Federal Veteran Educational Programs - Southwestern Illinois College

Federal veteran educational programs are available for veterans and their dependents.

You’re encouraged to review the Department of Veteran Affairs website for the most up-to-date information on these programs and to determine the best benefit package for you. Some veterans qualify for more than one program.

Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill®, Active Duty (MGIB-AD)

Available to veterans who contributed to the Montgomery GI Bill during their active duty service. This benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits. The benefits are generally payable for 10 years following your release from active duty.

Chapter 31: Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E)

Available to veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs. This benefit provides on-the-job training, post-secondary training, case management, counseling, and referral.

Chapter 32: Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)

Available to veterans who contributed to VEAP during their active duty service. This benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits. The benefits are generally payable for 10 years following release from active duty.

Chapter 33: Post 9/11 GI Bill®

This is the most common of the federal veteran educational programs. It’s available to veterans with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001. This benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits. The benefits are generally payable for 15 years following your release from active duty and may be transferred to dependents.

Chapter 33: Transfer of Entitlement/Transfer of Education Benefits (TOE/TEB)

Available to service members to transfer unused education benefits to spouses and dependents. The service member must establish eligibility for the entitlement, and the Department of Defense (DOD) determines eligibility for transferability.

Chapter 33: Fry Scholarship

Available to children of active duty members who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001. Eligible children may receive up to 36 months of Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits at a 100% rate after their 18th birthday.

Chapter 35: Survivors’ & Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA)

Available to eligible dependents of certain veterans. This federal veteran program benefit provides up to 45 months of education benefits. The period of eligibility varies.

Chapter 1606: Montgomery GI Bill®, Selected Reserves (MGIB-SR)

Available to members of the National Guard or Reserves who have completed basic training. This benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits. The period of eligibility ends 14 years from your beginning date of eligibility or on the day you leave the Selected Reserves.

Chapter 1607: Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)

The National Defense Authorization Act of 2016 ended REAP on November 25, 2015. However, veterans who have received benefits under this federal veteran program while enrolled in school may continue to be eligible. Veterans who have not enrolled in school and applied for this benefit before November 25, 2015, are no longer eligible for this benefit; but may be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits depending upon the dates of your periods of service.

Chapter 30/1606: National Call to Service Program (NCS)

Available to members of the National Guard, Reserves, Individual Ready Reserve, AmeriCorps, or other national service to be eligible for education benefits under Chapter 30 or Chapter 1606 as designated by the Secretary of Defense.

Contact Us

Submit all veteran-related documents via email, fin_aid@swic.edu.

Phone: (618)222-5288

Students are encouraged to monitor their student email and eSTORM account for updates.

‘‘GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill®.