SUNY Cortland is proud to serve the men and women in uniform and to assist them with their educational goals. The Financial Aid Office provides information and processes the paperwork for the certification of Veterans Affairs educational benefits. All students eligible for VA Education Benefits must file application forms according to their specific situations.
To find out what education benefits you qualify for and for an application, please visit www.gibill.va.gov.
VA Certifying Official: April M. Calale
E-mail: financial.aid@cortland.edu
New Students
Transfer Students
Continuing Students
VA Forms and Resources
Meet your Financial Aid Advisor
New Students
What to send to SUNY Cortland’s VA Certifying Official
- Copy of completed application for Veterans education benefits
- Copy of member 4 DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)(if applicable)
- Copy of Kicker Program documentation (if applicable)
- Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) if you are in the Reserves
- Certificate of Eligibility (you will receive this from the Buffalo Regional VA office once a determination on your eligibility is made)
Chapter 30 (Veterans GI Bill)
This educational assistance program is available to fully honorably discharged veterans who meet the eligibility criteria explained in detail on the Department of Veterans Affairs Web site at Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (MGIB-AD).
Chapter 1606 (Reserves/National Guard)
This program may be available if you are a member of a selected reserve. More eligibility information on Chapter 1606 is provided on the Department of Veterans Affairs Web site at www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/benefits.htm#MGIBSR.
Chapter 1607 (Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
More eligibility information on Chapter 1607 is provided on the Department of Veterans Affairs Web site at www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/benefits.htm#REAP or at www.gibill.va.gov/pamphlets/CH1607/REAP_FAQ.htm.
For Chapters 30, 1606 and 1607: If you have not applied for VA education benefits, you will need to do so by completing VA Form 22-1990, which can be done online. Using the Veterans Online Application (VONAPP).
Chapter 35 (Survivor’s and Dependent’s Educational Assistance program DEA)
The spouse, child, stepchild or adopted child of a veteran who is deceased (service-connected) or who is 100 percent disabled (service-connected) may qualify for Chapter 35 benefits. Visit the Department of Veterans Affairs Web site at www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/benefits.htm#DEA.
You will need to complete VA Form 22-5490, which can be done online. Using the Veterans Online Application (VONAPP).
Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation)
Any veteran receiving at least 10 percent permanent, service-connected disability from the VA can apply for this benefit. Approval is made on a case-by-case basis and is managed at the state level. To learn more about or to apply for Chapter 31 benefits in New York state, call (800) 827-1000.
You must fill out VA Form 22-1900. However, it is advised that you call the VA rehabilitation counselor first. To learn more about or to apply for Chapter 31 benefits in New York state, call (800) 827-1000.
The Post-9/11 GI-Bill (Chapter 33)
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.
As of August 1, 2009, the Post-9/11 GI Bill is effective for training. Approved training under the Post-9/11 GI Bill includes graduate and undergraduate degrees, and vocational/technical training. All training programs must be offered by an institution of higher learning (IHL) and approved for GI Bill benefits. Additionally, tutorial assistance, and licensing and certification test reimbursement are approved under the Post- 9/11 GI Bill.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay your tuition based upon the highest in-state tuition charged by a public educational institution in the state where the school is located. The amount of support that an individual may qualify for depends on where they live and what type of degree they are pursuing.
This Post 9-11 GI Bill will pay eligible individuals:
- · Tuition & fees directly to the school not to exceed the maximum in-state tuition & fees at a public Institution of Higher Learning.
- A monthly housing allowance based on the Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents at the location of the school.
- For those attending foreign schools (schools without a main campus in the U.S.) the BAH rate is fixed at $1,347.00 for 2011 and $1,348.00 for 2010.
- An annual books & supplies stipend of $1,000 paid proportionately based on enrollment.
- A one-time rural benefit payment for eligible individuals.
This benefit is payable only for training at an Institution of Higher Learning (IHL). If you are enrolled exclusively in online training you will not receive the housing allowance. If you are on active duty you will not receive the housing allowance or books & supplies stipend. This benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits, generally benefits are payable for 15 years following your release from active duty.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill also offers some service members the opportunity to transfer their GI Bill to dependents.
Transfer of Post-9/11 GI-Bill Benefits to Dependents (TEB)
How to apply for TEB
First you must go to the DoD transferability application website to determine if your dependents are eligible to receive the transferred benefits. This website is only available to military members. Official DoD transferability application website
Scholarships and Awards for Veterans
For further information about scholarships and awards for veterans and to apply, please visit the Military Corner. You also may call (888) 697-4372 or send an e-mail to militarycorner@hesc.com.
Certification of Enrollment
For all chapter benefits our certifying official must notify the VA of your enrollment each semester. It is your responsibility to contact our office once you are fully registered for a term. Your enrollment will be certified with the VA shortly thereafter.
If you are chapter 30.35.1606 or 1607 you must contact the VA for enrollment certification each month that you qualify for benefits. This should be done online the last day of each month at Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (W.A.V.E.). Follow the W.A.V.E. link to complete electronic certification or call (877) 823-2378. If your enrollment certification has been submitted and you would like to check on the status of your payment, you can call the New York state regional office at (888) 442-4551.
Please Note
It is your responsibility to notify the VA certifying official when withdrawing from or adding a course. Bring a copy of your official withdrawal showing the date(s) of withdrawal to the Financial Aid Office. If you plan on attending Winter Session or Summer Sessions I or II, you need to contact the VA certifying official as well. Send e-mail to april.calale@cortland.edu.
