I have been out of the military since Dec. 1989. How can I find out if I have any educational benefits I can utilize at this point?

AN Kay Burke — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 09:20:03 -0400

I would like to seek certification in Chemical Dependency Counseling (CDCA).

Response by COL Randall C. made Nov 2 at 2023 9:53 AM

COL Randall C. — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 09:53:07 -0400

Quick answer: Call the VA and ask a benefits counselor [login to see] ).

Longer answer - Your VA educational benefits from the military (if you had any) expired back in 2004 (15 years from when you left the service). The same likely would apply for any VA disability related VR&E educational assistance (limit on that was 12 years from separation) unless you were approved for a service-connected disability later (then it's 12 years from that date).

Neither time limit applies anymore though if you left the service after 1 JAN 13 (for VR&E) or 1 AUG 18 (for the GI bill).

You might want to check with your state's Veteran Affairs Office to see if there are State programs you're eligible for*. Additionally, there are many other organizations out there that give grants and/or scholarships you can apply for if eligible (you'll have to do some digging - one example*)
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* https://www.military.com/education/money-for-school/state-veteran-benefits.html
* https://www.fastweb.com/directory/scholarships-for-veterans

State Veteran Education Benefits

Some states offer education benefits over and above the GI Bill. Visit our State Education Benefits Page to learn more.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Nov 3 at 2023 4:57 PM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 16:57:03 -0400

https://benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/index.asp

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.

Response by SPC Kerry Hayes made Nov 15 at 2023 6:21 PM

SPC Kerry Hayes — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 18:21:14 -0500

If you have a VA Disability rating of at least 10% or more and are above the age 35 I suggest you look in Chapter 31. Chapter 31 has different components such as job training, resume writing and other part. They also have an education component. I used it in 2014 to earn a Master’s Degree at the New School. They gave me a printer, laptop and a $500 stipend. They paid for tuition, books and fees. You contact me if you have any questions.