The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay eligible individuals:

• Your full tuition and fees directly to the school for all public school in-state students. For those attending private or foreign schools tuition and fees are capped at $17,500 per academic year for the 2011 academic year and $18,077.50 for the 2012 academic year.
• For those attending a more expensive private school or a public school as a non-resident out-of-state student, a program exists which may help to reimburse the difference , called the “Yellow Ribbon Program”.
• For those attending classes at the greater than 1/2 time rate , a monthly housing allowance (MHA) based on the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents at the location of the school. For those enrolled solely in distance learning the housing allowance payable is equal to 1/2 the national average BAH for an E-5 with dependents (684.00 for the 2012 academic year). The academic year begins on August 1. (Active Duty students and their spouses cannot receive the MHA.)
• An annual books and supplies stipend of $1,000 paid proportionately based on enrollment.

A one-time rural benefit payment for eligible individuals.

The benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits , generally payable for 15 years following release from active duty.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill also offers some service members the opportunity to transfer their GI Bill benefits to their dependents.

The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship

Amended the Post-9/11 GI Bill to include the children of service members who die in the line of duty after September 10 , 2001. Eligible children are entitled to 36 months of benefits at the 100% level , have 15 years to use the benefit beginning on his or her 18th birthday and may be married and over 23 and still be eligible.

Eligibility

Eligible children are entitled to 36 months of benefits at the 100% level; have 15 years to use the benefit beginning on his or her 18th birthday; may be married or over 23 and still be eligible; may use the benefit until his or her 33rd birthday; are not eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program . If the child is eligible under the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty, Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve, and/or the Reserve Educational Assistance Program, then he or she must relinquish eligibility under one of those programs to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. If a child is eligible for the Fry Scholarship, he or she may be eligible for VA’s Dependent’s Educational Assistance Program (DEA). Although the benefits cannot be used at the same time, a child may be eligible for up to 48 months of benefits between the two programs. For further information go to www.GIBill.va.gov. Apply: VA Form 22-5490, “Dependents’ Application for VA Education Benefits” is available at GIBill.va.gov from VONAPP, the online application.

For more information , visit: www.gibill.va.gov

The Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty, called “MGIB” for short, provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible veterans for:

• College, Business, Technical or Vocational school
• On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeship Programs
• Remedial, Deficiency, and Refresher Training (in some cases)
• The cost of tests for licenses or certifications needed to get, keep, or advance in a job
• Tuition Assistance: “Top-Up”
• Correspondence Courses
• Flight Training (in some cases)
• National Tests

Note: VA does not approve schools or programs for benefits. Each individual state approves schools and courses. To find out if your school or program is approved for VA educational benefits under MGIB, contact your school’s VA Certifying Official, or call VA at 1-888-GIBILL-1 .

Active-duty veterans who have not used any of their Chapter 30 benefits will need an original or certified copy of their DD Form 214 to send to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Eligibility

If you are currently in service, you may be eligible after two years of active duty. Please consult with the Education Services Officer at your installation, or call 1-888-GIBILL-1, for information about your eligibility.

If you are separated from service, you may be an eligible veteran if you:

• entered active duty for the first time after June 30, 1985;
• received a high school diploma or equivalent (or, in some cases, 12 hours of college credit) before the end of your first obligated period of service;
• received an honorable discharge;
• continuously served for 3 years, OR 2 years if that is what you first enlisted for, OR 2 years if you have an obligation to serve four years in the Selected Reserve AND entered Selected Reserve within a year of leaving active duty.

Note: Different rules apply if you entered active duty before July 1, 1985, and in certain other cases. Call the VA at 1-800-GIBILL-1 for more information.

Possible Pitfalls

You should be aware that the following pitfalls could cause you to lose all MGIB benefits:

General Discharge. You must have an honorable discharge to be eligible for education benefits. A “general” or “under honorable condition” makes you ineligible for education benefits.

Early Discharge. To be eligible with an early discharge, your separation reason must meet certain requirements. Call 1-800-GIBILL-1 (or if you are on active duty, check with your Education Services Officer) for more information.

