GI Bill - VA Work Study Allowance Program

The VA Work Study Allowance Program is a program that allows students receiving VA educational benefits to earn money while they are working on their education. This program is funded by the VA, therefore, individuals who participate in the work study program are paid directly by the VA.

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Program Description

If you are receiving VA educational benefits and classified as a full or three-quarters (¾) time student, you may be eligible to participate in the VA Work Study Program. You must be currently enrolled in a college degree, vocational or professional program of study.

This program offers students receiving VA educational benefits an additional monetary allowance in return for performing VA-related activities and services. Some types of activities and/or services a participant may perform include:

• Preparation and processing of necessary papers and documentation at educational institutions
• Activities and VA facilities
• Activities at State Veterans Agencies
• Perform services at VA medical facilities
• Working at a Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success
• Working at local Veteran Centers

The Work Study Program pays participants an hourly wage that is equal to the Federal minimum wage or the state minimum wage where the work study is being performed, whichever is greater. VA work study payments are non-taxable and paid in the arrears in fifty (50) hour increments. The total number of hours that a participant can work in a designated enrollment period cannot be more than twenty-five (25) times the number of weeks in that period. For example, if a participant is enrolled in a sixteen (16) week term the maximum number of hours the VA will authorize for that term is four hundred (400) hours.

The VA selects participants for the program based on numerous criteria factors. Some of the criteria factors used include:

• Veterans with a thirty (30) percent or more service-connected disability rating will be given the highest priority for selection
• The financial need of the participant
• Availability of transportation
• Availability of VA work study positions in the area of the school or university

Program Eligibility

The VA Work Study Allowance Program is available to students who are receiving benefits under the following VA educational programs:

• Chapter 33 – Post 9/11 GI Bill
• Chapter 30 – Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty)
• Chapter 31 – Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
• Chapter 35 – Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program
• Chapter 1606 – Montgomery GI Bill (Selected Reserve)
• Chapter 1607 – Reserve Educational Assistance Program

How to Apply for Benefit

To apply for the VA Work Study Allowance Program you must complete VA Form 22-8691 (Application for Work Study Allowance) and send to the VA Western Regional Education Office at the following address:

You can obtain a copy of the VA Form 22-8691 online at the VA website.

It is important to remember that although you may be approved for a work study position at a specific site or location, it is dependent on availability of positions at that site or location.

It is also recommended that you update your resume prior to submitting your work study application.

For more information concerning the VA Work Study Allowance Program or any other education benefit program please visit the GI Bill® homepage at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/ or by calling 1-888-442-4551.

Other Helpful Links/Websites

• GI Bill Comparison Tool
• Career Scope
• Choosing a School
• Employment
• GI Bill Payment tables
• DoD's BAH Calculator
• Choosing the right GI Bill for you (PDF)
• VA Work Study Pamphlet (PDF)

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.