Eligibility for educational assistance

(a) In General Chapter 521 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 52102. Eligibility for educational assistance (a) Eligibility A covered individual shall be treated as an individual described in section 3311(b)(1) of title 38, United States Code, for purposes of entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 33 of such title. (b) Covered individual (1) In General In this section, the term covered individual means an individual who— (A) served as a full-time, credentialed United States Merchant Mariner for not less than 10 years; (B) as a result of such service received the Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal or another award for service in a designated combat zone after the date of enactment of this section; and (C) is not eligible under any other provision of law for benefits under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. (2) Full-time, credentialed United States Merchant Mariner For purposes of paragraph (1), serving as a full-time, credentialed United States Merchant Mariner means possession of a Merchant Mariner Credential authorized by the Coast Guard and employment on board a vessel of the United States for not less than 150 days in a calendar year. (c) Reimbursement There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section from the Maritime Security Trust Fund established under section 50301(b) of this title.. (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections for chapter 521 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 52102. Eligibility for educational assistance..