Monthly Payment

The monthly benefit paid to you is based on the type of training you take, length of your service, your category, and if DoD put extra money in your MGIB Fund (called “kickers”). Typically, you have ten years to use your MGIB benefits. The current full-time rate for those with three or more years of service and enrolled in an institutional program is approx. $1,075 per month. For additional rate information, visit the G.I. Bill Chapter 30 Rate Information page: http://www.gibill.va.gov/resources/benefits_resources/rate_tables.html.

How to Apply

You can apply by filling out VA Form 22-1990, Application for Education Benefits . You can also apply online by visiting VONAPP. Application forms are also available at U.S. Offices of Veterans Affairs, through your college’s veterans affairs representative, active duty stations, American embassies.

Monthly Verification

Veterans receiving benefits under Chapter 30 or Chapter 1606 must verify their enrollment each month to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in order to receive payment for that month. This monthly verification can be done using one of two systems:

1. Phone- using the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system, by dialing 1 (877) 823-2378 and following the instructions provided, OR
2. Online- using the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Web Automated Veteran’s Enrollment (WAVE) system

Once either system confirms that the student is certified for the month, he/she can expect payment within 10-14 days for checks, or 3-5 days for direct deposit. Veterans and reservists must still notify their college’s veterans affairs representative when their enrollment changes, even though the change has been reported to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs through the WAVE system.

The Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve is an education program that provides up to 36 months of education benefits to members of the Selected Reserve. This includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Reserves, as well as the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. It is the first program that doesn’t require a person to serve on active duty in the regular Armed Forces to qualify.

An eligible reservist may get education benefits while in a program approved for VA training. For information about the types of training available, call the toll-free number listed at the bottom of the page.

Since July 1, 1985, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has been responsible for benefit payment, even though the funding of educational assistance under this program is provided by the Department of Defense.

Eligibility

You may be considered an eligible reservist or National Guard member if:

• after June 30, 1985, you signed a six-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve, AND
• you completed your Initial Active Duty for Training (IADT), AND
• you got your High School Diploma or GED before you completed your IADT, AND
• you are in good standing in a drilling Selected Reserve unit

If you stay in the Selected Reserves, benefits generally end 10 years from the date you became eligible for the program if you became eligible before October 1, 1992. Benefits generally end 14 years from the date you became eligible if you became eligible on or after October 1, 1992. Your period of eligibility may be extended, if you were unable to train because of a service-related disability. Typically, your eligibility ends when you leave the Selected Reserves.

One exception to this rule exists if you are mobilized (or recalled to active duty from your reserve status), in this case your eligibility may be extended for the amount of time you are mobilized PLUS four months. For example, if you are mobilized for 12 months your eligibility period is extended for 16 months (12 months active duty PLUS 4 months.) So even if you leave the reserves after mobilization, you may have additional eligibility to the MGIB-SR.

Note: If you are an officer in the Selected Reserve OR if you entered active duty from the Selected Reserve after November 29, 1989, call the toll-free number below for additional eligibility requirements.

Monthly Payment

The monthly benefit paid to you is based on the type of training. If you are attending school, your payment is based on your training time (i.e. full time, half time, etc). The current full-time rate for college training is approx. $309 per month. For additional payment information, visit the G.I. Bill Chapter 1606 Rate Information page.

How To Apply

Your unit will give you a Notice of Basic Eligibility (DD Form 2384 or 2384-1) when you become eligible for Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve. Once you find a program approved for VA training, complete VA Form 22-1990, Application for Education Benefits , and send it to the VA regional office that serves the state where you will train. You can apply online by visiting VONAPP

Monthly Verification

Veterans receiving benefits under Chapter 30 or Chapter 1606 must verify their enrollment each month to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in order to receive payment for that month. This monthly verification can be done using one of two systems:

1. Phone- using the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system, by dialing 1 (877) 823-2378 and following the instructions provided, OR
2. Online- using the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Web Automated Veteran’s Enrollment (WAVE) system.

REAP (Chapter 1607 of title 10, U.S. Code) is a new education program that provides up to 36 months of education benefits to members of the Selected Reserves, Individual Ready Reserve (IRR), and National Guard, who are called or ordered to active service in response to a war or national emergency, as declared by the President or Congress.

