Military Benefits

Find the benefit(s) you are eligible for

VA GI Bill® AND EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

  • You can only use one VA benefit at a time.
  • Many applicants are eligible for only 36 academic months of benefit payments. You may be able to receive a maximum of 48 months of VA education benefits if you qualify for more than one VA benefit—not including Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) benefits.
  • Some VA benefits require you to choose which education benefit you would like to use. Once you make this choice, you cannot change your mind and use a different education benefit (i.e., an irrevocable decision).
  • Contact the VA Education Call Center for more information 
    • 888-GIBILL-1 (888-442-4551)
    • Call between 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Central Time, Monday-Friday

Versions of vA GI Bill® For Military Members and Veterans

  • VA Chapter 30 - Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
  • VA Chapter 33 - Post 9/11 GI Bill®

    The Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) program offers up to 36 months of education and training benefits. The Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) helps you pay for school or job training. If you’ve served on qualifying active duty after September 10, 2001, you may qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33). 

    Basic Eligibility Website  

    Apply 

    • Students must complete VA Form 22-1990 (Application for VA Education Benefits) online application. Open application period, no deadline. The online application is processed faster. 
    • Start your online application by signing in to your online VA account.
    • Print or take a screenshot of the confirmation page for future reference.
    • VA will process your application and reply by mail or email within 5 to 7 weeks. 
    • Students who are approved will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) via mail or email.  

    Submit Required Forms to KU 

    1. Submit these forms to KU’s VA School Certifying Official (see Contact section).

      • DD214, member 4 copy (Certificate of Discharge or Release from Active Duty)

      • VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

      • Your electronic KU Enrollment Certification form (see bullet #2) 

    1. Each semester you plan to use military benefits; they must submit the electronic KU Veterans Services Enrollment Certification Form. KU uses this form to submit your initial certification to the VA so you can receive your first payment.

      • New Students complete the form after they register for classes. Office of Military & Veterans Services will provide instructions during Military & Veterans Orientation.

      • Returning Students complete form after they register for classes. An email reminder is sent to students.

      • Certification forms should be submitted as early as possible. (No form submission=no benefit payment. Late form submission=late benefit payment) 

    Certify Your Enrollment Monthly (Required) 

    1. Students must certify their enrollment monthly during the semester they areenrolled in to receive their housing stipend. Benefit payments will be delayed if the student does not certify. 
    2. Students can sign up for the VA OPT-IN text message monthly certification service through the VA Education Call Cente888-GIBILL-1 (888-442-4551). Call between 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. CST. 

    Payment (VA and KU) 

    1. Rates: Scroll to VA Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) section 
    2. VA Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill® payment is made monthly during the months the student is enrolled. Maximum payment is made for Full Time enrollment (12 credits or more). Partial payments are made when classes are in session for less than 30 days (i.e., Aug, Dec, Jan, May).
    3. The VA pays:
      • Tuition and Fees (up to eligibility percentage) – payment is made to the school. A temporary courtesy credit will be made to the tuition bill for payments made to the school.
      • Housing and Book & Supplies (up to eligibility percentage) - payment is made directly to the student. KU cannot provide a courtesy credit on the tuition bill for payments that are sent directly to the student. 
    4. VA payments do not start until after the semester begins. The first payment is usually made 6-8 weeks after the start of the semester. You must pay all costs (any tuition & fees balances not paid by the VA, housing, meal plan) and purchase textbooks before your payment arrives. View Financial Aid options here. 

     

    VA Chapter 36 

    Note: if you are receiving VA benefits, you may also qualify for educational and career counseling (VA Chapter 36).  Call the VA Education Center to see if you may qualify for this benefit. 

  • VA Chapter 1606 - Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)

    The Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) program offers up to 36 months of education and training benefits. If you are a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard, or Air National Guard, you may be eligible for this benefit. 

    Basic Eligibility Website 

    Application Process 

    • Students must complete VA Form 22-1990 online or manual application. Open application period, no deadline. The online application is processed faster.  
    • Start your online application by signing to your online VA account. 
    • Have available: DD214 (military/veteran only); bank account and routing info. 
    • Print or take a screenshot of the confirmation page for future reference. 
    • VA will process your application and reply by mail or email within 4 to 6 weeks. 
    • Students who are approved will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) via mail or email.  

