Eligibility Criteria

VETERANS AND RESERVISTS

Chapter 30: Anyone entering active duty after June 30, 1985, who contributes $1,200 by payroll deduction and remains on active duty for a minimum of two years, plus four years in the selected reserves. This program offers 36 months of full-time benefits and expires ten years after the date of discharge.

Chapter 30/34: A veteran who had Chapter 34 eligibility and remained on active duty status until July 1, 1988 or was discharged with a disability or at the convenience of the government after June 30, 1985. This program offers 36 months of full-time benefits and expires ten years after the date of discharge.

Chapter 31: A veteran who has a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% may apply for this benefit which is referred to as the Vocational Rehabilitation Program and focuses on helping disabled veterans become employable. Under this Program the VA pays for tuition, books, supplies and other necessary items required by the veteran for school attendance.

Chapter 32: Anyone who entered active duty between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985 and who contributed to the Chapter 32 program is eligible for 36 months of full time benefits (no extension) for ten years after discharge.

Chapter 1606: An individual who is serving a six-year enlistment in the Selective Reserve. The Selective Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. Eligibility of 36 months of full time benefits (no extension) which expire 14 years from eligibility date or separation from reserves.

DEPENDENTS

Chapter 35: A dependent of a veteran who has a 100% service-connected disability or whose death was service-connected. This program offers 45 months of full-time educational benefits (no extension) and expires eight years (ten years for spouse) from the date of eligibility (some exceptions might exist).

Cal Vet Fee Waiver: A dependent of a veteran with a 0% or greater service-connected disability or service-related death may qualify for this California college fee-waiver program. This form is processed by the Veterans County Service Office.

VA WORK-STUDY PROGRAM

Veterans and dependents who are receiving Veterans Educational Benefits at the ¾-time rate or higher are eligible to apply to be a VA Work-study. The rate of pay is at the prevailing minimum wage and is considered to be non-taxable income. Apply in the Veterans Affairs Office.