Benefits Information

The first step is to apply for VA Education Benefits online at https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/. Upon submission, you will receive a confirmation that the VA has received it and it will be processed within 30 days. The Certificate of Eligibility will be sent after it is approved and we will need a copy of it. The benefits website also includes information about how to get assistance in filling out the form.

General Guidelines

As a VA educational benefits recipient, you have certain responsibilities. Many potential problems are avoided if you understand the guidelines in the following PDFs.

Important Forms

Please do not submit a form until you have spoken to a Veterans Benefits Coordinator.

Form Description Submission Process
Enrollment Form Required for all UO students receiving VA benefits (except for Chapter 31). Submit completed form to UO Veterans Affairs office.
Approved List of Courses (ALC) Form Required for UO students receiving VA benefits, as requested. Submit completed form to UO Veterans Affairs office. Remember this rule: "The VA will only pay for the minimum number of credits needed for you to receive your degree".

Chapter 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill®

Chapter 33 provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 aggregate days of active duty on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. The transferability option under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® allows Servicemembers to transfer all or some unused benefits to their spouse or dependent children.

The 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 Federal GI Bill website.

Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill® - Active Duty

Chapter 30 has four eligibility categories. The benefits generally apply to Veterans who began active duty service for the first time after June 30, 1985, had their pay reduced $100 a month for 12 months, and received an honorable discharge.

Chapter 1606: Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve

Chapter 1606 is the educational program for active members of the Selected Reserve. Selected Reserve components include the Army Reserve, Naval Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard and Air National Guard. Basic eligibility requires a six year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve and satisfactory participation in required Selected Reserve training.

Chapter 35: Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA)

Chapter 35 is educational assistance paid to eligible dependents of certain veterans. Persons who may be eligible are children (between ages 18 and 26, with some exceptions) or spouses of:

  • a veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability. The disability must arise out of active service in the Armed Forces.
  • a veteran who died from any cause while such service-connected disability was in existence.
  • a servicemember missing in action or captured in line of duty by a hostile force.
  • a servicemember forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power.
  • a servicemember who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a service connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for that disability.

The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship

The Fry Scholarship provides Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits to the children and surviving spouses of servicemembers who died in the line of duty while on active duty after September 10, 2001.

Chapter 31: Veteran Readiness and Employment

Chapter 31: The Veteran Readiness and Employment Service's primary benefit program is vocational rehabilitation services for veterans who have a service-connected disability. The outcome of these services lead to suitable employment that is consistent with their aptitudes and interests, or achieving independence in their daily living. See Veteran Readiness and Employment for more information.