Step 2: Collect Your Paperwork and Information

(You will need a few documents to complete the application. Please review the list below to make your you have everything you need to complete the process)

Dates and service status for each period of military service.

Dates and service status for each period of military service is used to determine your percentage of entitlement.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit level is based on your aggregate qualifying active duty service, which is total service, including separate periods.

Payback time for ROTC or Service Academy does not count as qualifying service.

The number of months of eligibility remaining for benefits under one or more VA education programs.

If you have used benefits under one or more VA education programs, you may be entitled to additional benefits under another program.

Whether you have participated in the $600 Buy-Up Program.

You must be receiving the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty or REAP to participate in the Buy-Up Program.

For an additional $600 contribution, you may receive up to $5400 in additional GI Bill benefits. The additional $600 contribution is not payable under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

All necessary documents.

The documents needed are:

  • DD214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty for most recent period of active duty.
  • Transcripts for all periods of education after high school.
  • Kicker Contract (the Department of Defense may be able to provide this information if you cannot locate a copy of the contract.)