Veterans Education and Military Financial Assistance

Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Veterans Services Approved

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment

The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program assists Veterans who have service related disabilities train, find, and keep jobs that are suitable for them regardless of the injuries sustained during service. For eligibility requirements, please visit : eligibility requirements

 

Military Tuition Assistance

W.I.T.S. and our educational partners take great pride in our ability to assist members of the military community in continuing their education. The Armed Forces has several options to support our military families reach their educational and training goals. Each programs and/or branch of the service has its own criteria for eligibility.

Below is some information on the various military benefits programs that can help you determine which one is right for you.

 

 The Montgomery GI Bill(Chapter 30):

Active Duty Educational Assistance Program, generally for individuals who entered active duty after June 30, 1985 and served continuously for three years or by serving two years on active duty followed by four years of Selected Reserve. To be eligible, veterans must have contributed $1200 during their first year of military service. You cannot withdraw money paid into the fund.

The MGIB program provides up to 36 months of education benefits. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty.

 

Veterans Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 32):

The Veterans Educational Assistance Program is available if you first entered active duty between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985 and you elected to make contributions from your military pay to participate in this education benefit program. The Government matches your contributions on a $2 for $1 basis.

VEAP may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

 

The Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606):

Selected Reserve Educational Assistance Program, for members of the Reserve elements of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and the Air National Guard. To be eligible, reservist must have a six-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve signed after June 30, 1985. No contribution is required.

The MGIB-SR program may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

 

The Montgomery GI Bill Reserve Education Assistance Program (Chapter 1607):

REAP (Chapter 1607) was established as a part of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005. It is a new Department of Defense education benefit program designed to provide educational assistance to members of the Reserve components called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency (contingency operation) as declared by the President or Congress. This new program makes certain reservists who were activated for at least 90 days after September 11, 2001 either eligible for education benefits or eligible for increased benefits.

The Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security will determine who is eligible for this program. The Department of Veterans Affairs will administer the program and pay benefits from funds contributed by DoD.

 

The Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance (Chapter 35):

Educational assistance available to spouses and children of veterans who died or are permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-related disability.

DEA provides education and training opportunities up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. If you are a spouse, you may take a correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

Spouses of Active duty military members in California, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina are able to use Department of Defense and Department of Labor funds. This is a demonstration program that is limited to those states and specific post only.

 

The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) Program

The MyCAA program is a workforce development program for spouses of active duty military members. Spouses can receive up to $4,000.00 in career education benefits funded through the Department of Defense. To learn more about the MyCAA Scholarship program, or check your eligibility go to: mycaa *

** Please note this is not a secure DoD website, you will need to click on ‘Proceed Anyway’ when prompted and click ‘OK’ stating you agree to the user agreement to view this website.

 

Military Tuition Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement (TA)

The Armed Forces offers Active Duty soldiers and Reservists Tuition Assistance (TA) up to $4,500.00 to current military members, which can be used for college courses, vocational training, and certificate courses taken during off-duty hours. Each branch of the military has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application processes, and restrictions. See the guidelines for each specific branch below.

 

Army

The Army has a new automated tuition assistance process which helps speed up the process of requesting TA and allows member to enroll in courses online. Active Duty soldiers can request TA through GoArmyEd! by visiting: tuition assistance

 

Air Force

Members of the Air Force can apply for their TA benefits online using the Air Force Virtual Education Center: my.af.mil & for more information you can visit: military.com

 

Marine Corps

The U.S. Marine Corps Voluntary Education Program Marine Corps Tuition Assistance (TA) offers financial assistance to service members who would like to enroll in Off-Duty or Voluntary Education. First-time students must complete a TA Orientation Class PRIOR to using their TA benefits. Visit your local base Lifelong Learning or Education Office to get started using your benefits today. You can also visit: voluntary education services and tuition assistance

 

Navy

Please check with your command, certificate program may not be covered by TA. You can also visit: navycollege.navy.mil

 

Coast Guard

Please check with your command, certificate program may not be covered by TA. You can also visit: uscg.mil

 

National Guard

Members of the National Guard are eligible for tuition assistance. However each of the Armed Forces determines how to administer their own Tuition Assistance (TA). In addition, each state may offer its National Guard service members state funded education incentives based on state guidelines and eligibility (i.e. TA, waivers, exemptions, student loan repayment, etc.)

You can also visit: military.com

 

Workforce Investment Act (WIA)

Career Training Programs may be approved and paid for across the country through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). WIA funds training for unemployed and/or underemployed individuals to gain in-demand career skills. You may find and/or contact your local WIA office by going here: careeronestop.org