Section 1018 of Public Law 116-315, Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, adds new requirements for educational institutions participating in the educational assistance programs of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These new provisions became effective June 15, 2021 and apply to Institutions of Higher Learning and Non-College Degree institutions beginning August 1, 2021. Many of the requirements are consistent with the requirements of the Principles of Excellence, currently in Executive Order 13607; however, there are requirements in addition to those embodied in the Principles of Excellence which schools must also satisfy to maintain approval for GI Bill® participation.
Schools must provide financial information to students using benefits under chapter 30, 31, 32, 33, or 35 of title 38,U.S.C.,or chapter 1606 of title 10, U.S.C. with a College Financing Plan (personalized shopping sheet) that contains:
Estimated total cost of the course that includes tuition, fees, books, supplies and any other additional costs
Estimated Cost Assistance
Estimated cost of living expenses
Amount of costs above that are covered by VA Education Benefits (amount dependent on the eligibility of the student, determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
For state education benefits (College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents), the state of California County Veterans Services Officers determine eligibility.
For Chapter benefits, the United Stated Department of Veteran Affairs determines an individual’s eligibility for said benefits.
Chapter 30 -The benefit is paid directly to the student. The student should plan ahead to make payment arrangements with the Student Business Services. Benefits only pay stipends for the months school attendance is reported. Please click here to learn more about the monthly stipend.
Chapter 31 – The benefit is paid to both the student and the institution. Chapter 31 Veterans Readiness and Employment (VRE) program will cover tuition and fees. Your tuition and fees is sent directly to the institution by the VA. UC SHIP insurance can be waived during specified waiver periods with proof of comparable coverage. The Chapter 31 VRE program does not cover SHIP insurance. It covers all other tuition and fees including course material fees, bookstore fees, and parking permits.
Chapter 33 – The benefit is paid to both the student and the institution. Chapter 33 Post 9/11® will cover your tuition and fees, based on your percentage set by the VA. Your tuition and fees payment is sent directly to the institution by the VA. Benefits only pay stipends for the months school attendance is reported. Please click here to learn more about the monthly stipend.
Chapter 35 – The benefit is paid directly to the student. The student should plan ahead to make payment arrangements with the Student Business Services. Benefits only pay stipends for the months school attendance is reported. Please click here to learn more about the monthly stipend.
Chapter 1606 - The benefit is paid directly to the student. The student should plan ahead to make payment arrangements with the Student Business Services. Benefits only pay stipends for months school attendance is reported. Please click here to learn more about the monthly stipend.
Other types of Federal financial aid, not administered by VA that is offered by the institution, that the individual may be qualified to receive
Estimated amount of student loan debt the individual would have upon graduation
Information regarding graduation rates
Information regarding job-placement rates for graduates, if available
Information regarding the acceptance of transfer credits including military credits
Any additional requirements including training, experience, or examinations that are required to obtain a license, certification or approval for which the course of education prepares the individual
College Financing Plan
The College Financing Plan is a consumer tool that participating institutions use to notify students about their financial aid package. Students can access their College Financing Plan in Banner Self Service.
Additional campus resources and contacts for military-connected students
- VA Benefit Certification: Amanda Brown and Laurie Grissom
- Transfer, Returning and Veteran Student Services (TRV): Jesus Deniz
- Staff Psychologist, Counseling and Psychological Services: William Johnson
- Student Accessibility Services: Drew Shelburne
- Academic Advising Center: Academic Advisors
- Student Business Services (ArmyIgnitED, AirForce): Brandi Masasso
About the GI Bill®
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
