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Learn what the PACT Act means for your VA benefits

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

You can also apply:

By mail

Fill out Personalized Career Planning and Guidance/Chapter 36 (VA Form 25-8832).
Get VA Form 25-8832 to download

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.

In person

Fill out Personalized Career Planning and Guidance/Chapter 36 (VA Form 25-8832).
Get VA Form 25-8832 to download

Bring your application into your nearest regional office or VetSuccess on Campus counselor. If you’re eligible, we’ll invite you to an orientation session at a VA regional office near you.