Veterans and Active Duty

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SCC Military Benefits Request Form

Fill out this request form every semester and submit to the Financial Aid office by email at finaid@shawneecc.edu or by mail.

You can reach out to Lisa Meyer in the Financial Aid Office with questions on Veterans benefits by phone (618) 634-3246 or email lisam@shawneecc.edu.

Donna Price LSW, the academic advisor and advocate for Veterans and Active Duty individuals, will provide one-on-one advising sessions to assist with registering, developing long-term educational plans, supporting students transferring on to a university, and more. You can reach Donna at (618) 634-3322 or email her at donnap@shawneecc.edu.

SCC FINANCIAL AID VETERANS RESOURCES

VETERANS CLUB

Veterans Education Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) administer multiple education benefits programs for veterans. Eligible veterans and active-duty personnel may qualify for various educational benefits programs. To utilize your VA benefits, it is essential to visit the Financial Aid Office and notify us upon class registration. It's important to promptly communicate any changes to your class schedule to the Financial Aid Office. We understand that changes happen, so please remember to let the Financial Aid Office know promptly if there are any adjustments to your class schedule.

DD-214

To ensure correct processing of your VA benefits, please provide a copy of your DD-214 and Certificate of Eligibility to the Financial Aid Office. All veterans or active duty individuals must complete an application available online at the GI Bill application webpage https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/.

Shawnee Community College does not determine benefit eligibility or payment details. The college will confirm your enrollment with the VA. For all processing questions, please contact the VA directly.

Military Transcripts

Reservists and Veterans may be eligible for transfer credits for specialized military training. An official transcript must be submitted to the registrar's office for the registrar to determine if the classes are reciprocal to Shawnee Community College’s courses to receive credit.

Testing Fees

The GI Bill covers more than just tuition. You can use a portion of your benefits to cover the cost of certain tests required for professional licensing or certification, as well as tests needed to apply for college or training programs. Only tests approved under the GI Bill are eligible for coverage, so be sure to check which tests are approved before taking them. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs VA page will show what licensing, certifications, and testing are covered. It also assists with how to get those benefits.

Federal Veteran Education Benefits

Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
Helps you pay for school or job training. If you’ve served on active duty after September 10, 2001, you may qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/

Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (Chapter 30)
The GI Bill provides educational benefits to qualifying veterans and service members with a minimum of two years of active duty service. These benefits, with a duration of up to 36 months, are generally applicable to veterans who fulfill specific criteria.
https://www.heartland.edu/payingforcollege/options/veterans.html

Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606) Rates
The program provides up to 36 months of educational and training benefits to qualified service members within the Reserve components, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard, and Air National Guard.
https://www.va.gov/education/benefit-rates/montgomery-selected-reserve-rates/

Chapter 31 Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
(authorization from caseworker must be on file)
This program provides support to qualified veterans with service-connected disabilities and an employment handicap, enabling them to prepare for, secure, and sustain employment. Additionally, it extends assistance to eligible transitioning service members.
https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/how-to-apply/

Chapter 35 Spouse/ Dependent G.I. Bill
The Dependent Education Assistance Program (DEA) under Chapter 35 offers assistance to the spouse, son, or daughter (including stepchild or adopted child) of veterans who are deceased or permanently and disabled due to a service-connected disability. This program provides financial aid for job training or educational pursuits for eligible dependents and spouses of veterans.
https://www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/dependents-education-assistance/

Federal Tuition Assistance
The program provides financial assistance for voluntary off-duty civilian education programs in order to support a soldier's professional and personal development goals.
https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/tuition-assistance-top-up/

State of Illinois Benefit Programs

Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG)
The Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) Program offers assistance to students who have served at least one year of federal active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, or who have served on federal active duty in a foreign country during hostilities, and were honorably discharged after their most recent period of service. It also applies to those who are currently serving honorably in the Armed Forces.
View webpage

Illinois National Guard Grant (ING)
If you are a member of the Illinois National Guard, you might qualify for the Illinois National Guard (ING) Grant. This grant can cover eligible tuition and certain fees, such as registration, graduation, general activity, matriculation, and term fees, for both undergraduate and graduate study. Eligibility requirements are available on the website.
View webpage

MIA/POW Scholarship
The State of Illinois provides an education scholarship for dependents of veterans who are Missing in Action, Prisoners of War, died while on active duty, are 100% disabled due to service-connected disabilities, or died as a result of service-connected disabilities.

Description of the Scholarship

Application

Upon processing your application by the State, you will receive an eligibility letter. Please forward this letter to the Financial Aid Office.