VA Benefits

If you have at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service after September 11, 2001 and are still active duty, or if you are an honorably retired Veteran or were dismissed with a service-connected disability after 30 days, you may be eligible for this VA-administered program.

Depending on your eligibility percentage, you may be eligible for up to 100% tuition and fees, a yearly book and supply stipend of up to $1,000.00, and a monthly living stipend paid at an E-5 rank based on the school's location. The current monthly living stipend for the Harrisburg area is $1,505.00.

The government has set a cap for students attending private institutions of higher learning. This Cap is updated each academic year, which starts on August 1 and ends on July 31 of the following year. The 2024-2025 academic year cap is $28,937.09.

If you are the spouse or dependent of a veteran qualifying for the Post 9/11 Program, they may be able to transfer their benefits to you.The Post 9/11 GI Bill(R) permits servicemembers to transfer unclaimed benefits to their spouse or dependent children.The DoD evaluates whether you can transfer benefits to your family.After the DoD approves the transfer of benefits, new beneficiaries apply for them at the VA. To transfer the Veteran benefits, visit the DoD and apply now. 

For additional information on the Post 9/11 GIBILL(R) and how to apply please visit

http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/post911_gibill.asp

The MGIB-SR program provides education and training benefits to eligible members of the Selected Reserve, including the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air Force National Guard. Eligibility for this program is determined by the Selected Reserve components and the VA makes the payments directly to the Veteran. The payment amounts may vary.

You will need to verify your enrollment with the VA in order to receive payment of your benefits. Messiah will submit to the VA your semester and course information for the process to begin. Then the student will need to go to http://benefits.va.gov/gibill/ click Information for Benefit Recipients, then Certify your Attendance (WAVE) or call 1-877-823-2378.  Follow the instructions. When the system tells you that you're certified, your verification is complete.

For additional information on this benefit please visit http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/post911_gibill.asp

The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service provides outreach, motivation, evaluation, counseling, training, employment, and other rehabilitation services to service-connected disabled veterans. Vocational and educational counseling, as well as the evaluation of abilities, aptitudes, and interests, are provided to veterans and servicepersons. 

Veterans may be eligible if they meet the following criteria

• Have received, or will receive, a discharge from active duty that is other than dishonorable
• Have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% from the VA

To verify your benefits eligibility you may contact the VA at 717-221-3477 or toll-free at 800-827-1000. You can also apply by going through the eBenefits process and clicking on the Apply for Veterans Benefits via VONAPP.  From the drop-down box you will choose the Vocational Rehabilitation (Form 28-1900). 

The MGIB-AD, Chapter 30, provides educational benefits to Veterans and Servicemembers who first entered active duty after June 30, 1987, and contributed to an education fund while serving. Benefits are usually payable for up to 10 years following your release from honorable active duty. 

You will need to verify your enrollment with the VA in order to receive payment of your benefits. Messiah will submit to the VA your semester and course information for the process to begin. Then the student will need to go to http://benefits.va.gov/gibill/ and click Information for Benefit Recipients, then Certify your Attendance (WAVE) or call 1-877-823-2378. Follow the instructions. When the system tells you that you're certified, your verification is complete.

To check for eligibility please go to http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/ and click on "For Students" then "Education Programs" and then "Montgomery GI Bill".

• The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship) is available for children and spouses of Servicemembers who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001.

• The Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA - Chapter 35) Program. This program offers educational and training opportunities to eligible dependents of Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or of Veterans who died while on duty or as a result of a service-related condition.

You may be eligible for more than one of these two programs. In most situations, you will be required to make an irrevocable election between the DEA program and the Fry Scholarship when you apply. More information on these programs can be found at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/ click on "For Students" then "Education Programs" and then "Survivors & Dependent Assistance".

Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)

Some components of the military offer FTA while being an active member of that specific component. The rates and caps vary. For example, the Army has FTA capped at $250 per credit up to a $4,500 yearly maximum. For additional information on this benefit, please contact your Education Service Officer at the Education Office in a military installation near you.

PA National Guard Education Assistance Program (EAP)

A member of the Pennsylvania National Guard who is eligible to receive EAP can receive this benefit which can be up to $3,400 per term.  If you believe that you may be eligible for this benefit and would like additional information or to speak with an EAP representative about applying, please call 717-861-8894.  You must apply by June 30th each year.