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Do You Qualify For a Refund For Unused VEAP Benefits?

Updated | Julie Provost

The Department of Veterans Affairs stopped accepting new enrollments for the VEAP program on April 1, 1987. Only those who entered active duty between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985, and made personal financial contributions before the 1987 deadline are still eligible for any VEAP benefits or refunds.

Veterans must meet VA requirements to access remaining funds.

  • The veteran must have served 181 continuous days and have a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable.
  • Benefits typically expire 10 years after the date of the Veteran’s last discharge from active duty.
  • Eligible users may apply these funds toward degree programs, certificate programs, apprenticeships, or correspondence courses.

Participants who did not exhaust their funds within the 10 year window (or who choose not to use the benefit) may be entitled to a refund of their personal contributions.  Keep in mind that the government does not refund the matching portion.

To claim these funds, Veterans must submit VA Form 22-5281. If a Veteran dies before using the benefit, the personal contribution portion is payable to the designated beneficiary or the individual’s estate.

You were eligible for VEAP if all of the following were true:

  • Entered military service for the first time between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985 (for all branches except the Air Force)
  • Opened a VEAP account and put money into it before April 1, 1987
  • Put in between $25 to $2,700 of your own money
  • Finished your first period of service and did not receive a dishonorable discharge

If you served in the Air Force, then there were additional eligibility requirements for VEAP. There are over 100,000 Veterans who could get up to $2,700 back by filing the right form (see below).

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The VEAP Refund

As a VEAP participant, you are eligible for a refund of the unused contributions you made during your service. To receive a refund, you will need to complete:

VA Form 22-5281 Application for Refund of Education Contributions (VEAP, Chapter 32, Title 38, U.S.C.)

Once complete, mail it to your nearest VA Regional Office. Here’s a list of regional offices that can serve you. You can also visit the GI Bill Help Portal for information and assistance with your refund. If you prefer, you can contact the VA at 888-GIBILL-1 (888-442-4551.)

 

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About the author

Julie Provost is a freelance writer, and blogger. She lives in Tennessee with her National Guard husband and three boys.