The following information is located at the Department of Veterans Affairs website www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/benefits.htm.
Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
What is REAP?
REAP (Chapter 1607 of title 10, U.S. Code) is an education program that provides up to 36 months of education benefits to members of the Selected Reserves, Individual Ready Reserve (IRR), and National Guard, who are called or ordered to active service in response to a war or national emergency, as declared by the President or Congress.
$600 Buy-up Program
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.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility will be determined by the Department of Defense (DoD) or Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as appropriate. Generally, a member of a Reserve component who serves on active duty on or after September 11, 2001 under title 10, U.S. Code, for at least 90 consecutive days under a contingency operation, is eligible for REAP. There is no specific time frame to use REAP; however, your eligibility generally ends when you leave the Selected Reserves.
National Guard members are eligible if their active service extends for 90 consecutive days or more and their service is:
- authorized under section 502(f), title 32, U.S. Code,
- authorized by the President or Secretary of Defense for a national emergency, and
- supported by federal funds.
How do I Apply?
You may apply by completing VA Form 22-1990, Application for Education Benefits or you may apply online at vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp.
How Do I Get More Information?
Contact your local VA Regional Office at 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) or see www.gibill.va.gov/pamphlets/CH1607/CH1607_Pamphlet.pdf.