The Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) is a new military benefits program for members of the Selected Reserves of the Army and other Armed Forces, Individual Ready Reserves (IRR) and National Guard who are called to service in response to war or national emergency. If you serve under a contingency operation for at least 90 days, on or after September 11, 2001, you qualify for the REAP program.

These benefits can pay for college or university tuition, correspondence and vocational courses, flight training, distance learning and on-the-job training to further your career.

Who Is Eligible?

Army and other reserve component members who actively serve under a contingency operation are eligible to collect REAP benefits.  National Guard members are also eligible if their active service:

• extends for 90 consecutive days or more, AND;
• is authorized under section 502(f), title 32, U.S. Code, AND;
• is authorized by the President or Secretary of Defense for a national emergency, AND;
• is supported by federal funds.

REAP benefits generally end when you leave the Selected Reserves.

How Are Benefits Calculated?

Educational benefits through REAP are determined as a percentage of your Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) award and the number of continuous days of active duty served. Benefit percentages range from 40 to 80% of the MGIB 3 year rate.

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How Can You Apply?

Selecting a VA authorized training program is the first step. Next, you must complete VA Form 22-1990, Application for Education Benefits, indicating you are applying for REAP, and send it to the VA regional office where you will train, or you can apply online at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp.

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