Times have changed since the days following the end of World War I, when veterans returning home were provided little assistance to help them rejoin civilian life. Since then, the U.S. Government has taken important steps to help transitioning veterans find their place in everyday society.

The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, otherwise known as the GI Bill of Rights, has evolved in many ways over the years, but its primary benefit is to help veterans and active duty servicemembers pay for college, graduate school, and training programs so they can develop the knowledge and skills to succeed in the civilian workforce.

However, it's important to note that GI Bill benefits are not usable at all colleges and universities, so veterans should do their homework to make sure the school they choose is a good fit. GI Bill approved schools are those that adhere to specific approval guidelines regarding accreditation, financial stability, record-keeping, and similar criteria.

Ready to apply? Here are two quick tips before you get started.

  • Make sure you have a copy of your DD214 handy. If you're fresh out of the service, you may not realize just yet how important this little piece of paper is, but trust us when we say you're going to need it a lot in the months and years to come. Your DD Form 214, or Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, is the primary document required to show proof of service and honorable (or anything other than dishonorable) discharge, which is required to prove you're eligible to receive veteran benefits.
  • Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool. Already have a few schools in mind but not sure if you can use your GI Bill benefits? Start with the GI Bill Comparison Tool, a simple online tool that lets you search GI Bill approved schools and compare the different benefits they offer, including information about tuition prices, book and housing prices, graduation rates, median borrowing amounts, and student loan default rates.

Veteran-owned DD214Direct helps you get the documents you need, when you need them.

Our cutting-edge technology platform and keen knowledge of government protocol and procedure allow us to deliver your documents faster than you could get them on your own. First, we digitize both your request and the returned documents, using electronic signatures to avoid extra time with the postal service. We also integrate email and fax throughout our entire process, while many agencies do not. 

To further expedite the process, our team ensures your initial request is filled out properly the first time and includes the necessary supporting documentation so that it doesn't bounce back. In addition, we break up multiple requests (DD214, OMPF, etc.) so that each piece is handled separately and one does not delay the other. 

Once your request is processed, DD214Direct becomes your personal advocate, working directly with the agency that holds your records (currently there are about 75 independent agencies) and immediately responding to any agency issues on your behalf. In many cases, DD214Direct is able to advance your request to a higher-priority workflow. Finally, we have team members at many locations to drop off and pick up documents. 

Much like paying a small fee to have your taxes done by a professional, DD214Direct provides the service and convenience you’ve been hoping for, plus we make it a lot easier. Once we locate your DD214, we can email you a copy immediately—a service not offered by the government. And tracking your request through us is simple, so you never have to worry about long hold times and inconclusive answers.

Ready to get started? Click here to begin the order process.