GI Benefits

Starting your Benefits

• Determine the Best GI Bill® for you based on your status, requirements and educational goals:
  
  • Active duty and veterans of active duty (Chapter 30 Active Duty)
  • Veterans using the VA Vocational Rehabilitation Program (Chapter 31)
  • Individuals using the Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) (Chapter 32)
  • Veterans who served at least 90 days of active duty after Sept. 10, 2001 (Chapter 33: Post 9-11 GI Bill®)
  • Individuals eligible to receive benefits under the Survivors and Dependents Assistance Program (DEA) (Chapter 35)
  • Current National Guard and Reserve Personnel (Chapter 1606)
  • Current National Guard and Reserve Personnel called to duty for 90 days or more (REAP) (Chapter 1607)
• Apply for your GI Bill® (Applications can take 2-3 months for approval)
• After you have applied, submit the GI Bill® Student Information Sheet to USD Veterans Services.
  This form must be completed before USD can submit your information to the VA.
• Once the VA approves your benefits, you will need to provide USD with the Certificate of Eligibility. If you already have this form, you do not need to re-apply for benefits unless you are changing chapters.
• If you are changing schools, you will need to fill out the Change of School or Program Form.
  For all chapters except Chapter 35 (DEA) you will need to out VA Form 22-1995. Chapter 35 students will need to fill out VA Form 22-5495. Complete and submit the paper version via mail or fax to the VA Office in St. Louis, or login to VONAPP and complete the online form.
  NOTE: Inform the USD Office of Veterans Services once the form has been sent to the VA. The form must be sent to the VA before processing your benefits.
• If you have changed your major (or starting a new program after graduation (or you are starting a new program after graduation), you will need to submit VA Form 22-1995 (VA Form 22-5495 for Chapter 35 students), but you will fill out a paper form and return it to the USD Office of Veteran Services (not to the VA).
  After you have applied for benefits through the VA, the USD GI Bill® Student Information Sheet is the most important form you need to start your benefits. This form informs USD Veterans Services of your educational goals and provides the information needed to properly certify your benefits. This form is updated annually and expires each May.

USD's Responsibilities

• The VA School Certifying Official (SCO) at USD will submit your enrollment information to the VA (VA Form 22-1999). Once the VA approves your application, payments will begin. After processing your form, the VA will send you an award letter explaining your benefits, payment rates and remaining entitlements after the end of the semester.
• IMPORTANT: USD's SCO will only submit the 22-1999 if there is a current USD GI Bill® Student Information sheet on file.
• Courses taken must count towards degree requirements. The only exception is during your last semester before graduation; the VA will allow you to pick up non-degree courses in order to keep your full time payment status.
• Student registrations are constantly monitored to ensure adds/drops are properly reported. If credit hour changes will change your payment rates, the VA will generally use the effective date of registration changes to prorate your payments.
• After each semester, probation, suspension, and graduation are reported to VA, if applicable. If a course receives a failing grade with a last date of attendance that precedes the last week of class, this reduction will also be reported to the VA. These "walk-away F's" will lead to overpayment of benefits and you will incur a VA debt. If you fail a course, you must continue to attend class.

Enrollment Status

Listed below are the course credits used to determine student status for VA educational benefits certification. Please note that these classifications are set by the VA and may differ from those used for university enrollment status or those used to determine financial aid. Only those courses counting toward your degree program will be included for certification.

Training Time Schedule

Status	Undergraduate (Fall/Spring)	Graduate (Fall/Spring)
Full-Time	12+ credits	9+ credits
3/4 Time	9-11 credits	6-8 credits
1/2 Time	6-8 credits	5 credits
1/4 Time	3-5 credits	2-4 credits

Training time during summer for GI Bill® purposes will depend on the number of credit hours taken and the number of weeks of the class. If you are taking multiple term dates over the summer, the VA will treat each class as a different term, and your payment rates may fluctuate over the summer. Please contact the VA at 888-442-4551 for further clarification of training time over summer dates.

