University Requirements
You will receive an eligibility letter for the GI Bill from the VA in 4 to 6 weeks. Provide that letter to the Office of Financial Assistance along with your Request for Veterans Benefit (PDF).
Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) can help you pay for education and training programs. If you’ve served at least 2 years on active duty, find out if you qualify for the MGIB-AD program.
Covered Cost
Chapter 30 benefits provide a monthly stipend directly to the service member. This program does not directly pay the university tuition or fees. It is the responsibility of the service member to ensure payment to the university for tuition and fees. In addition, some individuals may have bonuses or “kickers” which will increase the amount they receive each month (see Current Payment Rates button above)
University Requirements
You will receive an eligibility letter for the GI Bill from the VA in 4 to 6 weeks. Provide that letter to the Office of Financial Assistance along with your Request for Veterans Benefit (see above).
Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)
If you have a service-connected disability that limits your ability to work or prevents you from working, the VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program—also referred to as Chapter 31—can help. Find out if you’re eligible and how to apply for vocational rehabilitation benefits and services, like help exploring employment options and any required training needs. In some cases, your family members may also be eligible for certain benefits.
Application Process
Applying for Ch 31 requires that the veteran make contact with the nearest veterans office in Illinois. You can also use the web site and apply directly over the internet. Your local veterans office would be your first contact to obtain further information on applying for this benefit.
It is very important that you contact your local veterans office to obtain the form needed to begin your process into this program. They are not the approving authority, but they will assist you in filling out Form 28-1900, Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation. They will also give you direction on where to send these forms. This form and instructions can be downloaded at the above website.
University Requirements
Provide your letter of eligibility to the Office of Financial Assistance along with your Request for Veterans Benefit (see above).
Chapter 33 (Post 9/11)
If you have at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service after Sept. 10, 2001, and are still on active duty, or if you are an honorably discharged Veteran or were discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days, you may be eligible for this VA-administered program. Purple Heart recipients, regardless of length of service, are qualified for Post-9/11 benefits at the 100% level. Certain members of the Reserves who lost education benefits when REAP was sunset in November 2015, may also be eligible to receive restored benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. It provides up to 36 months of education benefits.
Covered Cost
Chapter 33 benefits provide a monthly stipend directly to the service member. This program also pays for tuition and fees based on the percentage of eligibility (see Current Payment Rates button above)
University Requirements
You will receive an eligibility letter for the GI Bill from the VA in 4 to 6 weeks. Provide that letter to the Office of Financial Assistance along with your Request for Veterans Benefit (see above).
Chapter 35 Survivors and Dependents Assistance (DEA)
DEA offers education and training opportunities to dependents of Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or of Veterans who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition. (Illinois veterans may qualify for the MIA/POW scholarship also listed on our website)
Covered Cost
Chapter 35 benefits provide a monthly stipend directly to the recipient. This program does not directly pay the university tuition or fees. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure payment to the university for tuition and fees (see Current Payment Rates button above).