This new program makes certain that individuals who were activated after September 11, 2001, are either eligible for education benefits or eligible for increased benefits.

Eligibility

Eligibility will be determined by the Department of Defense (DoD) or Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as appropriate. Generally, a member of a Reserve component who serves on active duty on or after September 11, 2001 under title 10, U.S. Code, for at least 90 consecutive days under a contingency operation, is eligible for REAP. There is no specific time frame to use REAP; however, your eligibility generally ends when you leave the Selected Reserves.

National Guard members are eligible if their active service extends for 90 consecutive days or more and their service is:

• authorized under section 502(f), title 32, U.S. Code,
• authorized by the President or Secretary of Defense for a national emergency, and
• supported by federal funds.

Monthly Payments

The educational assistance allowance payable under REAP is a percentage of the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty (MGIB) rate based on the number of continuous days served on active duty. Persons released before 90 days due to an injury, illness, or disease incurred or aggravated in the line of duty receive the 40% rate.

• Members who serve 90 days but less than 1 year will receive 40% of the MGIB 3 year rate.
• Members who serve 1 year but less than 2 years will receive 60% of the MGIB 3 year rate.
• Members who serve 2 or more continuous years will receive 80% of the MGIB 3 year rate.

The amount VA pays is based on the type of training program and training time (i.e. full time, half time, etc). If attendance is less than a month or less than full-time, payments are reduced proportionately. For additional monthly rates, visit the G.I. Bill, Chapter 1607 Rate Information page.

Available Programs

The following programs are available:

• College or University Degree Programs
• Vocational Programs
• Independent Study or Distance Learning Programs
• Correspondence Courses
• Flight Training
• On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeship Programs
• Entrepreneurship Courses

Note: VA does not approve schools or programs for benefits. Each individual state approves schools and courses. To find out if your school or program is approved for VA educational benefits under REAP, contact your school’s VA Certifying Official, or call VA at the toll-free number below.

How to Apply

Once you find a program approved for VA training, complete VA Form 22-1990, Application for Education Benefits , and send it to the VA regional office that serves the state where you will train. Indicate on the form you are applying for REAP. You can also apply online by visiting VONAPP .

The VR&E Program aids veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, find and keep suitable jobs. If any training is needed, the VA will pay your training costs, such as tuition and fees, books, supplies, equipment and, if needed, special services. While in training, the VA will also pay a monthly benefit called a Subsistence Allowance to help with living expenses. Those who are eligible for both VR&E and the Post-9/11 GI Bill may choose that bill’s monthly housing allowance instead of the Subsistence Allowance. To receive an evaluation for VR&E services a veteran must have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10 percent.

How to Apply

Complete VA Form 28-1900 or apply online. Apply Online.

Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Programs provide educational and training opportunities to eligible spouses and children of certain veterans.

Eligible persons can receive up to 45 months of full-time or equivalent benefits for:

• College, Business, Technical or Vocational Courses, High School Diploma or GED, Independent Study or Distance Learning courses
• Correspondence Courses (Spouses Only), Apprenticeship/On-the-Job Training
• Remedial, Deficiency, and Refresher Training (in some cases)
• The cost of tests for licenses or certifications needed to get, keep, or advance in a job

Eligibility

The student must be the child or spouse of:

• A veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability. The disability must arise out of active service in the Armed Forces.
• A veteran who died from any cause while such service-connected disability was in existence.
• A service member missing in action or captured in the line of duty by a hostile force.
• A service member forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign government or power.

Period of Eligibility

In addition to the aforementioned requirements, a student who wishes to receive benefits for attending school or job training must be between the ages of 18 and 26. In certain instances, it is possible to begin before age 18 and continue after age 26. Marriage is not a bar to this benefit. Students in the Armed Forces may not be eligible for this benefit while on active duty. To pursue training after military service, a discharge must not be under dishonorable conditions. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can extend the period of eligibility by the number of months and days equal to the time spent on active duty. This extension generally cannot go beyond a student’s 31st birthday, however, there are some exceptions.

