The Post-Vietnam Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (chapter 32 of title 38, U. S. Code) and the Educational Assistance Pilot Program (Section 903 of Public Law 96-342) were enacted by Congress to attract high quality men and women to the all-voluntary Armed Forces. The Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Program is also known as VEAP or chapter 32. The Educational Assistance Pilot Program is also known as non-contributory VEAP or section 903.

VEAP is available if you elected to make contributions from your military pay to participate in this education benefit program. Your contributions are matched on a $2 for $1 basis by the Government. You may use these benefits for degree, certificate, correspondence, apprenticeship/on-the-job training programs, and vocational flight training programs. In certain circumstances, remedial, deficiency, and refresher training may also be available.

Benefit entitlement is 1 to 36 months depending on the number of monthly contributions. You have 10 years from your release from active duty to use VEAP benefits. If there is entitlement not used after the 10-year period, your portion remaining in the fund will be automatically refunded.

To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

• Entered service for the first time between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985;
• Opened a contribution account before April 1, 1987;
• Voluntarily contributed from $25 to $2700;
• Completed your first period of service; and
• Were discharged or released from service under conditions other than dishonorable.

If you are currently on active duty and wish to receive VEAP benefits, you must have at least 3 months of contributions available.

Contributions may be withdrawn if you do not meet the basic eligibility requirements or if you formally request a refund of the contributions withheld.

New Applicants

You can apply by filling out VA Form 22-1990, Application for Education Benefits. The original VA Form 22-1990, a member 4 version of your DD-214, and a University of Nevada, Reno Veteran Course Submission Form must be submitted to the Veteran Services staff.

You may also apply online at the Veterans On Line Applications (VONAPP) website. If you choose to apply online, please print out the application and bring it along with your class schedule to the University Veteran Services Office so we know that you applied online and can remind the Veterans Administration Office of your method of applying for benefits.

Transfer Applicants

You can apply by filling out VA Form 22-1995, Request for Change of Program or Place of Training. The original VA Form 22-1995 and a University of Nevada, Reno Veteran Course Submission Form must be submitted to the Veteran Services staff.

Visit the GI Bill - Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) web page. Or Call toll free 1-888-GI-BILL-1 [(888) 442-4551] .