate forms were submitted for dependents.
If questions persist, the Ask VA (AVA) portal on the official VA Portal can help you get quick answers.
EC-Council University (ECCU) is a cybersecurity-focused institution committed to supporting eligible veterans and their families under the GI Bill® VA education benefits. ECCU accepts VA education benefits for its academic programs and, through the dedicated veteran enrollment advisors, and also assists applicants with eligibility requirements, Certificate of Eligibility (COE) submission, navigating benefit-related challenges, and the enrollment process. Additionally, ECCU waives the application fee for all eligible GI Bill® benefit holders.
