Post-9/11 GI Bill Transfer to Family

Lets a service member with six years of service who agrees to four more transfer up to 36 months of unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a spouse or child.

Also called: TEB, transfer of entitlement, transfer GI Bill, dependents GI Bill, VA Form 22-1990E.

For: Veteran or service member, spouse, child.

Where it applies

Applies in states and territories.

Federal

Transfer of Entitlement is approved by the Defense Department, not VA, and only while the member is on active duty or in the Selected Reserve. The member must have at least six years of service on the date the request is approved, agree to serve four more years, and the family member must be enrolled in DEERS. Up to 36 months can be transferred in total. A spouse can use transferred benefits right away. If the member separated before January 1, 2013, the spouse has 15 years from the separation; after that date there is no time limit. A spouse does not receive the housing allowance while the member is on active duty. A child can use transferred benefits only after the member has 10 years of service, must have a high school diploma or be 18, and must use them before age 26. A child receives the housing allowance even while the parent is on active duty. Failing to finish the added four years can make the family repay what was used. Transfer is requested through the service branch's milConnect portal; the family member then applies to VA on VA Form 22-1990E.

Thresholds

Thresholds for Post-9/11 GI Bill Transfer to Family
Gate	Rule
Six years served, four more agreed	Must be requested while serving, with at least six years of service and a four-year added commitment.

Documents the source lists

What the official source lists for an application, and where to get each document. It is a reference read from the source, not a full list of what the office may ask for; check with the office or an accredited representative before you apply. Needed means the source asks for it; Helps means the source calls it optional or says it speeds things up.

Needed Social Security number
Where to get it Your Social Security card. Social Security replaces a lost card.
Listed by VA, How to apply for the GI Bill and related benefits read 2026-10-10
Needed Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit
Where to get it A check from the account, or your bank.
Listed by VA, How to apply for the GI Bill and related benefits read 2026-10-10
Needed Education and military history
Where to get it Your school transcripts and diplomas, and your DD214 or other service records.
Listed by VA, How to apply for the GI Bill and related benefits read 2026-10-10
Needed Two forms of ID, one with a photo, to enroll the family member in DEERS
If the family member is not yet enrolled in DEERS.
Where to get it Take them to a RAPIDS ID card office.
Listed by VA, Transfer your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits read 2026-10-10
Needed Application for Family Member to Use Transferred Benefits (VA Form 22-1990e)
Where to get it Download it from VA.gov, or ask a VA regional office or an accredited representative for a copy.
Listed by VA, Transfer your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits read 2026-10-10

Sources

Transfer your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefitsOfficial

Updated

Last updated 2026-10-08.

What changed then:

First published.

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Disclaimer

VetTOC is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Information is for reference only and is not an eligibility determination. Verify with VA, the relevant state or territory, or an accredited VSO.