Post 9/11 (Chapter 33) GI Bill® measures attendance as "Rate of Pursuit"

Rate of Pursuit is measured to the nearest 10% and is similar to the chart for other GI Bill® chapters listed above. Also, 75% will be rounded up to 80% rate of pursuit, but 74% would be rounded down to 70% rate of pursuit. The rate of pursuit will be multiplied against your benefit percentage (based on the number of months on active duty after 9/11).

Undergraduate and Graduate Training Time/Rate of Pursuit

An undergraduate student's training time/rate of pursuit is determined by the VA. For graduate students, training time/rate of pursuit is determined by the USD Graduate School (as noted in the USD Course Catalog). If your program has a unique determination of full time status, you will need to provide a letter to USD Veterans Services from your academic department stating such. In some cases, less than 9 credits can be considered full-time, but will need to have supporting documentation.

All changes in enrollment status must be reported to the USD Veterans Services office to ensure your payments are correct and on time.

Benefit Rates

For updated benefit rates, please visit the Department of Veterans' Affairs website.

• Chapter 33 Only: Many rules govern the amount of tuition paid to the school. At USD, the VA will only pay for the amount of in-state resident tuition rates (even if you are a non-resident). Internet and University Center courses are counted as "resident tuition rate" courses for VA purposes; regardless of your residency status.
• Chapter 33 Only: You may not get BAH monthly stipends if you or your spouse is on active duty.
• Chapter 33 Only: For online-only students, the maximum amount of monthly housing allowance a student may receive is ½ of the national average for BAH. Visit the GI Bill® website for current rates for Chapter 33 online-exclusive students.

Months of Entitlement

• For each month of full-time benefit payments you receive, you will be charged one full month of benefits. If you are less than full-time, your entitlement will be charged less. The amount of entitlement used will be shown on your VA award letter.
• For VA purposes, every month is a 30-day month.
• Every chapter (except 35) receives a maximum initial award of 36 months. Chapter 35 receives 45 months of entitlement.
• If you use two or more chapters, you can receive a maximum of 48 months of benefits.
• If your benefits run out in the middle of the semester, the VA may pay you for the entire semester, unless you have reached your delimiting date, or have reached 48 months. Call the VA for clarification if applicable.
• If you are using transferred Post 9/11 benefits, you can only use the amount of months that have been transferred to you. To receive additional months transferred to you, the veteran must request a transfer through the VA at www.gibill.va.gov. If the veteran is currently serving, they should contact their Education Office to make the transfer.

Monthly Verification

On the last day of each month, the VA requires all students receiving the Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty or Selected Reserve (Chapter 30, 1606 and 1607) to verify their enrollments in order to receive payments. This verification can be done either online using the Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) application or by calling 1-877-823-2378.

Chapters 31, 33, and 35 do not need to verify their monthly enrollment status.

Chapter 33: Post 9/11 GI Bill®

The Post-9/11 GI Bill® provides expanded benefits for individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001. The Post-9/11 GI Bill® became effective on August 1, 2009.

For detailed information on the Post 9/11 GI Bill® visit the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs or call 1-888-GI-BILL-1.

Transfer of Post 9/11 GI-Bill® Benefits to Dependents

If you would like to transfer unused GI Bill® benefits to your spouse or dependents, please visit the Department of Defense website for additional information.
Note: You must still be currently serving in order to make the initial benefits transfer. Amount of months can be modified after you separate from the service by contacting the VA.

Transfer of Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill®

Tips for Applying

For active duty, mobilized reservists, AGR, or dependents with a "Transfer of Entitlement" and certain Public Health Service employees/dependents.

