Veteran's Benefits
Office of Veteran's Affairs
If you're a veteran, you should know that the Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA) at Orange County Community College provides support services to meet the needs of students with military educational benefits. SUNY Orange's associate degree and certificate programs are approved for veterans and eligible dependents by the New York Education Department. All applications for military educational benefits must be processed through the OVA, located in the Shepard Student Center, third floor, Advising and Counseling Center, (845) 341-4071. Let your military educational benefits help open the door to your future.
Military Educational Benefits*
Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act
***A NEW education benefit called the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008 will be effective August 1, 2009.
If you would like information regarding this new benefit, VA fact sheets are located in the Advising and Counseling Center, (845) 341-4071. Also, you can find it online at www.gibill.va.gov, scroll down to 'Breaking News.' There you can view and/or print the VA fact sheet. You can also view frequently asked questions regarding this education benefit, and even sign-up for e-mail alerts as new information is added.
Veterans (MGIB Chapter30): Eligible individuals entering military service after July 1, 1985, who have satisfactorily contributed to the program may qualify for this bill and receive benefits.
National Guard/Reservists (MGIB Chapter 1606): Active members of a guard/reserve unit serving a minimum six year contract may draw monthly benefits.
National Guard/Reservists (REAP Chapter 1607): Individuals who were activated after September 11, 2001, may be either eligible for education benefits or eligible for increased benefits.
Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31): Individuals who have a service-connected disability may be eligible for this benefit.
Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35): The son, daughter or spouse of a veteran who is permanently and totally service-connected disabled or who died as a result of a service-connected disability may receive educational assistance.
Veteran Tuition Award
***Effective July 1, 2008 Veterans Tuition Award increases to cover 98% SUNY tuition.
Eligible students are those who are New York State residents discharged under honorable conditions from the U.S. Armed forces who are:
- Vietnam Veterans who served in Indochina between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975.
- Persian Gulf Veterans who served in the Persian Gulf on or after August 2, 1990.
- Afghanistan Veterans who served in Afghanistan during hostilities on or after September 11, 2001.
- Veterans of the armed forces of the United States who served in hostilities that occurred after February 28, 1961 as evidenced by receipt of an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, or a Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal.
Child of Veteran Award Program: For children of New York State Veterans who suffered a disability of at least 40 percent as a result of service in the armed forces of the United States during war time.
*In addition to the above programs, students may also qualify for other financial aid.