Veterans Benefits at TC3 Veterans Benefits
Veterans receiving VA benefits may select any program that is approved by the Department of Veteran Affairs leading to a degree offered at TC3. Check with the VA Certifying Official if your program is approved by the VA before registering for classes.
Chapter 30 (Veterans GI Bill®)
Educational assistance program available to fully honorably discharged veterans who meet the eligibility criteria explained in detail on the Department of Veterans Affairs website. If you have not applied for Veterans education benefits, you will need to do so by completing VA Form 22-1990 which can be done on line at VA.gov.
Chapter 33 (The Post 9/11 GI Bill®)
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is for individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. The Post-9/11 GI Bill will become effective for training on or after August 1, 2009. More eligibility information on The Post 9/11 GI Bill is provided on the Department of Veterans Affairs website. If you have not applied for Veterans education benefits, you will need to do so by completing VA Form 22-1990 which can be done on line at VA.gov.
Chapter 1606 (Reserves/National Guard)
This program may be available if you are a member of a selected reserve. More eligibility information on Chapter 1606 is provided on the Department of Veterans Affairs website. If you have not applied for Veterans education benefits, you will need to do so by completing VA Form 22-1990 which can be done on line at VA.gov.
Chapter 1607 (Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
More eligibility information on Chapter 1607 is provided on the Department of Veterans Affairs website. If you have not applied for Veterans education benefits, you will need to do so by completing VA Form 22-1990 which can be done on line at VA.gov.
Chapter 35 (Survivor's and Dependents Educational Assistance program DEA)
The spouse, child, stepchild or adopted child of a veteran who is deceased (service-connected) or who is 100% disabled (service-connected) may qualify for Chapter 35 benefits. Visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website. You will need to complete VA Form 22-5490 which can also be done online.
Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation)
Any veteran receiving at least 10% permanent, service-connected disability from the DVA can apply for this benefit. Approval is made on a case-by-case basis and is managed at the state level. Students must fill out is VA Form 22-1900. However, it is advised they call the VA rehabilitation counselor first. To learn more about or apply for Chapter 31 benefits in NYS, call the following number 1-800-827-1000.
Frequent Questions
When should I apply for my VA education benefits?
You should apply for your benefits at least six weeks prior to the eligible semester or session for which you enroll.
How much money will I receive?
Your VA education benefits will vary based on the type of benefit, the number of credit hours for which you are enrolled, and the current pay rates. For current rates, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website.
Will my VA education benefits cover my educational charges?
The amount of your VA education benefits will be based on the type of VA benefit for which you are eligible, the number or credit hours you schedule, and the current VA Rates. Unless you're receiving Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill) or Chapter 31 (i.e. Vocational Rehabilitation) benefits, your VA education benefits will be paid to you directly in monthly installments over the enrollment period. It is the student’s responsibility to pay those charges, in full, by the due date. If you need assistance paying your charges, you may apply for financial aid.
Can I receive regular financial aid while receiving VA education benefits?
Yes. Applying for financial aid will not affect your VA education benefits.
What should I do if I cannot pay my charges by the due date because my VA check is late?
Contact the Financial Aid office for information about available financial aid programs and advise them of your situation.
What should I do if I do not receive my VA check?
Call the Department of Veterans Affairs toll free number 1-888-GIBILL1 (888-442-4551) to see if the check has been mailed or the funds have been directly deposited. If the funds have not been released, be sure to ask why. If it is a school-related concern, contact the VA Certifying Official.
How do I request payment of benefits for summer and next year?
Each spring, typically in March, the student will need to contact the colleges Certifying Official of their enrollment plans for the upcoming summer and academic year. To ensure continued payment of benefits, be sure to attend to this correspondence in a timely manner.
I've been called to Active Duty and am withdrawing from school. What do I need to know?
Contact the VA Certifying Official.
If I withdraw from school while collecting VA education benefits and then return, will I automatically continue to receive my benefits?
No. Be sure to immediately notify the VA Certifying Official that you have withdrawn. When you decide to return to school, contact the VA Certifying Official to request that payment resume.
What changes should I report to the VA Certifying Official?
To avoid delays or overpayment of VA education benefits, each VA benefit recipient is responsible for reporting any changes in status to the VA Certifying Official, including:
- Change of Address
- Change of Program
- Change in Enrollment Status (e.g. drop from full- to part-time)
- Withdrawal from school
Can I transfer my GI Bill benefits to my spouse or child?
Yes, it is possible, in some instances, to transfer your GI Bill benefits to a dependent. For more information, please contact a VA education benefits counselor at 1-888-GIBILL1.
How can I find out about all VA benefits to which I am entitled?
Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs toll free 1-800-827-1000 or visit their website.