    Submit Required Forms to KU 

    1. Submit these forms to KU’s VA School Certifying Official (see Contact section).
      • Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) – obtained from your Unit administrator. Your VA benefits may be denied if you do not obtain this form. (Military Members only)
      • DD214, member 4 copy (Certificate of Discharge or Release from Active Duty) – see EAP section for instructions on how to obtain (Military/Veteran only)
      • VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) – obtained from the VA after application is approved.
      • Your electronic KU Enrollment Certification form (see paragraph #2 in this section) 
    2. KU Veterans Services Enrollment Certification Form– Each semester the student plans to use military benefits; he/she must submit this form. Submit form AFTER you register for classes and as early as possible. Mark all benefits that you qualify for and intend to use on your form.
      • New Students - complete after you register for classes. Follow instructions during Military and Veterans Orientation.
      • Returning Students - complete form after you register for classes. Contact The Office of Military and Veterans Services for instructions.
      • No form submission=no benefit payment. Late form submission=late benefit payment. 

    Payment (VA and KU) 

    1. Stipend Amount: Click on the link. Scroll to VA Chapter 1606 section 
    2. VA Chapter 1606 payment is made monthly when a student is enrolled. Maximum payment is made for Full Time enrollment (12 credits or more). Partial payments are made when classes are in session for less than 30 days (i.e., Aug, Dec, Jan, May).
    3. Kicker Payments are added to VA Chapter 1606 monthly payments.
    4. Benefits may be suspended with unsatisfactory unit performance or academic progress.
    5. After you receive your COE, monthly enrollment verifications are required to receive your stipend. Verify that you are still enrolled at the end of each month. VA Web Automated Verification system or by email verification.
    6. This is an ‘at-home’ benefit; the VA sends the stipend directly to the student. KU cannot provide courtesy credit on the tuition bill for payments sent to the student.
    7. VA payments do not start until the semester begins. The first payment is usually received 6-8 weeks after the start of the semester- tuition bill must be paid before the first payment arrives, and textbooks purchased before your payment arrives. View Financial Aid Options here.  

     

    Educational Assistance Program 

    Website

    *Go to the black box on the right to create your EAP account. Do not use the sign in option at the top right of the page. 

    Apply: The application window typically opens in March for the next academic year. Apply one time a year. Complete the application on website, add the required information. 

    • You must know your Unit UIC 
    • Add your Personal and School information 
    • Select Fall, Spring and *Summer semesters on the same application to reserve the funds *(summer classes are not required; if you do not enroll, EAP will not pay) (winter classes do not apply) 
    • If you applied but did not include all semesters on your application, you can log back into your EAP account and submit a change to your application. 
    • Add TUITION and TECH FEE: Add the total cost for each semester. 
    • For 2026-2027 - $4,500** per semester (estimated tuition + tech fee) 
    • **Actual amount will be adjusted during billing 
    • Add total credits for each semester – 12 or more credits (unless P/T) 
    • Upload your DD4 – Enlistment / Reenlistment Document 
    • Access a copy of your DD4 from your personal records, your IPERMS, or your unit administrator. 

    Deadline: The early deadline to submit your 2025-2026 application is June 30th. 

    *Students unable to apply for EAP by the early deadline due to military training or duty can apply when they return, but it must be before the final deadline established by PA EAP Office. 

    *All other students who missed the early deadline can still apply; however, funds are not guaranteed. 

    Payment (VA and KU): 

    • View your EAP back after July 15th for adjusted payment amount per semester (for 12 or more credits). 
    • Payment is not restricted to tuition. Payment can be applied to non-tuition costs if tuition is already paid for by other financial aid. 
    • Payment is made directly to the school. KU can provide a temporary courtesy credit to your tuition bill, and you will not have to pay this amount upfront if: 
    • Student’s EAP account is showing as approved for upcoming semester (even if approved amount shows $0.00), 
    • Students’ names are listed on the approved PHEAA EAP roster. 

    Army Tuition Assistance (TA) 

    Apply: Visit www.kutztown.edu/veterans > Applying for Army Tuition Assistance (TA) for current application guidance. 

    • The application window opens 60 days before the first day of each semester. 
    • Army TA Portal: Army IgnitED 2.0 
    • Eligible: Active Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserve 
    • All other military branches and components should contact their Education Center for TA eligibility criteria and deadlines, or visit www.kutztown.edu/veterans > Applying for Tuition Assistance (TA) 

    Deadline: Submit completed TA applications by date on KU TA’s website. Late applications will not be processed. 

    Payment (VA and KU): 

    • $250/credit up to $4500 a fiscal year (Oct 1 – Sep 30). 
    • Restricted to tuition only. 
    • TA may conflict with some scholarships or financial aid that is also restricted to tuition. Contact KU Student Accounts Veterans Liaison for assistance; www.kutztown.edu/veterans  > Veterans Liaisons in Key Offices 
    • Payment is made directly to the school. KU can provide a temporary courtesy credit to your tuition bill, and you will not have to pay this amount upfront. 
    • Satisfactory grades required or student repays TA (Undergraduate: C or above | Graduate: B or above) 

    VA Chapter 36 

    Note: if you are receiving VA benefits, you may also qualify for educational and career counseling (VA Chapter 36).  Call the VA Education Center to see if you may qualify for this benefit. 

Versions of vA GI Bill® for Military Family Members

  • VA Chapter 33 - Post-9/11 GI Bill® Transferred Education Benefit (TEB)

    The Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33-TEB) helps you pay for school or job training. If you’ve served on qualifying active duty after September 10, 2001, you may qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33). 

    Basic Eligibility Website  

    • Includes instructions on how the eligible Veteran can transfer their benefits through MilConnect. 

    Apply 

    • Student must complete VA Form 22-1990e (Application for Family Member to Use Transferred Benefits) manual or online application. No deadline. The online application is processed faster.  
    • Start your online application by signing in to your online VA account.
    • Take a screenshot of the confirmation page for future reference.
    • VA will process your application and reply by mail or email within 5 to 7 weeks. 
    • Students who are approved will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) via mail or email.  

    Submit Required Forms to KU 

    1. Submit your COE form to KU’s VA School Certifying Official (see Contact section). 
    2. Each semester you plan to use military benefits, submit the electronic KU Veterans Services Certification Form. KU uses this form to submit your initial certification to the VA, so you can receive your first payment.
      • New Students complete the form after they register for classes. The Office of Military and Veterans Services will provide instructions during Veterans Orientation.
      • Returning Students complete form after they register for classes. An email reminder is sent to students.
      • Certification form should be submitted as early as possible. (No form submission=no benefit payment. Late form submission=late benefit payment) 

    Certify Your Enrollment Monthly (Required) 

    1. Students must certify their enrollment monthly during the semester they are enrolled in to receive their housing stipend. Benefit payments will be delayed if the student does not certify. 
    1. Students can sign up for the VA OPT-IN text message monthly certification service through the VA Education Call Center. 888-GIBILL-1 (888-442-4551). Call between 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. CST. 

    Payment (VA and KU) 

    1. Rates: Scroll to VA Post 9/11 GIBill (Chapter 33) section.
    2. VA Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill (TEB) payment is made monthly during the months the student is enrolled. Maximum payment is made for Full Time enrollment (12 credits or more).
    3. The VA pays:
      • Tuition and Fees (up to eligibility percentage) – payment is made to the school. A courtesy credit will be made to the tuition bill for payments made to the school.
      • Housing and Book & Supplies (up to eligibility percentage) - payment is made directly to the student. KU cannot provide a courtesy credit to the tuition bill for payments made directly to the student. These costs must be paid by the due date using other means of financial aid.
    4. VA payments do not start until after the semester begins. The first payment is usually made 6-8 weeks after the start of the semester. You must pay all costs (any tuition & fees balances not paid by the VA, housing, meal plan) and purchase textbooks before your payment arrives. View Financial Aid options here. 

    VA Chapter 36 

    Note: if you are receiving VA benefits, you may also qualify for educational and career counseling (VA Chapter 36).  Call the VA Education Center to see if you may qualify for this benefit. 

  • VA Chapter 35 - Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA)

    The Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) program provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents and spouses of veterans. 

    Basic Eligibility Website

    Application Process 

    • Students must complete VA Form 22-5490 online or manual application. No deadline. The online application is processed faster.  
    • Start your online application by signing in to your online VA account.
    • Take a screenshot of the confirmation page for future reference.
    • VA will process your application and reply by mail or email within 4 to 5 weeks. 
    • Students who are approved will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) via mail or email.  

