Applying to GI Bill after approved VR and E

Applying for the GI Bill to establish your Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility tier for VR&E subsistence allowance will **not** deplete the GI Bill benefits you intend to transfer to your child. Under 38 CFR 21.260 and 38 CFR 21.264, the VA must establish your "eligibility and available entitlement" under the Post-9/11 GI Bill to correctly calculate your VR&E subsistence allowance, which is paid at the Chapter 33 rate if you are otherwise eligible. This application is an administrative requirement to determine your proper payment tier (e.g., 100% if you have 36 months of active duty service) and does not constitute "using" or electing your GI Bill benefits for training. Your VR&E entitlement (Chapter 31) and GI Bill entitlement (Chapter 33) are separate; using VR&E does not charge your Chapter 33 entitlement per 38 U.S.C. § 3313. To protect your child's future benefits, you must still formally transfer your GI Bill benefits via the Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB) process on the milConnect portal while still in service or, if you are a veteran, ensure you completed the transfer before separation. Your actionable next step is to complete the VA Form 22-1990 (Application for Education Benefits) as requested by your VR&E Counselor to finalize your subsistence rate, then immediately verify the successful transfer of benefits to your dependent. **This information is for educational purposes regarding VA policy and procedure and does not constitute legal, financial, or benefits advice; for definitive guidance, consult your VR&E Counselor or a VA-accredited representative.**