The Post- 9/11 GI Bill®, also known as Chapter 33, is an education benefit program for individuals who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. If you are eligible for Chapter 33 benefits and any other GI Bill® program, you must make an irrevocable election of the Post-9/11 GI Bill® before you will receive any benefits.
Generally, the VA will pay a percentage of the student's tuition and fees directly to FDTC. The VA bases the percentage rate on the student's aggregate active duty service after September 10, 2001. The books and supplies stipend and kickers are paid in a lump sum directly to the student, if they qualify, at the beginning of the semester. The Monthly Housing Allowance is paid directly to the student at the beginning of the month for the previous month to eligible students as well.
For more detailed information about Chapter 33 benefits please visit: http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/post911_gibill.asp
How do I use my Chapter 33 benefits at FDTC?
If you have not received VA benefits before and are not a continuing student at FDTC:
- Complete an application and be accepted into FDTC
- Apply for your VA benefits with VA.gov
- Bring in a copy of your DD214: Member-4
- Bring a copy of your schedule to the Veterans Services Office at FDTC
- Bring in your Certificate of Eligibility when it is sent to you from the Regional VA Offices
If you have received VA benefits before, but are not a continuing student at FDTC:
- Complete an application and be accepted into FDTC
- Update your school through VA.gov
- Bring a copy of your schedule to the Veterans Services Office at FDTC
- Bring in your Certificate of Eligibility when it is sent to you from the Regional VA Offices
If you have received VA benefits before and you are a continuing student at FDTC:
- Bring a copy of your schedule to the Veterans Services Office at FDTC
The veteran assumes full responsibility when registering for courses. Veterans will only be certified for VA benefits in courses that are required for graduation in their curriculum. Contact your advisor if you have questions concerning curriculum requirements. The student will be responsible for reimbursing the VA if an overpayment situation occurs.
Important Reminder
You must have a Certificate of Eligibility on file at FDTC's VA Office. Failure to provide a Certificate of Eligibility may cause a balance due on your student account or delay your financial aid refund. If you have misplaced your Certificate of
Eligibility, please contact the VA Education Call Center at 1.888.442.4551 for assistance for
obtaining a duplicate copy of your Certificate of Eligibility.
In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection (e), FDTC adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (CH 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (CH 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from the VA. FDTC will not:
- Prevent the student’s enrollment;
- Assess a late penalty fee to;
- Require student secure alternative or additional funding;
- Deny their access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.
However, to qualify for this provision, students may be required to:
- Provide Chapter 33 Certificate of Eligibility (or its equivalent) or for Chapter 31, VA VR&E’s contract with the school on VA Form 28-1905 by the first day of class.
Note: Chapter 33 students can register at the VA Regional Office to use E-Benefits to get the equivalent of a Chapter 33 Certificate of Eligibility. Chapter 31 student cannot get a completed VA Form 28-1905 (or any equivalent) before the VA VR&E case-manager issues it to the school.
- Provide written request to be certified;
- Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies.
General