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The Veteran Benefit Desk™
California Veteran Education ObservatoryAn independent project of The Veteran Benefit Desk
Benefit record

Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (Chapter 36)

Transitioning service members, veterans, and dependents eligible for a VA education benefit.

Confirmed by current agency guidanceLast verified 2026-08-26
Common name
PCPG / educational and career counseling
Administering authority
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Legal authority
38 U.S.C. chapter 36
Eligibility framework
Free counseling service, not a payment benefit.
Duration or entitlement
As provided by VA.
Apply through
VA.
Payment goes to
No payments; a service.
Campus office involved
Not required.
County office involved
Can refer.
Renewal
Not applicable.
Deadlines
Eligibility windows apply for some categories; verify with VA.
Institution limitations
None.

What it normally covers

  • Career counseling, educational planning, academic and adjustment counseling at no cost

What it normally excludes

  • Any tuition or stipend payment

Known interaction points

  • Useful before electing between benefits (for example Chapter 35 versus Fry, or MGIB versus Chapter 33).

Official sources

Record history

  • 2026-08-26: Initial record created.

Suggested citation: California Veteran Education Observatory (2026-08-26). Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (Chapter 36) (benefit record). The Veteran Benefit Desk. https://veteranbenefitdesk.com/california-veteran-education/benefits/ch36

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The California Veteran Education Observatory is an independent research and public-information project of The Veteran Benefit Desk. It is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the California Department of Veterans Affairs, the California Student Aid Commission, or any college or university. It does not provide individualized legal, financial-aid, education, or benefits advice.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at va.gov/education.

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Printed from The Veteran Benefit Desk, https://veteranbenefitdesk.com/california-veteran-education/benefits/ch36. Figures reflect this page as published. Rates change each December; confirm current amounts at veteranbenefitdesk.com before relying on them.
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