The Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Veteran Readiness and Employment program (VR&E, formerly Vocational Rehabilitation, Chapter 31) are two of the most powerful education benefits available to veterans. Many veterans do not realize they may be eligible for both — and using them strategically can mean the difference between covering a two-year degree and funding an entire career change. Here is an honest comparison of both programs, who qualifies, what each covers, and the strategy savvy veterans use to maximize their benefits.
Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) — The Basics
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the education benefit most veterans know about. If you served at least 90 days of aggregate active duty after September 10, 2001, you have some level of GI Bill eligibility. The benefit percentage scales with your time in service:
- 90 days: 40% of the maximum benefit
- 6 months: 50%
- 12 months: 60%
- 18 months: 70%
- 24 months: 80%
- 30 months: 90%
- 36 months or more: 100%
At 100%, the GI Bill covers full tuition and fees at public in-state schools (or up to approximately $28,000 per year at private schools under the Yellow Ribbon Program), a monthly housing allowance equal to the E-5 with dependents BAH rate for your school's zip code, and a books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 per year. You get 36 months of benefits, and you have 15 years from your last separation date to use them.
VR&E / Chapter 31 — The Basics
VR&E (now officially called Veteran Readiness and Employment) is designed for veterans with service-connected disabilities who face barriers to employment. To qualify, you need:
- A VA disability rating of at least 10% (with a finding of an employment handicap) or 20% or more
- An honorable or other-than-dishonorable discharge
- Application within 12 years of your VA disability rating date (though extensions and exceptions are common)
VR&E covers tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment — but it goes further. Depending on your individualized plan, VR&E can also cover a laptop, professional clothing, tools of the trade, certification exam fees, tutoring, and even self-employment startup costs. There is no hard cap on the number of months of benefits, though most plans are designed to last 48 months or fewer.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | GI Bill (Ch. 33) | VR&E (Ch. 31) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | 90+ days active duty post-9/11 | 10%+ VA disability rating |
| Tuition | Covered (in-state public or Yellow Ribbon) | Fully covered (any approved school) |
| Housing Allowance | E-5 w/ dependents BAH (school zip) | E-5 w/ dependents BAH or Ch. 31 subsistence rate |
| Duration | 36 months | Up to 48 months (extensions possible) |
| Books / Supplies | Up to $1,000/year | Fully covered |
| Laptop / Equipment | No | Yes, if required for program |
| Certifications | Exam fees covered | Exam fees, study materials, retakes covered |
| Transferable to Family | Yes (if eligible) | No |
| Expiration | 15 years from separation | 12 years from rating (extensions available) |
Can You Use Both?
Yes — but not at the same time. You cannot receive payments from both programs simultaneously. However, you can use VR&E for one program and save your GI Bill for another, or switch between them at different points in your education. If you use VR&E and elect to receive the Chapter 33 housing allowance rate (which is usually higher than the Chapter 31 subsistence allowance), the months you spend in VR&E will be deducted from your GI Bill entitlement. If you use the Chapter 31 subsistence rate instead, your GI Bill months remain untouched.
The Smart Strategy: Use VR&E First
If you qualify for both programs, the generally recommended approach is:
- Apply for VR&E first. If approved, use VR&E for your primary degree or training program. Choose the Chapter 31 subsistence rate to preserve your GI Bill months.
- Save your GI Bill. Use your 36 months of GI Bill later for a graduate degree, a second certification program, or transfer the benefit to your spouse or children.
- Use both strategically. Some veterans use VR&E for their undergraduate degree (with the Ch. 31 rate), then use the GI Bill for graduate school. Others use the GI Bill first, then apply for VR&E when their GI Bill runs out and they still need training to overcome an employment barrier.
How to Apply
For the GI Bill, apply online at VA.gov. You will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) that you present to your school's veteran certifying official. The process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.
For VR&E, apply through VA.gov or by submitting VA Form 28-1900. After applying, you will be assigned a VR&E counselor who will evaluate your disability, employment barriers, and career goals. Together, you will develop an individualized plan. The initial evaluation can take 1 to 3 months, so apply early.
Key Takeaways
- If you have a VA disability rating, apply for VR&E — it covers more than the GI Bill and can preserve your GI Bill months.
- You can use both programs, just not simultaneously.
- Choose the Chapter 31 subsistence rate in VR&E to keep your GI Bill months intact.
- Save the GI Bill for graduate school, certifications, or transfer to dependents.
- Apply early — VR&E counselor assignments take time.