VET TEC 2.0 Still Not Accepting Applications
The Department of Veterans Affairs’ official site states that student applications for the high-technology VET TEC 2.0 program will begin to be accepted in June 2026. Those who visited the official site between the end of the original VET TEC pilot program and press time found the following message:
“Our application isn’t available yet. When we have a VET TEC 2.0 application available for you to complete and submit to us, you’ll be able to get to it from this page. Check back in June.” (Emphasis ours.)
But as of press time on June 10, 2026, the Doug Collins Department of Veterans Affairs has failed to roll out the VET TEC 2.0 program. There are still two full weeks left in June at press time, and the VA may still meet its self-imposed June deadline to open the program and offer VA benefits via VET TEC. But will the VA rise to the challenge?
VET TEC 2.0 Still Not Accepting Applications
This is a serious issue for the VET TEC program, since the Dole Act, which reauthorized the program, only does so for the period currently authorized until September 30, 2027. That does not leave much time for the VA to get its act together with VET TEC and still serve the veterans it was created to help.
Assuming the VA can get the program up and running before the legal expiration date, the new VET TEC 2.0 program is intended to replace the prior VET TEC pilot program, which expired in 2024. Legally authorized under the Dole Act through September 30, 2027, the revamped program caps participation at 4,000 paid people per fiscal year.
VET TEC Changes?
The new VET TEC includes major changes to the program. Those who participate with GI Bill entitlement or Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance will see the VA deduct one month of those benefits for each month of full-time VET TEC 2.0 training.
People who have completely exhausted their GI Bill benefits can still participate. These people will face zero entitlement deductions. Prior qualification for VA education benefits is not mandatory.
Approved courses must be non-degree programs lasting between 6 and 28 weeks that focus on computer programming, computer software, data processing, information sciences, or media applications. VET TEC benefits cover full tuition and fees paid directly to the institution. Students also receive a books-and-supplies stipend and a monthly housing allowance matching Post-9/11 GI Bill rates.
Related: Do You Need Help Filing a VA Disability Claim?
What to Know
If the Doug Collins Department of Veterans Affairs does manage to roll out VET TEC 2.0 by the end of June, enrollees should know some important information listed on the VA official VET TEC 2.0 page:
“This new program has different eligibility requirements and entitlement rules from the program we offered before. You can’t use a Certificate of Eligibility from the previous program to connect with a training provider and receive benefits through VET TEC 2.0. If you’re interested in applying for VET TEC 2.0, you’ll need to use the new application form.“
VA.gov also advises potential VET TEC enrollees to check with their chosen school to make sure the institution is approved for the new VET TEC program.
About the author
Editor-in-Chief Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter/editor for Air Force Television News and the Pentagon Channel. His freelance work includes contract work for Motorola, VALoans.com, and Credit Karma. He is co-founder of Dim Art House in Springfield, Illinois, and spends his non-writing time as an abstract painter, independent publisher, and occasional filmmaker.
