Educational and Career Counseling
Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
What is Educational and Career Counseling?
Educational and Career Counseling can help you:
- Assess your vocational interests, aptitudes and abilities,
- Explore career opportunities,
- Obtain guidance on effective use of VA benefits and resources to achieve education and career goals,
- Address barriers that may impede success in training or employment, and
- Develop educational program objectives.
Administration
Educational and Career Counseling is administered by Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA).
Program Requirements
To be eligible for VA benefits and services, your discharge status must be a condition other than dishonorable, unless an exception is made by a VA regional office. You must also meet one of the following:
- A transitioning Servicemember within 6 months of discharge from active duty,
- A Veteran within one year of discharge from active duty,or
- Any Servicemember, Veteran, or qualified dependent eligible for VA educational assistance.
Note:Under both the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill, active duty servicemembershavethe option to transfer some or all of their educational benefit entitlement totheirdependent(s).
Application Details
What is the application process for Educational and Career Counseling?
The quickest way is to apply online at the eBenefits website, click on Veteran Readiness and Employment and select "Veteran Readiness and Employment Benefits." You may also submit a completed application (VAF 28-8832) at the local VA Regional or out based office, or mail the completed application to the closest Regional Office.
For more information, visit the VA's Education and Career Counseling webpage.