10 USC Ch. 1606: EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR MEMBERS OF THE SELECTED RESERVE

From Title 10—ARMED FORCESSubtitle E—Reserve ComponentsPART IV—TRAINING FOR RESERVE COMPONENTS AND EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

CHAPTER 1606—EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR MEMBERS OF THE SELECTED RESERVE

Sec.

16131.

Educational assistance program: establishment; amount.

16131a.

Accelerated payment of educational assistance.

16132.

Eligibility for educational assistance.

16132a.

Authority to transfer unused education benefits to family members.

16133.

Time limitation for use of entitlement.

16134.

Termination of assistance.

16135.

Failure to participate satisfactorily; penalties.

16136.

Administration of program.

[16137.

Repealed.]

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2011—Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title X, §1061(29)(B), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1584, struck out item 16137 "Biennial report to Congress".

2008—Pub. L. 110–252, title V, §5006(e)(2), June 30, 2008, 122 Stat. 2386, added item 16132a.

Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title V, §528(a)(2), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 107, added item 16131a.

1999—Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title V, §548(b), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 609, substituted "Biennial report to Congress" for "Reports to Congress" in item 16137.

1996—Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1501(b)(33), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 498, substituted "limitation" for "limitations" in item 16133.

§16131. Educational assistance program: establishment; amount

(a) To encourage membership in units of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve, the Secretary of each military department, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, shall establish and maintain a program to provide educational assistance to members of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve of the armed forces under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned who agree to remain members of the Selected Reserve for a period of not less than six years.

(b)(1) Except as provided in subsections (d) through (f), each educational assistance program established under subsection (a) shall provide for payment by the Secretary concerned, through the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to each person entitled to educational assistance under this chapter who is pursuing a program of education of an educational assistance allowance at the following rates:

(A) $251 (as increased from time to time under paragraph (2)) per month for each month of full-time pursuit of a program of education;

(B) $188 (as increased from time to time under paragraph (2)) per month for each month of three-quarter-time pursuit of a program of education;

(C) $125 (as increased from time to time under paragraph (2)) per month for each month of half-time pursuit of a program of education; and

(D) an appropriately reduced rate, as determined under regulations which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall prescribe, for each month of less than half-time pursuit of a program of education, except that no payment may be made to a person for less than half-time pursuit if tuition assistance is otherwise available to the person for such pursuit from the military department concerned.

(2) With respect to any fiscal year, the Secretary shall provide a percentage increase (rounded to the nearest dollar) in the rates payable under subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of paragraph (1) equal to the percentage by which—

(A) the Consumer Price Index (all items, United States city average) for the 12-month period ending on the June 30 preceding the beginning of the fiscal year for which the increase is made, exceeds

(B) such Consumer Price Index for the 12-month period preceding the 12-month period described in subparagraph (A).

(c)(1) Educational assistance may be provided under this chapter for pursuit of any program of education that is an approved program of education for purposes of chapter 30 of title 38.

(2) Subject to section 3695 of title 38, the maximum number of months of educational assistance that may be provided to any person under this chapter is 36 (or the equivalent thereof in part-time educational assistance).

(3)(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter or chapter 36 of title 38, any payment of an educational assistance allowance described in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph shall not—

(i) be charged against the entitlement of any individual under this chapter; or

(ii) be counted toward the aggregate period for which section 3695 of title 38 limits an individual's receipt of assistance.

(B) The payment of the educational assistance allowance referred to in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph is the payment of such an allowance to the individual for pursuit of a course or courses under this chapter if the Secretary of Veterans Affairs finds that the individual—

(i) had to discontinue such course pursuit as a result of being ordered to serve on active duty under section 12301(a), 12301(d), 12301(g), 12302, 12304, 12304a, or 12304b of this title; and

(ii) failed to receive credit or training time toward completion of the individual's approved educational, professional, or vocational objective as a result of having to discontinue, as described in clause (i), the individual's course pursuit.

(C) The period for which, by reason of this subsection, an educational assistance allowance is not charged against entitlement or counted toward the applicable aggregate period under section 3695 of title 38 shall not exceed the portion of the period of enrollment in the course or courses for which the individual failed to receive credit or with respect to which the individual lost training time, as determined under subparagraph (B)(ii).

(d)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amount of the monthly educational assistance allowance payable to a person pursuing a full-time program of apprenticeship or other on-the-job training under this chapter is—

(A) for each of the first six months of the person's pursuit of such program, 75 percent of the monthly educational assistance allowance otherwise payable to such person under this chapter;

(B) for each of the second six months of the person's pursuit of such program, 55 percent of such monthly educational assistance allowance; and

(C) for each of the months following the first 12 months of the person's pursuit of such program, 35 percent of such monthly educational assistance allowance.

(2) In any month in which any person pursuing a program of education consisting of a program of apprenticeship or other on-the-job training fails to complete 120 hours of training, the amount of the monthly educational assistance allowance payable under this chapter to the person shall be limited to the same proportion of the applicable full-time rate as the number of hours worked during such month, rounded to the nearest 8 hours, bears to 120 hours.

(3)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), for each month that such person is paid a monthly educational assistance allowance under this chapter, the person's entitlement under this chapter shall be charged at the rate of—

(i) 75 percent of a month in the case of payments made in accordance with paragraph (1)(A);

(ii) 55 percent of a month in the case of payments made in accordance with paragraph (1)(B); and

(iii) 35 percent of a month in the case of payments made in accordance with paragraph (1)(C).

(B) Any such charge to the entitlement shall be reduced proportionately in accordance with the reduction in payment under paragraph (2).

(e)(1)(A) The amount of the educational assistance allowance payable under this chapter to a person who enters into an agreement to pursue, and is pursuing, a program of education exclusively by correspondence is an amount equal to 55 percent of the established charge which the institution requires nonveterans to pay for the course or courses pursued by such person.

(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term "established charge" means the lesser of—

(i) the charge for the course or courses determined on the basis of the lowest extended time payment plan offered by the institution and approved by the appropriate State approving agency; or

(ii) the actual charge to the person for such course or courses.

(C) Such allowance shall be paid quarterly on a pro rata basis for the lessons completed by the person and serviced by the institution.

(2) In each case in which the amount of educational assistance is determined under paragraph (1), the period of entitlement of the person concerned shall be charged with one month for each amount equal to the amount of the monthly rate payable under subsection (b)(1)(A) for the fiscal year concerned which is paid to the individual as an educational assistance allowance.

(f)(1) Each individual who is pursuing a program of education consisting exclusively of flight training approved as meeting the requirements of section 16136(c) of this title shall be paid an educational assistance allowance under this chapter in the amount equal to 60 percent of the established charges for tuition and fees which similarly circumstanced nonveterans enrolled in the same flight course are required to pay.

(2) No educational assistance allowance may be paid under this chapter to an individual for any month during which such individual is pursuing a program of education consisting exclusively of flight training until the Secretary has received from that individual and the institution providing such training a certification of the flight training received by the individual during that month and the tuition and other fees charged for that training.

(3) The period of entitlement of an individual pursuing a program of education described in paragraph (1) shall be charged with one month for each amount equal to the amount of the monthly rate payable under subsection (b)(1)(A) for the fiscal year concerned which is paid to that individual as an educational assistance allowance for such program.

(4) The number of solo flying hours for which an individual may be paid an educational assistance allowance under this subsection may not exceed the minimum number of solo flying hours required by the Federal Aviation Administration for the flight rating or certification which is the goal of the individual's flight training.

(g)(1)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall approve individualized tutorial assistance for any person entitled to educational assistance under this chapter who—

(i) is enrolled in and pursuing a postsecondary course of education on a half-time or more basis at an educational institution; and

(ii) has a deficiency in a subject required as a part of, or which is prerequisite to, or which is indispensable to the satisfactory pursuit of, the program of education.

(B) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall not approve individualized tutorial assistance for a person pursuing a program of education under this paragraph unless such assistance is necessary for the person to successfully complete the program of education.

(2)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary concerned, through the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall pay to a person receiving individualized tutorial assistance pursuant to paragraph (1) a tutorial assistance allowance. The amount of the allowance payable under this paragraph may not exceed $100 for any month, nor aggregate more than $1,200. The amount of the allowance paid under this paragraph shall be in addition to the amount of educational assistance allowance payable to a person under this chapter.

(B) A tutorial assistance allowance may not be paid to a person under this paragraph until the educational institution at which the person is enrolled certifies that—

(i) the individualized tutorial assistance is essential to correct a deficiency of the person in a subject required as a part of, or which is prerequisite to, or which is indispensable to the satisfactory pursuit of, an approved program of education;

(ii) the tutor chosen to perform such assistance is qualified to provide such assistance and is not the person's parent, spouse, child (whether or not married or over eighteen years of age), brother, or sister; and

(iii) the charges for such assistance do not exceed the customary charges for such tutorial assistance.

(3)(A) A person's period of entitlement to educational assistance under this chapter shall be charged only with respect to the amount of tutorial assistance paid to the person under this subsection in excess of $600.

(B) A person's period of entitlement to educational assistance under this chapter shall be charged at the rate of one month for each amount of assistance paid to the individual under this section in excess of $600 that is equal to the amount of the monthly educational assistance allowance which the person is otherwise eligible to receive for full-time pursuit of an institutional course under this chapter.

(h) A program of education in a course of instruction beyond the baccalaureate degree level shall be provided under this chapter, subject to the availability of appropriations.

(i)(1) In the case of a person who has a skill or specialty designated by the Secretary concerned as a skill or specialty in which there is a critical shortage of personnel or for which it is difficult to recruit or, in the case of critical units, retain personnel, the Secretary concerned may increase the rate of the educational assistance allowance applicable to that person to such rate in excess of the rate prescribed under subparagraphs (A) through (D) of subsection (b)(1) as the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate, but the amount of any such increase may not exceed $350 per month.

(2) In the case of a person who has a skill or specialty designated by the Secretary concerned as a skill or specialty in which there is a critical shortage of personnel or for which it is difficult to recruit or, in the case of critical units, retain personnel, who is eligible for educational benefits under chapter 30 (other than section 3012) of title 38 and who meets the eligibility criteria specified in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 16132(a)(1) of this title, the Secretary concerned may increase the rate of the educational assistance allowance applicable to that person to such rate in excess of the rate prescribed under section 3015 of title 38 as the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate, but the amount of any such increase may not exceed $350 per month.

(3) The authority provided by paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be exercised by the Secretaries concerned under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense.

(j)(1) Subject to paragraph (3), the amount of educational assistance payable under this chapter for a licensing or certification test described in section 3452(b) of title 38 is the lesser of $2,000 or the fee charged for the test.

(2) The number of months of entitlement charged in the case of any individual for such licensing or certification test is equal to the number (including any fraction) determined by dividing the total amount of educational assistance paid such individual for such test by the full-time monthly institutional rate of educational assistance which, but for paragraph (1), such individual would otherwise be paid under subsection (b).

(3) In no event shall payment of educational assistance under this subsection for such a test exceed the amount of the individual's available entitlement under this chapter.

(k)(1) In the case of an individual entitled to educational assistance under this chapter who is pursuing education or training described in subsection (a) or (c) of section 2007 of this title on a half-time or more basis, the Secretary concerned shall, at the election of the individual, pay the individual educational assistance allowance under this chapter for pursuit of such education or training as if the individual were not also eligible to receive or in receipt of educational assistance under section 2007 for pursuit of such education or training.

(2) Concurrent receipt of educational assistance under section 2007 of this title and educational assistance under this chapter shall not be considered a duplication of benefits if the individual is enrolled in a program of education on a half-time or more basis.

(Added Pub. L. 95–79, title IV, §402(a), July 30, 1977, 91 Stat. 328, §2131; amended Pub. L. 96–107, title IV, §402(a), Nov. 9, 1979, 93 Stat. 808; Pub. L. 96–342, title IX, §906(a)(1), Sept. 8, 1980, 94 Stat. 1117; Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §511(68), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2926; Pub. L. 98–525, title VII, §705(a)(1), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2565; Pub. L. 100–689, title I, §§110(a), 111(b)(1), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4170, 4172; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title VI, §§642(a), (b), 645(a)(1), (b)(1), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1456, 1458; Pub. L. 101–237, title IV, §422(b)(2), Dec. 18, 1989, 103 Stat. 2089; Pub. L. 102–25, title III, §337(b), Apr. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 90; Pub. L. 102–127, §2(d), Oct. 10, 1991, 105 Stat. 621; Pub. L. 102–568, title III, §§301(b), (d), 310(b), 318, 320(a)(1), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4326, 4330, 4334, 4335; Pub. L. 103–66, title XII, §12009(b), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 416; Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title V, §518, Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1651; renumbered §16131 and amended Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, §1663(b)(2), (3), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 3006, 3007; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title X, §1076, Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 450; Pub. L. 104–275, title I, §105(d), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3327; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title V, §553(a), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1748; Pub. L. 105–178, title VIII, §8203(b)(1)–(3), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 493, 494; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title X, §1066(a)(33), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 772; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §539(a), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3250; Pub. L. 114–315, title IV, §416(a), Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1565; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §559(a), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1741.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 117–81 added subsec. (k).

2016—Subsec. (c)(3)(B)(i). Pub. L. 114–315 substituted "12304, 12304a, or 12304b" for "or 12304".

2006—Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 109–163 added subsec. (j).

2002—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation".

1999—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 106–65 inserted "in" after "Except as provided" in introductory provisions.

1998—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 105–178, §8203(b)(3), struck out "in paragraph (2) and" after "Except as provided" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 105–178, §8203(b)(1)(A), substituted "$251 (as increased from time to time under paragraph (2))" for "$190".

Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 105–178, §8203(b)(1)(B), substituted "$188 (as increased from time to time under paragraph (2))" for "$143".

Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 105–178, §8203(b)(1)(C), substituted "$125 (as increased from time to time under paragraph (2))" for "$95".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 105–178, §8203(b)(2), in introductory provisions, substituted ", the Secretary shall provide a percentage increase (rounded to the nearest dollar) in the rates payable under subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of paragraph (1)" for "beginning on or after October 1, 1994, the Secretary shall continue to pay, in lieu of the rates payable under subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of paragraph (1), the monthly rates payable under this paragraph for the previous fiscal year and shall provide, for any such fiscal year, a percentage increase in such rates".

