For Veterans

Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Ch. 33)

The Post-9/11 GI Bill® is an education benefit for individuals who served on active duty after September 10, 2001, and were honorably discharged, and activated members of the National Guard and Reserves. Those who qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill®-Active Duty or MGIB-Selected Reserve will have the option to choose which benefit best suits their need. Ch. 33 provides up to 36 months of benefits. Benefits are valid for 15 years after the last period of active duty.

Under the Forever GI Bill®, the 15-year time limitation to use Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits is eliminated for veterans who left active duty after 1/1/2013.

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: www.benefits.va.gov/gibill

How to use your Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits at SUNY Orange:

• Apply online
• Once you have received your Certificate of Eligibility, please submit it to the SUNY Orange Office of Veterans and Military Affairs.  
• Track your benefits online through ebenefits.
• As of 12/7/2021, the VA requires students using the Post 9/11 GI Bill® to verify enrollment either by text or by phone. Visit this page for more information.
• Your tuition and fee payments will be sent directly to SUNY Orange. Your housing (MHA) and book stipends will be sent directly to you.
• Book stipends are $41.67 per credit, up to a maximum of $1,000 per academic year.
• Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) is based on BAH for an E-5 with dependents.
• The VA will reimburse you for the cost of approved licensing and certification tests up to $2,000 (e.g. CLEP).

Veteran Tuition Award (VTA)

Eligibility requirements and application process are available at the NYS HESC website. 

How to use your VTA benefits at SUNY Orange:

• Complete your FAFSA annually.
• VTA is a tuition-benefit only and will not cover fees.
• If you are eligible for another benefit that fully covers your tuition (e.g. 100% Post-9/11 GI Bill®), you will not be able to use both. However, if you receive Post-9/11 Bill® benefits at less than 100% or Montgomery GI Bill®/Ch. 30 benefits, you can use these in addition to VTA.

Veteran Readiness and Employment (Ch. 31)

Individuals who have a minimum 10% service-connected disability may be eligible for Veteran Readiness and Employment. If you have a service-connected disability that prevents you from continuing your former career, you may be able to receive one-on-one support from the VA to help you choose an academic program that is appropriate for your career goals.

How to use your benefits at SUNY Orange:

• Apply online
• Once you have applied and are deemed eligible, you will receive a letter confirming your eligibility. You will then meet with your VA Counselor to discuss your options and create an individualized academic plan.
• You must speak with your VA Counselor each semester prior to registering for courses. Your VA Counselor will email your authorization for tuition and fees and books/supplies directly to the college.
• If you need to repeat or drop a course or if you are interested in changing your major, you must speak with your VA Counselor for approval.
• Your tuition and fee payments will be sent directly to SUNY Orange.

 

In compliance with 38 USC 3679 (e), SUNY Orange permits any student using Chapter 31 or Chapter 33 benefits to attend and/or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to SUNY Orange a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for entitlement to educational assistance under Chapter 31 or 33 (a “certificate of eligibility” can also include a “Statement of Benefits” obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) website – eBenefits, or a VAF 28-1905 form for Chapter 31 authorization purposes) and ending on the earlier of the following dates:

1. The date on which payment from VA is made to the institution.
2. 90 days after the date the institution certified tuition and fees following the receipt of the certificate of eligibility.

SUNY Orange will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or require that the covered individual borrow additional funds due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under Chapter 31 or 33.

NOTE: A covered Individual is any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under Chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, or Chapter 33, Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits.