If you read my last article about Military.com, you may have found helpful information for active duty personnel in obtaining help for college. Reservists have not been left out. The government just announced a new program called REAP (Reserve Education Assistance Program). This new program authorizes up to $28,000 in new educational benefits to National Guard and Reserve soldiers who served in the War on Terror or in a national emergency like Hurricane Katrina.
REAP is contained in Chapter 1607 of the GI Bill. Administered by the VA, it may not be used with other VA educational benefits. To be eligible, a reservist must have been on duty at least 90 days after September 11, 2001. Temporary duty assignments, such as ADSW tours at your local armory, do not count. The service must have been in connection with the War on Terror or other military operation authorized by Congress, the Secretary of Defense, or the President.
Benefits are retroactive. Although you may not be on active duty now, you qualify if you were activated for 90 days or more after September 11, 2001. Disabled veterans injured during any of these operations also qualify for benefits.
How much money can you get as a full time student? If you served 90 days but less than one year, you can get $413.60 per month. Members serving between one and two years are eligible for $620.40. Serving over two years results in a payment of $827.20. While you may not find this amount large enough to pay for all expenses, it will help.
To read the full Military.com article, click on this link: http://www.military.com/Resources/ResourcesContent/0,13964,58783–1,00.html. If you have any questions, you can talk with your nearest VA representative or click on the link in the Military.com article for further instructions.