The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is approved by the Veterans Administration as a training facility for veterans. The Office of Veterans Services, located in the University Registrar's Office, coordinates services to the approximately 200 veterans, dependants, guardsmen and reservists attending classes and receiving veterans benefits.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Am I eligible for military tuition assistance?
Contact the VA by phone at 1-888-GIBILL1, or visit the Education Service website. To receive veterans education benefits, you must be admitted as a degree seeking undergraduate or graduate student and adhere to the same tuition policies as other students. Benefit payments are sent directly to the veteran on a monthly basis and no advance payments are available.
What benefits are available?
- The Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30): Active Duty Educational Assistance Program, generally for individuals who entered active duty after June 30, 1985 and served continuously for three years or by serving two years on active duty followed by four years of Selected Reserve. To be eligible, veterans must have contributed $1200 during their first year of military service. Veterans or service personnel cannot withdraw money paid into the fund.
- The Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 1606): Selected Reserve Educational Assistance Program, for members of the Reserve elements of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and the Air National Guard. To be eligible, reservist must have a six-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve signed after June 30, 1985. No contribution is required.
- Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35): Educational assistance available to spouses and children of veterans who died or are permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-related disability.
- Disabled Veterans Assistance (Chapter 31): Vocational Rehabilitation for service-connected disability of 20% or greater. Benefit provides a monthly stipend and covers the cost of tuition, books and supplies. Eligibility is determined on an individual case basis.
- Veterans Education Assistance Program (VEAP Chapter 32): For individuals who entered active duty service between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985 and served a continuous period of 181 days or more plus contributed toward the education program.
- Vietnam Era GI Bill (Chapter 34): For individuals who entered active duty prior to December 31, 1976 and served a minimum of 181 days active duty after January 31, 1955. Benefits must have been used by January 1, 1990.
Where do I start?
If you are eligible for VA benefits, contact the UNC-CH Veterans Services Office for the appropriate VA application and Enrollment Data Form necessary to activate your benefits:
Veterans Services
Suite 3100, SASB North, CB# 2100
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-2100
Telephone: 919-962-8292
Fax: 919-962-3349
What documentation must accompany my application?
- For veterans: Certified copy of DD214 (discharge papers)
- For dependents: Certificate of Eligibility
- For reservists: Copy of NOBE (Notice of Basic Eligibility)
What happens next?
The Veterans Certifying Official submits the original application and accompanying documentation to the Atlanta Regional Processing Center. Due to the volume of claims the ARPO processes, it can take up to 12 weeks to receive correspondence or a payment. Please be patient and do not inquire about your initial claim until at least 60 working days have passed. You may also access the Veteran's Affairs Education Inquiry Website.
How do I keep receiving these payments?
Renewal is not automatic. You must visit the UNC-CH Veterans Services Office, or print and mail the Veterans Education Benefits form, as soon as you register for the following term to re-activate your benefits and prevent a lapse in payment. Without a new enrollment form, your payments will stop. The Veterans Certifying Official uses electronic certification for continuing students and may certify enrollment for one full academic year. You must notify this office if you change your major, withdraw or drop hours below the amount certified to the VA.
Chapter 30 and 1606 veterans must verify their own monthly attendance to receive each check. Please choose one of these three ways to accomplish this:
What if I used some of my benefits at another institution?
If you have remaining entitlement, contact the UNC-CH Veterans Services Office for the appropriate VA application and Enrollment Data form necessary to re-activate your benefits.
Can I get a tutor?
Eligible veterans who have a course deficiency may be eligible to receive reimbursement for payment to a tutor for individual tutoring. Contact the UNC-CH Veterans Services Office for the appropriate VA application. You must obtain a written memorandum from the instructor stating a need for tutorial assistance. The current tutorial amount is $10 per hour with a maximum of $100 per month.
Do VA benefits affect Financial Aid?
Yes, VA benefits must be reported and may be calculated in award packages. Please contact the UNC-CH Office of Scholarships and Student Aid at 919-962-8396.
Are there any VA Awards?
Yes, the UNC-CH Veterans Services Office proudly awards the veteran who achieved the highest grade point average for the previous semester of full time undergraduate enrollment. The award winner receives a $500.00 check, a framed certificate, "Veterans Academic Achievement Award" posted to their transcript for that semester, and lunch at the Carolina Inn accompanied by the University Registrar, Associate Registrar, Assistant Registrar, and the Veterans Certifying Official.
Are there VA Work-Study Jobs?
Yes, students who are enrolled 3/4 time or more and training under Chapters 30, 31, 32, 35 and 1606 may be eligible for employment on a part-time basis. The non-taxable hourly rate is the prevailing federal or state minimum wage. In addition to the UNC-CH Veterans Services Office, local Equal Employment Opportunity Offices and area Veterans Hospitals periodically hire VA Work-Study students.
Additional questions?
Email Jan Benjamin, the University Veterans Certifying Official, or call by phone at (919) 962-9864 or (919) 962-3954.
Other Contacts:
LINKS
Listed below are other World Wide Web resources for those wanting information about their VA benefits.
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• Registration Guide
• Course Directory
• Statistics of UNC
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• G.I. Tuition Benefits
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