Fill out VA 22-1990 (Application for VA Education Benefits) online
VA Form 22-1990 is the primary application for VA education benefits, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (Chapter 30), Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606), and other VA education programs. This form is used to apply for education benefits for the first time and to select which education benefit program you want to use.
How to fill out VA 22-1990 (Application for VA Education Benefits)
Determine your eligibility and select a program
Review the eligibility requirements for each VA education program. The Post-9/11 GI Bill generally requires at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service after September 10, 2001. The Montgomery GI Bill requires a $1,200 pay reduction during active duty. Select the program that provides the best benefits for your situation.
Enter personal and military service information
Provide your full name, Social Security number, date of birth, contact information, and military service history including branch, dates of service, and discharge characterization.
Provide education and training details
Enter the name and address of the school or training facility you plan to attend. Indicate the type of training (college degree, vocational, apprenticeship, flight training) and your expected start date.
Select your benefit and acknowledge the election
Choose which education benefit program you want to use. If selecting the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you may need to irrevocably relinquish eligibility under another program. Read the election statement carefully before signing.
Sign and submit
Sign and date the application. Submit it to the VA. Once approved, contact your school certifying official to have your enrollment certified. The VA will issue a Certificate of Eligibility letter detailing your benefit entitlement.
About VA 22-1990 (Application for VA Education Benefits)
Who needs this form
Veterans, service members, and certain eligible dependents (through transferred benefits) who want to apply for VA education benefits for the first time. This includes those seeking to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill for college, graduate school, vocational training, on-the-job training, apprenticeships, or flight training.
Where to submit
Apply online at va.gov (recommended for fastest processing), by mail to the VA Regional Processing Office, or in person at a VA regional office. Many veterans find it easiest to apply online and then coordinate with their school certifying official once benefits are approved.
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-24
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not understanding which education benefit program to select (Post-9/11 GI Bill vs Montgomery GI Bill have different eligibility and payment structures)
- Failing to verify that the chosen school or training program is approved for VA education benefits
- Not coordinating with the school certifying official, who must verify your enrollment before benefits can be paid
- Making an irrevocable election between benefit programs without understanding the financial implications
Frequently asked questions
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What is the difference between the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) pays tuition and fees directly to the school, provides a monthly housing allowance based on the school location, and includes a books and supplies stipend. Benefits are based on your percentage of qualifying active duty service after 9/11. The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (Chapter 30) pays a flat monthly rate directly to you regardless of actual tuition costs. Most veterans who served after 9/11 find the Post-9/11 GI Bill more valuable, especially at expensive schools, but the Montgomery GI Bill may be better for some low-cost programs or for those attending less than full-time.
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