Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs administers a variety of GI Bill^® education benefit programs. Veterans and service members may be eligible for more than one chapter. Consider each chapter carefully before selecting one. A description and application process is included on each of the benefit information pages. If you have questions, please contact our Veterans Coordinator.

Veterans and military service members may be able to earn college credit for what they already know by earning qualifying scores on any of 33 introductory-level college subject exams. For more information, please visit the CLEP for Military site at http://clep.collegeboard.org/military. In addition to the GI Bill, Reserve Tuition Assistance may be available through ArmyIgnigtED.

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 https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (Chapter 30)

The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) Chapter 30 program provides up to 36 months of education benefits to service members on active duty or separated from the military with an honorable discharge. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs. Remedial, deficiency and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty. The benefit is paid directly to the student and the student is responsible for paying any tuition and fees to the school.

Application Process

Veterans applying for Chapter 30 should apply online through the VONAPP system at www.gibill.va.gov. Applicants will be given the opportunity to upload and attach Copy 4 of their DD214 (Certificate of Discharge) and kicker paperwork. Please bring a copy of your completed application, DD214, and kicker to the Veterans Coordinator in the Financial Aid and Veteran Services Office at UW-Stevens Point who will then certify your enrollment to the VA.

Payment Information

Students are required to verify their student attendance each month to receive their Chapter 30 payment. You can go online at www.gibill.va.gov or call 1-877-823-2378. Each payment you receive is for the previous month. For example, you will receive a check the first week in October for attendance during September. It takes eight to ten weeks for new students or transfer students to receive their initial payment. The VA does not pay for the breaks between semesters.

Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)

The Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) Chapter 1606 program may be available to you if you are a member of the Selected Reserve. The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, the Army National Guard, and the Air National Guard. You may use this education assistance program for degree programs, certificate or correspondence courses, cooperative training, and independent study programs. Remedial, refresher, and deficiency training are available under certain circumstances. Eligibility for this program is determined by the Selected Reserve components. VA makes the payments for this program directly to the service member and the service member is responsible for paying tuition and fees to the school. Eligible applicants may be entitled to receive up to 36 months of education benefits.

Application Process

Veterans applying for Chapter 1606 should apply through the VONAPP system at www.gibill.va.gov. Applicants will be given the opportunity to upload and attach Copy 4 of their DD214 (Certificate of Discharge) kicker and Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) paperwork. Please bring a copy of your completed application, DD214, kicker and NOBE to the Veterans Coordinator in the Financial Aid and Veteran Services Office at UW-Stevens Point who will then certify your enrollment to the VA.

Payment Information

Students are required to verify their student attendance each month to receive their Chapter 1606 payment. You can go online at www.gibill.va.gov or call 1-877-823-2378. Each payment you receive is for the previous month. For example, you will receive a check the first week in October for attendance during September. It takes six to ten weeks for new students or transfer students to receive their initial payment. The VA does not pay for the breaks between semesters.

Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)

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.

Approved training under the Post-9/11 GI Bill includes graduate and undergraduate degrees, licensing, and national testing programs. All programs must be approved for GI Bill benefits. This benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits, generally, benefits are payable for 15 years following your release from active duty.

Some of the benefits the Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay may include:

• Your full tuition & fees directly to the school for all public school in-state students.
• For those attending UW-Stevens Point as a non-resident out-of-state student, a program exists which may help to reimburse the difference. This program is called the “Yellow Ribbon Program”. Please contact the Veterans Coordinator in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at UW-Stevens Point if you believe you are eligible for Yellow Ribbon as a non-resident student.
• A monthly housing allowance (MHA) based upon the School zip code
• An annual books & supplies stipend
• A one-time rural benefit payment

Application Process

Veterans applying for Chapter 33 should apply through the VONAPP system at www.gibill.va.gov. Applicants will be given the opportunity to upload and attach Copy 4 of their DD214 (Certificate of Discharge) paperwork. Please bring a copy of your completed application and DD214 to the Veterans Coordinator in the Financial Aid and Veteran Services Office at UW-Stevens Point who will then certify your enrollment to the VA.

Payment Information

Students are required to verify their student attendance each month to receive their Chapter 33 payment. Each payment you receive is for the previous month. For example, you will receive a check the first week in October for attendance during September. It takes six to ten weeks for new students or transfer students to receive their initial payment. The VA no longer pays for the breaks between semesters.

Transferred Post 9/11 GI Bill (Dependents)

The Post-9/11 GI Bill allows service members (officer or enlisted, Active Duty or Selected Reserve), on or after August 1, 2009, to transfer unused education benefits to immediate family members (spouse and children). The service member must have at least six years of service and commit to an additional four years of service in order to transfer benefits to a spouse or child. Because of the potential impact of this benefit on recruiting and retention, transferability policy is determined by the Department of Defense (DoD) and the military services.

Eligibility for the Service Member

The Department of Defense determines whether or not you can transfer benefits to your family members. To apply to transfer your benefits, please visit www.defense.gov/home/features/2009/0409_gibill/. The website is only available to military members.

Application Process for Dependent

Upon approval, family members may apply to use transferred benefits by completing VA Form 22-1990e electronically at www.gibill.va.gov. Applicants will be given the opportunity to electronically upload approval documentation from the service member.

Important to note:

• VA Form 22-1990e should only be completed and submitted to VA by the family member after DoD has approved the request for TEB.
• Do not use VA Form 22-1990e to initially apply as the service member for Transfer of Eligibility.

Veteran Readiness & Employment (Chapter 31)

In some cases, a veteran requires additional education or training to become employable. VA’s Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR & E) Program helps service-connected disabled veterans

• go back to jobs held prior to active duty
• find jobs related to their skills
• prepare for self-employment
• find suitable employment through education or training
• learn independent living skills

The VR & E program pays a monthly living allowance or a subsistence allowance.

Application Process

Applicants should complete VA Form 28-1900, “APPLICATION FOR VETERAN READINESS AND EMPLOYMENT FOR CLAIMANTS WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES,” and bring it to the county veteran services office. A VA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) will schedule an individual meeting with the applicant. The purpose of this meeting is to decide which career path is best suited for the student and to determine eligibility for vocational rehabilitation and employment services. If you’re found eligible, a rehabilitation plan is developed which lists the services to be provided. You will begin receiving the services outlined in your plan. Any evidence regarding the disability will come directly from VA records. They will also ask you about any work experience you’ve had since leaving military service.

Students who are eligible for chapter 31 (VR&E) will meet with their VRC during the semester to make sure they are on track.

Payment Information

Students are NOT required to verify their student attendance each month to receive their Chapter 31 payment. Payments are processed automatically. Each payment you receive is for the previous month. For example, you will receive a check the first week in October for attendance during September. It takes six to ten weeks for new students or transfer students to receive their initial payment. The VA no longer pays for the breaks between semesters.

Contact the County Veteran Services office with your completed application: https://wicvso.org.

Survivors’ & Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)

Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) Chapter 35 program provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition. The program offers up to 36 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs. If you are a spouse, you may take a correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

Application Process

Obtain and complete VA Form 22-5490, Application for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance. You can get this form from UWSP’s Veterans Coordinator or your County Veteran Services Office. Send it to the St. Louis VA regional office. If you are a son or daughter, under the legal age, a parent or guardian must sign the application.

Payment Information

Students are NOT required to verify their student attendance each month to receive their Chapter 35 payment. Payments are processed automatically. Each payment you receive is for the previous month. For example, you will receive a check the first week in October for attendance during September. It takes six to ten weeks for new students or transfer students to receive their initial payment. The VA no longer pays for the breaks between semesters.

Contact the County Veteran Services office at https://wicvso.org/.

Military Tuition Assistance

Service Members need to speak with their Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within their Military Service prior to enrolling in the institution.  The Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance (TA) program provides financial assistance to Service members for voluntary off-duty education programs in support of professional and personal self-development goals. TA is available for courses that are offered in the classroom or by distance learning and are part of an approved academic degree or certificate program. The courses must be offered by schools that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and are signatories to the current DoD Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (DOD MOU).

Each branch offers a tuition assistance program.
Army: https://www.armyignited.mil/student/public/welcome
Navy:  https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/
Air Force:  https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Barnes/CCAF/
Marines:  https://usmc-mccs.org/articles/how-do-i-apply-for-tuition-assistance/
Coast Guard:  https://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Voluntary-Education

UW-Stevens Point Required Documents

Students should first research the available federal and state benefits and apply for them through the individual programs. Once you have received approval for veteran education benefits, you will need to bring the following documentation to the Veterans Coordinator in the Financial Aid and Veteran Services Office at UW-Stevens Point. We will then notify the VA of your status as an enrolled student.

Federal Benefits
Veteran – Certificate of Eligibility (COE) -DD214
Spouse – Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Child – Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Remember, by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you may be eligible for additional federal or state assistance.

The State of Wisconsin provides a number of educational programs for veterans. State benefits can affect your federal veteran benefits and your Federal financial aid (FAFSA) award. A description and application process are included on each of the benefit information pages. If you have questions, please contact the Veterans Coordinator in the Office of Financial Aid and Veteran Services at UW-Stevens Point.

You can find more information on state education benefit programs at http://dva.state.wi.us/pages/educationemployment/education.aspx.

Table of Contents

• Wisconsin GI Bill
• Vet Ed Grant
• Wisconsin National Guard Tuition Grant

Wisconsin GI Bill

The Wisconsin GI Bill provides remission of tuition and fees for eligible veterans and/or their dependents for up to 8 semesters or 128 credits (whichever is greater) at any University of Wisconsin System or Wisconsin Technical College System institution for any degree-seeking courses or for study at the undergraduate, master or even doctorial level at the UW System. NOTICE: The Wisconsin GI Bill does not cover all educational costs

Application Process

The application is a two-step process. The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs only certifies the Veteran is eligible. The school will approve the student for the tuition remission whether you are a Veteran or an eligible dependent. Please visit the state website for the application packet with eligibility criteria and statutory citations for the program.

Payment Information

The Wisconsin GI Bill is a remission of tuition and most segregated fees. It is applied to the eligible student’s account at the start of the semester.

Vet Ed Grant

The Veterans Education (VetEd) grant program provides a reimbursement grant for tuition and fees following successful course completion.

Eligible Wisconsin veterans who have not yet been awarded a bachelor’s degree may use VetEd to pursue education up to a bachelor’s degree at an eligible UW, technical college, or approved private institution of higher education. Reimbursement is currently up to 100% of the tuition and fees not covered by other grants, scholarships, or remissions. The maximum reimbursement is the equivalent of the UW–Madison rate for the same number of credits, up to the full-time rate. The reimbursement percentage may be adjusted periodically to reflect demand and available funding. Veterans must receive a 2.0 in the semester for which reimbursement is requested to be eligible for reimbursement.

Time Limitations – Veterans may use VetEd for full-time or part-time study up to their 10-year anniversary of leaving active duty (delimiting date). Once a veteran reaches the 10-year delimiting date, he or she may be enrolled as a full-time student but will be reimbursed up to eleven credits for academic periods that begin after May 27, 2010. Also, after the delimiting date, the department will bank a maximum of 60 unused credits and track the credits as they are used.

Income Limitations – To be eligible for VetEd, the veteran’s household income must be below $50,000 plus $1,000 for each dependent in excess of two dependents. The department may request a veteran’s current income tax records to ensure that the applicant does not exceed the income cap. If your employment status has changed since you last filed your taxes, and the change will have an impact on your eligibility for a grant, please contact the department.

Application Process

Veterans can apply online. The application must be received by the state department no later than 60 days after the start of the semester for which the reimbursement is being sought, or the grant will be denied.

Payment Information

Once final grades are turned in and UWSP’s Veterans Coordinator has reviewed and submitted the application to WDVA, checks are normally issued within 5-10 business days—if the application is complete.

Wisconsin National Guard Tuition Grant

The Wisconsin National Guard Tuition Grant is a program whereby an eligible guard member can apply for a tuition specific grant (does NOT include segregated fees). The tuition grant payment is based on 100% of the tuition charged at the student’s qualifying school or the maximum resident undergraduate tuition charged by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, whichever is less. Eligible students need to meet satisfactory academic progress for the semester they are requesting a tuition grant payment. The grant cannot pay for any room & board, books, fees or continuing education credits (CEUs). The grant program covers up to eight semesters towards a bachelors degree.

Application Process

The application must be submitted to UWSP’s Veterans Coordinator and received by the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs up to 90 days prior to the semester start date and no later than 90 days after the completion of courses. You may access a copy of the form online.