1997—Subsec. (c)(3)(B)(i). Pub. L. 105–85 struck out ", in connection with the Persian Gulf War," after "being ordered".

1996—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 104–275, §105(d)(2), substituted "(f)" for "(g)".

Subsecs. (e) to (i). Pub. L. 104–275, §105(d)(1), redesignated subsecs. (f) to (j) as (e) to (i), respectively, and struck out former subsec. (e) which read as follows:

"(e)(1) The amount of the monthly educational assistance allowance payable to a person pursuing a cooperative program under this chapter shall be 80 percent of the monthly allowance otherwise payable to such person under this chapter.

"(2) For each month that a person is paid a monthly educational assistance allowance for pursuit of a cooperative program under this chapter, the person's entitlement under this chapter shall be charged at the rate of 80 percent of a month."

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 104–275, §105(d)(1), redesignated subsec. (j) as (i).

Pub. L. 104–106 added subsec. (j).

1994—Pub. L. 103–337, §1663(b)(2), renumbered section 2131 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (c)(3)(B)(i). Pub. L. 103–337, §1663(b)(3)(A), substituted "12301(a), 12301(d), 12301(g), 12302, or 12304" for "672(a), (d), or (g), 673, or 673b".

Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 103–337, §1663(b)(3)(B), substituted "16136(c)" for "2136(c)".

1993—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 103–66 struck out subpar. (A), struck out subpar. (B) designation before "With respect to", redesignated former cls. (i) and (ii) as subpars. (A) and (B), respectively, and in subpar. (B) substituted "subparagraph (A)" for "clause (i)". Prior to amendment, subpar. (A) read as follows: "With respect to the fiscal year beginning on October 1, 1993, the Secretary shall provide a percentage increase in the monthly rates payable under subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of paragraph (1) equal to the percentage by which the Consumer Price Index (all items, United States city average, published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics) for the 12-month period ending June 30, 1993, exceeds such Consumer Price Index for the 12-month period ending June 30, 1992."

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 103–160, §518(1), struck out "other than a program of education in a course of instruction beyond the baccalaureate degree level" after "title 38".

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 103–160, §518(2), added subsec. (i).

1992—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 102–568, §301(b), substituted "$190" for "$140" in subpar. (A), "$143" for "$105" in subpar. (B), and "$95" for "$70" in subpar. (C).

Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 102–568, §301(d)(1), (2), redesignated subpar. (B) as (A), substituted "shall provide a percentage increase in the monthly rates payable under subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of paragraph (1)" for "may continue to pay, in lieu of the rates payable under subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of paragraph (1), the monthly rates payable under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph and may provide a percentage increase in such rates", and struck out former subpar. (A) which read as follows: "During the period beginning on October 1, 1991, and ending on September 30, 1993, the monthly rates payable under subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of paragraph (1) shall be $170, $128, and $85, respectively."

Subsec. (b)(2)(B), (C). Pub. L. 102–568, §301(d)(3), redesignated subpar. (C) as (B) and substituted "shall continue" for "may continue" and "shall provide" for "may provide" in introductory provisions. Former subpar. (B) redesignated (A).

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 102–568, §320(a)(1)(A), substituted "section 3695 of title 38" for "section 1795 of title 38".

Subsec. (c)(3)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 102–568, §320(a)(1)(B), substituted ", the individual's" for "of this subparagraph, his or her".

Subsec. (c)(3)(C). Pub. L. 102–568, §320(a)(1)(C), struck out "of this paragraph" after "subparagraph (B)(ii)".

Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 102–568, §310(b)(1), struck out "(other than tuition and fees charged for or attributable to solo flying hours)" after "tuition and fees".

Subsec. (g)(4). Pub. L. 102–568, §310(b)(2), added par. (4).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 102–568, §318, added subsec. (h).

1991—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–25, §337(b)(1), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and substituted "Except as provided in paragraph (2) and" for "Except as provided in", redesignated former pars. (1) to (4) as subpars. (A) to (D), respectively, and added par. (2).

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 102–127 added par. (3).

Subsecs. (f)(2), (g)(3). Pub. L. 102–25, §337(b)(2), (3), substituted "amount equal to the amount of the monthly rate payable under subsection (b)(1)(A) for the fiscal year concerned" for "$140".

1989—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–237, §422(b)(2)(A), in introductory provisions, substituted "subsections (d) through (g)" for "subsections (d) through (f)".

Pub. L. 101–189, §645(b)(1), in introductory provisions, substituted "of an educational assistance allowance" for "and educational assistance allowance".

Pub. L. 101–189, §642(b)(1), in introductory provisions, substituted "Except as provided in subsections (d) through (f), each" for "Each" and inserted ", through the Secretary of Veterans Affairs," after "Secretary concerned".

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 101–189, §645(a)(1), substituted "Secretary of Veterans Affairs" for "Administrator of Veterans' Affairs".

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 101–189, §642(a), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "Educational assistance may only be provided under this chapter for pursuit of a program of education at an institution of higher learning and may not be provided to a person after the person has completed a course of instruction required for the award of a baccalaureate degree or the equivalent evidence of completion of study."

Subsecs. (d) to (f). Pub. L. 101–189, §642(b)(2), added subsecs. (d) to (f).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 101–237, §422(b)(2)(B), added subsec. (g).

1988—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 100–689, §110(a), added par. (4).

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 100–689, §111(b)(1), inserted "(or the equivalent thereof in part-time educational assistance)" before period at end.

1984—Pub. L. 98–525 amended section generally, substituting a schedule of payments at stated monthly rates for full-time, three-quarter-time, and half-time pursuit of an education program for former provisions which had set a maximum for any one member of $1,000 for any twelve-month period and $4,000 for the total assistance to any one member.

1980—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–513, §511(68)(A), substituted "armed forces" for "armed force".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 96–513, §511(68)(B), inserted "of this title" after "2132".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 96–342 substituted "$1,000" for "$500" and "$4,000" for "$2,000".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 96–513, §511(68)(C), substituted "Secretary of Education" for "Commissioner of Education, Department of Health, Education, and Welfare".

1979—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 96–107 substituted "100 percent" for "50 percent".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §539(c), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3250, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 16162 of this title] shall apply to a licensing or certification test administered on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 6, 2006]."

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–178, title VIII, §8203(b)(4), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 494, provided that: "The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section] shall take effect on October 1, 1998, and shall apply with respect to educational assistance allowances paid for months after September 1998. However, no adjustment in rates of educational assistance shall be made under paragraph (2) of section 16131(b) of title 10, United States Code, as amended by paragraph (2), for fiscal year 1999."

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–337 effective Dec. 1, 1994, except as otherwise provided, see section 1691 of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as an Effective Date note under section 10001 of this title.

Effective Date of 1992 Amendment

Pub. L. 102–568, title III, §301(e), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4326, provided that:

"(1) The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 3015 of Title 38, Veterans' Benefits] shall take effect on April 1, 1993.

"(2) The amendments made by this section shall not be construed to change the account from which payment is made for that portion of a payment under chapter 30 of title 38, United States Code, or chapter 106 [now 1606] of title 10, United States Code, which is a Montgomery GI bill rate increase and a title III benefit is paid. For the purposes of this subsection, the terms 'Montgomery GI bill rate increase' and 'title III benefit' have the meanings provided in section 393 of the Persian Gulf Conflict Supplemental Authorization and Personnel Benefits Act of 1991 [Pub. L. 102–25] (105 Stat. 99)."

