How to Use Your Benefits at Rutgers
Check out our Veteran Enrollment Checklist. Any questions regarding educational benefits not answered on this page can be directed towards our certifying official.
If you plan on using Tuition Assistance (TA), you must receive approval from your Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor prior to enrolling at Rutgers.
If you're a full-time or 3/4-time student in a college degree, vocational, or professional program, you can “earn while you learn” with a VA work-study allowance.The VA work-study allowance is available to persons utilizing VA Education Benefits to pay for school.To find out more about position openings and to apply contact Kimberly Bruss our Programs Coordinator.
Students who wish to use veterans' educational benefits must identify themselves to the Office of Veteran and Military Programs and Services so that proper enrollment certification procedures can be initiated for the following entitlement programs. If you don’t know what Chapter you are claiming, please contact the Department of Veterans Affairs (1-888-442-4551).
Chapter 1606 Montgomery GI Bill® - Selected Reserve / National Guard
Chapter 1607 Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill® - Active Duty
Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation
Chapter 35 Survivors and Dependents Benefits
Chapter 1606, 1607, and 30
1) Complete an online application (https://www.vets.gov/education/apply-for-education-benefits/) to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- VA Form 22-1990 for new applicants
- VA Form 22-1995 for transfer students
- Print a copy before submitting the application, and send it to the VA School Certifying Official
2) Apply for admission to Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey: http://admissions.rutgers.edu
3) To apply for financial aid please submit your Federal Financial Aid Application at http://fafsa.ed.gov, and contact the Rutgers Financial Aid office through its web site http://studentaid.rutgers.edu.
4) Provide a copy of your Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) or Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to the VA School Certifying Official. This document will be mailed to you from the VA after your application has been processed and your educational benefits have been granted. Provide a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 copy) to the VA School Certifying Official. You may submit these documents to us using http://myvetcert.rutgers.edu. Please submit these as soon as possible.
5) Register for Classes: Use Webreg https://sims.rutgers.edu/webreg/ to enroll for classes. You may take any class that you desire as long as you are eligible, but remember, the VA will only pay benefits for classes required by your degree program. Check degree navigator http://nbdn.rutgers.edu/ and/or meet with your academic adviser to make sure you are on track with your program requirements.
6) Once your schedule is finalized, submit a request for Veteran Enrollment Certification at http://myvetcert.rutgers.edu. An enrollment certification will be submitted to the Department of Veterans Affairs on your behalf for the number of credit hours you have registered for. You need to do this every semester.
7) National Guard Tuition Waiver recipients, please submit your Commander's Cert at http://myvetcert.rutgers.edu as soon as possible to avoid having your classes cancelled due to lack of payment.
8) All students who are receiving Chapter 1606 Selected Reserve, Chapter 1607 Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP), or Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill® benefits MUST verify their enrollment monthly to receive payment. This verification can be done either by using the Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) application at: https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/index.do or by using the Automated Telephone System (IVR) at: 1-877-823-2378.
NOTE: If you are NOT a resident of New Jersey but are utilizing Chapter 30 or Chapter 33 and are residing in New Jersey while attending Rutgers, you are eligible for the instate tuition rate. Please fill out Intent to Establish In-State Tuition Rate Based on "New Jersey Tuition Equality for America's Military (NJTEAM) Act" (A3967) found here: https://admissions.rutgers.edu/sites/default/files/media/Documents/VetIn-StateResApplicationForm.pdf and return it to the certifying official.
Chapter 31
1) Apply for admission to Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey: http://admissions.rutgers.edu.
2) Your VA Rehabilitation Case Manager must provide you with VA form 28-1905 (Authorization and Certification of Entrance or Reentrance into Rehabilitation and Certification of Status). This form will detail the specific guidelines that the University must adhere to for credit approval, payment of tuition, and purchases of school supplies. A new form must be presented to the VA Certifying Official for each semester you wish to claim VA educational benefits. You may submit these documents to us using http://myvetcert.rutgers.edu/. Please submit this as soon as possible.
3) Apply for financial aid. Please submit your Federal Financial Aid Application at http://fafsa.ed.gov, and contact the Rutgers Financial Aid office through its web site http://studentaid.rutgers.edu/.
4) Provide a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 copy) to the VA School Certifying Official.
5) Register for Classes: Use Webreg https://sims.rutgers.edu/webreg/ to enroll for classes. You may take any class that you desire as long as you are eligible, but remember, the VA will only pay benefits for classes required by your degree program. Check degree navigator http://nbdn.rutgers.edu/ and/or meet with your academic advisor to make sure you are on track with your program requirements.
6) Once your schedule is finalized, submit a request for Veteran Enrollment Certification at http://myvetcert.rutgers.edu. An enrollment certification will be submitted to the Department of Veterans Affairs on your behalf for the number of credit hours you have registered for. You need to do this every semester.
7) Veterans under the Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation) program: please note the Veterans Administration (VA) does consider you to have healthcare coverage under a comprehensive health insurance plan even though you must go to a VA facility for treatment. Therefore, VA will not pay the premium for the Student Health Insurance Plan. If you choose to enroll in the student health insurance you are responsible to pay the premium charge on your term bill each semester. Please complete an enrollment or waiver form each semester at www.universityhealthplans.com.
8) It is the student's responsibility to self-identify as a Chapter 31 Veteran when purchasing books and supplies at the University's bookstores. You may start to get your books two weeks before classes start.
