Education Benefits
Veteran and Armed Forces benefit opportunities at Trocaire College
GI Bill®
The monthly BAH and subsistence allowance rates for all benefits are available here.
Initially known as the Serviceman’s Readjustment Act of 1944, the GI Bill of Rights was intended to provide educational opportunities, vocational training and other programs for returning WWII veterans. After the GI Bill of Rights went into effect, many veterans sought out higher education, which was an opportunity previously unavailable to them. The original GI Bill enabled 7.2 million WWII veterans to get an education during the legislation’s 12 year run. The bill was updated and reintroduced in 1984, resulting in the creation of the Montgomery GI Bill (aka: chapter 30). More changes were enacted in 2008 to support those with post 9/11 service. It has also been expanded to include educational training for injured and disabled veterans, dependents, and spouses.
Benefits by Chapter
| Program | History | Eligibility | Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty | Created in 1984, the MGIB-AD provides a monthly stipend for service members for up to 36 months | -3 years active duty-2 years if still active duty-Service after 1985 | 22-1990 |
| Chapter 31: Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program | This program was established for active duty service members and veterans with service-connected disabilities | -Served 30 days active duty-Have a 100% combined service related disability | 28-1900 |
| Chapter 32: Post-Vietnam Era Veterans’Educational Assistance Program | Chapter 32 was initially designed to attract people to the Armed Forces. Every $1 service members contributed from their military pay is matched by $2 by the government. | -Entered active duty between 1/1/1977 and 6/30/1985 -Made contributions from their military pay -Honorably discharged | 22-1990 |
| Chapter 33: Post 9/11 GI Bill | The most recent addition to the VA’s Educations Benefits is the Post 9/11 GI Bill. It is the most comprehensive benefit offered. | -Minimum: 90 aggregate days after 9/11/2001-Still active duty or honorably discharged | 22-1990 |
| Chapter 35: Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program | This benefit is for the spouses and dependents of service members who have a 100% service connected disability or who have died while on active duty. It provides up to 45 months of education benefits. | -Spouse/Dependent of a veteran with a 100% combined service connected disability-Surviving spouse/Dependent whose spouse/parent died as a result of active duty conditions | 22-5490 |
| Chapter 1606: Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve | Chapter 1606 is for reservists and members of the Army and Air National Guard, and benefits are available for 36 months. | – Only if currently in reserves or guard-Currently drilling in good standing | 22-1990 |
| National Call to Service Program | This program requires participants to serve through three distinct and uninterrupted tiers of service, beginning with 15 months of active duty. | -Successful completion of the three tiers of service | 22-1990N |
Career Counseling
The Office of Veteran Services is always willing to speak to students regarding their education and careers. Other resources at Trocaire College include the Career Center and your advisor. For those who are unsure about their educational needs and career goals, the VA offers free educational and vocational counseling. To apply please fill out Form 28-8832 and send to:
VA Regional Processing Office
P.O. Box 4616
Buffalo, NY 14240-4616
Tutorial Assistance
Tutoring in the Palisano Center for Academic Success is free and open to all students. It is located in the library (fourth floor of the main campus) and has scheduled hours and availability by appointment. Subjects covered: anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, English, writing, information technology/computer skills, health information and technology, medical terminology, microbiology, nursing (RN), philosophy, and practical nursing (LPN).
Part-time students and above who wish to seek outside tutoring that is relevant to their coursework may have the cost of this tutoring (up to $100 monthly) covered by their VA Educational Benefits at no charge to your entitlement. To apply, the student, tutor and certifying official must complete VA Form 22-1990T.
Other Benefits
Trocaire College proudly participates in The Yellow Ribbon Program. The Yellow Ribbon Program is intended to supplement Chapter 33 benefits. For instance, students pursuing education at a private institution, graduate school or out-of-state may need additional funds. To qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program, you must be at 100% eligibility and have exhausted your Chapter 33 benefits entirely.
Veterans Tuition Award (VTA)
The Veterans Tuition Award is another supplement to VA Educational Benefits available to New York residents pursuing an undergraduate education in New York state. Eligibility for the VTA can be established by completing the New York State Veterans Tuition Award Supplement . Once eligibility has been determined, applications for payment must be made by completing the FAFSA. Eligibility needs to only be established once, but applications for payment of the VTA need to be made annually.
Licensing and Certification Tests
Licensing and certification tests, such as CPR certifications, may be eligible for reimbursement by the VA. Chapter 30, 32, 33, 35, 1606 and 1607 all qualify for this benefit. More information on how to apply for reimbursement can be found on the VA Licensing and Certification Test Website.
VA Work Study Program
Veteran and dependent students have the opportunity to enter into a VA work study program which provides the student a flexible schedule that works around their classes. The Veterans Service office hires students based on available slots. Students would be responsible for performing VA related activities and administrative work. To apply, fill out VA Form 22-8691. If positions are unavailable there may be vacant positions through the federal work study program.
Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship
Children of an active duty member of the Armed Forces who has died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001 are eligible for this benefit. The Fry Scholarship may fully cover tuition and fees paid directly to the school for all public school in-state students. For those attending private or foreign schools, tuition and fees are capped at $17,500 per academic year, and a monthly housing allowance, books and supplies are stipend for 36 months. To apply fill out VA Form 22-5490.
VA Home Loan
VA Home Loans Program removes many barriers to homeownership and allow eligible service members and veterans to buy a home more easily. VA mortgage rates are lower than those of most other loan types. The VA loan is simply the best way to buy a home. Why? Because with a VA mortgage:
- No down payment is required
- No mortgage insurance is required.
- You get a great interest rate.
- More lenient credit guidelines are available to you.
The VA home loan is an amazing benefit available only to current and former US armed forces service members who meet eligibility requirements.