• You only need to fill out an application for the GI Bill® once; even if you switch schools. If you switch chapters, then you will need to apply for the new benefit
• Apply for benefits at www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply.
• Under how do I apply select "find your education benefits form." Answer the questions as they apply to you and select apply now. Sign in to start your application. 
• Fill out the online version of VA Form 22-1990 Dependents using transferred benefits will fill out form 22-1990e All questions are in reference to the student, unless it specifically asks for the veteran's information
• You will be asked which benefit you would like to relinquish. If you are a reservist, you must relinquish CH 1606 MGIB-SR. if you had a kicker and would like it to be applied to CH33 Post 9/11
• You will be asked for an effective date of benefits. Make sure this date is prior to start of the semester. This date should also be after the semester in which you last used any other GI Bill® benefits
• At the end of your application, you will have an opportunity to upload documents in support of your claim. Uploading your documents at this time will help reduce the the amount of time needed for the VA to approve your claim. Documents must be under one megabyte in size. If you do not upload the documents during your application, you will need to fax or mail them to the VA. (VA fax: 314-552-9741).
  • Upload your DD214, Member 4 copy
  • Upload any Title 32 orders (ADSW, ADOS, etc.) as these may help to increase your percentage after your initial award for active duty service (National
  • Guard/Reservists only)
  • Upload the page from DOD that shows the benefits were transferred to you (Dependents only). This is not required, but could save you time
• Upon completing the application and document uploads, submit your application. Be sure to write down your "reference number"
• Print a copy of your application for your records
• After submitting your application you will need to fill out a USD Veteran Information Sheet before we can send in the VA Form 22-1999 to begin your benefits.
• The benefit approval process can take up to three months. If/when approved, the VA will send you a Certificate of Eligibility. Bring your Certificate of
• Eligibility to USD Veterans Services in the Registrar's Office, Belbas Center 212 The VA does not contact USD about your benefits; you will be the first to know. If you have any questions about the status of your claim, you will need to call the VA at 888-442-4551 or submit a question online at www.gibill.va.gov.

Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill® - Active Duty (MGIB)

The Montgomery GI Bill® - Active Duty provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible veterans who received an Honorable Discharge, earned a high school diploma or GED (or earned 12 college credits in some cases) and meet the requirements of one of four Montgomery GI Bill® categories. For more information on the Montgomery GI Bill® visit the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs or call 1-888-GI-BILL-1.

Tips for Applying

For active duty or veterans of active duty, who contributed $1200

• Complete and submit and application for the GI Bill®.
• Apply one time only, even if you switch schools. If you change chapters, you will then need to apply for the new benefit. Apply for benefits at www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply.
• Under how do I apply select "find your education benefits form." Answer the questions as they apply to you and select apply now. Sign in to start your application.
• Fill out the online version of VA Form 22-1990. At the end of your application, you will have the opportunity to upload documents in support of your claim. Uploading these documents will help reduce the time needed for the VA to approve your claim. Documents must be under one megabyte in size. If documents are not uploaded during your online application process, you will need to fax or mail these documents to the VA (VA fax: 314-552-9741).
  
  • Upload your DD214, Member 4 copy
  • Upload your Army/Navy College fund page from your enlistment contract (if applicable)
  • Upload your "$600 buy-up kicker" contract (if applicable)
• Upon competition of your application and the upload of supporting documents, submit your application. Be sure to write down your reference number.
• Print a copy of your application for your records.
• After submitting your application, you will need to complete a USD Veteran Information Sheet before USD can submit the VA Form 22-1999 to begin your benefits.
• The benefit approval process can take up to three months. If/when your application is approved, the VA will send you a Certificate of Eligibility. Bring your Certificate of Eligibility to USD Veterans Services in the Office of the Registrar. The VA does not contact USD about your benefits. You will be the first to know.
• If you have any questions about the status of your claim, you will need to call the VA at 888-442-4551 or submit a question online at www.gibill.va.gov.

Chapter 1607: Reserve Education Assistance Program

The Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) provides educational assistance to members of 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. REAP ensures certain reservists who were activated for at least 90 days after September 11, 2001 are either eligible for education benefits or eligible for increased benefits. For more information on the Reserve Educational Assistance Program, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or call 1-888-GI-BILL-1.

Tips for Applying

National Guard/Reserve members who were mobilized for active duty service for 90 days or more may be eligible. This GI Bill® benefit is only available while you remain in the National Guard/Reserve.

