Does the GI Bill Pay for Trade School?
Navigate using your GI Bill for trade school. Understand how to access this benefit for vocational training and career advancement.
The GI Bill provides educational and training benefits for service members, veterans, and their eligible family members. These benefits extend beyond traditional four-year colleges, supporting individuals pursuing vocational and technical education. The GI Bill pays for trade school, offering a pathway to career advancement and skill development. This federal program helps beneficiaries achieve their educational and career aspirations, covering various costs for approved training programs.
Programs Approved for GI Bill Funding
The GI Bill covers a range of vocational and technical programs, though not every program automatically qualifies. Approved programs include vocational training at technical schools, non-college degree programs, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training opportunities. These programs focus on hands-on skills and direct entry into specific trades, differentiating them from traditional academic degrees. Programs must be approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or a State Approving Agency (SAA). Common trade school fields are covered, including training for mechanics, culinary arts, cosmetology, welding, information technology (IT) certifications, and commercial driver’s licenses (CDL). Apprenticeship programs, which combine paid work with technical instruction, are also approved, allowing veterans to earn wages while learning a skilled trade. The VA’s approval process ensures programs meet quality and curriculum standards.
Benefits Available for Trade School Students
The GI Bill provides financial support for trade school students, covering several expenses. For those eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, tuition and fees are often paid directly to the school. The VA covers the full cost of public, in-state tuition and fees for eligible students. For private or foreign schools, the VA sets an annual cap, which for the 2024-2025 academic year is approximately $28,937.09 for non-degree granting institutions.
Students attending trade school more than half-time may also receive a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA). This allowance is based on the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents at the main campus zip code. For approved apprenticeship or on-the-job training programs, the MHA is paid on a sliding scale, decreasing as the trainee’s wages increase.
Students also receive a stipend for books and supplies. The Post-9/11 GI Bill offers up to $1,000 per academic year for books and supplies. This stipend is paid directly to the student, typically as a lump sum at the beginning of each term or enrollment period.
Confirming Your Personal Eligibility and Entitlement
Understanding eligibility and remaining entitlement for GI Bill benefits is crucial for prospective trade school students. The primary GI Bill chapters relevant to trade school include the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD, Chapter 30), and the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR, Chapter 1606). Each program has distinct service requirements. For the Post-9/11 GI Bill, eligibility requires at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service after September 10, 2001, or a service-connected disability discharge after 30 continuous days of service. Most individuals receive 36 months of benefits, with some qualifying for up to 48 months. For beneficiaries whose last active duty discharge was on or after January 1, 2013, the 15-year time limitation for using Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits has been removed. The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) requires at least two years of active duty service and a $100 per month contribution for the first 12 months. The Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) is for members of the Reserves or National Guard with a six-year service obligation. Individuals can check their remaining entitlement and benefit percentage through the VA.gov website, via their GI Bill Statement of Benefits, or by contacting the VA directly.
Applying and Utilizing Your GI Bill Benefits
Applying for and utilizing GI Bill benefits for trade school involves several steps. First, find a VA-approved trade school or program using the VA’s GI Bill Comparison Tool or the Web Enabled Approval Management System (WEAMS) database. These online resources provide details on approved institutions and programs.
Next, apply for GI Bill benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs online via the VA.gov website by filling out VA Form 22-1990, the Application for Education Benefits. The application requires your Social Security number, military history, basic school details, and bank account direct deposit information.
Upon successful application, the VA will issue a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), outlining your specific benefits and remaining entitlement. This certificate typically arrives within 30 days.
Once received, provide a copy of your COE to the trade school’s School Certifying Official (SCO), usually located in the financial aid or veteran affairs office. The SCO then certifies your enrollment to the VA, initiating payment for tuition, fees, MHA, and book stipends. Tuition and fees for Post-9/11 GI Bill beneficiaries are paid directly to the school. The MHA and books and supplies stipend are disbursed to the student, with MHA paid monthly in arrears and the books stipend at the start of the term.