Many veterans do not utilize the benefits that they qualify for. Nearly forty percent of all veterans are eligible for GI Bill and other veteran’s benefits but they do not use them. Most of the time this is because of not using their benefits in the time allotted. There is a ten-year period following the separation from active duty to use your Active duty GI bill benefits. Has it been longer than ten years for you? If so, you may have missed your opportunity. In rare cases, it is possible that you could still qualify, so if it has been longer than ten years and you are still interested it is a good idea to get in contact with your local Veterans Administration Office to find out if you still qualify. For information you can call 1-888-GIBILL-1.
A number of veterans believe wholeheartedly that they do not qualify for aid, that they are too old to go back to school, or that for some other reason they do not qualify. Well, never say never. A person should pursue further education if they believe it would benefit them, and there are a lot of programs out there which would surprise you. Some of these programs include:
-Scholarships
-Job Assistance Training for Specific Targeted Jobs.
-Grants.
-Loans.
-Job Training Programs.
-Federal Student Financial Aid.
-Vocational Rehabilitation programs eligible for Veterans.
If you served in the U.S. Armed Forces anytime after 1940, you are eligible for different types of Vocational Rehabilitation. Veterans with an employment handicap, or a disability rating from the VA, or both, may qualify for additional Chapter 31 GI Bill Services. Some of these services are job placement, training, educational assistance, and various counseling opportunities. If you are eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation, a counselor will work with you to:
-Identify physical and mental demands of jobs you are interested in.
-Explore job-training requirements.
-Define and narrow your education and vocational options and set goals.
-Develop a personal plan and education, career and job goals.
For people who have served on active duty the basic time frame to use vocational rehabilitation benefits are limited to twelve years after being separated from active duty. There are other conditions and limitations, but it is smart to investigate all the benefits that you are eligible for. As a veteran, if you are eligible and attending training or educational program through vocational rehabilitation, there is also possible subsistence payments or allowances that you may qualify for. These can be substantial, so it’s a good idea to find out what you qualify for.