• You only need to fill out an application for the GI Bill® once; even if you switch schools. If you switch chapters, then you will need to apply for the new benefit
• Apply for Benefits at www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply. Under how do I apply select "find your education benefits form." Answer the questions as they apply to you and select apply now. Sign in to start your application. 
• Fill out the online version of VA Form 22-1990. At the end of your application, you will have an opportunity to upload documents in support of your claim. Uploading your documents at this will help reduce the the amount of time needed for the VA to approve your claim. Documents must be under one megabyte in size. If you do not upload the documents during your application, you will need to fax or mail them to the VA. (VA fax: 314-552-9741).
  • Upload your DD214, Member 4 copy
  • Upload your Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) (if you have never used Chapter 1606 benefits)
  • Upload your Kicker contract (if applicable)
  • Upload your "$600 buy-up kicker" contract (if applicable)
• Upon completing the application and document uploads, submit your application. Be sure to write down your reference number.
• Print a copy of your application for your records
• After submitting your application you will need to fill out a USD Veteran Information Sheet before USD can send in the VA Form 22-1999 to begin your benefits. The benefit approval process can take up to three months. If/when approved, the VA will send you a Certificate of Eligibility. Bring your
• Certificate of Eligibility to USD Veterans Services in the Registrar's Office, Belbas Center 212. The VA does not contact USD about your benefits.You will be the first to know. If you have any questions about the status of your claim, you will need to call the VA at 888-442-4551 or submit a question online at www.gibill.va.gov.

Chapter 35: Survivors & Dependents Educational Assistance Program (DEA)

DEA 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 45 months of education benefits.

For more information on the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or call 1-888-GI-BILL-1.

Tips for Applying

For dependents of permanent and total disabled veterans, or those who have died as a result of their VA-rated disability

• You only need to fill out an application for the GI Bill® once; even if you switch schools. If you switch chapters, then you will need to apply for the new benefit.
• Apply for Benefits at www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply.
• Under how do I apply select "find your education benefits form." Answer the questions as they apply to you and select apply now. Sign in to start your application. 
• Fill out the online version of VA Form 22-5490 -The online application is very confusing; it will be helpful if you print a paper copy of the application to help navigate the online application
• All questions are in reference to the student, unless it specifically asks for the veteran's information
• At the end of your application, you will have an opportunity to upload documents in support of your claim. Uploading your documents at this time will help reduce the the amount of time needed for the VA to approve your claim. Documents must be under one megabyte in size. If you do not upload the documents during your application, you will need to fax or mail them to the VA. (VA fax: 314-552-9741).
  
  • Upload the VA award letter showing the disability percentage of the veteran. You do not need to upload the entire packet, just the page with the percentage (%).
• Upon completing the application and document uploads, submit your application. Be sure to write down your "reference number"
• Print a copy of your application for your records
• After submitting your application you will need to complete a USD Veteran Information Sheet before we can send in the VA Form 22-1999 to begin your benefits.
• The benefit approval process can take up to three months. If/when approved, the VA will send you a Certificate of Eligibility. Bring your Certificate of Eligibility to USD Veterans Services in the Registrar's Office, Belbas Center 212. The VA does not contact USD about your benefits; You will be the first to know. If you have any questions about the status of your claim, you will need to call the VA at 888-442-4551 or submit a question online at www.gibill.va.gov.

Chapter 1606: Montgomery GI Bill® — Selected Reserve

The Montgomery GI Bill® - Selected Reserve (MGIB - SR) program is available to active members of the Selected Reserve including the National Guard. A six-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve is required. Qualifying individuals are eligible for up to 36 months of education benefits.

For more information on The Montgomery GI Bill® - Selected Reserve, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or call 1-88-GI-BILL-1.

Tips for Applying

Selected Reserve benefits are available to eligible, current drilling members of the National Guard or Reserve. You can only use this GI Bill® while you remain in the National Guard/Reserve (unless you were deployed).

