Federal Education Benefits & Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)
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 Benefits Coordinator.
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.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/.
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 Veteran Benefits Coordinator in the Veteran Services Office at UW-Stout 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 Veteran Benefits Coordinator in the Veteran Services Office at UW-Stout 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.
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 before 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.
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-Stout 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 Veteran Benefits Coordinator at UW-Stout 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 & supply stipend
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 Veteran Benefits Coordinator in the Veteran Services Office at UW-Stout 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.Survivors’ & Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)
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 UW-Stout’s Veteran 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.
Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)
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).
Students need approval from their ESO, military counselor, or Service branch before registering for classes. Click on your branch below for guidance on how to apply for tuition assistance.
Army: https://armyignited.army.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
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UW-Whitewater Required Documents
Once you have received your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) letter for military education benefits, you must submit that documentation to the Veteran Benefits Coordinator. After you register for classes you will also need to submit a Certification Request Form (Info Sheet), we will then notify the VA of your status as an enrolled student.
Federal Benefits Documentation
Veteran/Military Member – DD214 and Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Spouse – Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Child – Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
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Remember, by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you may be eligible for additional federal or state assistance. It is highly recommended that all military members including dependents and spouses file a FAFSA application each school year.
State of Wisconsin Educational Benefits
Wisconsin G.I. Bill
The Wisconsin G.I. Bill provides a full waiver (“remission”) of tuition and fees for eligible veterans and their dependents for up to 8 full-time semesters or 128 credits at any University of Wisconsin System (UWS) or Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) institution for continuing education or for study at the undergraduate or graduate level.
FAQs about Wisconsin G.I. Bill: https://www.wisconsin.edu/veterans/benefits/
Information on application and criteria can be found here: http://dva.state.wi.us/Ben-education.asp#WIGI
Wisconsin G.I. Bill Online Application Watch Video for explanation of application process: Click Here
Wisconsin National Guard Tuition Grant
The Wisconsin National Guard Tuition Grant is based on 100% of the resident, undergraduate tuition charged by the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The reimbursement amount will be comparable to the tuition for an academic year at UW-Madison or the institution's tuition rate, whichever is less. Students attending state technical schools or private colleges can also use the program. Additionally, the grant may be used at many out-of-state schools.
Wisconsin National Guard Tuition Grant forms are emailed to the students each semester by the Veteran Benefits Coordinator or download it here DMA Form 6189. Complete Section 1 and return to Veteran Services Prior to the term.
Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs / Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs
Veterans Education 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 if the change will 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 UW-Stout's Veteran Benefits Coordinator has reviewed and submitted the application to WDVA, checks are normally issued within 5-10 business days—if the application is complete.