Veteran Benefits (GI Bill)

GI Bill

Educational benefits are available under the GI Bill for eligible servicemen and women, veterans, spouses, and dependents. Veterans may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation if they suffered a service-connected disability in active service, and if the VA determines that they need vocational rehabilitation to overcome the disability. Veterans who entered the military on or after July 1, 1977, may receive benefits under the contributory plan. Complete details should be obtained from a VA counselor. Generally, survivor’s benefits and disability benefits are available to survivors of deceased veterans, spouses, spouses of living veterans, and children between the ages of 18 and 26 years when death or permanent and total disability has occurred. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information about VA benefits.

Checklist for Incoming Veterans

• Step 1

  If on active duty, have enrollment approved by base Education Services Officer (ESO), and service verified by commanding officer.

  Step 2

  Complete the admission process.

  Admission Requirements

  You must be fully admitted before financial aid will be awarded.

  Step 3

  Apply for federal aid. (i.e., Pell grant, loans, and work study. Also required for most state scholarships or grants)

  www.fsaID.ed.gov www.fafsa.ed.gov

  Create an Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) and password and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Your FSA ID serves as your electronic signature and provides access to your personal records. You will need your FSA ID to access your federal student aid records online in order to view or make changes to your records. Dependent students will also be required to have a parent create their own FSA ID and password.

  While completing the FAFSA®, be sure to add UACCM's code 005245.

  Suggested FAFSA® Deadlines:

  • June 1 — To begin receiving aid in Fall
  • November 1 — To begin receiving aid in Spring
  • April 1 — To begin receiving aid in Summer

  Students must reapply for the next academic year (fall to summer) prior to that fall semester.

  Step 4

  Apply for VA benefits.

  www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/apply.asp

  VA benefits include: Post 9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserves, REAP, Dependents' Educational Assistance/Survivors Benefits, and Fry Scholarship.

  Step 5

  Submit a copy of Certificate of Eligibility received from the VA, and complete and submit a Veterans Educational Benefits Request for Certification

  Note: this form will need to be completed each semester for which benefits are requested.
  

  Step 6

  Check for and submit other required paperwork.

  Watch for emails from the Financial Aid Office to the address listed on FAFSA requesting documentation or login to CampusConnect > Acct Info > Review Financial Aid approximately a week after you submit the FAFSA® to see what related paperwork must be submitted.

  Examples of supporting documents that may be requested:

  • UACCM Admissions Requirements (Call 501-977-2053 to check your status.)
  • Verification worksheet
  • IRS tax return transcript
  • W-2s
  • Evidence of child support
  • Parent(s) IRS tax return transcript (if dependent student)
  • Parent(s) W-2s (if dependent student)

  If supporting documents do not match the information submitted on the FAFSA®, it will delay completing your Pell grant award and any loans. Additional documentation may then be required.

  Step 7

  Book advising appointment to establish an educational plan and register for classes.

  Advising/Registration Dates

  Visit the Advising webpage to determine when appointments are available and instructions on how to schedule an appointment.

  Note: Tuition Assistance (TA) will only pay for classes taken within your chosen degree plan

  Step 8

  If the cost of classes is not completely covered, pay for remaining costs in full or set up a payment plan.

  Pay in person by visiting the Student Accounts window in the University Center.

  Payment Plan instructions

  (Post 9/11 receiving 100%  benefits and VA Rehab do not need to do this step.)

  Step 9

  Begin and attend classes!