Payment Information

The Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs will send the tuition payment directly to the school once the grant application is processed. Eligible students must meet satisfactory academic progress for the semester in which you are requesting the tuition grant.

UW-Stevens Point Required Documents

Students should first research the available federal and state benefits and apply for them through the individual programs. Once you have received approval for veteran education benefits, you will need to bring the following documentation to the Veterans Coordinator in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at UW-Stevens Point. We will then notify the VA of your status as an enrolled student.

State Benefits
Veteran – DD214, WDVA 2031, Current WDVA 2029
Spouse – ​Marriage certificate, WDVA 2031, Current WDVA 2029
Child – Birth certificate, WDVA 2031, Current WDVA 2029, Stepchild – Marriage license

UW-Stevens Point’s Office of Financial Aid and Veteran Services is committed to helping students and their families meet the rising cost of education. Our staff administers a variety of financial aid funding services, from federal, state, and private sources. Experienced staff can assist you in the process of applying for financial aid and provide you with information to help you make thoughtful decisions. For more information, visit the Office of Financial Aid and Veteran Services.

Please note, you are required to inform the Office of Financial Aid and Veteran Services of any outside scholarship assistance and certain veteran’s benefits. Please complete the Scholarship/Outside Resource reporting form on our scholarships webpage to notify our office of any outside resources. This includes any names, amounts, and what term you are expecting the aid. Failure to notify the financial aid of outside educational assistance may result in total loss of aid from the University.

Fulfillment of Wellness General Education Program Requirement:
If you have completed Basic Training in any branch of the U.S. military, you may provide your DD214, NOBE or Joint Services Transcript to veteran.services@uwsp.edu. Upon satisfactory review, credit will be granted for the following UW-Stevens Point courses:

• Wellness, 2 credits. Meets General Education Program requirement for Wellness (GEP: WLN).
• Elective, 2 credits.

If you have completed Basic Training and also meet the following criteria, you may receive additional credit as indicated below:

• For completion of Basic Life Support Training and possession of current CPR certification, credit will be granted for HS 123: Standard First Aid and CPR, 1 credit. You must submit your current CPR card as well as your DD 214, NOBE or Joint Services Transcript.

Also,

• For completion of Basic Life Support Training, possession of current CPR certification and completion of Combat Lifesaver Training, credit will be granted for P ED 101: Responding to Emergencies – CPR/First Aid, 1 credit and HS 123: CPR for the Professional Rescuer – Instructor, 1 credit, HS 124. You must submit your Combat Lifesaver training certificate and current CPR card as well as your DD 214, NOBE or Joint Services Transcript.

Credit for Other Military Course Work:

You may submit your military transcripts (JST, AARTS or SMART) to the UW-Stevens Point Admissions Office. Request your JST transcripts here: https://jst.doded.mil/official.html

Wisconsin Act 59

36.31 (title) Coordination with other educational agencies; credit for military education.

SECTION 623m. 36.31 (4) of the statutes is created to read:

36.31 (4) Upon receiving from the federal department of defense a student’s official joint services transcripts or Community College of the Air Force transcripts, the institution or college campus in which the student is enrolled shall do the following:

1. Accept all American Council on Education credit recommendations included in the official joint services transcript and award academic credit to the student in accordance with these recommendations.
2. Accept all credits included in the Community College of the Air Force transcript and award academic credit to the student accordingly.

Institutions will award credit according to these guidelines:

• The educational quality of the learning experience the student seeks to transfer;
• The comparability of the nature, content and level of the learning experience to that offered by the receiving Institutions; and
• The appropriateness and applicability of the learning experience to the programs offered by the receiving institution, in light of the student’s educational goals.

Experiential Learning for Veteran Students

Veteran students may satisfy the Experiential Learning requirement by working with an ELA Mentor to reflect upon the connections between their military service and their coursework at UW-Stevens Point. To satisfy the Experiential Learning requirement in this way, veterans must:

• have earned at least 24 credits from UW-Stevens Point;
• meet their ELA Mentor at least once before formally reflecting upon the connections between their military service and their coursework at UW-Stevens Point; and
• reflect upon the connections between their military service and their coursework at UW-Stevens Point through written communication with their ELA Mentor.