Orientation for
Student Veterans
and Dependents
TOPICS COVERED







Tarleton’s Military Veterans Services Center
Federal Benefits (Veterans Affairs)
 How do I start using my benefits at Tarleton?
 Information about each benefit
 FAQ about each benefit
 Other Federal Benefits
State Benefits (Hazlewood)
 How do I start using my benefits at Tarleton?
 Information about Hazlewood benefits
 FAQ about Hazlewood benefits
 Other State Benefits
Campus Resources
Community Resources
Things to Know and Remember
Contact Information
TARLETON’S MILITARY VETERANS SERVICES CENTER
WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN?
• Who Are We?
• We are the representatives for veterans and their families at Tarleton.
• What Do We Do?
• We serve as a support office and information hub for Tarleton’s veteran
students. We also process and/or assist students in obtaining federal
and state veterans/dependents benefits.
• Where Are We?
• We are located in room 126 in the Tarleton Center on the Stephenville
campus.
• When Are We Available?
• Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00-5:00. Appointments
are not necessary.
TARLETON’S MILITARY VETERANS SERVICES CENTER
AVAILABLE RESOURCES
• Department of Veterans Affairs Education Benefits Certifying Officials
• Our certifying officials can provide support and answer your questions regarding your VA education
benefits and certify your enrollment directly to the VA.
• Student Veterans Lounge
•
•
•
•
•
Television
Sitting, Meeting, and Workspaces
Refrigerator, Coffee Pot, and Microwave
Occasional complimentary refreshments
Direct access to assistance from MVSC personnel
• Direct Contact Information
• University faculty and staff offices
• Community support offices
If we can’t answer your question, we’ll help
you find the people that can!!!
FEDERAL BENEFITS
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Veteran Benefits
• Chapter 30: Montgomery GI BillActive Duty ®
• Chapter 1606: Montgomery GI BillSelected Reserve ®
• Chapter 31: Vocational Rehabilitation
and Employment ®
• Chapter 33: Post 9/11 GI Bill ®
Dependent Benefits
• Chapter 35: Dependents Education
Assistance®
• Fry Scholarship®
• Chapter 33 TOE: Post 9/11®
Transfer of Entitlement
FEDERAL BENEFITS
HOW DO I START USING MY VA BENEFITS AT
TARLETON?
1. Complete the proper VA form using the VONAPP (Veterans Online Application) system and
submit it directly to the Department of Veterans Affairs. www.vabenefits.vba.va.gov
•
•
•
•
•
New Post 9/11®, MGIB®, or MGIB-SR®: VA form 22-1990
Previously used Post 9/11®, MGIB®, or MGIB-SR®: VA form 22-1995
New Post 9/11® TOE: VA form 22-1990E
New DEA® & FRY®: VA form 22-5490
Previously used Post 9/11® TOE, DEA®, or FRY®: VA form 22-5495
2. Either by fax, email, or in person provide our office with:
1.
2.
3.
4.
The Certificate of Eligibility you will receive in the mail from the VA 2-4 weeks after you complete and submit the
proper VA form as stated above.
VR&E ONLY: You or your counselor will need to send us a VA 28-1905
The DD 214 (Member 4) of the veteran
A completed Tarleton Request for VA Certification form. This form can be found on a clipboard in our office and
also on our website. This form must be completed before every semester to continue using your benefits.
Please Remember!!! A new request for certification
form must be submitted to our office before every
semester to have your benefits applied and for you to
start getting paid on time!!!
FEDERAL BENEFITS
CHAPTER 30: MONTGOMERY GI BILL- ACTIVE DUTY ®
(MGIB®)
Eligibility Requirements:
•
•
•
•
•
Must first enter on active duty after June 30, 1985.
If obligated period of service is less than 3 years, then the serviceperson must serve 24 continuous
months. If they enlisted for 3 years or more, then serviceperson must serve at least 36 months
(exceptions apply).
Must have a qualifying period of Honorable service
Must not have declined GI Bill® in writing at initial entry. If individual signs up for benefit, service
branch will deduct $1,200 from service pay.