    Submit Required Forms to KU 

    1. Submit your COE form to KU’s School Certifying Official (see Contact section). 
    2. Each semester the student plans to use military benefits, submit the electronic KU Veterans Services Certification Form.
      • New Students complete the form after they register for classes. The Office of Military and Veterans Services will provide instructions during Veterans Orientation.
      • Returning Students complete form after they register for classes. An email reminder is sent to students.
      • Students must know their Parent Veteran’s SSN # to apply for benefits.
      • Certification forms should be submitted as early as possible. (No form submission=no benefit payment. Late form submission=late benefit payment) 

    Payment (VA and KU) 

    1. Rates: Scroll to VA Chapter 35 DEA section. 
    2. VA Chapter 35 DEA payment is made monthly during the months the student is enrolled. Maximum payment is made for Full Time enrollment (12 credits or more).
    3. VA Chapter 35 DEA is an “at-home” benefit, meaning that the VA sends payment directly to the student. KU cannot provide a courtesy credit for payments that are sent to the student from the student’s tuition bill.
    4. VA payments do not start until the semester begins. The first payment is usually made 6-8 weeks after the start of the semester- tuition bill must be paid, and textbooks purchased before your payment arrives. View Financial Aid Options here.
    5. If a student began school or training BEFORE August 1, 2018, the student may be able to receive benefits for up to 45 months.  If a student began school or training AFTER August 1, 2018, the student may be able to receive benefits for up to 36 months. 

    VA Chapter 36 

    Note: if you are receiving VA benefits, you may also qualify for educational and career counseling (VA Chapter 36).  Call the VA Education Center to see if you may qualify for this benefit. 

     

    PA Educational Gratuity Program Eligibility

    Website and Video

    Apply: Request application from KU Veterans Services or your County VA Office. No deadline. 

        *Payment is made directly to the school. KU can provide courtesy credit to tuition bill. 

    Folds of Honor 

    Website

    Apply: Complete application on website, ‘Higher Education’ section 

    Deadline: The deadline to submit the current academic year’s application is 6:00 PM (EST) Monday, April 1st. (Note- the deadline has historically been March 31st, this is the date I would aim for) 

        *Payment is made directly to the school. KU can provide courtesy credit to tuition bill. 

  • VA Chapter 33 - Fry Scholarship

VA Employment Benefit

  • VA Chapter 31 - Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)

    Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) benefits—also called Chapter 31—provide employment support and training services to help you find and keep a job and live as independently as possible.  

    Basic Eligibility Website

    Application Process 

    • Students must complete VA Form 28-1900 online or manual application. Open application period, no deadline. The online application is processed faster.  
    • Start your online application by signing in to your online VA account. 
    • Have available: DD214 (military/veteran only); bank account and routing info. 
    • Print or take a screenshot of the confirmation page for future reference. 
    • VA will process your application and reply by mail or email within 4 to 6 weeks. Students who are approved will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) via mail or email. 

    Submit Required Forms to KU 

    1. Submit your COE form to KU’s School Certifying Official (see Contact section). 
    2. Each semester the student plans to use military benefits,submitthe electronic KU Veterans Services Certification Form.
      1. New Students complete the form after they register for classes. The Office of Military and Veterans Services will provide instructions during Veterans Orientation.
      2. Returning Students complete form after they register for classes. An email reminder is sent to students.
      3. Certification forms should be submitted as early as possible. (No form submission=no benefit payment. Late form submission=late benefit payment) 

    Payment (VA and KU) 

    1. Rates: VA Chapter 31 VR&E.
    2. VA payments do not start until the semester begins. The first payment is usually made 6-8 weeks after the start of the semester- tuition bill must be paid, and textbooks purchased before your payment arrives. View Financial Aid Options here.
    3. If a student began school or training BEFORE August 1, 2018, the student may be able to receive benefits for up to 45 months.  If a student began school or training AFTER August 1, 2018, the student may be able to receive benefits for up to 36 months. 

    VA Chapter 36 

    Note: if you are receiving VA benefits, you may also qualify for educational and career counseling (VA Chapter 36).  Call the VA Education Center to see if you may qualify for this benefit. 

Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)

pa National guard benefits

  • Educational Assistance Program (EAP)

    For: Military Members

    To be considered for EAP:

    • Be a member of the PA National Guard and be enrolled in a degree- or certificate-granting program of study at an approved Pennsylvania institution

    Website

    *Go to the black box on the right to create your EAP account.  