Pub. L. 102–568, title III, §310(d), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4330, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 3032 and 3231 of Title 38] shall apply to flight training received under chapters 30 and 32 of title 38, United States Code, and chapter 106 [now 1606] of title 10, United States Code, after September 30, 1992."

Effective Date of 1989 Amendments

Pub. L. 101–237, title IV, §422(d), Dec. 18, 1989, 103 Stat. 2090, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section, section 2136 [now 16136] of this title, and sections 1432 [now 3032] and 1434 [now 3034] of Title 38, Veterans' Benefits] shall take effect on September 30, 1990."

Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title VI, §642(d), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1458, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 2136 [now 16136] of this title] shall apply with respect to any person who after September 30, 1990, meets the requirements set forth in subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 2132(a)(1) [now 16132(a)(1)(A), (B)] of title 10, United States Code."

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–525, title VII, §705(b), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2567, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this chapter] shall take effect on July 1, 1985, and shall apply only to members of the Armed Forces who qualify for educational assistance under chapter 106 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a), on or after such date."

Effective Date of 1980 Amendments

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701(b)(3) of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Pub. L. 96–342, title IX, §906(a)(2), Sept. 8, 1980, 94 Stat. 1117, provided that: "The amendments made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall take effect on October 1, 1980."

Effective Date of 1979 Amendment

Pub. L. 96–107, title IV, §402(c), Nov. 9, 1979, 93 Stat. 808, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending sections 2131 and 2133 [now 16131 and 16133] of this title] shall apply only to individuals enlisting in the Reserves after September 30, 1979."

Increase in Benefit for Individuals Pursuing Apprenticeship or On-Job Training; Selected Reserve Montgomery GI Bill

Pub. L. 108–454, title I, §103(d), Dec. 10, 2004, 118 Stat. 3601, provided that: "For months beginning on or after October 1, 2005, and before January 1, 2008, subsection (d)(1) of section 16131 of title 10, United States Code, shall be applied as if—

"(1) the reference to '75 percent' in subparagraph (A) were a reference to '85 percent';

"(2) the reference to '55 percent' in subparagraph (B) were a reference to '65 percent'; and

"(3) the reference to '35 percent' in subparagraph (C) were a reference to '45 percent'."

1995 Cost-of-Living Adjustment in Rates of Educational Assistance

Pub. L. 103–66, title XII, §12009(c), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 416, provided that the fiscal year 1995 cost-of-living adjustments in the rates of educational assistance payable under chapter 30 of Title 38, Veterans' Benefits, and this chapter were to be the percentage equal to 50 percent of the percentage by which such assistance would be increased under section 3015(g) of Title 38 and subsec. (b)(2) of this section but for section 12009 of Pub. L. 103–66.

§16131a. Accelerated payment of educational assistance

(a) The educational assistance allowance payable under section 16131 of this title with respect to an eligible person described in subsection (b) may, upon the election of such eligible person, be paid on an accelerated basis in accordance with this section.

(b) An eligible person described in this subsection is a person entitled to educational assistance under this chapter who is—

(1) enrolled in an approved program of education not exceeding two years in duration and not leading to an associate, bachelors, masters, or other degree, subject to subsection (g); and

(2) charged tuition and fees for the program of education that, when divided by the number of months (and fractions thereof) in the enrollment period, exceeds the amount equal to 200 percent of the monthly rate of educational assistance allowance otherwise payable with respect to the person under section 16131 of this title.

(c)(1) The amount of the accelerated payment of educational assistance payable with respect to an eligible person making an election under subsection (a) for a program of education shall be the lesser of—

(A) the amount equal to 60 percent of the established charges for the program of education; or

(B) the aggregate amount of educational assistance allowance to which the person remains entitled under this chapter at the time of the payment.

(2)(A) In this subsection, except as provided in subparagraph (B), the term "established charges", in the case of a program of education, means the actual charges (as determined pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs) for tuition and fees which similarly circumstanced individuals who are not eligible for benefits under this chapter and who are enrolled in the program of education would be required to pay. Established charges shall be determined on the following basis:

(i) In the case of an individual enrolled in a program of education offered on a term, quarter, or semester basis, the tuition and fees charged the individual for the term, quarter, or semester.

(ii) In the case of an individual enrolled in a program of education not offered on a term, quarter, or semester basis, the tuition and fees charged the individual for the entire program of education.

(B) In this subsection, the term "established charges" does not include any fees or payments attributable to the purchase of a vehicle.

(3) The educational institution providing the program of education for which an accelerated payment of educational assistance allowance is elected by an eligible person under subsection (a) shall certify to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs the amount of the established charges for the program of education.

(d) An accelerated payment of educational assistance allowance made with respect to an eligible person under this section for a program of education shall be made not later than the last day of the month immediately following the month in which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs receives a certification from the educational institution regarding—

(1) the person's enrollment in and pursuit of the program of education; and

(2) the amount of the established charges for the program of education.

(e)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), for each accelerated payment of educational assistance allowance made with respect to an eligible person under this section, the person's entitlement to educational assistance under this chapter shall be charged the number of months (and any fraction thereof) determined by dividing the amount of the accelerated payment by the full-time monthly rate of educational assistance allowance otherwise payable with respect to the person under section 16131 of this title as of the beginning date of the enrollment period for the program of education for which the accelerated payment is made.

(2) If the monthly rate of educational assistance allowance otherwise payable with respect to an eligible person under section 16131 of this title increases during the enrollment period of a program of education for which an accelerated payment of educational assistance allowance is made under this section, the charge to the person's entitlement to educational assistance under this chapter shall be determined by prorating the entitlement chargeable, in the manner provided for under paragraph (1), for the periods covered by the initial rate and increased rate, respectively, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

(f) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section. The regulations shall include requirements, conditions, and methods for the request, issuance, delivery, certification of receipt and use, and recovery of overpayment of an accelerated payment of educational assistance allowance under this section. The regulations may include such elements of the regulations prescribed under section 3014A of title 38 as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs considers appropriate for purposes of this section.

(g) The aggregate amount of educational assistance payable under this section in any fiscal year for enrollments covered by subsection (b)(1) may not exceed $4,000,000.

(Added Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title V, §528(a)(1), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 105.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title V, §528(a)(3), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 107, provided that: "The amendments made by this subsection [enacting this section] shall take effect on October 1, 2008, and shall only apply to initial enrollments in approved programs of education after such date."

§16132. Eligibility for educational assistance

(a) A person who—

(1) after June 30, 1985—

(A) enlists, reenlists, or extends an enlistment as a Reserve for service in the Selected Reserve for a period of not less than six years; or

(B) is appointed as, or is serving as, a reserve officer and agrees to serve in the Selected Reserve for a period of not less than six years in addition to any other period of obligated service in the Selected Reserve to which the person may be subject; and

(2) before applying for benefits under this section, has completed the requirements of a secondary school diploma (or an equivalency certificate);

is entitled to educational assistance under section 16131 of this title.

