Veterans Affairs

How do I apply?

1. Service Member/Veteran VA Form 22-1990
2. Dependent of a Veteran who has transferred benefits to you  VA Form 22-1990e
3. Dependent Spouse/Child VA Form 22-5490

How long does it take VA to determine eligibility?

It can take up to 30 days for the VA to process an application. VA will provide the student with a Certificate of Eligibility detailing the type of benefit awarded and the terms of eligibility.

Education Benefits

• Chapter 30 MGIB
• Chapter 31 VR&E (Veteran Readiness and Employment Program)
• Chapter 32 VEAP (Veterans Educational Assistance Program)
• Chapter 33 Post 9/11 
• Chapter 35 DEA (Dependents Educational Assistance Program)
• Chapter 1606 MGIB-SR (Selected Reserves)
• Chapter 1607 REAP (Reserve Education Assistance Program)
• GA. National Guard (USA & USAF) (REAP)
• Tuition Assistance TA

Savannah State University is not a Yellow Ribbon Program participant

1. Get admitted to SSU.
2. If you have not done so, apply for VA education benefits.
3. Register for classes.
4. Submit the SSU VA Enrollment Certification  Complete the form in its entirety and attach all supporting documentation (Certificate of Eligibility and semester schedule).  Must be done every semester the student intends to use the education benefit.
   • All students will be initially certified to the VA for $ 0.00. This will cause the VA to release MHA payments directly to the student at the earliest possible date (no earlier than a week prior to the semester start date). The closer to school start the package is submitted, the longer it will take for the VA to process the request and issue payment.
   • Approximately three weeks into the semester, when all charges and credits have been applied to the student’s bill, a second certification will be submitted to the VA for Chapter 33 students detailing the actual tuition and fees charges. This will cause the VA to issue payment directly to SSU for tuition and fees, and a payment directly to the student for a book stipend. Students should be prepared to pay for books initially and be reimbursed once the VA pays.
   • Students who receive scholarship, grant or other outside money specifically intended to be used to pay for tuition and fees (HOPE, ROTC Scholarships, Tuition Assistance, SEIS Scholarship, Zell Miller Scholarship, Georgia Military Scholarship, Military Scholar, ACCEL, GO ARMY or Employment Tuition Assistance) will have their VA Education Benefit tuition and fees payment reduced by the combined amount of these funds.  Any tuition and fees charges not covered by these funds will be paid by the VA to the limit of the veteran benefit award. MHA and book stipend payments will not be affected. This action was taken by the VA in 2011 to prevent duplication and overpayment of tuition and fees to the student from multiple sources.
5. Enrollment certifications will be processed as follows:
   • Fall VA Enrollment Certification    1 May
   • Spring VA Enrollment Certification   1 November
   • Summer VA Enrollment Certification   1 April
6. Unsatisfactory Progress, Conduct, and Attendance
   Students utilizing VA Educational Benefits must be making satisfactory academic progress towards degree completion.  Failure to do so may result in discontinuance of benefits as outlined by the Department of Veteran Affairs.

1. Students must submit a VA Enrollment Certification along with the certificate of eligibility/letter of remaining benefits every semester they intend to use VA education benefits.
2. Students must enroll in courses that apply towards the dree requirements of their chosen program of study.
3. Students must notify the VA Certifying Official of any changes of degree program, address, and schedule (add/drop/withdraw courses).  Students must also notify the VA Certifying Official of complete withdrawals from the university or any incomplete “I” grades received.
4. Students using CH 33 (Post-9/11) who receive Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) and/or kicker payments are required to verify their enrollment at the end of each month by text message, email, or by calling 1-888-442-4551.
5. Students using CH 30 (MGIB), CH 1606 (MGIB-SR), and CH 1607 (REAP) education benefits must verify their attendance at the end of each month enrolled by calling 1-877-823-2378 or online at www.gibill.va.gov/wave/index.do
6. Students using CH 30 (MGIB), CH 1606 (MGIB-SR), and CH 35 (DEA) must pay all tuition and fees no later than the published payment deadline.
7. Students using CH 33 (Post 9/11) must pay any expenses not covered per entitlement listed on the Certificate of Eligibility letter from VA. (Ex:  60% eligibility, out of degree plan course, housing costs)
8. Students using CH 31 (VR&E) must verify with their VR&E Counselor that their authorization (for tuition/fees, book, and/or supplies) has been uploaded.

All four service branches and the U.S. Coast Guard offer financial assistance for voluntary, off-duty education programs in support of service members’ personal and professional goals. The program is open to officers, warrant officers and enlisted active-duty service personnel. In addition, members of the National Guard and Reserve Components may be eligible for TA based on their service eligibility. Prior to enrolling, eligible Service members must receive approval from an Education Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within the Military Service.

The Tuition Assistance Program may fund up to 100% of your college tuition and certain fees with the following limits:

• Not to exceed $250 per semester credit hour or $166 per quarter credit hour
• Not to exceed $4,500 per fiscal year, Oct. 1 through Sept. 30
• Maximum of 18 credit hours may be covered per fiscal year

Each military branch has its own TA application form and procedures.  Contact your Education Counselor for assistance.  Be sure to provide a copy of approved Tuition Assistance authorization/voucher to the SSU Veteran Affairs and Bursar’s offices prior to the established payment deadline.

The My Career Advancement Account Scholarship (MyCAA) is a workforce development program that provides up to $4,500 in financial assistance for career training to eligible military spouses. 

This aid can apply to licenses, certifications, national tests, or associate degrees needed to pursue an occupation or career field. Career Step will also include a laptop for MyCAA military spouses signing up for programs that include e-book textbooks

Who Qualifies for the MyCAA Scholarship?

Spouses of active-duty Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, or National Guard/ARG service members in pay grades E-1 to E-9, O-1 to O-3, and W-1 to W-3 are eligible for financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Defense. In addition, the MyCAA Scholarship helps eligible spouses qualify for portable career fields across the United States.

HERO Scholarship

The Georgia HERO Scholarship program provides educational scholarship assistance to members of the Georgia National Guard and U.S. Military Reservists who served in combat zones, and the children and the spouses of such members of the Georgia National Guard and U.S. Military Reserves.

The Military Outreach Center is located in King Frazier Room 239, which provides a dedicated space and comprehensive support services to enhance and complement the academic experience.  Veterans, active-duty members and dependents can study, relax and decompress in an environment of their peers.  In the center there is audio/video equipment, tables, chairs, couches and computer/printer work stations for the veteran’s use. Additional items or services such as computer programs or recreational equipment can be obtained on request.

SSU Consumer Information
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs or 1-888-442-4551
Joint Service Transcript
eBenefits
MilConnect
Military Personnel Waiver
Recently Separated Waiver
GA National Guard/Reservists Waiver
Comparison Tool
Application for Graduation
Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship
The Warrior Alliance
Department of Labor
Employ Georgia