Educational and career counseling for family members
As the dependent family member of a service member or Veteran with a service-connected disability, find out if you’re eligible and how to apply to get educational and career counseling benefits through Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (Chapter 36).
Am I eligible for VA educational and career counseling?
You may be eligible for this benefit if you're a dependent using transferred education benefits.
Learn about transferred education benefits for family members
If you're a Veteran or service member, you may also be eligible for educational and career counseling.
Learn about educational and career counseling for Veterans
What kinds of benefits can I get?
You can get educational and career counseling, plus help with:
- Exploring your abilities and interests
- Mapping out a path to employment
- Planning the best use of your VA benefits
Note: In certain cases, you may be able to get other education and employment benefits and services for dependents. For example, you may qualify if you’re the child of a Vietnam or Korean War Veteran and have certain birth defects, or if you’re the dependent child or spouse of a Veteran who has died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result of active service.
How do I get these benefits?
You can apply in any of these 3 ways.
Option 1: Apply online
You can apply online right now.
Option 2: Apply by mail
Fill out Personalized Career Planning and Guidance/Chapter 36 (VA Form 27-8832).
Get VA Form 27-8832 to download
Then mail the completed form to your nearest VA regional office.
Find your nearest VA regional office
If you’re eligible, we’ll invite you to an orientation session at a VA regional office near you.
Option 3: Apply in person
Fill out Personalized Career Planning and Guidance/Chapter 36 (VA Form 27-8832).
Get VA Form 27-8832 to download
Then bring your application into your nearest regional office.