(b) Educational assistance may not be provided to a member under this chapter until the member has completed the initial period of active duty for training required of the member.

(c) Each person who becomes entitled to educational assistance under subsection (a) shall at the time the person becomes so entitled be given a statement in writing summarizing the provisions of this chapter and stating clearly and prominently the substance of sections 16134 and 16135 of this title as such sections may apply to the person. At the request of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Defense shall transmit a notice of entitlement for each such person to that Secretary.

(d) A person who serves in the Selected Reserve may not receive credit for such service under both the program established by chapter 30 of title 38 and the program established by this chapter but shall elect (in such form and manner as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may prescribe) the program to which such service is to be credited. However, a person may not receive credit under the program established by this chapter for service (in any grade) on full-time active duty or full-time National Guard duty for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the reserve components in a position which is included in the end strength required to be authorized each year by section 115(a)(1)(B) of this title.

(Added Pub. L. 95–79, title IV, §402(a), July 30, 1977, 91 Stat. 329, §2132; amended Pub. L. 95–485, title IV, §402(a), Oct. 20, 1978, 92 Stat. 1613; Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §511(69), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2926; Pub. L. 98–525, title VII, §705(a)(1), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2565; Pub. L. 100–48, §4, June 1, 1987, 101 Stat. 331; Pub. L. 100–689, title I, §§110(b), 111(b)(2)–(4), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4170, 4173; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title VI, §§643(a), 645(a), (b)(2), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1458; Pub. L. 102–25, title VII, §701(f)(6), Apr. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 115; renumbered §16132 and amended Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, §1663(b)(2), (4), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 3006, 3007; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1501(b)(34), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 498; Pub. L. 106–419, title I, §102(d), Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1825.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2000—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 106–419 amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: "before completing initial active duty for training has completed the requirements of a secondary school diploma (or an equivalency certificate), or in the case of an individual who reenlists or extends an enlistment as described in paragraph (1)(A) of this subsection, has completed such requirements at any time before such reenlistment or extension;".

1996—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 104–106 substituted "sections 16134" for "section 16134".

1994—Pub. L. 103–337, §1663(b)(2), renumbered section 2132 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–337, §1663(b)(4)(A), substituted "16131" for "2131" in concluding provisions.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 103–337, §1663(b)(4)(B), substituted "section 16134 and 16135" for "sections 2134 and 2135".

1991—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–25 substituted "section 115(a)(1)(B)" for "section 115(b)(1)(A)(ii)".

1989—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–189, §645(a), substituted "Secretary of Veterans Affairs" for "Administrator of Veterans' Affairs" and "to that Secretary" for "to the Administrator".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 101–189, §645(a)(1), (b)(2), substituted "A person" for "An individual" and "Secretary of Veterans Affairs" for "Administrator of Veterans' Affairs".

Pub. L. 101–189, §643(a), inserted at end "However, a person may not receive credit under the program established by this chapter for service (in any grade) on full-time active duty or full-time National Guard duty for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the reserve components in a position which is included in the end strength required to be authorized each year by section 115(b)(1)(A)(ii) of this title."

1988—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 100–689, §111(b)(2), substituted "completed the requirements of" for "received", and inserted before semicolon at end ", or in the case of an individual who reenlists or extends an enlistment as described in paragraph (1)(A) of this subsection, has completed such requirements at any time before such reenlistment or extension".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–689, §110(b), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows: "Educational assistance may not be provided to a member under this chapter until the member—

"(1) has completed the initial period of active duty for training required of the member; and

"(2) has completed 180 days of service in the Selected Reserve."

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–689, §111(b)(3), inserted at end "At the request of the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs, the Secretary of Defense shall transmit a notice of entitlement for each such person to the Administrator."

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 100–689, §111(b)(4), amended subsec. (d) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (d) read as follows: "A person who is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 30 of title 38 based on section 1412 of that title may not also be provided educational assistance under this chapter."

1987—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 100–48 substituted "after June 30, 1985" for "during the period beginning on July 1, 1985, and ending on June 30, 1988".

1984—Pub. L. 98–525 amended section generally, updating provisions covering eligibility for educational assistance to cover the period beginning July 1, 1985, and ending June 30, 1988.

1980—Pub. L. 96–513 inserted "of this title" after "section 2131" wherever appearing.

1978—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 95–485 substituted "not less than six years" for "automatically extended by two years" and "last day of the term" for "eighth anniversary".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–106 effective as if included in the Reserve Officer Personnel Management Act, title XVI of Pub. L. 103–337, as enacted on Oct. 5, 1994, see section 1501(f)(3) of Pub. L. 104–106, set out as a note under section 113 of this title.

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–337 effective Dec. 1, 1994, except as otherwise provided, see section 1691 of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as an Effective Date note under section 10001 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–525 effective July 1, 1985, applicable only to members of the Armed Forces who qualify for educational assistance under this chapter on or after such date, see section 705(b) of Pub. L. 98–525, set out as a note under section 16131 of this title.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701(b)(3) of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Savings Provision

Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title VI, §643(b), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1458, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall not affect the eligibility for educational assistance of any person who before the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1989] is entitled to educational assistance under section 2131(a) [now 16131(a)] of title 10, United States Code."

§16132a. Authority to transfer unused education benefits to family members

(a) In General.—Subject to regulation prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary concerned may permit a member described in subsection (b) who is entitled to basic educational assistance under this chapter to elect to transfer to one or more of the dependents specified in subsection (c) a portion of such member's entitlement to such assistance, subject to the limitation under subsection (d).

(b) Eligible Members.—A member referred to in subsection (a) is a member of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve who, at the time of the approval of the member's request to transfer entitlement to basic educational assistance under this section, has completed—

(1) at least six years of service in the Selected Reserve and enters into an agreement to serve at least four more years as a member of the armed forces; or

(2) the years of service as determined in regulations pursuant to subsection (j).

(c) Eligible Dependents.—A member approved to transfer an entitlement to basic educational assistance under this section may transfer the member's entitlement as follows:

(1) To the member's spouse.

(2) To one or more of the member's children.

(3) To a combination of the individuals referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2).

(d) Limitation on Months of Transfer.—The total number of months of entitlement transferred by a member under this section may not exceed 36 months. The Secretary of Defense may prescribe regulations that would limit the months of entitlement that may be transferred under this section to no less than 18 months.

(e) Designation of Transferee.—A member transferring an entitlement to basic educational assistance under this section shall—

(1) designate the dependent or dependents to whom such entitlement is being transferred;

(2) designate the number of months of such entitlement to be transferred to each such dependent; and

(3) specify the period for which the transfer shall be effective for each dependent designated under paragraph (1).

(f) Time for Transfer; Revocation and Modification.—(1) Subject to the time limitation for use of entitlement under section 16133, a member approved to transfer entitlement to basic educational assistance under this section may transfer such entitlement at any time after the approval of the member's request to transfer such entitlement.

(2) A member transferring entitlement under this section may modify or revoke at any time the transfer of any unused portion of the entitlement so transferred. The modification or revocation of the transfer of entitlement under this paragraph shall be made by the submittal of written notice of the action to both the Secretary concerned and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

(3) Entitlement transferred under this section may not be treated as marital property, or the asset of a marital estate, subject to division in a divorce or other civil proceeding.