Chapter 33 - Post 9/11
1) Complete an online application (https://www.vets.gov/education/apply-for-education-benefits/) to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- VA Form 22-1990 for new applicants
- VA Form 22-1995 for transfer students
- VA Form 22-1990E for dependent students
- Print a copy before submitting the application, and send it to the VA School Certifying Official
2) Apply for admission to Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey: http://admissions.rutgers.edu
3) Apply for financial aid. Please submit your Federal Financial Aid Application at http://fafsa.ed.gov, and contact the Rutgers Financial Aid office through its web site http://studentaid.rutgers.edu/.
4) If you choose to come to Rutgers, New Brunswick you will need to send your DD214 (member copy 4) if discharged or retired. You will also need to send a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). If you need a copy of your COE please call the DVA at 888-442-4551. You may submit these documents to us using http://myvetcert.rutgers.edu/. Please submit these as soon as possible.
5) Register for Classes: Use Webreg https://sims.rutgers.edu/webreg/ to enroll for classes. You may take any class that you desire as long as you are eligible, but remember, the VA will only pay benefits for classes required by your degree program. Check degree navigator http://nbdn.rutgers.edu/ and/or meet with your academic adviser to make sure you are on track with your program requirements.
6) Once your schedule is finalized, submit a request for Veteran Enrollment Certification at http://myvetcert.rutgers.edu/. An enrollment certification will be submitted to the Department of Veterans Affairs on your behalf for the number of credit hours you have registered for. You need to do this every semester.
7) National Guard Tuition Waiver recipients, please submit your Commander's Cert at http://myvetcert.rutgers.edu/ as soon as possible to avoid having your classes cancelled due to lack of payment.
8) Veterans under the Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill) program: please note, the Veterans Administration (VA) will pay the premium for the student health insurance plan according to your percentage of eligibility, as they do not consider you to have coverage under a comprehensive health insurance plan. The premium is included on the term bill each semester. Please complete an enrollment or waiver form each semester at www.universityhealthplans.com.
NOTE: If you are NOT a resident of New Jersey but are utilizing Chapter 30 or Chapter 33 and are residing in New Jersey while attending Rutgers, you are eligible for the instate tuition rate. Please fill out Intent to Establish In-State Tuition Rate Based on "New Jersey Tuition Equality for America's Military (NJTEAM) Act" (A3967) found here: https://admissions.rutgers.edu/sites/default/files/media/Documents/VetIn-StateResApplicationForm.pdf and return it to the certifying official.
Chapter 35
1) Complete an online application (https://www.vets.gov/education/apply-for-education-benefits/) to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- VA Form 5490 (Application for Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance) for new applicants
- VA Form 5495 for transfer students
- Print a copy before submitting the application, and send it to the VA School Certifying Official
2) Apply for admission to Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey: http://admissions.rutgers.edu
3) Apply for financial aid. Please submit your Federal Financial Aid Application at http://fafsa.ed.gov, and contact the Rutgers Financial Aid office through its web site http://studentaid.rutgers.edu/.
4) If you are using Chapter 35 Dependent/Spouse benefits, you will need to provide our office with the File Number for the Veteran you are using benefits under. This number is usually their Social Security Number. You can call our office to provide this information (848-445-2757).
5) Register for Classes: Use Webreg https://sims.rutgers.edu/webreg/ to enroll for classes. You may take any class that you desire as long as you are eligible, but remember, the VA will only pay benefits for classes required by your degree program. Check degree navigator http://nbdn.rutgers.edu and/or meet with your academic adviser to make sure you are on track with your program requirements.
6) Once your schedule is finalized, submit a request for Veteran Enrollment Certification at http://myvetcert.rutgers.edu. An enrollment certification will be submitted to the Department of Veterans Affairs on your behalf for the number of credit hours you have registered for. You need to do this every semester.
Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018 S.2248 Section 103.1.(b)
· A Covered Individual is any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, or chapter 33, Post-9/11 GI Bill ®benefits.
· Your policy must ensure that your educational institution will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under chapter 31 or 33.
· Your policy must permit any covered individual to attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to the educational institution a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 31 or 33 a “certificate of eligibility” can also include a “Statement of Benefits” obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) website – eBenefits, or a VAF 28-1905 form for chapter 31 authorization purposes) and ending on the earlier of the following dates:
o The date on which payment from VA is made to the institution.
o 90 days after the date the institution certified tuition and fees following the receipt of the certificate of eligibility.
The Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014
For courses, semesters, or terms beginning after July 1, 2017, public institutions of higher education must charge qualifying veterans, dependents, and eligible individuals tuition and fees at the rate for in-state residents. Any institution not meeting this requirement will be disapproved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® and the Montgomery G.I. Bill®.
· For courses, semesters, or terms beginning after March 1st, 2019, public institutions of higher education must charge individuals using education assistance under chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) the in-state residential rate.
NJ MILITARY PERSONNEL - RESIDENCY STATUS FOR STUDENTS ACT - ATTENDANCE AT STATE-RELATED AND STATE-OWNED INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING AND COMMUNITY COLLEGES, APPLICABILITY AND ELIGIBILITY
The term "resident" or "residency," or any other term or expression used to designate a state resident student, when used to determine the rate of tuition to be charged students attending community colleges, public institutions of higher learning and State-related and State-owned institutions of higher learning shall be construed to mean and include any veterans, their spouses and dependent children who do not currently reside in New Jersey. The term shall also be construed to mean and include military personnel [or their dependents], their spouses and dependent children who are assigned to an active-duty station in Pennsylvania and who reside in Pennsylvania and any civilian personnel [or their dependents], their spouses and dependent children employed at a Department of Defense facility who are transferred to Pennsylvania by the Department of Defense and who reside in Pennsylvania.