For spouses, benefits end 10 years from the date the VA finds the spouse eligible or from the date of death of the veteran.
Surviving spouses of veterans who died while on active duty have 20 years from the date of the veteran’s death to use the benefit. (benefits can’t be paid before December 10, 2004 for anyone whose 10 year period ended prior to that date).

Note: These time limits can be extended under certain circumstances. For details, call 1-888-GIBILL-1 or visit the G.I.Bill website.

Monthly Payments

The amount the VA pays is based on the type of training program and training time (i.e. full-time, half-time, etc). Benefits are paid monthly and in arrears. For example, effective October 1, 2006, the VA pays $860 a month for full-time training for a full month at a college or university. If attendance is less than a month or less than full-time, payments are reduced proportionately. Different payment rates can be found on the G.I. Bill website or by calling the VA at: 1-888-GIBILL-1.

How to Apply

After finding a program approved for VA training, complete VA Form 22-5490, Application for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance , and submit it to the VA regional office that serves the state where you will train. You can also apply online through VONAPP. If the student is a son or daughter under legal age, a parent or guardian must sign the application.

If the student has started training, he or she must take the application to their college’s veterans affairs representative. Have that person complete VA Form 22-1999 and the Enrollment Certification form, and send both forms to the VA.

Allows qualifying veterans to receive up to 12 months of assistance equal to the full-time Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty rate. To qualify veterans must: be 35-60 years old: unemployed on the day of application; not dishonorably discharged; not be eligible for another VA education program; and not receive VA compensation at the 100% rate due to unemployability. Participants must be enrolled in a VA approved program of education offered by a Community College or Technical School. The program must lead to an Associate Degree, Non-College Degree, or a Certification and train the veteran in a high demand occupation as determined by the U. S. Department of Labor (USDOL).

For more information, visit www.benefits.va.gov/VOW

In-state tuition rates under the Veterans Choice Act

Armed Forces Tuition Assistance is a benefit paid to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Congress has given each service the Ability to pay up to 100% for the tuition expenses of its members. Each service has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application process, and restrictions.

For more information, visit: www.military.com/education.

The New York State Recruitment Incentive & Retention Program is available for active members of the New York Army National Guard, the New York Air National Guard, and the New York Naval Militia. This program provides tuition assistance for active service members enrolled in a first-degree program of study. The award covers tuition after all other financial aid has been applied to the tuition charges. Students must apply for federal aid, using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and state aid, using the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). In addition, students must file a DMNA 96-1 form, which can be obtained from their individual National Guard unit.

Deadlines are enforced, so paperwork should be completed in advance and time should be allotted for corrections. Continuation of the award will depend on good military standing, satisfactory progress towards the degree, and maintenance of good academic standing for financial aid purposes. Questions may be directed to the individual’s unit or the Division of Military and Naval Affairs’ Education Services Office (e-mail: education@ny.ngb.army.mil or phone: (518) 272-6349).

New York Army National Guard Federal Tuition Assistance (ARNG FTA) can be applied to a course or program taken at a nationally or regionally accredited, public or private, college, university, vocational, technical or trade school located inside or outside of New York.

While not a veterans program, funding is available to New York ARNG soldiers.

The ARNG FTA can pay tuition costs of:

• $250.00 per semester hour
• $167.00 per quarter hour
• $16.66 per clock hour

The Program can also pay for mandatory fees associated with enrollment. For example: Activity fees, lab fees, culinary fees, etc. This does not include parking fees, credit evaluations, transcript fees, textbook or medical services.

The total amount of ARNG FTA (including qualifying fees) for each Soldier can not exceed $4,500.00 within a fiscal year (1 Oct – 30 September).

The ARNG FTA program may also fund clock hours for vocational and technical training courses and certificates offered by non-degree-granting, accredited, institutions . A formula is used to convert the clock hours to credit hours and then a semester hour spending cap is applied.

Soldiers pursuing a first professional degree may apply for ARNG FTA. First professional degrees are awarded in the fields of Architecture, Certified Public Accountant, Podiatry (D.P.M.), Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.), Medicine (M.D.), Optometry (O.D.), Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), Pharmacy (D. Phar.), Law (J.D.), and Theology (M. Div. or M.H.L.).