(g) Commencement of Use.—A dependent to whom entitlement to basic educational assistance is transferred under this section may not commence the use of the transferred entitlement until—

(1) in the case of entitlement transferred to a spouse, the completion by the member making the transfer of at least—

(A) six years of service in the armed forces; or

(B) the years of service as determined in regulations pursuant to subsection (j); or

(2) in the case of entitlement transferred to a child, both—

(A) the completion by the member making the transfer of at least—

(i) ten years of service in the armed forces; or

(ii) the years of service as determined in regulations pursuant to subsection (j); and

(B) either—

(i) the completion by the child of the requirements of a secondary school diploma (or equivalency certificate); or

(ii) the attainment by the child of 18 years of age.

(h) Additional Administrative Matters.—(1) The use of any entitlement to basic educational assistance transferred under this section shall be charged against the entitlement of the member making the transfer at the rate of one month for each month of transferred entitlement that is used.

(2) Except as provided under subsection (e)(2) and subject to paragraphs (5) and (6), a dependent to whom entitlement is transferred under this section is entitled to basic educational assistance under this chapter in the same manner as the member from whom the entitlement was transferred.

(3) The monthly rate of educational assistance payable to a dependent to whom entitlement is transferred under this section shall be the monthly amount payable under sections 16131 and 16131a to the member making the transfer.

(4) The death of a member transferring an entitlement under this section shall not affect the use of the entitlement by the dependent to whom the entitlement is transferred.

(5) The involuntary separation or retirement of the member—

(A) because of a nondiscretionary provision of law for age or years of service;

(B) because of a policy prescribed by the Secretary concerned mandating such separation or retirement based solely on age or years of service for the prescribed pay grade of an enlisted member;

(D) because of medical disqualification which is not the result of gross negligence or misconduct of the member,

shall not affect the use of entitlement by the dependent to whom the entitlement is transferred.

(6) A child to whom entitlement is transferred under this section may not use any entitlement so transferred after attaining the age of 26 years.

(7) The administrative provisions of this chapter shall apply to the use of entitlement transferred under this section, except that the dependent to whom the entitlement is transferred shall be treated as the eligible member for purposes of such provisions.

(8) The purposes for which a dependent to whom entitlement is transferred under this section may use such entitlement shall include the pursuit and completion of the requirements of a secondary school diploma (or equivalency certificate).

(i) Overpayment.—(1) In the event of an overpayment of basic educational assistance with respect to a dependent to whom entitlement is transferred under this section, the dependent and the member making the transfer shall be jointly and severally liable to the United States for the amount of the overpayment for purposes of section 3685 of title 38.

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (3), if a member's eligibility is terminated under section 16134(2), the amount of any transferred entitlement under this section that is used by a dependent of the member as of the date of such termination shall be treated as an overpayment of basic educational assistance under paragraph (1).

(3) Paragraph (2) shall not apply in the case of a member who fails to complete service agreed to by the member—

(A) by reason of the death of the member; or

(B) for a reason referred to in section 16133(b).

(j) Regulations.—The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall prescribe regulations for purposes of this section. Such regulations shall specify—

(1) the manner of authorizing the military departments to offer transfer of entitlements under this section;

(2) the eligibility criteria in accordance with subsection (b);

(3) the manner and effect of an election to modify or revoke a transfer of entitlement under subsection (f)(2); and

(4) the manner in which the provisions referred to in subsections (h)(4) and (5) shall be administered with respect to a dependent to whom entitlement is transferred under this section.

(Added Pub. L. 110–252, title V, §5006(b), June 30, 2008, 122 Stat. 2381; amended Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title X, §1075(b)(55), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4372.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2011—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 111–383, §1075(b)(55)(A), substituted "agreement to serve" for "agreement to service".

Subsec. (i)(2). Pub. L. 111–383, §1075(b)(55)(B), struck out "whose" after "member's".

§16133. Time limitation for use of entitlement

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), the period during which a person entitled to educational assistance under this chapter may use such person's entitlement expires on the date the person is separated from the Selected Reserve.

(b)(1) In the case of a person—

(A) who is separated from the Selected Reserve because of a disability which was not the result of the individual's own willful misconduct incurred on or after the date on which such person became entitled to educational assistance under this chapter; or

(B) who, on or after the date on which such person became entitled to educational assistance under this chapter ceases to be a member of the Selected Reserve during the period beginning on October 1, 1991, and ending on December 31, 2001, or the period beginning on October 1, 2007, and ending on September 30, 2014, by reason of the inactivation of the person's unit of assignment or by reason of involuntarily ceasing to be designated as a member of the Selected Reserve pursuant to section 10143(a) of this title,

the period for using entitlement prescribed by subsection (a) shall be determined without regard to clause (2) of such subsection.

(2) The provisions of section 3031(f) of title 38 shall apply to the period of entitlement prescribed by subsection (a).

(3) The provisions of section 3031(d) of title 38 shall apply to the period of entitlement prescribed by subsection (a) in the case of a disability incurred in or aggravated by service in the Selected Reserve.

(4) In the case of a member of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve who serves on active duty pursuant to an order to active duty issued under section 12301(a), 12301(d), 12301(g), 12302, 12304, 12304a, or 12304b of this title—

(A) the period of such active duty service plus four months shall not be considered in determining the expiration date applicable to such member under subsection (a); and

(B) the member may not be considered to have been separated from the Selected Reserve for the purposes of clause (2) of such subsection by reason of the commencement of such active duty service.

(5) In any case in which the Secretary concerned determines that a person entitled to educational assistance under this chapter has been prevented from using such person's entitlement due to an emergency situation, the Secretary concerned shall extend the period of entitlement prescribed in subsection (a) for a period equal to the number of months that the person was so prevented from using such entitlement, as determined by the Secretary.

(Added Pub. L. 95–79, title IV, §402(a), July 30, 1977, 91 Stat. 329, §2133; amended Pub. L. 96–107, title IV, §402(b), Nov. 9, 1979, 93 Stat. 808; Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §511(70), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2926; Pub. L. 98–525, title VII, §705(a)(1), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2566; Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title XII, §1233(g)(2), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 2058; Pub. L. 100–689, title I, §111(b)(5), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4173; Pub. L. 102–127, §3, Oct. 10, 1991, 105 Stat. 622; Pub. L. 102–484, div. D, title XLIV, §4419(a), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2717; Pub. L. 102–568, title III, §320(a)(2), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4335; Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title V, §561(m), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1668; renumbered §16133 and amended Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, §1663(b)(2), (5), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 3006, 3007; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title V, §553(b), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1748; Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title V, §561(q), Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2027; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title V, §571(p)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-135; Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title VI, §641(a), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2576; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title V, §529, Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 110; Pub. L. 110–252, title V, §5006(d), June 30, 2008, 122 Stat. 2386; Pub. L. 114–315, title IV, §416(b), Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1565; Pub. L. 117–333, §3(d), (e)(4), Jan. 5, 2023, 136 Stat. 6127, 6128.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 117–333, §3(d), added par. (5).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 117–333, §3(e)(4), added subsec. (c).

2016—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 114–315 substituted "12304, 12304a, or 12304b" for "or 12304" in introductory provisions.