•
Entitlement is 36 months of benefits available
•
Eligible veterans must use this benefit within 10 years of their discharge date
•
First time users must complete the VA form 22-1990 and submit it to the VA
•
MGIB® pays the student directly. MGIB® does not pay anything to the school.
•
Current Rate: $1,789 for each full month enrolled as a full-time student (Amount is
pro-rated for partial months and/or for less than full-time enrollment.)
FEDERAL BENEFITS
CHAPTER 1606: MONTGOMERY GI BILL- SELECTED
RESERVE® (MGIB-SR®)
Eligibility Requirements:
•
•
•
•
•
Obligation to serve at least 6 years
Completed Initial Active Duty Training (IADT)
Must be in satisfactory standing with Reserve/Guard unit
May be eligible for a “kicker” incentive at the discretion of the branch of service
•
This benefit generally ends on the day of separation from the service
•
Entitlement is 36 months of benefits available
•
Obtain a DD form 2238 (Notice of Basic Eligibility) from your chain of command and
Complete the VA form 22-1990 to apply to the VA to use the benefit
•
MGIB-SR® pays the student directly. MGIB-SR® does not pay anything to the school.
•
Current Rate: $368 for each full month enrolled as a full-time student (Amount is prorated for partial months and/or for less than full-time enrollment.)
FEDERAL BENEFITS
CHAPTER 35: DEPENDENTS EDUCATION
ASSISTANCE® (DEA®)
Eligibility Requirements:
•
Student is the spouse, surviving spouse or dependent child of a veteran who:
•
•
•
•
•
Is 100% permanently and totally disabled as a result of a service connected disability
Died while rated 100% permanently and totally disabled as a result of a service connected disability
Died as a result of a service connected injury while on active duty
Was held as a POW or MIA for 90 days or more. This is determined by the Secretary of Defense and benefits end
when the status ends.
Delimiting Dates (How long do you have to use the benefits?)
•
•
•
•
Spouse: 10 years from date of death or notification of 100% rating notification
Surviving Spouse of Service members Killed On Active Duty: 20 years from date of death
Child: Age of 26 or 8 years from the date of death or 100% rating notification
•
Entitlement is 48 months of benefits available with an additional 5 months for remedial and
deficiency classes if needed
•
First time users must complete the VA form 22-5490 and submit it to the VA
•
DEA® pays the student directly. DEA® does not pay anything to the school.
•
Current Rate: $1,021 for each full month enrolled as a full-time student (Amount is prorated for partial months and/or for less than full-time enrollment.)
FEDERAL BENEFITS
MGIB®, MGIB-SR®, DEA®
MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
• Why does the university say I still owe them money?
• These benefits do not pay tuition and fees to the school. You will be responsible for
ensuring your bill is paid every semester.
• Can these benefits be used along with the Hazlewood Exemption?
• Yes! Since Hazlewood is a state mandated benefit and none of these benefits are
designated strictly for the payment of tuition and fees, you can use them in conjunction
with the Hazlewood Exemption.
• Why haven’t I been paid for last month yet? (MGIB® and MGIB-SR® Only)
• These two benefits have an extra step that requires you to call the VA Education Call
Center (1-888-442-4551) or logon to the W.A.V.E system (www.gibil.va.gov/wave/index) to
verify your attendance for the previous month in order to receive payment for it.
• I was told that having this benefit would allow me to go to school for free. Is this correct?
• Unfortunately, these benefits are meant to offset the cost of attending college not pay for
the entire cost of college. In some cases, the cumulative amount of payments you receive
by the end of the semester will equal or exceed the amount you paid for tuition and fees
for the semester, but this is not guaranteed.
