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VA Educational Benefits

Educational benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs are designed to provide eligible individuals with an opportunity for educational and career growth. They can be an incredible asset when used appropriately to assist students in obtaining their educational goals.

It is critical that you understand how to use your benefits in accordance with Lander, state and federal VA policies, along with administrative procedures in order to maximize their potential and minimize your out-of-pocket costs.

The Veterans Service Office at Lander provides many services, including but not limited to:

  • Assisting in the application process for VA educational benefits
  • Notifying the VA of enrollment or changes to enrollment
  • Assisting in explaining, interpreting, and implementing VA policies along with those at Lander
  • Serving as a liaison between students and different departments on campus

 

Get Started

To start using your VA Educational Benefits at Lander, please follow the provided steps below. If you are a prospective student, please visit our Admissions page.

1. You must apply to the VA for your education benefits. You can do this online at www.gibill.va.gov.

  • The VA requests 30-45 business days (5-9 calendar weeks) to process an application. In some cases, processing may take longer, so be sure to apply as early as possible. Applications can be submitted to the VA before a student is officially admitted to Lander.
  • In order to apply you will need to know which benefits you are eligible for, and desire to use. If you are unsure as to which benefit applies to you, select from the below to find out more about that benefit.

 

Post-9/11 G.I. Bill
The Post 9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. For students that are using or wish to use a transferred Post 9/11 GI Bill, please go to the Post 9/11, Transfer Benefits section of this website.

The amount of support that an individual may qualify for depends on where they live and what type of degree they are pursuing. For a summary of Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits, see the benefit comparison chart. 

Please submit completed forms or document copies to The Lander Military & Veterans Services Office.

If you have never applied for benefits, submit:

  1. Application for VA Benefits (22-1990)
  2. Once you have been approved by the VA, a Certificate of Eligibility demonstrating remaining months of eligibility and benefit percentage level.
  3. VA Certification Request

If you have had a one-year break in attendance at Lander, or if you used your benefit at another institution, submit:

  1. Change of Program or Place of Training (22-1995)
  2. Certificate of Eligibility demonstrating remaining months of eligibility and benefit percentage level.
  3. VA Certification Request

If you received your benefit at Lander within the last year, submit:

  1. VA Certification Request

Ch. 30 - MGIB (The Montgomery GI Bill)

You may qualify for these benefits if you:

  • Entered active duty for the first time on or after July 1, 1985
  • Participated in the pay reduction program (pay reduced by $100 per month for the first 12 months)
  • Served honorably for at least two years

For more information, please visit: Who is eligible?

If you are also eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill®, it is strongly recommended that you discuss with a military education officer (ESO) or with Lander's Director of Military and Veteran Services the potential advantages of transferring to the Post 9/11 program. You may also view a comparison chart.

Documentation Required for Ch. 30 Benefits

Please submit completed forms or document copies to Lander's Director of Military and Veteran Services, according to your circumstances.

If you have never applied for benefits, submit:

  1. Application for VA Benefits (22-1990)
  2. VA Certification Request
  3. Verify your enrollment each month on WAVE.

If you have had a one-year break in attendance at Lander, or if you used your benefit at another institution, submit:

  1. Change of Program or Place of Training (22-1995)
  2. VA Certification Request
  3. Verify your enrollment each month on WAVE.

If you received your benefit at Lander within the last year, submit:

  1. VA Certification Request
  2. Verify your enrollment each month on WAVE.

Benefit Guidelines

  • You will receive up to 36 months of education benefits. This benefit may be used for degree and Graduate Certificate programs. Non-degree seeking students are not eligible to receive VA benefits.
  • Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty.
  • Benefits are paid to the student on a monthly basis while attending school. Current payment rates can be found on the VA's website.

Post-9/11 G.I. Bill
The Post 9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. For students that are using or wish to use a transferred Post 9/11 GI Bill, please go to the Post 9/11, Transfer Benefits section of this website.

The amount of support that an individual may qualify for depends on where they live and what type of degree they are pursuing. For a summary of Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits, see the benefit comparison chart.

Please submit completed forms or document copies to The Lander Military & Veterans Services Office.

If you have never applied for benefits, submit:

  1. Application for VA Benefits (22-1990)
  2. Once you have been approved by the VA, a Certificate of Eligibility demonstrating remaining months of eligibility and benefit percentage level.
  3. VA Certification Request

If you have had a one-year break in attendance at Lander, or if you used your benefit at another institution, submit:

  1. Change of Program or Place of Training (22-1995)
  2. Certificate of Eligibility demonstrating remaining months of eligibility and benefit percentage level.
  3. VA Certification Request

If you received your benefit at Lander within the last year, submit:

  1. VA Certification Request

Ch. 1606-Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve

You may qualify for these benefits if you:

  • Are a Reservist or National Guard member who signed a six-year obligation on or after July 1, 1985
  • Completed initial active duty training
  • Are in good standing with your drilling Selected Reserve unit

For more information, please visit: Who is eligible?

Documentation Required for Ch. 1606

Please submit completed forms or document copies to Lander's Director of Military and Veteran Services, according to your circumstances.

If you have never applied for benefits, submit:

  1. Application for VA Benefits (22-1990)
  2. VA Certification Request
  3. Verify your enrollment each month on WAVE.

If you have had a one-year break in attendance at Lander, or if you used your benefit at another institution, submit:

  1. Change of Program or Place of Training (22-1995)
  2. VA Certification Request
  3. Verify your enrollment each month on WAVE.

If you received your benefit at Lander within the last year, submit:

VA Certification Request

Verify your enrollment each month on WAVE.

Benefit Guidelines

  • You will receive a stipend for personal use each month for 36 months as long as you are a full-time student. Benefit rates for part-time enrollment are reduced proportionately. Visit the GI Bill Rate Table.
  • The Department of Defense may make additional contributions, or kickers, on your behalf if you are an individual who served in a critical military field. Contact your unit to find out if you qualify for the kicker.
  • Your benefits must be used while actively drilling with a National Guard/Reserve unit. Once you leave the National Guard/Reserves, your education benefit ends.

Ch. 31 - Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E)

You may qualify for these benefits if you:

  • Received an other than dishonorable discharge
  • Have a service-connected disability rated at least 20 percent disabling by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs
  • Need vocational rehabilitation to overcome an employment handicap.

For more information, please visit: Who is eligible?

Application Requirements

  1. You should apply on-line with the VA or visit a VA intake site for VR&E.
  2. Once you have been approved for VR&E, the VA will have you meet with your VA Voc Rehab counselor. One of you must submit a VA form 22-1905 to the VA Certifying Official at Lander. You are not authorized to attend classes without a VA Form 22-1905.
  3. VA Certification Request once you have registered for all classes you plan to attend.

Benefit Guidelines

  • Benefits cover tuition, mandatory fees, books, certain supplies and parking for a period of time determined by a VA counselor in the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program. If the authorized enrollment period is extended, the VA Vocational Rehabilitation counselor will notify Lander.
  • Tuition, parking and book payments are made directly to Lander. Only Lander's Military and Veteran Services office may issue book/supply vouchers.

You may also receive a monthly stipend. Current payment rates can be found on the VA's website.

Ch. 35- Survivors & Dependents Assistance (DEA)

You may be eligible if you are the spouse or dependent of a veteran who:

  • Is totally and permanently disabled from a service-related injury
  • Died due to a service-related injury

*Certain children may also be eligible for the Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship

For more information, please visit: Who is eligible?

Documentation Required for Ch. 35

Please submit completed forms or document copies to Lander's Military and Veteran Services office according to your circumstances.

If you have never applied for benefits:

  1. Application for VA Benefits (22-5490)
  2. Once you have been approved for Ch. 35 benefits, submit your Certificate of Eligibility to Lander's Military and Veteran Services office.
  3. VA Certification Request

If you have had a one-year break in attendance at Lander, or if you used your benefit at another institution, submit:

  1. Change of Program or Place of Training (22-5495)
  2. VA Certification Request

If you received your benefit at Lander within the last year, submit:

  1. VA Certification Request

Benefit Guidelines

  • You will receive a stipend for personal use each month for 45 months as long as you are a full-time student. Benefit rates for part-time enrollment are reduced proportionately. Visit the GI Bill Rate Table for complete information on current rates.
  • Generally, spouses must use this benefit within 10 years from the date their eligibility was determined by Dept. of Veterans Affairs. In most cases, children must use the benefit between ages of 18-26.

South Carolina Free Tuition

Provides for free tuition to the children of certain war veterans attending South Carolina state supported colleges and universities, as well as state supported post high school technical education institutions. Certain residency requirements apply. For questions or to apply contact 803-647-2434.

Application for Tuition Assistance for Certain War Veterans Children.

Post-9/11 G.I. Bill®
The Post 9/11 GI Bill® provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.

The amount of support that an individual may qualify for depends on where they live and what type of degree they are pursuing. For a summary of Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits, see the benefit comparison chart.

Please submit completed forms or document copies to The Lander Military & Veterans Services Office.

If you have never applied for benefits, submit:

  1. Application for VA Benefits (22-1990)
  2. Once you have been approved by the VA, a Certificate of Eligibility demonstrating remaining months of eligibility and benefit percentage level.
  3. VA Certification Request

If you have had a one-year break in attendance at Lander, or if you used your benefit at another institution, submit:

  1. Change of Program or Place of Training (22-1995)
  2. Certificate of Eligibility demonstrating remaining months of eligibility and benefit percentage level.
  3. VA Certification Request

If you received your benefit at Lander within the last year, submit:

  1. VA Certification Request
  1. You must be admitted to Lander in a degree or certificate program. You can apply online.
  2. You must follow procedures for maintaining your benefits once enrolled.

Once enrolled into classes, you must send in a Request for VA Enrollment Certification form found on MyLander. You should submit this form each semester.

If required, you must verify your enrollment monthly with GI Bill® Wave.