Overview
Chapter 30: Montgomery G.I. Bill
This is the most common VA education program. There are four eligibility categories with the most common being those individuals who:
- entered active duty on or after July 1, 1985 and
- contributed $100.00 a month for 12 months and have an honorable discharge.
Get Additional Information and Payment Amounts.
Chapter 35: Survivors’ and Dependants Educational Assistance Program
This is the only VA educational benefit for individuals without military service. The program is for: 1) Dependants or spouses of veterans who have died or are totally and permanently disabled as the result of a service connected disability or died while evaluated as having a total and permanent disability. 2) Dependents or spouse of a person who is listed as a POW or MIA.
Get Additional Information and Payment Amounts.
Chapter 1606: Montgomery G.I. Bill- Selected Reserve
This program is for active members of components of the Selected Reserve and National Guard. Eligible participants require: 1) Enlistment or reenlistment in the selected reserve with an obligation to serve for a period of not less than 6 years following enlistment on or after July 1, 1985. 2) Completion of secondary school diploma requirements. 3) Completion of IDAT.
Get Additional Information and Payment Amounts.
Chapter 1607: Reserve Educational Assistance Program
This program is a new education benefit available to certain reservists who were activated for at least 90 days after September 11, 2001.
Get Additional Information and Payment Amounts.
Chapter 31: Vocational Rehabilitation
To qualify for this benefit the service member must have a service-connected disability. For more information regarding this benefit and the application process, contact the Department of Veteran Affairs at 1-800-827-1000 or visit www.va.gov.
Kickers & Additional Contributions:
A kicker is part of an enlistment contract, often referred to as the Army College Fund. The kicker is a fixed dollar amount that will be disbursed in even installments over the course of the entitlement period for Chapter 30 and 1606 recipients. Service members also have the opportunity to pay additional contribution amounts that are generally matched 9 to 1 and added to the monthly benefit in even disbursements. The VA should automatically pay the higher benefit rate as an addition to the normal entitlement amount paid each month to the veteran. If not, the veteran should contact the VA Regional Office processing their claim.
Other Educational Related Programs
Work Study Program
This is a work program available to any educational benefit recipient who is attending college or university at three-quarter time (16 week term = 9 credits) or more. Students may obtain employment at the VA Medical Facility, VA Regional Office or at other approved state employment facilities. Students are paid at federal minimum wage and these payments are non-taxable. Interested individuals should contact the Phoenix VA Office at 1-800-827-1000.
Veterans Upward Bound
The Veterans Upward Bound Program provides instruction and advising to veterans beginning or returning to college or pursuing a GED. The program provides services to all low income or first generation college-bound veterans. The program offers day and evening classes and operates on an open entry system. To qualify a veteran must have served more than 180 consecutive days on active duty with at least a portion of this service falling after January 31, 1955. Discharge status can be anything but dishonorable in order to participate. Courses offered include English/Reading, Writing/Literature, Math, Basic Computers, Spanish, and Science. For more information please visit the program web site at http://www.asu.edu/studentlife/vub/.
Tuition Assistance:
Tuition Assistance is a Department of Defense program. The program is not administered or monitored by the VA. Tuition Assistance rules vary by branch of service and even vary between different units within the same branch of service depending on whether the unit is active, reserve or National Guard. Questions regarding Tuition Assistance as well as the obtaining of application forms should be directed to the veteran student’s unit Education Service Officer.
South Mountain Community College Veteran Services does not determine a veteran’s eligibility for benefits. The office will assist in the completion of applications and communication of veteran student enrollment to the VA for the purposes of certification and receipt of benefits. For more information regarding individual eligibility for these and other educational benefits please contact the Department of Veteran Affairs Regional Processing Center at 1-888-442-4551 or visit the web at www.gibill.va.gov
“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.” – George Washington