Tuition Assistance and VA Benefits FAQs
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions regarding tuition assistance and VA benefits.
Where do I get information on my Tuition Assistance program?
The Tuition Assistance (TA) program is a Department of Defense (DOD) program, not a VA program. This means you will not visit the ASU Veterans Affairs Office for assistance with TA.
Start by visiting the Education Office of your unit. If you are eligible, you will be given forms to bring to the ASU Student Accounts Office in Room 100 of the Administration Building. Your unit’s Education Office 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 the VA and the military for the same course is under the “top up” provisions. These provisions apply only to persons eligible for Chapter 30 benefits (MGIB). Congress passed a law in fall 2000 that allows the military to pay 100 percent of the tuition and expenses for off-duty training and education (Tuition Assistance, TA). Most service departments did not have the budget to begin paying 100 percent Tuition Assistance, so Congress allowed MGIB-eligible individuals to access MGIB benefits to reach up to 100 percent tuition reimbursement, or “top off” their TA benefit. If the military provides TA equal to 50 percent of the cost of a course, a MGIB-eligible person may use MGIB benefits for the other 50 percent. This is the ONLY TIME someone on active duty can receive money from the 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 half-time rate or more, the law permits payment of both benefits. This law precludes payment of 1606 benefits to individuals training less than half-time who are in receipt of TA. The military generally does not provide TA to anyone who receives VA payments because the TA program is limited. The military decides who will receive the assistance. The same is true for the National Guard. Tuition Assistance is not an entitlement program like Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606. The TA program is “fund available” and military policy can determine the payment criteria.
Can a reservist eligible for Chapter 1606 use “top-up?”
No.
Can someone who is Active Guard Reserve (AGR) and 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 MGIB program. But, “top-up” is allowable as indicated above.
For more information on the “top-up” program, go to the GI Bill Web site at www.gibill.va.gov.
