Understanding VA Educational Benefits
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 http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
The requirements for each VA education benefit or GI Bill® program are described below.
To apply for GI Bill® benefits, the VA requires the forms be completed online on the US Department of Veterans Affairs website.
For more information about education benefits offered by VA, visit www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Active Duty Service Members and their dependents may be eligible for benefits described below.
Please note: You must be formally admitted to Seminole State College and accepted to an approved program of study before you can receive educational benefits.
Below is a GI Bill® Quick Reference Guide that shows who is eligible for what benefit and what the VA pays.
| What are the VA Educational Benefit Chapters | What does the VA Pay? | Who gets it? | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees to the School | Books | Monthly Stipend or BAH | Supplies | Eligible Students | |
| Chapter 30 | No | No | Yes | No | Active Duty/Veterans |
| Chapter 31 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Disabled Veterans |
| Chapter 33 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Veterans and Dependents |
| Chapter 35 | No | No | Yes | No | Dependents of 100% Disabled Veterans |
| Chapter 1606 | No | No | Yes | No | Reservists and National Guard |
| Fry Scholarship (Similar to VA33) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Dependents of Certain Veterans |
GI Bill® Chapters & Other Benefits
This program provides up to 36 months of education benefits to veterans who entered active duty for the first time after July 1, 1985, served a minimum of two years, and received an honorable discharge.
For more information, visit the Montgomery Bill benefits page.
This program is intended to help veterans with service-connected disabilities obtain and maintain employment (requires a service-connected disability rating). Participants receive payment for required tuition and fees as well as a monthly subsistence allowance.
For more information, visit the VR&E benefits page.
This program provides 36 months of financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after Sept. 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. Veterans must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible.
This is the only Chapter GI Bill® that is transferable from sponsor to dependent; however, this must be accomplished at least 4 years prior to separation.
For more information, visit the VA educational benefits page.
This program provides education benefits (See note) for surviving spouses and children of veterans who suffered a service-connected death or are 100 percent permanently disabled due to a service-connected disability.
Note: If you began using this program to pay for your school or training before August 1, 2018, you can get benefits for up to 45 months. If you began using the program on or after August 1, 2018, you can get benefits for up to 36 months.
If you're receiving DEA, Chapter 35, benefits and are enrolled in a non-college degree program, you can verify your attendance by calling 1-888-GI BILL-1 (1.888.442.4551), or by using “Ask a Question.”
If you're receiving DEA, Chapter 35, benefits and enrolled in a college degree program, you don't need to verify your attendance.
For more information, visit the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program benefits page.
This program provides benefits for current members of the Reserve or National Guard who enlisted, re-enlisted or extended their enlistment for a period of six years.
For more information, visit the MGIB-SR benefits page.
This educational funding is for Florida National Guard soldiers and airmen. The Educational Dollars for Duty (EDD) program provides up to 100% public tuition for the period of the Guard member's service once he or she becomes eligible, and as long as funding is available. Funds can be used toward a college credit certificate, associates, baccalaureate or master's degree. Unlike Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA), EDD pays the entire semester hour rate for tuition at all accredited learning institutions with "brick and mortar" locations in Florida.
For more information on the EDD program and requirement information visit the Florida National Guard website, please contact the State Education Program Administrator at 904.823.0339 or ng.fl.flarng.list.ngfl-edd-office@mail.mil.
This program amends the Post-9/11 GI Bill® to include the children and spouses of fallen U.S. soldiers who died in the line of duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001. Eligible dependents attending school may receive up to the highest public, in-state, undergraduate tuition and fees, plus a monthly stipend for living expenses, books and supplies, for up to 36 months. They may use the benefit between the ages of 18 and 33.
For more information, visit the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship benefits page.
The MyCAA Scholarship is a Department of Defense initiative designed exclusively for military spouses. It's your ticket to financial support, enabling you to pursue education and training programs that align with your career goals.
For more information, visit the MyCAA Scholarship page.
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.
For more information, visit our TA webpage.
Required Documentation
- Copy of DD Form 214: Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. (Not applicable to dependents using VA benefits or active duty)
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA or a Statement of Benefits from VA.gov (Chapters 30, 33, 35, 1606)
- A PO number from your VA Veterans Readiness & Employment Case Manager (Chapter 31)
- DD Form 2384-1: Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) issued from the student’s guard/reserve unit (Chapter 1606).
- Seminole State College Certification Request Form