The transferability option under the Post-9/11 GI Bill allows Servicemembers to transfer all or some unused benefits to their spouse or dependent children. The request to transfer unused GI Bill benefits to eligible dependents must be completed while serving as an active member of the Armed Forces. The Department of Defense (DoD) determines whether or not you can transfer benefits to your family. Once the DoD approves benefits for transfer, the new beneficiaries apply for them at VA. Apply now.
Eligible Servicemembers may transfer all 36 months or the portion of unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits (unless DoD or the Department of Homeland Security has limited the number of transferable months). If you're eligible, you may transfer benefits to the following individuals:
Family members must be enrolled in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System (DEERS) and be eligible for benefits at the time of transfer to receive transferred benefits.
The option to transfer is open to any member of the armed forces active duty or Selected Reserve, officer or enlisted who is eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and meets the criteria established by the Department of Defense.
Transfer Process. While in the armed forces, transferors use the Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB) website to designate, modify, and revoke a Transfer of Entitlement (TOE) request. After leaving the armed forces, transferors may provide a future effective date for use of TOE, modify the number of months transferred, or revoke entitlement transferred by submitting a written request to VA. Submit a TEB request now for your Service component approval (non-VA Link). (NOTE: When the milConnect Home page displays, select Education then Transfer of Education Benefits [TEB] from the menu bar.)
Upon approval, family members may apply to use transferred benefits with VA by applying online or by printing, completing, and mailing the VA Form 22-1990e to your VA Regional processing office of jurisdiction. VA Form 22-1990e should only be completed and submitted to VA by the family member after DoD has approved the request for TEB. Do not use VA Form 22-1990e to apply for transfer of education benefits.
Marriage and Divorce
Reallocation of Benefits
If a Veteran or Servicemember wants to reallocate transferred benefits they can do so using the TEB Portlet in MilConnect at https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect.
Reallocation of Benefits if a Family Member Dies
The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Assistance Act of 2017, allows for designation and transfer of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to eligible dependents of the Veteran/servicemember upon the death of the Veteran/servicemember or of a dependent who had unused transferred benefits. See our web page here.
Nature of Transfer
Family member use of transferred educational benefits is subject to the following rules:
Spouses
Children
Branch of Service |
Contact |
Army Active Duty Officer |
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Army Active Duty Enlisted |
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Army National Guard |
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Army Reserve (Enlisted and Officer) |
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Navy Active Duty Navy Personnel Command Customer Service Center |
866-U-ASK-NPC (866-827-5672)/DSN 882-5672 |
Navy Reserve |
800-621-8853, Fax: 757-444-7597/7598 |
Marine Corps Active Duty Officer |
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Marine Corps Active Duty Enlisted |
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Marine Corps Reserve |
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Air Force Active Duty |
800-525-0102 or 210-565-5000 or DSN 665-5000 |
Air National Guard |
Contact one of the Retention Office Managers at your unit. |
Air Force Reserve |
Air Force Personnel Center or |
Coast Guard Active Duty |
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Coast Guard Reserve |
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NOAA |
Email or |
PHS |
Email or |