Reserve Educational Assistance Program

(REAP, Chapter 1607) REAP was established as a part of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005. It is a new Department of Defense education benefit program designed to provide educational assistance to members of the Reserve components called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency (contingency operation) as declared by the President or Congress. This new program makes certain reservists who were activated for at least 90 days after September 11, 2001 either eligible for education benefits or eligible for increased benefits.

Some reservists may contribute up to an additional $600 to the GI Bill to receive increased monthly benefits. For an additional $600 contribution, you may receive up to $5400 in additional GI Bill benefits. You must be a member of a Ready Reserve component (Selected Reserve, Individual Ready Reserve, or Inactive National Guard) to pay into the "buy-up" program. For more information contact your personnel or payroll office.

For a listing of the increased monthly rates click here »

Visit the GI Bill Web Site for details about this program »

How to Apply
If you are applying for VA education assistance for the first time:

Complete the VCU Veterans Affairs (VA) Education Assistance application and instructions (pdf).
Attach a copy of your VCU admission letter to the application.
Attach a completed Veterans Administration's Application for VA Education Benefits (VA Form 22-1990) to the application.
Attach a completed VCU Veterans Educational Benefits Transfer Credits Evaluation form (pdf) to the application.
Attach the Member Copy 4 of your DD Form 214 to the application.
Submit the application packet to the VCU Veterans Affairs Office. Your enrollment will be certified and your application packet will be reviewed and forwarded to the regional Veterans Administration Office.
When you receive your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and award letter from the Veterans Administration, provide a copy of each to the VCU Veterans Affairs Office.

If you have received VA education assistance at VCU previously:

Complete the VCU Veterans Affairs (VA) Education Assistance application and instructions (pdf).
Submit the application to the VCU Veterans Affairs Office. Your enrollment will be certified and your application will be reviewed and forwarded to the regional Veterans Administration Office.

If you have received VA education assistance previously at another college or university but not at VCU:

Complete the VCU Veterans Affairs (VA) Education Assistance application and instructions (pdf).
Attach a copy of your VCU admission letter to the application.
Attach a completed Veterans Administration's Request for Change of Program or Place of Training (VA Form 22-1995) to the application.
Attach a completed VCU Veterans Educational Benefits Transfer Credits Evaluation form (pdf) to the application.
Attach the Member Copy 4 of your DD Form 214 to the application.
Submit the application packet to the VCU Veterans Affairs Office. Your enrollment will be certified and your application packet will be reviewed and forwarded to the regional Veterans Administration Office.
When you receive your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and award letter from the Veterans Administration, provide a copy of each to the VCU Veterans Affairs Office.