• You only need to fill out an application for the GI Bill® once; even if you switch schools. If you switch chapters, you will need to apply for the new benefit
• Apply for Benefits at www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply.
• Under how do I apply select "find your education benefits form." Answer the questions as they apply to you and select apply now. Sign in to start your application. 
• Fill out the online version of VA Form 22-1990
• At the end of your application, you will have the opportunity to upload documents in support of your claim. Uploading your documents will help reduce the time needed for the VA to approve your claim. Documents must be under 1 megabyte in size. If you do not upload your documents during your application, you will need to fax or mail them to the VA. VA fax: 314-552-9741.
  
  • Upload your Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE). This forms comes from your unit after you complete AIT/Tech School
  • Upload your Kicker contract (if applicable)
• Upon completing the application and document uploads, submit your application. Be sure to write down your reference number.
• Print a copy of your application for your records
• After submitting your application you will need to fill out a USD Veteran Information Sheet before USD can send in the VA Form 22-1999 to begin your benefits. The benefit approval process can take up to three months. If/when approved, the VA will send you a Certificate of Eligibility. Bring your
• Certificate of Eligibility to USD Veterans Services in the Registrar's Office, Belbas Center 212. The VA does not contact USD about your benefits. You will be the first to know. If you have any questions about the status of your claim, you will need to call the VA at 888-442-4551 or submit a question online at www.gibill.va.gov.

Chapter 31: Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment

The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program provides vocational rehabilitation opportunities to eligible veterans who have a service-connected disability.

For additional information on the Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment program, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or call 1-888-GI-BILL-1.

General Information About Military Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)

• FTA is limited to currently serving members of the Armed Forces. If your ETS date is during semester you will not get FTA for that semester
• FTA cannot be used for a lateral degree (You cannot use FTA to earn a 2nd bachelor's degree)
• Maximum of $250 per credit hour; up to $4500 per year (fiscal year resets on October 1)
• Many fees are no longer approved for payment by the Army (See GoArmyEd)
• FTA can be used in conjunction with the GI Bill®, but with some restrictions; contact your military education office
• Please note FTA is not a guaranteed benefit, and funding is limited. FTA is paid on a first come first serve basis. Please apply early.
• TA requests should be completed prior to the start of the semester. Each service has its own deadline.
• FTA is a tuition reimbursement program; you will not receive an up-front payment. Payments may come late in the semester

How to Apply

• Air Force
• Army
• Navy/Marines
• Coast Guard

Additional Information

• Additional GoArmyEd Info
  The military may also pay for CLEP and DSST exams where you can "test out" of taking classes. Contact your military education office or online military portal for more information.

The following links may be federal programs or non-profit entities.

Federal Benefits

• Post 9/11 GI Bill®
  
  • Transfer of Entitlement (TOE) of Post 9/11 GI Bill® (for Spouse and Children)
• Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA), Chapter 35
• Army Spouse Education Assistance Program
• Navy/Marines Spouse Tuition Aid Program
• Navy/Marines Admiral Travers Loan Program
• Coast Guard Education Assistance
• Air Force Aid Society; Arnold Grant (for Spouse and Children)
• Fry Scholarship (Children of those killed in action after 9/11)
• MYCAA program (Spouse of Active Duty)

State of South Dakota Benefits

State of South Dakota benefits may have their own unique rules and requirements. If you have any questions please contact veterans@usd.edu or 605-658-3881. All state of South Dakota benefits applicants must submit SDDVA Form E12.

• Free Tuition for Children of Veterans Who Die During Service
  • Student under 25 years old and SD resident
  • Veteran was SD resident and died during service
  • See SDCL 13-55-6 to 13-55-9 for more information
• Free Tuition for Dependents of POW's and MIA's
  • Children and Spouses of POW or MIA soldiers
  • Other federal benefits may be considered
  • See SDCL 13-55-9.2 to 13-55-9.6 for more information
• Free Tuition to Child or Spouse of South Dakota National Guard member Disabled or Deceased in the Line of Duty
  • Child of SD National Guard member who was permanent/totally disabled while serving
  • See SDCL 33-55-10 for more information

Other States

• State/Territory Veterans Affairs Offices - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs