Sources of Financial Aid
There are a variety of sources for financial support for veterans, active military, reservists and dependents. Each has its own forms, processes and timetables.
College Fund
Qualifications for the College Fund are established by the military branches. The qualifications are usually based on a critical occupational specialty. The VA does not determine eligibility of this additional benefit.
If you qualify for the College Fund, you do not receive it in one lump-sum payment. Your total College Fund is divided into monthly payments (based on the 36 months of eligibility under the MGIB) that are added to regular MGIB payments. You cannot receive your College Fund money without receiving MGIB benefits. It is an add-on to your MGIB benefit. To find out if you are eligible for the College Fund or Kicker, please visit the Post-9/11 GI Bill Web site.
California Dependents Education Assistance
The dependent child, spouse or unmarried surviving spouses of a service connected disabled or deceased veteran may be entitled to tuition and fee waiver benefits at any campus of the California State University system as well as other public California colleges. To obtain eligibility requirements and assistance in applying for these valuable benefits, please contact your local County Veterans Service Office, your school's VA office, or call the California Department of Veterans Affairs at (916) 503-8397.
If you are receiving VA Education Benefits under Chapter 35 (Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance), you are not eligible to receive the California Dependents Education Assistance under Plan A.
The tuition and fee waiver benefits provided by this program only cover the State Tuition Fee, but not campus-based fees. This benefit is applicable to one academic year only and must be renewed each academic year.
Financial Aid
Veteran students frequently qualify for other forms of financial aid from federal, state and institutional sources. It is recommended that veteran students also submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be considered.
Work Study
All students training under Chapters 30, 31, 34, 35, and 1605 VA education programs and who have been certified for 3/4 time enrollment or more are eligible to apply for the VA Work-Study Program. Students may work up to 450 hours in a term, and receive wages that comply with federal and state minimum wage laws (tax exempt as a VA benefit). Please check with local campus VA coordinators for more information.
Tuition Assistance
The county and CSU VA Offices do not process Tuition Assistance reimbursements. For reservists, assistance with Tuition Assistance applications, policies, and procedures are provided through the individual's reserve unit education service office.
