Federal Veterans Benefits
Please note that UC Santa Cruz does not determine eligibility for veterans education benefits. Eligibility is determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Students must apply through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The UCSC Veterans Benefits Services Office will assist with the forms required and will submit the electronic enrollment (VA form 22-1999) to the VA each quarter.
Payment rates for these programs are available on the GI Bill® website. The GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.
For payment questions, or to change your address or bank information, you must contact the Department of Veterans Affairs, at (888) 442-4551.
The Different Types of Federal Veterans Benefits:
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Chapter 33: Post 9/11 GI Bill®
- Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bil®l, Active Duty (MGIB)
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Chapter 31: Veteran Readiness and Employment
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Chapter 35: Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance Program
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Chapter 1606: Montgomery GI Bill®: Selected Reserves
How to Utilize Your Federal Veterans Benefits
Please review the information on the VA website to learn more about how to utilize your federal veterans benefits.
To ensure a smooth process and receive your appropriate benefits, please follow the guidelines outlined below:
New VA beneficiaries
Submit VA Intake Form: Once you inform us of your intent to use VA Benefits, we will send you a "Welcome email" that will include steps to take in order to utilize your benefits. The first step will be to complete the VA Intake form via MyUCSC.
Submit Certificate of Eligibility: Once you have received your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA after processing your application for benefits, it is essential to submit this document to UCSC. This will help verify your eligibility for veteran education benefits and facilitate the necessary procedures. You may submit your COE as an attachment to the VA Intake form, or via email at vets_benefits@ucsc.edu.
New and continuing beneficiaries
Submit VA Study List: Prior to each term, it is required for students to complete the VA Study List Form and send it to vets_benefits@ucsc.edu. This step ensures that your enrollment status is correctly documented and allows for the appropriate processing of your benefits. If you wish to not use your benefits during one or more terms, you are not required to submit the VA Study List Form for these terms.
Changes to Schedule: Any modifications to your schedule, such as changes to the major or minor, additions, drops, class cancellations, or withdrawals, must be promptly reported to Veteran Certifying Official via email at vets_benefits@ucsc.edu. It is crucial to keep the officials informed about any adjustments to ensure accurate record-keeping and the proper administration of benefits.
About the GI Bill®
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Revised: 08/10/23