Transfer Students
Students who had been receiving veterans benefits at another college must complete a Change Program/Place of Training form to receive benefits at SUNY Cortland:
- VA form 22-1995 for Veterans, Servicepersons and Members of the Selected Reserve or
- VA form 22-5495 for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance
What to send SUNY Cortland's VA Certifying Official
- Copy of member 4 DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
- Copy of Change of Program/Place of Training form (can be completed in the Financial Aid Office)
- Copy of Certificate of Eligibility
Chapter 30 (Veterans GI Bill)
Educational assistance program available to fully honorably discharged veterans who meet the eligibility criteria explained in detail on the Department of Veterans Affairs Web site at Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (MGIB-AD).
Chapter 1606 (Reserves/National Guard)
This program may be available if you are a member of a selected reserve. More eligibility information on Chapter 1606 is provided on the Department of Veterans Affairs Web site at http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/benefits.htm#MGIBSR.
Chapter 1607 (Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
More eligibility information on Chapter 1607 is provided on the Department of Veterans Affairs Web site at www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/benefits.htm#REAP or at www.gibill.va.gov/pamphlets/CH1607/REAP_FAQ.htm.
Chapter 35 (Survivor's and Dependents Educational Assistance Program - DEA)
The spouse, child, stepchild or adopted child of a veteran who is deceased (service-connected) or who is 100% disabled (service-connected) may qualify for Chapter 35 benefits. Visit the Department of Veterans Affairs Web site http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/benefits.htm#DEA
Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation)
Any veteran receiving at least 10 percent permanent, service-connected disability from the VA can apply for this benefit. Approval is made on a case-by-case basis and is managed at the state level. To learn more about or to apply for Chapter 31 benefits in New York state, call (800) 827-1000.
The Post-9/11 GI-Bill (Chapter 33)
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.
As of August 1, 2009, the Post-9/11 GI Bill is effective for training. Approved training under the Post-9/11 GI Bill includes graduate and undergraduate degrees, and vocational/technical training. All training programs must be offered by an institution of higher learning (IHL) and approved for GI Bill benefits. Additionally, tutorial assistance, and licensing and certification test reimbursement are approved under the Post- 9/11 GI Bill.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay your tuition based upon the highest in-state tuition charged by a public educational institution in the state where the school is located. The amount of support that an individual may qualify for depends on where they live and what type of degree they are pursuing.
This Post 9-11 GI Bill will pay eligible individuals:
- · Tuition & fees directly to the school not to exceed the maximum in-state tuition & fees at a public Institution of Higher Learning.
- A monthly housing allowance based on the Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents at the location of the school.
- For those attending foreign schools (schools without a main campus in the U.S.) the BAH rate is fixed at $1,347.00 for 2011 and $1,348.00 for 2010.
- An annual books & supplies stipend of $1,000 paid proportionately based on enrollment.
- A one-time rural benefit payment for eligible individuals.
This benefit is payable only for training at an Institution of Higher Learning (IHL). If you are enrolled exclusively in online training you will not receive the housing allowance. If you are on active duty you will not receive the housing allowance or books & supplies stipend. This benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits, generally benefits are payable for 15 years following your release from active duty.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill also offers some service members the opportunity to transfer their GI Bill to dependents.
Transfer of Post-9/11 GI-Bill Benefits to Dependents (TEB)
How to apply for TEB
First you must go to the DoD transferability application website to determine if your dependents are eligible to receive the transferred benefits. This website is only available to military members. Official DoD transferability application website
Scholarships And Awards for Veterans
For further information about scholarships and awards for veterans and to apply, please visit the Military Corner. For questions call (888) 697-4372 or send an e-mail to militarycorner@hesc.com.
Certification of Enrollment
For all chapter benefits — with the exception of Chapter 31 — our certifying official must notify the VA of your enrollment each semester. It is your responsibility to contact our office once you are fully registered for a term. Your enrollment will be certified with the VA shortly thereafter.
Each month that you qualify for benefits, you must contact the VA for enrollment certification. This should be done online the last day of each month at Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (W.A.V.E.). Follow the W.A.V.E. link to complete electronic certification or call (877) 823-2378. If your enrollment certification has been submitted and you would like to check on the status of your payment, you can call the New York state regional office at (888) 442-4551.
Please Note
It is your responsibility to notify the VA certifying official when withdrawing from or adding a course. Bring a copy of your official withdrawal showing the date(s) of withdrawal to the Financial Aid Office. If you plan on attending Winter Session or Summer Sessions I or II, you need to contact the VA certifying official as well. Send e-mail to april.calale@cortland.edu.
Continuing Students
Continuing Students are asked to contact the VA certifying official immediately when they have registered for classes, not only for the Fall and Spring semesters but also if they are planning on taking any Winter Session or Summer Session I or II classes as well.
Certification of Enrollment
For all chapter benefits — with the exception of Chapter 31 — our certifying official must notify the VA of your enrollment each semester. It is your responsibility to contact our office once you are fully registered for a term. Your enrollment will be certified with the VA shortly thereafter.
Each month that you qualify for benefits, you must contact the VA for enrollment certification. This should be done online the last day of each month at Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (W.A.V.E.). Follow the W.A.V.E. link to complete electronic certification or call (877) 823-2378. If your enrollment certification has been submitted and you would like to check on the status of your payment, you can call the New York state regional office at (888) 442-4551.
Please Note
It is your responsibility to notify the VA certifying official when withdrawing from or adding a course. Bring a copy of your official withdrawal showing the date(s) of withdrawal to the Financial Aid Office. If you plan on attending Winter Session or Summer Sessions I or II, you need to contact the VA certifying official as well. Send e-mail to april.calale@cortland.edu.
Veterans education benefits are considered a resource in the financial aid package, and adjustments to other aid will be made as required by law. The Financial Aid Office at SUNY Cortland certifies Veterans benefits.
For more information, visit www.gibill.va.gov.
