Links to GI and Educational Benefits

GI Benefits (go to "Apply for Benefits")
www.gibill.va.gov

Chapter 30 - Montgomery GI Bill® (MGIB) - Active Duty
https://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/resources/benefits_resources/rates/ch30/ch30rates100115.asp

Chapter 31 - Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits
http://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation

Chapter 32 - Post-Vietnam Era Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/veap.asp

Chapter 33 - Post 9/11 GI Bill®
http://www.va.gov/education

Chapter 35 - Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA)
https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/survivor_dependent_assistance.asp

Transfer of Post-9/11 GI-Bill® Benefits to Dependents (TEB)
https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/post911_transfer.asp

Children of Veterans' Tuition Grant (Public Act 248 of 2005)
http://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid/0,4636,7-128-60969_61509-274566--,00.html

Chapter 1606 - Montgomery GI Bill® - Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/mgib_sr.asp

Chapter 1607 - Reserve Educational Assistance
https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/reap.asp

Tuition Assistance (TA)
Students interested in using TA benefits must speak with their education advisor, military counselor, /ESO or Service to coordinate benefits. For more information regarding the TA program, including how to apply, please visit https://www.military.com/education/money-for-school/tuition-assistance-ta-program-overview.html.

Michigan National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (MINGSTAP)
https://www.michigan.gov/dmva/0,9665,7-402-100108_68898---,00.html

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Scholarships for Veterans

Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship

Student veterans interested in academic scholarships to help finance their pursuit of a degree should consider applying for the Pat Tillman Foundation scholarship.

The mission of the Pat Tillman Foundation is to invest in military veterans and their spouses through educational scholarships; building a diverse community of leaders committed to service to others.

Scholars are selected based on meeting a high level of excellence as demonstrated through essays and application questions which tie together these factors: motivation for serving in the military, impact of service on life/career, explanation of how degree will apply to/accelerate career and applicant's desire to continue service and make a positive impact. Further selection criteria can be found on the Become a TMS page.

In 2013, the Pat Tillman Foundation will provide over $1 million in funding to the 60 members of the 5th class of Tillman Military Scholars.

The Tillman Military Scholars application opens on Monday, January 14. The application will remain open until 11:59:59 PM PST on Friday, February 15.

Updated criteria for the program and essay questions can be found on the PTF website here: pattillmanfoundation.org/apply-to-be-a-scholar/. This is also where the online application will be posted.

County Veterans Affairs Offices

The Kalamazoo County Veterans Service Specialist can help you with: claims filing for VA disability benefits, VA health care benefits, dependents and survivors benefits, VA Home Loan Guaranty, Kalamazoo County Veterans ID card, education benefits, medical treatment, military records and medals, emergency financial aid, Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Agents, assistance referrals, transport to the VA Medical Center in Battle Creek.

FAQs

What happens if I'm called to duty while in school?

Students who are called to military duty during a semester they are enrolled will receive a 100% refund of their KVCC tuition if they provide documentation in the Admissions, Registration and Records office at the time of withdrawal. The bookstore will provide 100% refund on returned books.

Benefits update

(April 2009) from Student Veterans of America: If a student using chp 30 benefits runs out at their 36 month window, under chapter 33 benefits, they are still eligible for 12 months of school benefits.

Where can I request documents of my military personnel file?

All documents in official military personnel file (OMPF) and medical records can be retrieved.
Go to https://www.archives.gov/veterans.
Documentation will be received in about 2 weeks. Available on-line/fax or by mail.