Frequently Asked Questions

1. Determine Your Eligibility

Before applying, check if you’re eligible for any of the following VA education benefits:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)
• Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty (Chapter 30)
• Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
• Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) (Chapter 31)
• Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)
• Fry Scholarship

You can check your eligibility on the VA's website here.

2. Gather Required Documents

• Social Security Number
• Military discharge papers (DD-214) if you’re a veteran
• Bank account direct deposit information (for benefit payments)
• Education and training history (list of schools attended, training programs completed, etc.)
• Basic information about the school or training program you plan to attend

3. Create a VA.gov Account

If you don't already have an account, create one on VA.gov to access and submit your application.

4. Complete VA Form 22-1990 (Application for VA Education Benefits)

• Log in to your VA.gov account and go to the Education and Training section.
• Select Apply for Education Benefits.
• Fill out the VA Form 22-1990 (or VA Form 22-5490 for dependents).
• Submit the application online, or if you prefer, you can print the form and mail it to your nearest regional VA office.

VA Form 22-1990 (for Veterans and Service members)

VA Form 22-5490 (for Dependents)

5. Submit Your Application

• After submitting your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email.
• Processing typically takes about 30 days, after which you'll receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

6. Receive Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

• The COE will indicate the education benefits you are eligible for and how long you can use them.
• If you are applying to a school, provide the COE to the VA certifying official at your chosen school to ensure they process your benefits.

7. Enroll in Your Education Program

• Work with your school’s VA certifying official to verify your enrollment.
• This official will report your enrollment information to the VA for tuition payments.

8. Verify Attendance Monthly (If Required)

• For some benefits like the Montgomery GI Bill, you may need to verify your enrollment each month.
• You can do this via the VA’s Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) system or by phone.

9. Start Using Your Benefits

Once everything is set, the VA will begin paying tuition directly to your school and sending any other benefits (e.g., housing, books) directly to you.

The CalVet College Fee Waiver (also known as the California College Tuition Fee Waiver for Veterans' Dependents) is a state benefit that waives tuition and fees at California public colleges and universities for the dependents of veterans. It covers enrollment fees for the California Community Colleges, California State University (CSU) system, and University of California (UC) system.

Eligibility for the CalVet Fee Waiver

To qualify, you must be one of the following:

• A dependent child, spouse, or unmarried surviving spouse of a disabled or deceased veteran.
• A veteran’s dependent who meets residency requirements (must be a California resident).

There are different Plan Categories under the CalVet Fee Waiver program:

1. Plan A:
   • For dependents of veterans who are totally disabled or who died from service-related causes.
   • The veteran must have a 100% disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
2. Plan B:
   • For dependents of veterans whose disability rating is between 0-100% (due to service).
   • There is income eligibility: The child’s income must be below the "national poverty level" as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau.
3. Plan C:
   • For dependents of Medal of Honor recipients or children of those who were awarded the California Veteran's Award.
4. Plan D:
   • For the surviving spouses of veterans who died from service-connected causes.

What the CalVet Fee Waiver Covers

• The waiver covers mandatory System-wide tuition and fees for eligible dependents at:
  • California Community Colleges
  • California State Universities (CSUs)
  • University of California (UC) campuses

It does not cover:

• Books
• Housing costs
• Parking fees or other optional campus fees

How to Apply for the CalVet Fee Waiver

1. Obtain the Application

• Download the CalVet College Fee Waiver Application (DVS-40) from the California Department of Veterans Affairs website or get it from your local County Veterans Service Office (CVSO).
• Download the form here.

2. Gather Required Documents

• Proof of dependent status (such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, or court documents).
• Veteran’s disability documentation (such as the veteran’s VA disability rating letter or DD-214 form).
• Income verification (if applying under Plan B) to show that your income is below the national poverty level.

3. Submit the Application to Your Local CVSO

• Find your local County Veterans Service Office (CVSO), where the application must be submitted. You can locate your CVSO here.
• Submit the completed application and all supporting documents to the CVSO office.

4. Receive Notification of Eligibility

• The CVSO will review your application and notify you whether you qualify for the waiver. If approved, you'll receive a Fee Waiver Authorization Letter.
• Provide the Authorization Letter to your school’s Veteran Services Office or Financial Aid Office to process the fee waiver.

5. Reapply Annually

• The CalVet Fee Waiver needs to be renewed every academic year, so make sure to reapply each year by submitting the required documents again.

The Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program, formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, is designed to help veterans with service-connected disabilities and employment challenges prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs. It offers career counseling, skills assessments, job training, resume development, and assistance with job-seeking. For those who cannot work due to their disabilities, VR&E also provides independent living services, including support for achieving greater self-sufficiency. The program tailors its services to each veteran's unique situation, aiming to help them transition successfully into the civilian workforce or live more independently. The vocational rehabilitation program that service members may qualify for is also considered CH. 31.

You can find the official website here

Here is an in-depth video explaining what VR&E can offer you. 

If you are considering switching to CH 31 from Ch 33 then keep in mind: Apply for Chapter 31 VR&E and inform CSUEB VSS once you are approved for the benefit. This process may take up to 6 months to obtain VA approval.

Ch 33 or the post-9/11 GI bill is a major education benefit for veterans, active-duty service members, and certain members of the National Guard and Reserves who have served on active duty after September 10, 2001. The benefits with this chapter include Tuition & Fees: Covers full tuition for in-state students at public colleges or universities, or up to a set maximum for private or out-of-state schools. Housing Allowance: Provides a monthly stipend based on the location of the school (similar to Basic Allowance for Housing or BAH). Book & Supplies Stipend: Up to $1,000 per year for books and supplies. Yellow Ribbon Program: For students attending private or out-of-state institutions, this program may help cover additional costs beyond the regular tuition cap. Participating schools contribute additional funds, and the VA matches that amount. Transferability: Service members may be able to transfer unused benefits to their spouse or children, depending on eligibility criteria.

For more information on how to apply, here is a video to help.

You can apply and determine your eligibility here.