Applying for Benefits
1) In general, students may apply for benefits under one of five different chapters associated with VA educational benefits as follows:
VA Education Assistance Programs
- Chapter 30 - qualify by periods of active duty service
- Chapter 31 - qualify for vocational rehabilitation with a service-connected disability
- Chapter 32 - qualify for the Veteran Education Assistance Program (1978-1985)
- Chapter 35 - qualify as a spouse or child of a deceased/100 percent service-connected disabled veteran
- Chapter 1606 - qualify by enlistment in the National Guard or U.S. Army Reserve for a period of six years.
For specific eligibility requirements associated with any of these chapters, please click on the appropriate link above.
2) Students may also be eligible for state veterans awards. Follow the links under Non-Va Education Assistance Programs to see if you qualify.
NON-VA Education Assistance Programs
3) Before applying for benefits, eligible students should complete application requirements to Monroe Community College as specified on the Admissions Checklist to include application for Federal and New York State financial aid.
4) Register for classes for the appropriate semester you wish to attend.
5) Bring a copy of your course registration with your required eligibility documentation to the veteran services desk during our walk-in times to apply for benefits and to be certified for payment. Documentation needed includes the following:
- For Chapter 30 and Chapter 32 students: A copy of your final DD214
- For Chapter 1606 students: A copy of your Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) and any kicker contract awarded by your Guard/Reserve unit (NOBE and kicker documentation is issued by the student's respective unit)
- For Chapter 35 students: Documentation verifying the veteran's death or 100 percent service-connected disability, if available.
- Chapter 31 students should call Duane Lafferty in the Buffalo VA office about vocational rehabilitation program procedures before applying to any program of study.
When you apply for benefits, the Veteran's office will start a file for you to keep a record of all of your important documentation and transactions that have been accomplished on your behalf. You will also be briefed on your responsibilities to keep your benefits active - maintaining good academic standing and reporting changes to your program expeditiously.
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