FEDERAL BENEFITS
CHAPTER 31: VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND
EMPLOYMENT® (VR&E®)
Eligibility Requirements:
•
•
•
•
•
Honorable or other than dishonorable discharge
VA service-connected disability rating or memo rating of 10% or more
Apply for Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment services (VA form 28-1900 sent to the VA)
Entitlement based on establishment of employment handicap resulting from service connected disability
•
Eligible veterans must use this benefit within 12 years of receiving disability
rating. (exceptions apply)
•
Entitlement is up to 48 months of benefits available (exceptions apply)
•
Obtain a VA form 28-1905 from your VR&E® counselor made out to the school
•
VR&E® will pay tuition and fees directly to the school, and it will pay for books/supplies
directly to the university bookstore. The subsistence allowance is provided to the student.
•
•
•
•
•
100% of billed tuition and fees
All necessary books
Basic supplies (counselors can set a monetary cap on supplies)
Monthly subsistence allowance based on rate of pursuit (full-time, ¾ time…)
Current Rate: Visit the VA Education Website to view current pay tables for VR&E® or ask
your VR&E counselor
FEDERAL BENEFITS
VR&E®
MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
• Why won’t I get the housing rate for the area where I live or actually attend classes?
• The VA does not recognize our satellite campuses as stand-alone facilities, so all housing
rates are tied to Stephenville.
• Is there anything on the bill the VA will not pay?
• Yes, check with your VR&E counselor if you have a question about a fee that was not paid.
• What if I need something for class that does not fall into the basic supply category?
• You must contact your VR&E® counselor for any supplies that are not basic supplies. This
can include things such as graphing calculators and back packs.
• How do I get my books?
• Contact the campus bookstore with your class schedule a couple days after you receive
the email from VA-Once stating you have been certified. We send the most current list of
VR&E students to the book store every two days.
• Who do I contact if there is an issue with my payments or I have a question about classes I
am allowed to take?
• Its always best to contact your VR&E® counselor first about items related to payments or
specific permissions.
FEDERAL BENEFITS
CHAPTER 33: POST 9/11 GI BILL® (POST 9/11®)
Individuals who have served on active duty after September 10, 2001, that meet the following
requirements are potentially eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill®:
•
•
•
•
•
Served a minimum of 90 aggregate days on active duty
Served a period of at least 30 days and received a disability/medical discharge
Received an Honorable discharge
Relinquished or exhausted MGIB-AD®, MGIB-SR®, or REAP®
•
Entitlement is up to 36 months of benefits available
•
Eligible veterans must use this benefit within 15 years of their discharge date
•
First time users must complete the VA form 22-1990 and submit it to the VA
•
Post 9/11® will pay tuition and fees directly to the school. Students will receive a book stipend and
a monthly housing allowance (Not Active Duty)
•
•
•
•
Tuition and fees based on your percentage of eligibility (See table on next slide)
Book stipend based on your percentage of eligibility paid once a semester. Students with 100% eligibility will
receive $41.67 per credit hour up to 24 credit hours or $1000 an academic year.
Housing Allowance based on your percentage of eligibility, mode of instruction (online vs. face-to-face), and
rate of pursuit (full-time, ¾ time..etc)
Current Housing Rate for All Tarleton Students: $1,257 for each full month enrolled as a full-time
student with 100% eligibility and at least one face-to-face class. (Amount is pro-rated for partial
months and/or for less than full-time enrollment.) Online only rate begins at $805.
NOTE: ALL TARLETON STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE THE STEPHENVILLE HOUSING RATE
FEDERAL BENEFITS
CHAPTER 33: POST 9/11 GI BILL®
ELIGIBILITY PERCENTAGES
FEDERAL BENEFITS
CHAPTER 33: POST 9/11 GI BILL® TRANSFER OF
ENTITLEMENT (POST 9/11® TOE)
•
An Active Duty service member deemed eligible by the Department of Defense may transfer
benefits to dependents enrolled in DEERS at the time of transfer.
•
Entitlement is up to 36 months of benefits available (Veteran is responsible for deciding)
•
Eligible spouses must use this benefit within 15 years of the veteran’s discharge date
•
Eligible children have until the age of 26 to used this benefit
•
First time users must complete the VA form 22-1990E and submit it to the VA
•
Post 9/11® will pay tuition and fees directly to the school. Students will receive a book stipend and
a monthly housing allowance
•
•
•
•
Tuition and fees based on the veteran’s percentage of eligibility (See table on previous slide)
Book stipend based on the veteran’s percentage of eligibility paid once a semester. Students with 100%
eligibility will receive $41.67 per credit hour up to 24 credit hours or $1000 an academic year.
Housing Allowance based on the veteran’s percentage of eligibility, mode of instruction (online vs. face-toface), and rate of pursuit (full-time, ¾ time..etc)
Current Housing Rate for All Tarleton Students: $1,257 for each full month enrolled as a full-time
student with 100% eligibility and at least one face-to-face class. (Amount is pro-rated for partial
months and/or for less than full-time enrollment.) Online only rate begins at $805.
NOTE: ALL TARLETON STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE THE STEPHENVILLE HOUSING RATE
FEDERAL BENEFITS
MARINE GUNNERY SERGEANT JOHN DAVID FRY
SCHOLARSHIP® (FRY®)
•
Available to children and spouses of Service members who died in the line of duty while on active
duty after September 10, 2001.
•
Entitlement is up to 36 months of benefits available to each eligible dependent
•
Eligible spouses must use this benefit within 15 years of the veteran’s date of death and cannot
have remarried
•
Eligible children may use the benefit between the ages of 18 and 33
•
First time users must complete the VA form 22-5490 and submit it to the VA
•
FRY® will pay tuition and fees directly to the school. Students will receive a book stipend and a
monthly housing allowance
•
•
•
•
100% of billed tuition and fees
Book stipend paid once a semester. Students will receive $41.67 per credit hour up to 24 credit hours or
$1000 an academic year.
Housing Allowance based on mode of instruction (online vs. face-to-face) and rate of pursuit (full-time, ¾
time..etc)
Current Housing Rate for All Tarleton Students: $1,257 for each full month enrolled as a full-time
student and at least one face-to-face class. (Amount is pro-rated for partial months and/or for less
than full-time enrollment.) Online only rate begins at $805.
NOTE: ALL TARLETON STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE THE STEPHENVILLE HOUSING RATE
FEDERAL BENEFITS
POST 9/11 GI BILL® AND FRY SCHOLARSHIP®
MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
• Why won’t I get the housing rate for the area where I live or actually attend classes?
• The VA does not recognize our satellite campuses as stand-alone facilities, so all housing
rates are tied to Stephenville.
• Is there anything on the bill the VA will not pay?
• Yes, the VA will not pay dorm and meal plans fees as well as non-mandatory or student
fault fees such as but not limited to parking fees, repeated course fees, and late
registration fees.
• I’m a half time student, why didn’t I receive a housing allowance this month?
• The VA only pays housing allowances to students that are enrolled more than half time.
• Why does my benefits update letter say Tarleton did not charge me tuition and fees for my
upcoming semester?
• We submit early certifications for all students to reduce the likelihood of delayed book
and housing payments. We always report $0 in tuition and fees on these early
certifications and amend the certification with the correct tuition and fees once the
semester has begun. You will receive an email from the VA-Once system when this
amendment occurs.
FEDERAL BENEFITS
OTHER FEDERAL BENEFITS AVAILABLE
•
•
•
•
Tutorial Assistance
National Testing Program
VA Work-study
Tuition Assistance
Please visit our Tarleton Veterans webpage for
links to more information about these benefits!!
www.tarleton.edu/veterans/benefits
You can also find the most current information about all
available federal veterans/dependent benefits at the VA
website.
www.benefits.va.gov
STATE BENEFITS
Veteran Benefits
• Hazlewood Exemption
Dependent Benefits
• Hazlewood Exemption Legacy
• Hazlewood Exemption Disabled
STATE BENEFITS
HOW DO I START USING THE HAZLEWOOD
EXEMPTION AT TARLETON?
1. Complete the Hazlewood Exemption Application. This can be found on the Texas
Veterans Commission website, our Tarleton Veterans website, the Tarleton
Financial Aid website, and on a clip board in our office.
2. Either by fax, email, or in person provide the financial aid office with:
1.
2.
Your completed and signed Hazlewood Exemption Application
The necessary supporting documents as outlined on the first page of the application and also on
the next few slides.
Please Remember!!! A Hazlewood Exemption
Continuation form must be submitted to the Financial
Aid office before every semester to have your
benefits applied on time!!!
STATE BENEFITS
HAZLEWOOD EXEMPTION-VETERAN
Eligibility Requirements:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Up to 150 credit hours can be claimed for exemption
•
•
First time users must complete the Hazlewood Exemption Application and
provide the necessary supporting documents. For the veteran this is:
•
•
•
•
Entered the military from Texas or as a Texas resident
Served more than 180 day on active duty excluding IET
Received an Honorable or General Discharge under Honorable Conditions
Exhausted Post 9/11 benefits if eligible at the 100% rate
Reside in Texas during enrollment
Meet the grade point average satisfactory academic progress requirement
Most current DD 214 showing total amount of Active Duty time or multiple DD 214’s showing
individual periods of qualifying Active Duty time
Proof of Texas residency at the time of initial enlistment if the DD 214 does not state Texas as
Home of Record or Place of Entry
Certificate of Eligibility for Post 9/11 benefits (if discharge is on or after 9/11/2001)
This benefit exempts 100% of the eligible student’s tuition and mandatory
fees as designated on the university billing statement.
STATE BENEFITS
HAZLEWOOD EXEMPTION LEGACY
Eligibility Requirements:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Up to 150 credit hours can be claimed for exemption
•
•
Veteran qualifies for the exemption (see previous slide)
Student is the dependent child of the veteran
25 years old or younger on the first day of class
Enrolled in a degree program and meet the GPA satisfactory academic progress requirement
Meet Tarleton’s resident tuition requirements.
First time users must complete the Hazlewood Exemption Application and provide the
necessary supporting documents. For Legacy children this is:
•
•
•
•
Veteran’s most current DD 214 showing total amount of Active Duty time or multiple DD 214’s showing individual
periods of qualifying Active Duty time
Proof of relationship documentation showing dependent relationship between the veteran and the student (birth
certificate, marriage license, adoption papers, most current income tax receipt from the IRS)
VA Certificate of Eligibility for Post 9/11 benefits (if date of discharge is after August 1, 2009)
Death Certificate of the veteran if he/she is deceased
•
This benefit exempts 100% of the eligible student’s tuition and mandatory fees as
designated on the university billing statement.
•
Be Aware!!! Siblings cannot use Hazlewood Exemption Legacy hours at the same time, even
if they go to different schools!!!
STATE BENEFITS
HAZLEWOOD EXEMPTION DISABLED
Eligibility Requirements:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Up to 150 credit hours can be claimed for the exemption per dependent
•
•
First time users must complete the Hazlewood Exemption Application and provide the
necessary supporting documents. For dependents of disabled veterans this is:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Veteran must qualify for the exemption (see Hazlewood Exemption-Veteran slide)
Veteran must be 100% totally and permanently disabled or individually employable
Student is the spouse, surviving spouse, or dependent child of the veteran
Meet GPA satisfactory academic progress requirements
Meet Tarleton’s resident tuition requirements
Veteran’s most current DD 214 showing total amount of Active Duty time or multiple DD 214’s
showing individual periods of qualifying Active Duty time
Proof of relationship documentation showing dependent relationship between the veteran and the
student (birth certificate, marriage license, adoption papers, most current income tax receipt from
the IRS)
VA disability notification letter showing disability rating and stating the veteran is permanently and
totally disabled.
VA Certificate of Eligibility for Post 9/11 benefits (if date of discharge is after August 1, 2009)
Death Certificate of the veteran if he/she is deceased
This benefit exempts 100% of the eligible student’s tuition and mandatory fees as
designated on the university billing statement.
STATE BENEFITS
OTHER STATE BENEFITS AVAILABLE
• State Tuition Reimbursement for National Guard
Please visit our Tarleton Veterans webpage for links
to more information about this benefit!!
www.tarleton.edu/veterans/benefits
You can also find the most current information about all
available state veterans/dependent benefits at the Texas
Veterans Commission website
www.tvc.texas/gov/
and the Texas Veterans Portal
https://veterans.portal.texas.gov/
THINGS TO KNOW AND REMEMBER
 The VA will only provide benefits for classes that apply specifically to your degree
plan. Please ensure all classes are filling a requirement before requesting certification.
If you are not sure, contact our office or an academic advisor.
 If you are transferring to Tarleton from another school and used your VA benefits at
that school, be sure to fill out and submit the appropriate form to notify the VA of
your change.
 Post 9/11 ®, MGIB ®, MGIB-SR ® : VA form 22-1995
 Post 9/11 ® TOE, FRY ®, DEA ® : VA form 22-5495
 VR&E ® : Inform you counselor and obtain a new VA form 28-1905
 All VA students are paid in arrears. For example: If you attend classes the entire month
of September, you will be paid for September at the beginning of October. This can be
important to remember for budgeting purposes.
 Students eligible for multiple VA benefits must remember the VA has a 48 month total
cap for combining benefits. This means if you completely exhaust 36 months of one
benefit, you can only receive a maximum of 12 months for another benefit.
(Some exceptions apply: Contact our office or the VA for questions)
THINGS TO KNOW AND REMEMBER
 Every student certified for VA benefits will have a registration hold placed on his/her
account for the duration of the semester. This hold ensures we are notified before a
student changes his/her schedule. The hold will automatically lift before the next
semester’s registration period begins. Please contact us if you wish to change your
schedule at any time after you request to be certified.
 Be aware!! Schedule changes can effect the benefits you receive or have received.
Some changes may cause you to owe a debt back to the VA. If you have questions or
concerns, contact our office before making any changes.
 Every student utilizing VA benefits must submit a new request for certification form to
our office before every semester-No Exceptions
 Every student utilizing the Hazlewood exemption must submit a Hazlewood
Exemption Continuation form to the Financial Aid office before every semester-No
Exceptions
 Don’t forget to visit our website for even more information about your benefits.
We’ve created a thorough Frequently Asked Questions section as a resource for you!
 www.tarleton.edu/veterans/
CAMPUS RESOURCES
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Student Counseling Services: 254-968-9044
Career Services Center: 254-968-9078
Financial Aid Office:254-968-9070
Scholarships Office: 254-968-9922
Registrar’s Office: 254-968-9121
Student Life: 254-968-9081
Academic Advising Services: 254-968-9746
Undergraduate Admissions: 254-968-9125
Business Services: 254-968-9107
Campus Store: 254-968-9007
Testing Center: 254-968-9123
Academic Resource Center: 254-968-9009
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Center for Student Engagement: 254-968-9490
Library: 254-968-9937
Office of Diversity and Inclusion: 254-968-9488
Parent Relations: 254-968-9490
Police Department: 254-968-9002
Recreational Sports: 254-968-9912
Residential Living and Learning: 254-968-9083
Student Activities: 254-968-9256
Student Disability Services: 254-968-9400
Student Health Center: 254-968-9271
Student Success: 254-968-9480
Transition and Family Relations: 254-968-9490
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
• Erath County Veterans Office (Tami Barker):
254-965-1443
• VFW: 817-573-9350
• American Legion: 254-965-0806
• DAV: 254-918-5660
• TVC Veterans Career Advisor (James Grisham):
817-594-0049 ext 3510
Veterans Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
EDUCATION OFFICE CONTACT
INFORMATION
• Tarleton Military Veterans Services Center
•
•
•
•
•
Point of Contact: Stephanie Kittelson-Veterans Affairs Coordinator
Phone: 254-968-1805
Fax: 265-968-1871
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.tarleton.edu/veterans/
• Department of Veterans Affairs
• Phone: 1-888-442-4551
• Website: www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/
• Texas Veterans Commission
• Phone: 1-877-898-3833
• Website: www.tvc.texas.gov