Doctoral programs cannot be funderal by ARNG FTA.

Similar funding is available for Army Reserve soldiers through their unit’s chain of command.

How to apply

To apply for ARNG Federal TA, Soldiers must submit an application through virtualarmory.com, prior to the start of their course. When the education office receives the FTA application, an e-mail will be sent to the Soldier’s AKO account to confirm receipt. The Soldier will receive another e-mail once the application is processed.

The approved FTA application will then be e-mailed or faxed directly to the school. The school will bill the education office and payment will be made directly to the school. It is the Soldier’s responsibility to follow the directions provided by the Education Services Office staff.

Any changes to an approved FTA application (course information, school information or start/end dates) must be submitted in writing to the Education Services Office. Any invoice from the college/university that does not match the approved FTA application will not be processed for payment. The Soldier will be liable for any tuition incurred for courses that have not been approved by the Education Services Officer.

Using ARNG FTA and MONTGOMERY G.I. BILL Benefits (MGIB) for the same courses

Students taking 6 or more credits at the same time (usually the equivalent of two courses) AND who are eligible to receive Selected Reserve- Montgomery G.I. Bill benefits, may receive ARNG FTA and MGIB benefits for the same course. However, the amount of FTA that a student can receive annually will be reduced as follows:

• Students who are eligible to receive Selected Reserve- MGIB benefits can receive up to $2,500 in FTA each year.
• Veterans who are eligible to receive both Selected Reserve- MGIB benefits and MGIB Kicker Program benefits may receive up to $1,500 in FTA each year.
• Veterans who are NOT eligible for MGIB programs may receive up to $4,500 in FTA each year.

Veterans taking 6 or more credits at the same time, who are interested in combining ARNG FTA and MGIB benefits for the same courses, must inform the DMNA Education Services Office (e-mail: education@ny.ngb.army.mil or phone: (518) 272-6349) of their intentions at the time of application for ARNG FTA funding.

The viability of the ARNG FTA program hinges upon the amount of funds provided to the New York Army National Guard by National Guard Bureau each fiscal year. Therefore, it is not guaranteed that a Soldier will receive tuition assistance under this program.

The Child of Veterans Award is a financial aid program for students whose parent(s) served in the U.S. Armed Forces during specified periods of war or national emergency and, as a result of service, died or suffered a 40% or more disability, is classified as missing in action, or was a prisoner of war. The veteran must currently be a New York State resident or have been a New York State resident at the time of death, if death occurred during or as a result of service.

Child of Veterans Award recipients may receive up to $450 each year without consideration of income or tuition cost. The tuition award may be granted for 4 years of full-time undergraduate study (or for 5 years in an approved 5-year baccalaureate degree program). The combined Child of Veterans Award and New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) can never exceed the tuition charges. A special application for the Child of Veteran Award must be filed with the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (NYSHESC). Applications may also be obtained by contacting the Higher Education Services Corporation’s Scholarship Unit at 1-888-697-4372. Documentary evidence to establish eligibility is required with the application. For additional information, visit the NYS HESC Regents Award for Children Of Deceased or Disabled Veterans page.

FAFSA Guide

NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps eligible New York residents pay tuition at approved schools in New York State. An annual TAP award can be up to $5,665. Because TAP is a grant, it does not have to be paid back.

Veterans Tuition Awards (VTA) are awards for full-time study and part-time study for eligible veterans matriculated at an undergraduate or graduate degree-granting institution or in an approved vocational training program in New York State.

NOTE: Students previously approved for this award must apply for payment each year. Those students attending a vocational school or who are attending an approved undergraduate or graduate program part-time may apply for payment for the current academic year by completing the supplement. See How to Apply for Payment below for additional details.

Award Amounts

• For full-time study, a recipient shall receive an award of up to the full cost of undergraduate tuition for New York state residents at the State University of New York, or actual tuition charged, whichever is less. Full-time study is defined as twelve or more credits per semester (or the equivalent) at a degree-granting institution, or twenty-four or more hours per week in a vocational training program.
• For part-time study, awards will be prorated by credit hour. Part-time study is defined as at least three but fewer than twelve credits per semester (or the equivalent) at a degree-granting institution, or six to twenty-three hours per week in a vocational training program.

