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Employment benefits for dependent family members

As the dependent family member of a service member or Veteran with a service-connected disability, find out if you’re eligible and how to apply to get educational and career counseling benefits through Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (Chapter 36).

Am I eligible for VA educational and career counseling?

You may be eligible for this benefit if you meet both of these requirements.

Both of these must be true:

  • You’re the dependent of a Veteran, and
  • You’re eligible for certain VA education benefits

These VA education benefits include:

  • The Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
  • The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD, Chapter 30)
  • The Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR, Chapter 1606)

Learn more about the Post-9/11 GI Bill

Learn more about the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty

Learn more about the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve

What kinds of benefits can I get?

You can get educational and career counseling, plus help with:

  • Exploring your abilities and interests
  • Mapping out a path to employment
  • Planning the best use of your VA benefits

Note: In certain cases, you may be able to get other education and employment benefits and services for dependents. For example, you may qualify if you’re the child of a Vietnam or Korean War Veteran and have certain birth defects, or if you’re the dependent child or spouse of a Veteran who has died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result of active service.

Learn about other benefits and services for dependents

How do I get these benefits?

You can apply in any of these 3 ways.

Option 1: Apply online

You can apply online right now.

Apply for career counseling

Option 2: Apply by mail

Fill out Personalized Career Planning and Guidance/Chapter 36 (VA Form 27-8832).

Get VA Form 27-8832 to download

Then mail the completed form to your nearest VA regional office.

Find your nearest VA regional office

If you’re eligible, we’ll invite you to an orientation session at a VA regional office near you.

Option 3: Apply in person

Fill out Personalized Career Planning and Guidance/Chapter 36 (VA Form 27-8832).

Get VA Form 27-8832 to download

Then bring your application into your nearest regional office.