2008—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 110–252 substituted "on the date the person is separated from the Selected Reserve." for "(1) at the end of the 14-year period beginning on the date on which such person becomes entitled to such assistance, or (2) on the date the person is separated from the Selected Reserve, whichever occurs first."

Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 110–181 inserted "or the period beginning on October 1, 2007, and ending on September 30, 2014," after "December 31, 2001,".

2002—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 107–314 substituted "14-year" for "10-year".

2000—Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 106–398 substituted "December 31, 2001" for "September 30, 2001".

1998—Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 105–261 substituted "September 30, 2001" for "September 30, 1999".

1997—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 105–85 struck out "(A)" before "In the case of", redesignated cls. (i) and (ii) as subpars. (A) and (B), respectively, struck out ", during the Persian Gulf War," after "Ready Reserve who", and struck out former subpar. (B) which read as follows: "For the purposes of this paragraph, the term 'Persian Gulf War' shall have the meaning given such term in section 101(33) of title 38."

1994—Pub. L. 103–337, §1663(b)(2), renumbered section 2133 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 103–337, §1663(b)(5)(A), substituted "10143(a)" for "268(b)".

Subsec. (b)(4)(A). Pub. L. 103–337, §1663(b)(5)(B), substituted "12301(a), 12301(d), 12301(g), 12302, or 12304" for "672(a), (d), or (g), 673, or 673b".

1993—Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 103–160 substituted "September 30, 1999" for "September 30, 1995".

1992—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 102–484 amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "In the case of a person separated from the Selected Reserve because of a disability which was not the result of the individual's own willful misconduct incurred on or after the date on which such person became entitled to educational assistance under this chapter, the period for using entitlement prescribed by subsection (a) shall be determined without regard to clause (2) of such subsection."

Subsec. (b)(2), (3). Pub. L. 102–568 substituted "section 3031(f) of title 38" for "section 1431(f) of title 38" in par. (2) and "section 3031(d) of title 38" for "section 1431(d) of title 38" in par. (3).

1991—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 102–127 added par. (4).

1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–689, §111(b)(5)(A), substituted "chapter" for "section".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–689, §111(b)(5)(B), added par. (1), redesignated existing pars. (1) and (2) as (2) and (3), respectively, and directed the substitution of "1431(f)" for "1431(e)" in par. (2) as redesignated, which could not be executed because such substitution was previously made by Pub. L. 100–456, prior to redesignation of par. (1) as (2), see below.

Pub. L. 100–456 substituted "section 1431(f)" for "section 1431(e)" in par. (1).

1984—Pub. L. 98–525 amended section generally, substituting provisions setting a time limit for the use of educational entitlement for provisions covering the termination of assistance and refund by members. See section 2134 of this title.

1980—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–513 inserted "of this title" after "2131" and "2107".

1979—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 96–107 redesignated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted provisions respecting agreement for term of enlistment, substituted provisions relating to computation under par. (2) for provisions relating to computation under section 2131, and added par. (2).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title VI, §641(b), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2577, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on October 1, 2002, and shall apply with respect to periods of entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 1606 of title 10, United States Code, that begin on or after October 1, 1992."

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–337 effective Dec. 1, 1994, except as otherwise provided, see section 1691 of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as an Effective Date note under section 10001 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701(b)(3) of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1979 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–107 applicable only to individuals enlisting in the Reserves after Sept. 30, 1979, see section 402(c) of Pub. L. 96–107, set out as a note under section 16131 of this title.

Extension of Time Limitations for Use of Entitlement: Educational Assistance for Members of the Selected Reserve

Pub. L. 116–140, §6(d), Apr. 28, 2020, 134 Stat. 634, which provided for a temporary extension to use entitled educational assistance, was repealed by Pub. L. 117–333, §3(f), Jan. 5, 2023, 136 Stat. 6128. See subsec. (b)(5) of this section.

§16134. Termination of assistance

Educational assistance may not be provided under this chapter—

(1) to a member receiving financial assistance under section 2107 of this title as a member of the Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program; or

(2) to a member who fails to participate satisfactorily in required training as a member of the Selected Reserve.

(Added Pub. L. 95–79, title IV, §402(a), July 30, 1977, 91 Stat. 330, §2134; amended Pub. L. 98–94, title XII, §1268(14), Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 707; Pub. L. 98–525, title VII, §705(a)(1), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2566; renumbered §16134, Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, §1663(b)(2), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 3006.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–337 renumbered section 2134 of this title as this section.

1984—Pub. L. 98–525 amended section generally, substituting provisions covering termination of educational assistance for provisions relating to reports to Congress. See section 16137 of this title.

1983—Pub. L. 98–94 struck out provision requiring the first report under this section to be submitted not later than Dec. 31, 1977.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

§16135. Failure to participate satisfactorily; penalties

(a) Penalties.—At the option of the Secretary concerned, a member of the Selected Reserve of an armed force who does not participate satisfactorily in required training as a member of the Selected Reserve during a term of enlistment or other period of obligated service that created entitlement of the member to educational assistance under this chapter, and during which the member has received such assistance, may—

(1) be ordered to active duty for a period of two years or the period of obligated service the person has remaining under section 16132 of this title, whichever is less; or

(2) be subject to the repayment provisions under section 303a(e) or 373 of title 37.

(b) Effect of Repayment.—Any repayment under section 303a(e) or 373 of title 37 shall not affect the period of obligation of a member to serve as a Reserve in the Selected Reserve.

(Added Pub. L. 95–79, title IV, §402(a), July 30, 1977, 91 Stat. 330, §2135; amended Pub. L. 95–485, title IV, §402(b), Oct. 20, 1978, 92 Stat. 1613; Pub. L. 96–342, title IX, §906(b), Sept. 8, 1980, 94 Stat. 1117; Pub. L. 98–525, title VII, §705(a)(1), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2566; Pub. L. 100–689, title I, §111(b)(6), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4173; renumbered §16135 and amended Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, §1663(b)(2), (6), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 3006, 3007; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1501(b)(35), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 498; Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title VI, §642, Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2577; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VI, §687(c)(12), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3335; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VI, §618(a)(1)(N), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1426.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2017—Subsecs. (a)(2), (b). Pub. L. 115–91 inserted "or 373" before "of title 37".

2006—Pub. L. 109–163 reenacted section catchline without change and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, section consisted of subsecs. (a) to (c) relating to penalties for failure of a member of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve of an armed force to participate satisfactorily in required training.

2002—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 107–314 added subsec. (c).

1996—Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 104–106 substituted "16131(a)" for "2131(a)".

1994—Pub. L. 103–337, §1663(b)(2), renumbered section 2135 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 103–337, §1663(b)(6)(A), substituted "16132" for "2132".

Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 103–337, §1663(b)(6)(B), which directed substitution of "section 16132(a)" for "section 2132(a)", could not be executed because "section 2132(a)" does not appear in subsec. (b)(1)(A).

1988—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 100–689, §111(b)(6)(A), inserted ", and during which the member has received such assistance," after "chapter".

Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 100–689, §111(b)(6)(B), added subpar. (A) and struck out former subpar. (A) which read as follows: "the number of months of obligated service remaining under the agreement entered into under section 2132(a)(3) divided by the original number of months of such obligation; and".

1984—Pub. L. 98–525 amended section generally, substituting provisions relating to the failure to participate satisfactorily and penalties for provisions which had designated Sept. 30, 1985, as the termination date for enlistments qualifying for educational assistance.

