Today is National STEM Day. First coined in the late 1990s, STEM has become a familiar acronym for the fields of study in science, technology, engineering and math. With a median wage of $95,420 across STEM occupations, many students choosing to pursue STEM education and training.

If you are a Veteran, using Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits or dependent, using the Fry Scholarship and currently enrolled in a qualifying STEM program, you may be able to receive additional benefits through the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship. Learn how the Rogers STEM Scholarship can help you complete your degree and find a meaningful career in STEM.

To learn about the various ways that businesses are giving back to Veterans and Service members this Veterans Day and throughout the year, be sure to check out this year’s list on VA News.

The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. The law expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for Veterans with toxic exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War and post-9/11 eras. It also adds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation. The PACT Act requires VA to provide a toxic exposure screening to every Veteran enrolled in VA healthcare.

This law helps us provide generations of Veterans — and their survivors — with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve. To learn more, including eligibility and how to apply, please visit the PACT Act web page.

Have you created an ID.me account? By verifying your identity with ID.me, you will have access to an improved user experience on VA.gov. Over the coming months, you’ll start to see changes as we modernize VA.gov. Think of your ID.me account as a digital ID card. Being verified means you’ll not only get to benefit from VA’s modernization, but you’ll also be able to use the same login to access other government benefits and services. You can also have peace of mind knowing that your personal information is protected and won’t be used by any third parties without your discretion.

What are you waiting for? Check out this how to video for a tutorial on how to set up your account today. A simple, safe and secure way of accessing your VA benefits and enhancing your GI Bill experience is just a few steps away.

Whether this is your first semester or you’re returning, check out these guides to your benefits which explain your COE/Award Letter, the different GI Bill benefits, and your education and training options. There’s also a VA Welcome Kit covering all the other benefits you might need to use.

As of September 2022, applying for Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits just got easier! Veterans and Service members applying to use their benefits for the first time may experience a simplified application experience that includes pre-filled information, access to downloadable decision letters, and a faster eligibility decision.

Eligibility decisions that could take up to 30 days to receive previously can now be received within minutes. It’s exciting to see Veterans and Service members already taking advantage of the simplified application.

Here's what the first Veteran to receive a real-time decision had to say about their experience, “I honestly didn't even realize the process had changed, it was so smooth and instantaneous! I've already told a few of my friends who are out/getting out soon how easy the process was to apply for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and get the go ahead to apply for classes.”

Check out this video to learn more about the simplified process and be sure to encourage your fellow Veterans and Service members to apply to use their benefits if they have not already done so.

Did you know that you can earn money and gain valuable work experience while you’re enrolled in a college, a vocational school or professional training program? Through the VA Work Study program eligible Veterans can earn while they learn. Visit the program page to learn how.

Are you confused about how to calculate your Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)? Check out this Facebook post which helps break it down for you!

Do you have a question or concern about your benefits? Contact us safely and securely with Ask VA!