Transfer your Post-9/11 GI Bill to your spouse or kids

The #1 thing to know: you request the transfer through DoD while you're still serving. VA can't do it for you, and once you're out it's too late.

Requirements (all must be true)

• On active duty or in the Selected Reserve.
• At least 6 years of service on the date the request is approved.
• You agree to serve 4 more years.
• The family member is enrolled in DEERS.

Purple Heart recipients have no service requirement, but must still request the transfer while on active duty.

Steps

1. Get dependents into DEERS at a RAPIDS office (2 IDs, 1 with a photo).
2. Request Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB) in milConnect. You can transfer up to 36 months total.
3. Your dependent applies to use it on VA.gov with their own Login.gov or ID.me account (VA denies it if you apply from your account). Under 18: apply for them on paper with VA Form 22-1990e.

When they can use it

• Spouse: right away. No housing allowance while you're on active duty. No time limit if you separated on/after Jan 1, 2013; 15 years if before.
• Child: only after you've finished 10 years of service; must have a diploma/equivalent or be 18, and be under 26. Can get housing allowance even while you serve.

If you leave before finishing the obligation

Dependents may keep eligibility only for certain reasons (service-connected injury/illness, hardship discharge, medical condition preventing duty, pre-existing disability, reduction in force, or death). Otherwise they lose it and you may owe VA for what was already paid.

Changing or revoking months is done in milConnect; you can add dependents only while still on active duty. Questions go to your branch's TEB contact (listed on the VA page).

Texas veteran? Look at the Hazlewood Legacy program too.

Related: Top 10 most-missed veteran benefits · Leaving-the-service timeline · VA.gov sign-in help · All vet benefit guides