Did you serve in the military between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985? If you used the Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) to help pay for your education, you could be one of the more than 115,000 veterans from VA owes money to. The VA is actively looking for veterans who might be owed refunds, so read on to learn more.
We’re talking about a significant chunk of change here, potentially up to $2,700, that rightfully belongs back in veterans’ pockets. You served our country with honor, and this money was yours to begin with. In this post, you’ll learn what you need to know about VEAP refunds, who might be eligible, and, more importantly, how to claim what is yours.
Table of Contents:
Understanding the VEAP Program and Why Refunds Are Being Issued
Before we dive into the details, it’s important to know what VEAP is and why these refunds are making headlines. VEAP was an assistance program designed to help service members contribute towards their education expenses.
Unlike the Montgomery GI Bill that came after it, VEAP required participants to make a contribution from their own paychecks – $2,700. The idea was that for every dollar you put in, the government would match it with two dollars.
However, life happens, and not every veteran who signed up for VEAP ended up utilizing all of their benefits. Because this program has been inactive for several decades, it’s likely the VA is attempting to settle outstanding financial obligations as they close out the program entirely. They’re working to get these veterans from VA owes money to what is rightfully theirs.
Are You One of the Veterans from VA Owes Money to?
It’s a simple question, but answering it could mean a nice little bonus coming your way. Here’s a rundown of who qualifies for a VEAP refund:
- Veterans who served in the military from January 1, 1977, to June 30, 1985.
- Veterans who opted into the VEAP program.
- Veterans who didn’t use all (or any) of their VEAP benefits.
It’s crucial to note that if you’re unsure whether you used any VEAP benefits, reaching out to the VA for clarification won’t hurt. The last thing we want is for you to miss out on money that could be rightfully yours. There is no current deadline for claiming your VEAP refund, so time is on your side.
How to Claim Your VEAP Refund
Think you might be one of the lucky ones owed a refund? This is how you can stake your claim:
- Contact the GI Bill hotline directly at 888-442-4551.
- When speaking with a representative, ensure you have your service records handy—details about your enrollment in VEAP will be important.
Sometimes, government programs and procedures can feel about as clear as mud. It’s important to remember you are more than your circumstances—if the thought of navigating this refund process feels stressful or you’d prefer extra assistance, there are resources to help. Veterans service organizations can offer support and guidance as you communicate with the VA. This can ensure you receive the veterans benefits you are owed.
Conclusion
The news about veterans from VA owes money to, offering potential refunds of up to $2,700, is a glimmer of hope. This is well-deserved recognition for those who bravely served our country. Don’t wait. Contact the VA to see if you’re one of the fortunate veterans owed this refund. You dedicated years of your life to serving our country—now it’s time to see if the country owes something back to you.
If you participated in the VEAP program and think you may be due for a refund, please contact the GI Bill hotline at 888-442-4551. You can claim your refund at any time, as there is currently no deadline for getting the money.
My late Husband was Vietnam Veteran he passed away. Can I, as his widow, apply for this?
Thanks
My husband passed away and would I be able to get that and while we weed in the Military we fixed up altos of the houses we lived in.thank you for you time.
I’m a Vietnam Veteran. I servered in Vietnam in 1969. Do I qualify for this refund? Thank you, Thomas E. Cummings Jr.
I SERVED IN VIETNAM/ 67N20 FLEW WITH THE BLACKHAWKS 67/70 DO I THIS REFUND?
N/C
I served on DMZ in Korea during 1968-1969. 2nd Infantry Division. Do I qualify for this benefit ?
If I’m owed money, I’d be delighted to learn about it. Please send me all available information, and I thank you very much. With kind regards,
Just wondering is I am eligible for a refund served from 1976 to 1984 army if so let me know you can reach me at 8502661790 or 4409 havre way pensacola fl 32505
Served from 1974 through 1978. Am i going to receive this benefit.
I served in Vietnam as an active-duty U.S. Navy combat officer from 1969 – 1973., with time spent in-country, in October of 1970.
i served in the army between 1977 thru 1980 am i eligeable for anything
I thought I had exhausted all of my eligible VA benefits, i.e. education benefits. If I’m owed additional funds, then I would appreciate having those funds sent to me: 120 Donnas Lane, Hollister, CA 95023
I am a widow loyal husband serviced in VIETNAM. WILL I be eligible for the benefits
and how would I apply??
I thought I had exhausted all of my VA benefits, i.e. education benefits. if I’m owed additional funds, then I would appreciate having those funds sent to me 760 Eldert Ln apt 13 G Brooklyn, N.;Y. 11208 . the last education school I attend was Burk trade school..
I served: US Army 2nd Battalion 81st Field Artillery 1975 – 1977. Am I eligible?
Served in army from 1975 thru to 1979 4 div 1/22 inf ft Carson am I eligible
I served from 1988 to 2011 do I qualify?
I was a re-activated US Army Reservist, Sgt E-5 and was activated in March 1968 to report for Active Duty at Ft. Carson, Colo in June and serve thru 1968 and to Nov 1969. I get some good medical help here in NYC, where I live, from the Harborside VA Hosp on E. 23rd Street. But, have NEVER had any other benefits and would like some help with some on-line learning of insurance, so I can work for and insurance company. Aflac is one of the ones I could join and they have an office close to where I live. The cost for the certification..(including passing the NY State license test, is no more that $400 tops. I have no job at present and no financila benefits from the VA and can use this funding to start making some money.. Also, before my 1968 activation, I took the required 2 years of ROTC at the University of Mo., where I graduated with honors with a Bachelor degree in Jan, 1963.. My DOB is Aug 19, 1940.
Any help will be appreciated. Thank you
can you help me with this online tuition for an insurance course that yields a certificate in my state, NY, and
provide a way for me to make some money?
Served in US ARMY NOV 1972 til Feb 1988.
I’m a Vietnam Veteran. I servered in Vietnam in 1969. Do I qualify for this refund? Thank you,
I served in the USAF from 11/07/1960 -11/21/69! in Vietnam in 1968! Is there anything I am eligible for
I am a widow of a veteran who served from 1960-1980 Vietnam and lots more am I eligible for anything ,,
joseph f riccaldo says August 24 10:29 I served in Vietnam 1968-69 with 1st cav division’honorable discharge. 101 walnut hills apt.101 westhaverstraw new york 10993-1128.i would appreciate if i am eligable. thank you very much.
I served during that period, How do I know if I qualify for the refund?
I serv 2/68 to 2/69 do i gualify
i’m a vietnam vetran
im a vietnam veteran
Have been waiting on an appeal since 2014 or 2016. Why is this taking so long? Who do we contact when the ebenifits page says your like number 85,000 out of God knows how many? I also need to file for other disabilities. The VA I cannot say is bad or the worst entity out there but the way things are going for veterans lately. It makes me question the advise I give young adults who ask me about joining the military now. This isn’t how we are supposed to be treated. How can I recommend this to a young person trying to start their life?
I served in the US Air Force from 1975 to 1994. I remember the VEAP program and seem to recall we were not left a lot of choice whether to participate. I would love to know if I am eligible.
I served from 1980 to 1985 and put into it but never used it. Please end any information regarding this claim.
Thank you
I was in the Army Reserves from 1971-1977, do I qualify for anything?
I served from 1983 to 84 navy
I am a Vietnam veteran who served in combat while in country. 1970 through 1971. Do I deserve something back, I did use some of my VA education benefits and didn’t finish my course and had to pay back for failing my course.
Vietnam veteran, used some of my VA benefits, but don’t know how much.
I served in the Air Force from 1974 to 1983. Do I qualify?