Jacobrakai Foundation / Veterans resources

VA & GI Bill.

Find the right application, prepare your information, and get help when you need it.

Education / Getting started

Use your GI Bill.

Know the program and the school before you apply. VA makes the eligibility decision.

  1. 01

    Compare the benefit programs.

    Review VA’s program comparison. If more than one may apply, ask VA how choosing a program affects your remaining entitlement.

  2. 02

    Check the school and program.

    Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to compare approved providers and estimated benefits.

  3. 03

    Apply with VA.

    VA’s application guide routes Veterans, service members, and eligible family members to the appropriate application.

Have these details handy

Preparation checklist · not an eligibility test

Open VA’s application guide

Looking at employment support? Explore Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E).

Education / Already enrolled

Keep your benefits moving.

Your school reports enrollment to VA. If your program requires monthly verification, that is a separate step.

  1. 01

    Check with your school.

    Ask the school’s certifying official whether your enrollment and any course changes have been reported to VA.

  2. 02

    Check your verification requirement.

    VA’s enrollment page explains the available methods for your program. School certification does not replace your own verification.

  3. 03

    Still missing a payment?

    Contact VA through Ask VA. Include your benefit program, school, enrollment dates, and the payment period you’re asking about.

Check enrollment verification
Check remaining benefits Get an education letter

The letter tool supports certain Post-9/11 decision letters. VA explains how to request other education letters on the same page.

Benefits / Claims & decisions

Start with where you are.

A new claim, a pending claim, and a decision you disagree with have different next steps.

Starting a disability claim

Read VA’s filing instructions and evidence guidance. You can start even if you don’t yet have all your evidence; VA explains how it can help gather records.

Start with the claim guide

Waiting for a decision

Use VA’s status tool to check supported claims, decision reviews, and appeals.

Check your status

Disagree with the decision

Keep the decision letter. Read its review options and deadlines. An accredited representative can help you understand the routes available in your case.

Read VA’s review options
Find accredited claims help

Accredited VSO claim assistance is free. Attorneys and claims agents may charge fees.

Records / Proof of service

Find your DD214.

VA’s records guide explains online and other ways to request military service records.

  1. 01

    Choose the record you need.

    A DD214 documents separation from military service. VA’s guide also directs you to requests for other military records.

  2. 02

    Follow the official request route.

    The options depend on the record and who is requesting it. Follow the instructions for your situation.

  3. 03

    Keep the record somewhere private.

    Download it to a device or location you control. Don’t send service records to the Foundation.

Open the service-records guide
Support / Talk to a person

Know who can help.

The right contact depends on what you’re trying to resolve.

A claim or decision review

A VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative can help. Their VA claim services are free. Contact them to confirm availability before appointing a representative.

A school enrollment issue

Contact your school’s certifying official about the enrollment information the school sends to VA. Contact VA about benefit eligibility and payment questions.

Find a VA-accredited representative
Washington claims assistance New Jersey service offices Ask VA a question

Attorneys and claims agents may charge fees. Check accreditation and understand any fee agreement.

Checklist marks reset when you reload. Enter personal details with VA, not here.