GETTING STARTED

Please answer the following question:

Have your ever received educational benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill?
 YES NO

The Veteran’s Administration provides a summary of educational benefits website, organized by chapter code. It also includes payment rates. Before applying for benefits, go to the Department of Veterans Affairs website for additional information.

All applicants, please pay attention to whether or not a form is submitted just once or each semester. Also, don’t forget to sign and date your forms, and make copies for your files. Submit all your forms to Jean Lasinski, Penn State Altoona, C122 Smith.

 

If you know your chapter code, go to the instructions for your chapter code:

If you don’t know your chapter code, please contact the School Certifying Official to help you in determining your chapter code and necessary paperwork to complete the application process.

 

CHAPTER 30: Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty

Students who have been discharged from the military after serving their first period of enlistment.

  1. Complete the Penn State Altoona form, Certification Request: VA Educational Benefits. Students complete this form EACH semester they are enrolled for continued benefits.
  2. Complete the VA Application for Benefits, Form 22-1990. This form is only completed once.

    Helpful hints:
    1. Chapter 30 applicants select box 4A.
    2. Include copies of your signed contracts if you participated in a Buy-up (question 17A) or kicker (question 17C).
  3. Complete the Request for Extrainstitutional Training form. Include a copy of your SMART transcript or military transcript.
  4. Applicants will also need three (3) court-certified copies of their discharge papers (DD-214). Final discharge papers will say “MEMBER 4” in the lower right-hand margin.

    Students can court certify their DD214 at any county courthouse, office of the recorder. There is no charge for this service. Check the blue pages of your local phone book for courthouse information.
 

CHAPTER 31: Vocational Rehabilitation

Contact the school certifying official for additional information.

 

CHAPTER 35: Dependents

  1. Complete the Penn State Altoona form, Certification Request: VA Educational Benefits. Students complete this form EACH semester they are enrolled for continued benefits.
  2. Complete the VA Application for Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance, Form 22-5490. This form is only completed once.
 

CHAPTER 1606: Montgomery GI Bill--Select Reserve

  1. Complete the Penn State Altoona form, Certification Request: VA Educational Benefits. Students complete this form EACH semester they are enrolled for continued benefits.
  2. Complete the VA Application for Benefits, Form 22-1990. This form is only completed once.

    Helpful hints:
    1. Chapter 1606 applicants select box 4B.
    2. Include copies of your signed contracts if you participated in a kicker (question 16F).
  3. Complete the Request for Extrainstitutional Training form. Include a copy of your SMART transcript or military transcript.
  4. A photocopy of your Notice of Basic Eligibility, provided to reservists by their unit.
  5. Applicants will also need one (1) court-certified copy of their discharge papers (DD-214). Final discharge papers will say “MEMBER 4” in the lower right-hand margin.

    Students can court certify their DD214 at any county courthouse, office of the recorder. There is no charge for this service. Check the blue pages of your local phone book for courthouse information.
 

CHAPTER 1607: Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)

  1. Complete the Penn State Altoona form, Certification Request: VA Educational Benefits. Students complete this form EACH semester they are enrolled for continued benefits.
  2. Complete the VA Application for Benefits, Form 22-1990. This form is only completed once.

    Helpful hints:
    1. Chapter 1607/REAP applicants select box 4C.
    2. Include copies of your signed contracts if you participated in a kicker (question 16F).
  3. Complete the Request for Extrainstitutional Training form. Include a copy of your SMART transcript or military transcript.
  4. A photocopy of your Notice of Basic Eligibility, provided to reservists by their unit.
  5. Applicants will also need one (1) court-certified copy of their discharge papers (DD-214). Final discharge papers will say “MEMBER 4” in the lower right-hand margin.

    Students can court certify their DD214 at any county courthouse, office of the recorder. There is no charge for this service. Check the blue pages of your local phone book for courthouse information.

Students Who Have Received Benefits in Previous Semesters

 

Chapter 30: MGIB—Active Duty

  1. Complete the Penn State Altoona form, Certification Request: VA Educational Benefits. Students complete this form EACH semester they are enrolled for continued benefits.
 

Chapter 31: Vocational Rehabilitation

  1. Contact your educational counselor for additional information
 

Chapter 35: Dependents (DEA)

  1. Complete the Penn State Altoona form, Certification Request: VA Educational Benefits. Students complete this form EACH semester they are enrolled for continued benefits.
 

Chapter 1606: MGIB—Select Reserve

  1. Complete the Penn State Altoona form, Certification Request: VA Educational Benefits. Students complete this form EACH semester they are enrolled for continued benefits.
 

Chapter 1607: REAP

  1. Complete the Penn State Altoona form, Certification Request: VA Educational Benefits. Students complete this form EACH semester they are enrolled for continued benefits.