How to Efile a Form 22

By Sheri Bell Hack

Active U.S. service military members and discharged veterans are eligible for Veterans Administration educational benefits. Veterans can also transfer their educational benefits to their dependent children or their spouse. Qualified military members and veterans who are eligible under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill-Select Reserve, the Reserve Educational Assist Program or the Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Program can access information and apply for benefits online at the VA website. Veterans can choose educational benefits that meet their training requirements.

Check the VA GI Bill website under Post -9/11 GI Bill and other programs to determine which program you are eligible under. You can use the benefit comparison tools link to determine the type of benefits available. The Reserve Educational Assist Program is available to members of the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve or Army National Guard or Air National Guard. You may be eligible for up to 36 months of educational benefits for degree programs, certificates, cooperative training, independent study programs, on-the-job training, apprenticeships and vocational flight programs. Your eligibility terminates the day you leave the Selected Reserves.

Review the VA tuition rate schedule to determine how much the VA will pay for your school tuition and training. Tuition fees are based upon the highest undergraduate public tuition fee for the state where your school is located. Fees are broken down by per credit and maximum fees per term.

Access the Form 22 application if you are eligible for educational benefits under the Post-911 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill-Select Reserve, the Reserve Educational Assist Program or the Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Program by visiting the VA Forms website. Download the form, complete it, sign the signature page, scan the form and save it to your computer. Go to the GI Bill Apply for Benefits website, and use the online link that says "Launch VONAPP (Veterans Online Applications)". Follow the instructions carefully. You will need to complete the login, create a password and then complete the VONAPP application online. Follow the VONAPP prompts. Attach Form 22, including the signature page to the VONAPP application. When you have finished, submit the form by e-file. You can also submit it by mail to the VA address listed on the form's instructions. Information about e-benefits can be accessed at the Department of Veterans Affairs e-benefits portal by clicking on "Education."

Wait for the VA to respond to your application and advise you of your benefit eligibility before applying to your school. VA educational benefits are available for undergraduate and graduate programs and certain licensing and certification programs. Check the VA website for a complete list of eligible and approved licensing, certification and training programs.

If you are eligible for more than one GI Bill program, you will need to make a choice as to which one best suits your educational training requirements. The new Post-911 GI Bill is available to service members who served at least 90 days in the military after Sept. 11, 2001, and who are either currently on active duty or have been honorably discharged. Benefits terminate 15 years from discharge or active duty release.

Form 22-1990 should not be used if you are seeking vocational rehabilitation, employment benefits, transfer of entitlements, dependent educational benefits or national call to service. You must use other forms that are available online at the VA website for these purposes.

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