1980—Pub. L. 96–342 substituted "1985" for "1980".

1978—Pub. L. 95–485 substituted "1980" for "1978".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–337 effective Dec. 1, 1994, except as otherwise provided, see section 1691 of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as an Effective Date note under section 10001 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Savings Provision

For savings provision relating to payment or repayment of any bonus, incentive pay, special pay, or similar pay obligated to be paid before Apr. 1, 2006, under a provision of this section amended by section 687(c) of Pub. L. 109–163, see section 687(f) of Pub. L. 109–163, set out as a note under section 510 of this title.

§16136. Administration of program

(a) Educational assistance under this chapter shall be provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs, under agreements to be entered into by the Secretary of Defense, and by the Secretary of Homeland Security, with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Such agreements shall include administrative procedures to ensure the prompt and timely transfer of funds from the Secretary concerned to the Department of Veterans Affairs for the making of payments under this chapter.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the provisions of sections 3470, 3471, 3474, 3476, 3482(g), 3483, and 3485 of title 38 and the provisions of subchapters I and II of chapter 36 of such title (with the exception of sections 3686(a), 3687, and 3692) shall be applicable to the provision of educational assistance under this chapter. The term "eligible veteran" and the term "a person", as used in those provisions, shall be deemed for the purpose of the application of those provisions to this chapter to refer to a person eligible for educational assistance under this chapter.

(c) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may approve the pursuit of flight training (in addition to a course of flight training that may be approved under section 3680A(b) of title 38) by an individual entitled to educational assistance under this chapter if—

(1) such training is generally accepted as necessary for the attainment of a recognized vocational objective in the field of aviation;

(2) the individual possesses a valid private pilot certificate and meets, on the day the individual begins a course of flight training, the medical requirements necessary for a commercial pilot certificate; and

(3) the flight school courses meet Federal Aviation Administration standards for such courses and are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration and the State approving agency.

(Added Pub. L. 98–525, title VII, §705(a)(1), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2567, §2136; amended Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title VI, §§642(c), 645(a)(1), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1457, 1458; Pub. L. 101–237, title IV, §§405(d)(3), 422(b)(1), Dec. 18, 1989, 103 Stat. 2081, 2089; Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XIV, §1484(j)(3), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1718; Pub. L. 102–16, §10(b), Mar. 22, 1991, 105 Stat. 56; Pub. L. 102–568, title III, §§313(a)(6), 319, 320(a)(3), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4333, 4335, 4336; renumbered §16136, Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, §1663(b)(2), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 3006; Pub. L. 103–446, title VI, §601(c), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4670; Pub. L. 105–368, title II, §204(b), Nov. 11, 1998, 112 Stat. 3327; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2002—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "Secretary of Homeland Security" for "Secretary of Transportation".

1998—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 105–245 substituted "pilot certificate" for "pilot's license" in two places and inserted ", on the day the individual begins a course of flight training," after "meets".

1994—Pub. L. 103–337 renumbered section 2136 of this title as this section.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 103–446 struck out "(1)" after "(c)", redesignated subpars. (A) to (C) as pars. (1) to (3), respectively, and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "This subsection shall not apply to a course of flight training that commences on or after October 1, 1994."

1992—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–568, §320(a)(3), substituted "sections 3470, 3471, 3474, 3476, 3482(g), 3483, and 3485 of title 38 and the provisions of subchapters I and II of chapter 36 of such title (with the exception of sections 3686(a), 3687, and 3692)" for "sections 1670, 1671, 1673, 1674, 1676, 1682(g), 1683, and 1685 of title 38 and the provisions of subchapters I and II of chapter 36 of such title (with the exception of sections 1786(a), 1787, and 1792)".

Pub. L. 102–568, §319, struck out "1780(c)," after "exception of sections".

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 102–568, §313(a)(6), substituted "section 3680A(b) of title 38" for "section 1673(b) of title 38".

1991—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–16 struck out "1434(b), 1663," before "1670," and "1780(g)," before "1786(a),".

1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–510 substituted "Department of Veterans Affairs" for "Veterans' Administration" in two places.

1989—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–189, §645(a)(1), substituted "Secretary of Veterans Affairs" for "Administrator of Veterans' Affairs".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–237, §405(d)(3), inserted reference to section 1685 of title 38.

Pub. L. 101–189, §642(c), amended first sentence generally and substituted "and the term 'a person', as used" for ", as used" in second sentence. Prior to amendment, first sentence read as follows: "Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the provisions of sections 1663, 1670, 1671, 1673, 1674, 1676, 1682(g), and 1683 of chapter 34 of title 38 and the provisions of subchapters I and II of chapter 36 of such title (with the exception of sections 1780(a)(5), 1780(b), 1786, 1787(b)(1), and 1792) shall be applicable to the provision of educational assistance under this chapter."

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–237, §422(b)(1), added subsec. (c).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–368, title II, §204(c), Nov. 11, 1998, 112 Stat. 3327, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 3034 and 3241 of Title 38, Veterans' Benefits] shall apply with respect to courses of flight training beginning on or after October 1, 1998."

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–446 effective Oct. 1, 1994, see section 601(d) of Pub. L. 103–446, set out as a note under section 3034 of Title 38, Veterans' Benefits.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendments

Pub. L. 101–237, title IV, §405(e), Dec. 18, 1989, 103 Stat. 2082, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1685 [now 3485] of Title 38, Veterans' Benefits] shall take effect on May 1, 1990, and shall apply to services performed on or after that date."

Amendment by section 422(b)(1) of Pub. L. 101–237 effective Sept. 30, 1990, see section 422(d) of Pub. L. 101–237, set out as a note under section 16131 of this title.

Amendment by section 642(c) of Pub. L. 101–189 applicable with respect to any person who after Sept. 30, 1990, meets the requirements set forth in section 2132(a)(1)(A) or (B) [16132(a)(1)(A), (B)] of this title, see section 642(d) of Pub. L. 101–189, set out as a note under section 16131 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective July 1, 1985, applicable only to members of the Armed Forces who qualify for educational assistance under this chapter on or after such date, see section 705(b) of Pub. L. 98–525, set out as an Effective Date of 1984 Amendment note under section 16131 of this title.

Savings Provision

Pub. L. 102–568, title III, §313(b), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4333, provided that: "The amendments made by paragraphs (2) through (6) of subsection (a) of this section [enacting section 3680A of Title 38, Veterans' Benefits, amending this section and sections 3034 and 3241 of Title 38, and repealing section 3473 of Title 38] shall not apply to any person receiving educational assistance for pursuit of an independent study program in which the person was enrolled on the date of enactment of this section [Oct. 29, 1992] for as long as such person is continuously thereafter so enrolled and meets the requirements of eligibility for such assistance for the pursuit of such program under title 38, United States Code, or title 10, United States Code, in effect on that date."

[§16137. Repealed. Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title X, §1061(29)(A), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1584]

Section, added Pub. L. 98–525, title VII, §705(a)(1), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2567, §2137; renumbered §16137, Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, §1663(b)(2), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 3006; amended Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title X, §1077, Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 451; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title V, §548(a), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 609, required biennial report on the operation of the educational assistance program.