Federal Veterans Benefits

Review federally funded education benefits for eligible veterans and their families.

UCSD does not determine your eligibility for federal veterans education benefits. Apply through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Its Web site will guide you through the process, and the VA will notify UCSD of your eligibility. The Registrar's Office processes your claims and other paperwork required so you receive your payments on time.

Veterans resources:

In addition to the federal benefits listed below, see these resources:

• Read about the Cal Vet College Fee Waiver program available to vets and their families through the California Department of Veterans Education.
• Contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, (888) GIBILL-1 (442-4551), for more details, online applications, and forms.
• Make sure you follow UCSD's Satisfactory Academic Progress guidelines forundergraduates (PDF) or graduate students (PDF).
• Stop by the Registrar's Office so we can help to process your benefit claims promptly.

Types of federal veterans aid available:

• Chapter 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill (effective August 1, 2009)

  Amount: This program provides tuition assistance, a housing allowance, a books and supplies stipend, and the option to transfer these benefits to family members under certain circumstances.

  Eligibility: Determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), not by UCSD.

  Application information: Due to complex rules and risk of potential loss of monetary benefits, you're strongly encouraged to contact the VA at 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) prior to completing the application to convert benefits from Chapter 30, 1606, or 1607 to the new Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill. After making an educated decision:

  • Complete your application online.
  • If you're applying for the Post-9/11 GI Bill for use at UC San Diego, you must also submit to the UCSD Registrar's Office a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility letter received from the Department of VA after submitting your application.
  • See the Checklist of Requirements for other required documents.

• Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill, Active Duty (MGIB)

  What it is: MGIB/ Chapter 30 provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible veterans.

  Amount: The monthly benefit amount varies according to your service.

  Eligibility: Determined by the VA, not by UCSD.

• Chapter 31: Vocational Rehabilitation Training Program

  What it is: The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program helps veterans who have service-connected disabilities to become employed and or maintain suitable employment.

  Amount: VA Voc Rehab awards may include full registration fees including non-resident tuition, a monthly subsistence, and a book allowance.

  Eligibility: Determined by the VA, not by UCSD.

• Chapter 35: Survivors' and Dependents' Education Assistance Program

  What it is: Dependents' Educational Assistance provides up to 45 months of education benefits and training opportunities to eligible spouses and children of certain deceased, disabled, missing, captured, or interned veterans. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeships, on-the-job training and, in certain circumstances, remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses.

  Eligibility: Determined by the VA, not by UCSD.

• Chapter 1606: Montgomery GI Bill, Selected Reserve

  What it is: The Selected Reserve program provides up to 36 months of educational benefits to members of the Selected Reserve (including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Army National Guard, and the Air National Guard).

  Eligibility: Determined by the VA, not by UCSD.

• Chapter 1607: Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)

  What it is: REAP/ Chapter 1607 provides educational benefits to certain reservists who were activated for at least 90 days after September 11, 2001.

  Eligibility: Determined by the VA, not by UCSD.