Louisiana’s State Approving Agency
Louisiana’s State Approving Agency (SAA) helps make the GI Bill® work with responsibilities of promoting and safeguarding quality education and training programs for veterans. Additionally, the SAA ensures greater education and training opportunities for veterans and protects the integrity of the GI Bill®.
State Approving Agency staff work hand-in-hand with other organizations including governmental agencies, Congress, schools and employers to make the GI Bill® the best possible educational assistance program for our state’s veterans and their families. Our team prioritizes these collaborations to provide veterans with access to well-managed, ethical programs they can trust to help them achieve their goals.
GI Bill® in Louisiana
Currently, there are nearly 260 active educational facilities in Louisiana certified by SAA staff with more than 10,700 veterans and veteran dependents utilizing their GI Bill® benefits. These students bring in more than $196 million in federal dollars from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, contributing to the billions veterans bring into Louisiana annually.
To locate schools actively accepting the GI Bill® in Louisiana, utilize the GI Bill® comparison tool. The tool offers search by name and location options, as well as filtering to guide the search. Individual entries include information on how many GI Bill® students currently attend that location, in addition to programs offered, estimated benefits and contact information.
GI Bill® Chapters, Programs and Licensing and Certification
Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)
The Post 9/11 GI Bill® is an education benefit for service members and veterans who served on active duty after Sept. 10, 2001. Benefits are payable for training pursued after Aug. 1, 2009. No payments can be made under this program from training pursued before that date.
Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapter 30)
The Montgomery GI Bill® assists students who entered active duty for the first time after July 1, 1985, and who agreed to have their pay reduced by $100 for 12 months. Veterans must have received an honorable discharge, and active-duty personnel must have served at least two years of active duty to be eligible to use their benefits.
Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) (Chapter 1606)
The Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve provides financial assistance to eligible members of the Selected Reserve. This includes service members from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard Reserve and National Guard.
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) (Chapter 31)
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) is a program designed to assist veterans with service-connected disabilities in achieving suitable employment and independence. It provides services such as job training, counseling and educational support, and can be used alongside other benefits like the GI Bill®.
Survivors and Dependents Education (Chapter 35)
Survivors and Dependents Education benefits provide education and training opportunities to dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition.
Apprenticeship and On-the-Job-Training (OJT) Program
The Apprenticeship and On-the-Job-Training (OJT) Program offers an alternative to education and training benefits. If you’re learning a trade or skill through on-the-job training or an apprenticeship, find out how GI Bill® benefits can help you cover your living expenses. And if you’re using Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits, you also may be able to get money to pay for books and supplies you need for your training. Talk to your employer if you are interested in this benefit.
Licensing and Certification
Licensing and certification may open new doors to employment by getting licensed or certified as a mechanic, medical technician, attorney or other professional position. Often required for work in certain fields, these tests may be eligible for GI Bill® reimbursement.
For More Information
For additional information about the GI Bill®, or to inquire about eligibility or apply for federal education benefits, locate one of our veterans assistance counselors at a parish veterans service office.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.