There are programs, financial aid, and scholarships that help veterans, active duty service members, and eligible dependents foot the bill for a higher education. In one of the largest programs, many people who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere will be heading to universities under the terms of the new Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.
Apply for Veterans Affairs Education Benefits
If you've enrolled at Rutgers and are eligible for VA education benefits, your next step is to get needed paperwork completed and submit it to the VA.
The first form, VA Form 22-1990, is your application for VA education benefits. Forms can completed online through the Veterans Online Application website or printed and mailed in.
On this form, you select the benefit program you are applying for.
The G.I. Bill
You may be eligible for VA education benefits under more than one program, including the new Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. The VA started accepting applications for benefits under the new Post-9/11 G.I. Bill program on May 1, 2009. If you elect to receive benefits under this program, you have to give up your eligibility for the other programs, and you can't revoke that decision.
Which program is right for you? That depends on your personal circumstance, so it's up to you to get information to weigh your decision carefully.
There are some tools to help you compare.
Check out the Veterans Affairs website, which has put together a comparison chart on the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill (which is also referred to as Chapter 33 and other programs such as the Montgomery G.I. Bill).
Read about the bill at newgibill.org. This informative site was put together by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and features a benefits calculator and an FAQ.
Call the VA at 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) and speak to a benefits counselor to get more information on programs.
Visit the website Desktop Reference for Education Benefits to research options.
New Jersey National Guard programs
New Jersey is one of the few states to provide free college credits to National Guard members. Under the New Jersey Free Tuition Bill, you may be able to receive up to 15 undergraduate or graduate college credits per semester while serving as a member of the New Jersey National Guard.
New Jersey Army National Guard Tuition Program
New Jersey Air National Guard Educational Benefits
If you're a New Jersey Army National Guard member seeking education benefits, you'll need to have a commander's certification from your educational services officer. The certification must have that officer's signature and must state the semester for the certification. You also must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year.
The Post-9/11 G.I. Bill changes the formula for education benefits for National Guard personnel: benefits are based on cumulative active-duty time. To apply for G.I. Bill benefits, whether under the new Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, or another program, reservists and active duty personnel should fill out VA Form 22-1990. Forms can completed online through the Veterans Online Application website or printed and mailed in.
The Veterans Affairs website explains the terms of the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program. A dependent would fill out VA Form 22-5490. Forms can completed online through the Veterans Online Application website or printed and mailed in.
To get your benefit money flowing, visit the VA certifying officials in the Rutgers Office of the Registrar at the campus you will be attending. The service coordinator on your campus can also help guide you through the registration and certifying process.
Certifying official:
Marie Diaz-Torres
Office of the Registrar
Rutgers University-Newark
Blumenthal Hall, 3rd floor
249 University Avenue
Newark, NJ 07102
Phone: 973-353-5372
Fax: 973-353-1357
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
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