2012-2013 Awards
For the 2012 – 2013 Academic year awards will be set at $5,595.00 or tuition, whichever is less. If a Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) award is also received the combined academic year award cannot exceed tuition. Thus , the TAP award may be reduced accordingly. NOTE: Tuition payments received by a veteran under the Chapter 33 program and Yellow Ribbon component will be considered duplicative of any VTA award students may have received. However, Payments received under the Montgomery GI Bill do not duplicate the VTA award.

Combined tuition benefits available to a student cannot exceed the actual tuition. Students attending high tuition schools may be eligible to receive both the Federal and State benefits. Additionally , students whose “Percentage of Maximum Benefit payable“ under the Chapter 33 Program is less than 100% of tuition may also receive both Federal and State benefits.

All applications must be completed by June 30 of the Academic year for which the award is sought.

Duration

Full-time Study

• Undergraduate Degree-Granting Programs – Awards are available for up to eight semesters (four years) of undergraduate study. Awards can be made available for up to semesters of undergraduate study for enrollment in an approved five-year program or for enrollment in an approved program of remedial study.
• Graduate Degree-Granting Programs – Awards are available for up to six semesters (three years) of graduate study.
• Vocational Training Programs – Awards are available for up to a maximum of four semesters (two years) of study in an approved vocational training program.

Part-time Study

• Undergraduate Degree-Granting Programs – Awards are available for up to the equivalent of eight semesters (four years) of full-time undergraduate study in a four-year program. Awards can be made available for up to the equivalent of ten semesters (five years) of full-time study for enrollment in an approved five-year undergraduate program which normally requires five academic years of full-time study.
• Graduate Degree-Granting Programs – Awards are available for up to the equivalent of six semesters (three years) of part-time graduate study.
• Vocational Training Programs – Awards are available for up to a maximum of eight semesters (four years) of part-time study in an approved vocational training program.

Approved programs are defined as undergraduate degree, graduate degree, diploma, and certificate programs at degree-granting institutions, or noncredit vocational training programs of at least 320 clock hours specifically approved by the New York State Division of Veteran’s Affairs’ Bureau of Veterans Education.

Eligible Veterans

Eligible students are those who are New York State residents discharged under honorable conditions from the U.S. Armed forces and who are:

• Vietnam Veterans who served in Indochina between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975.
• Persian Gulf Veterans who served in the Persian Gulf on or after August 2, 1990.
• Afghanistan Veterans who served in Afghanistan during hostilities on or after September 11, 2001.
• Veterans of the armed forces of the United States who served in hostilities that occurred after February 28, 1961 as evidenced by receipt of an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal or a Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal.

These students must also:

• Establish eligibility by applying to HESC.
• Be New York State residents.
• Be US Citizens or eligible noncitizens.
• Be matriculated full or part- time at an undergraduate or graduate degree-granting institution in New York State or in an approved vocational training program in New York State.
• Have applied for the Tuition Assistance Program for full-time undergraduate or graduate study.

How to Establish Eligibility

Complete the New York State Veterans Tuition Award Supplement or contact HESC. Be sure to print the Web Supplement Confirmation, sign and return it along with the required documentation according to the instructions.

Questions regarding eligible service or how to document service should be directed to the HESC Scholarship Unit at 1-888-697-4372.

How to Apply for Payment

Once you have established your eligibility, you must apply for payment. While you need only establish your eligibility once, you must apply for payment each year.

Apply for payment as follows:

• Undergraduate and Graduate Full-time Study – Apply for payment by doing one of the following:
  1. Apply online by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — the form used by virtually all colleges, universities and vocational schools for awarding federal student aid and most state and college aid — and then linking to the TAP on the Web application, or
  2. For veterans who do not anticipate filing a FAFSA, complete a Scholarship Grant Payment Application. For a copy of the application call HESC at 1-888-697-4372.
• Undergraduate Part-time Study – Complete only the Veterans Tuition Award Supplement.
• Graduate Part-time Study – Complete only the Veterans Tuition Award Supplement.
• Vocational Training Program – Complete only the Veterans Tuition Award Supplement.

Applications must be completed by May 1, 2009 for awards for the 2008-09 academic year.

To learn more about the Veterans Tuition Award, visit the HESC VTA website.

Federal Work-Study Program (FWSP)

A federal needs-based program for students eligible for such aid. Application is made by filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) either at a college’s Financial Aid Office or by using the FAFSA website.
The applicant may be a full- or part-time student. Hours available are determined by a student’s Federal Work-Study award, and are arranged around the student’s schedule. Wages will be, at least at the federal minimum hourly wage. Work will either be on campus, or at an off-campus, non-profit or government, employer.

Federal Aid

There are several federal aid programs for veterans. The programs, with eligibility requirements and payments, are listed by The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Click Here to View A List of Commonly Used Educational Assistance Benefits
US Department of Veteran Affairs: Education Benefits

The New York State 4/03 Support For Military Families Programs are officially sanctioned National Guard volunteer organizations that provide families with information, education and a support network, especially during periods of separation.

For Members of the U.S. Armed Forces. What you need to know about your federal student loan benefits

Merit-Based Aid

A variety of merit-based aid exists through scholarships, grants, and fellowships. Some of this aid is based on veteran or dependent status. Veteran’s organizations frequently offer merit-based aid.
Students are encouraged to research such options through his/her campus Financial Aid Office and/or on the web.

For more information visit:

• CUNY’s Financial Aid website
• Scholarships at the CUNY Colleges

Provides financial aid to children, spouses and financial dependents of those who, while New York State residents in service in the Armed Forces of the United States or State organized militia, any time on or after Aug. 2, 1990, died, became severely and permanently disabled, or were classified as missing in action in a combat zone while engaged in hostilities or training for hostilities. The scholarship, along with the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) grant, provides full tuition at CUNY. The award is available for up to four years of undergraduate study (five years for certain five-year programs).

To qualify, students must provide the following documentation from the Department of Defense: (1) notification that the parent or spouse was killed in a combat zone that was part of the war on terrorism, or related action as part of Operation Enduring Freedom; (2) proof that the parent or spouse killed was a New York State resident at the time of military service.

Applicants must also submit either a birth certificate or a marriage certificate documenting their relationship to the deceased service member. All recipients of the scholarship are required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and must also apply for TAP. Contact your college’s veterans affairs representative for more information. To apply, visit the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation.

Public Law 111-32, the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship, amends the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) to include the children of service members who die in the line of duty after September 10. 2001. Eligible children attending school may receive up to the highest public, in-state, undergraduate tuition and fees, plus a monthly living allowance and books and supplies under this program. Eligible children : are entitled to 36 months of benefits at the 100% level; have 15 years to use the benefit beginning on his or her 18th birthday; may be married or over 23 and still be eligible; may use the benefit until his or her 33rd birthday; are not eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program.
If the child is eligible under the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty, Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve, and/or the Reserve Educational Assistance Program, then he or she must relinquish eligibility under one of those programs to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. If a child is eligible for the Fry Scholarship, he or she may be eligible for VA’s Dependent’s Educational Assistance Program (DEA).

How to Apply

Although the benefits cannot be used at the same time, a child may be eligible for up to 48 months of benefits between the two programs. For further information go to www.GIBill.va.gov. Apply: VA Form 22-5490, “Dependents’ Application for VA Education Benefits” is available at GIBill.va.gov from VONAPP, the online application.

Veteran Educational Benefits

VA education and training benefits
Veteran Education Comparison Tool Chart
• GI Bill Benefits
Post 911 GI Bill (Chapter 33), Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD- Chapter 30), Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR-1606) Reserve Educational Assistance Program (reap-1607- The National Defense Authorization Act of 2016 ended REAP on November 25, 2015. Some individuals will remain eligible for REAP benefits until November 25, 2019, while others are no longer eligible for REAP benefits.)
• Benefits for Survivors & dependents chapter 35
-The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship)
-The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program

• Veteran Readiness Employment Chapter 31
• Educational and career counseling (VA Chapter 36)
• Tuition Assistance:
How to Use the Military Tuition Assistance Program
Military Tuition Assistance