38 CFR § 21.5725 - Obtaining benefits.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t38/s21.5725"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "38 CFR § 21.5725 - Obtaining benefits."
title_number: 38
title_name: "Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief"
section_number: "21.5725"
section_name: "Obtaining benefits."
chapter_name: "DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS"
part_number: "21"
part_name: "VETERAN READINESS AND EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
cfr_part: "21"
---


# 21.5725 Obtaining benefits.

(a) *Actions required of the individual.* In order to obtain benefits under the educational assistance and subsistence allowance program, an individual must—

(1) File a claim for benefits with VA, and

(2) Ensure that the accredited institution certifies his or her enrollment to VA.

(b) *VA action upon receipt of a claim.* Upon receipt of a claim from an individual VA shall—

(1) Determine if the individual, or the veteran upon whose service the claim is based, has or had basic eligibility;

(2) Determine that the eligibility period has not expired;

(3) Determine that the individual has remaining entitlement;

(4) Verify that the individual is attending an accredited institution;

(5) Determine whether payments may be made for the course, and

(6) Make appropriate payments of educational assistance and subsistence allowance.