Here are some answers to frequently asked questions regarding tuition assistance and VA benefits.
- How/Where do I go to get my Tuition Assistance Program?
The Tuition Assistance Program (TA) is a Department of Defense (DOD) program, not a VA program. This means you will not visit the VA office for assistance with TA.
Start by visiting the Education Officer of your unit. If you are eligible, you will take forms from the Education Officer of your unit to Student Business Services (SBS), Room 310 West Hall, 806.742.3272. Your Unit Education Officer may request a copy of your class schedule.
- Can someone on active duty receive both VA education benefits and tuition assistance for the same course?
The only time a person on active duty can receive money from VA and the military for the same course is under the “top up” provisions. These provisions only apply to persons eligible for Chapter 30 benefits (MGIB). Congress passed a law in the Fall 2000 that allows the military to pay 100% of the cost of tuition and expenses for off-duty training and education (tuition assistance payments-TA). Most service departments did not have the budget to begin paying 100% tuition assistance, so Congress allowed the MGIB eligible individuals to access their MGIB benefits to reach up to 100% tuition reimbursement (top-off their tuition assistance benefit). If the military provides TA equal to 50% of the cost of a course, a MGIB eligible person may use their MGIB benefits for the other 50%. This is the only time someone on active duty can receive money from VA and the military for the same course.
- Can a veteran (not on active duty) that receives TA from a reserve unit be paid TA and MGIB-Chapter 30 benefits or VEAP for the same course?
Yes. There is no bar in either title 38 or title 10. However, due to the limited amount of money the military has for TA benefits, the military may choose not to provide TA to individuals who are in receipt of Chapter 30 or 32 benefits.
- Can a reservist be paid for MGIB-SR (Chapter 1606) and TA for the same course? What about the state national guard?
If a reservist is pursuing his or her education at the ½ time rate or more, the law permits payment of both benefits. This law precludes payment of 1606 benefits to individuals training less than ½ time who are in receipt of TA. The military generally does not provide TA to anyone who receives VA payments because the TA program in limited. The military decides who will receive the assistance. The same is true for National Guard. TA in not an entitlement program like Chapter 30 and 1606. TA is fund available, and military policy can determine the payment criteria.
- Can a reservist eligible for Chapter 1606 use “top-up?”
NO, only Chapter 30 students
- Can someone who is active guard reserve (AGR) who has MGIB eligibility use “top-up”?
Yes
- Can an AGR receive TA and Chapter 30 benefits for the same course?
No, AGR service is active duty under the Montgomery GI Bill program. They can use “top-up” as indicated above.
