A veteran may be eligible for Chapter 31 benefits if he or she incurred a service-connected disability on or after September 16, 1940, which entitles him/her to VA disability compensation.  Vocational rehabilitation may be provided for up to 48 months.  An eligible veteran generally has 12 years from the date of notification of entitlement to VA compensation in which to use these benefits.   Disabled veterans are encouraged to contact the Baltimore VA Office to obtain information.

To receive educational benefits, the veteran's Voc Rehab counselor must submit an Authorization of Benefits form to the VA certifying official before any certifications can be processed.  It is the veteran's responsibility to notify the VA certifying official when he/she has registered for classes by submitting a registration statement to the VA certifying official.  If an Authorization of Benefits is not on file, it is the veteran's responsibility to contact his/her counselor at the VA office to have the paperwork initiated.

The Voc Rehab counselor will also send an authorization of benefits statement directly to the veteran.  This form should be taken to the HCC Bookstore for purchasing books and supplies.

The veteran using Chapter 31 benefits is not required to pay for classes upfront if the authorization of benefits form has been submitted to the Business Office.