The Post-9/11 GI Bill is one of the most valuable benefits available to veterans, offering financial support for education. But many service members wonder if they can pass these benefits to their spouse or children. The answer is yes—but there are specific rules and requirements you must meet. Below, we break down everything you need to know about transferring your GI Bill benefits.
Who is eligible to transfer GI Bill benefits?
Not every veteran can transfer their education benefits. To qualify, you must:
- Be an active-duty service member or a member of the Selected Reserve.
- Have served at least six years in the military.
- Agree to serve four additional years from the date of your transfer request.
- Make the transfer request while still on active duty.
If you meet these criteria, you can transfer your benefits to your spouse, children, or both. However, your service branch must approve the transfer, and additional rules may apply depending on your situation.
How can a veteran transfer their education benefits?
If you are eligible, you can transfer your benefits through the milConnect website. Here is how the process works:
- Log in to milConnect using your Common Access Card (CAC) or DS Logon.
- Go to the Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB) page and select which dependents should receive benefits.
- Submit the request and wait for approval from your service branch.
- Once approved, your dependent must apply for the benefits through the VA website using VA Form 22-1990E.
It is important to note that transfers must be completed while you are still in service. Once you separate from the military, you lose the ability to transfer these benefits.
What benefits can be transferred?
When you transfer your GI Bill benefits, your spouse or children can use them for:
- College tuition and fees at eligible institutions.
- Housing allowances (for children only, if the veteran is not on active duty).
- Money for books and supplies.
- Vocational and technical training programs.
The benefits cover up to 36 months of education, which can be divided among multiple dependents as needed.
What are the rules for spouses and children receiving benefits?
The rules for using transferred benefits vary depending on whether they are for a spouse or a child:
For spouses:
- They can use the benefits immediately after approval.
- They have up to 15 years after your separation from the military to use them.
- They do not qualify for a housing allowance while you are still on active duty.
For children:
- They can use the benefits only after you have served 10 years in the military.
- They must be under the age of 23 to receive benefits.
- They qualify for a monthly housing allowance even if you are no longer on active duty.
Can a veteran take back transferred benefits?
Yes, a veteran can revoke or adjust transferred benefits at any time before they are used. This means if you originally transferred benefits to one child but later want to split them among multiple dependents, you can make those changes through the milConnect website.
However, once a dependent uses the benefits, those funds cannot be taken back or reassigned to someone else.
What happens if a veteran does not fulfill the service requirement?
If you agree to serve the additional four years but separate from the military early due to reasons like medical retirement or force reduction, you may still be able to keep your transferred benefits. However, each case is reviewed individually by the VA and your service branch.
Purple Heart recipients have an exception—they can transfer benefits at any time, regardless of years served.