    Apply: The application window typically opens in March for the next academic year. Apply once a year. Complete the application on the website, add the required information. 

    • You must know your Unit UIC 
    • Add your Personal and School information 
    • Select Fall, Spring and *Summer semesters on the same application to reserve the funds *(summer classes are not required; if you do not enroll, EAP will not pay) (winter classes do not apply) 
    • If you applied but did not include all semesters on your application, you can log back into your EAP account and submit a change to your application. 
    • Add TUITION and TECH FEE: Add the total cost for each semester. 
    • For 2026-2027 - $4,500** per semester (estimated tuition + tech fee) 
    • **Actual amount will be adjusted during billing 
    • Add total credits for each semester – 12 or more credits (unless P/T) 
    • Upload your DD4 – Enlistment / Reenlistment Document 
    • Access a copy of your DD4 from your personal records, your IPERMS, or your unit administrator. 

    Deadline: The early deadline to submit your 2026-2027 application is June 30th. 

    *Students unable to apply for EAP by the early deadline due to military training or duty can apply when they return, but it must be before the final deadline established by PA EAP Office. 

    *All other students who missed the early deadline can still apply; however, funds are not guaranteed. 

    Payment (VA and KU) 

    • View your EAP back after July 15th for adjusted payment amount per semester (for 12 or more credits). 
    • Payment is not restricted to tuition. Payment can be applied to non-tuition costs if tuition is already paid for by other financial aid. 
    • Payment is made directly to the school. KU can provide a temporary courtesy credit to your tuition bill, and you will not have to pay this amount upfront if: 
    • Student’s EAP account is showing as approved for upcoming semester (even if approved amount shows $0.00), 
    • The student’s name is listed on the approved PHEAA EAP roster. 

    Submit Required Forms to KU 

    Submit these forms to KU’s VA School Certifying Official (see Contact section). 

    • Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) – obtained from your Unit administrator. Your VA benefits may be denied if you do not obtain this form. 
    • DD214, member 4 copy (Certificate of Discharge or Release from Active Duty) 
    • Your electronic KU Enrollment Certification form 

    KU Enrollment Certification Form 

    KU Veterans Services Enrollment Certification Form – Each semester the student plans to use military benefits; he/she must submit this form. Submit form AFTER you register for classes and as early as possible. Mark all benefits that you qualify for and intend to use on your form. 

    • New Students - complete after you register for classes. Follow instructions during Military and Veterans Orientation. 
    • Returning Students - complete form after you register for classes. Contact Military and Veterans Services for instructions. 
    • No form submission=no benefit payment. Late form submission=late benefit payment. 
  • Military Family Education Program (MFEP)

    For: Dependents

    Together with the PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, PHEAA administers this tuition assistance program for dependents (spouses and children) of PA Guard Members who enter into an additional 6-year service commitment with the PA National Guard. 

    To be considered for MFEP:

    • A PA Guard Member:
      • Someone who completed an initial service obligation, on or after July 1, 2019, in the PA National Guard and is eligible to reenlist in the PA National Guard for a period of 6 years.
    • A Family Member:
      • Someone who is a spouse or child of a PA Guard member who meets the above criteria and has had the benefit assigned to you.
      • Someone who is enrolled in a degree or certificate-granting program of study at an approved Pennsylvania institution.

    Website  

    *Veteran Parent must go to the black box on the right to create their account.  

    Apply: The application window typically opens in March for the next academic year. Apply once a year. Complete the application on the website, add the required information. 

    Veteran Parent 

    • Must submit their application on the MFEP portal and assign your benefits to your eligible dependent 
    • Dependent should be registered in DEERS 

    Student Using Benefit 

    • Dependent students must submit their application for benefits on the MFEP website. 
    • Add your Personal and School information 
    • Select Fall, Spring and *Summer semesters on the same application to reserve the funds *(summer classes are not required; if you do not enroll, MFEP will not pay) 
    • If you applied but did not include all semesters on your application, you can log back into your MFEP account and submit a change to your application. 
    • Add TUITION and TECH FEE: Add the total cost for each semester. 
    • For 2026-2027 - $4,500** per semester (estimated tuition + tech fee) 
    • **Actual amount will be adjusted during billing 
    • Add total credits for each semester – 12 or more credits (unless P/T) 

    Deadline: The early deadline to submit your 2026-2027 application is June 30th.