Veterans Information and Educational Benefits

Triton College is committed to a supportive lifelong learning environment empowering individuals personally, professionally and culturally to contribute to a global community. In this same spirit, we recognize the service of Veterans towards our country as well as their presence within our student community. Whether you are a new student, returning student, or deployed on active duty, we can assist you and your eligible dependents, as you begin your education.

All qualifying students are required to submit a Military Benefits Data Form for ALL benefit programs.
• 2018-2019 Military Data Form

Our institution is approved by both the Illinois and the U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs to process the following educational benefits for qualifying students:

Illinois Programs

Administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)

What is it?
The IVG is a grant which, if a student qualifies, will cover tuition and most fees at Illinois state-supported colleges, universities, and community colleges. If eligible, a student is given 120 units of credit, equivalent to approximately four years of study, toward credit and non-credit, undergraduate and graduate level courses at Illinois state-supported schools. The grant is administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and is subject to their rules and regulations.

To qualify, a student must:
1.	Be an honorably discharged veteran.
2.	Reside in Illinois at least six months before entering the service.
3.	Have at least one full year of active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces which includes veterans who were assigned to active duty in a foreign country in a time of hostilities in that country, regardless of length of service.
4.	Return to Illinois within six months of discharge from the service.

More info available at www.veterans.illinois.gov/benefits/education.htm.

To apply:
•	Fill out the application. Include a copy of your DD214 Member 4 and other appropriate documentation.

•	Complete the Military Benefits Data Form and return it to the Financial Aid office.

Now what?
It takes ISAC approximately four weeks to respond. You will receive a letter of eligibility in the mail.
Once you receive your letter, please bring in a copy to the Financial Aid Office.

In order to use your grant, you must:
   • Be enrolled at an Illinois public two- or four-year college.
   • Not be in default on any student loan, nor owe a refund on any state or federal grant.
   • Maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher.

After confirming this information, we will be able to pay your account.

★ The IVG does not cover laboratory, online course fees or late registration fees at this time; therefore, be aware these costs will fall to you, the student.

For more information: www.isac.org
→Go to ISAC Gift Assistance Programs
→Go to IL Veteran Grant (IVG)

Information as of 06/2012

Administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)

What is it?
The ING is a grant which, if you qualify, will cover tuition and some fees at all Illinois state-supported colleges, universities, and community colleges. If eligible, a student is given 120 units of credit, equivalent to approximately 4 years of study, towards credit and non-credit, undergraduate and graduate level courses at Illinois state-supported schools. The grant is administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and is subject to their rules and regulations.

To qualify, a student must:
1. Have completed one full year of service in the Illinois National Guard.
2. Be a current Illinois National Guard member.

To apply:
1.	The ING has an online application that must be completed for each academic year.
		You may access it through ISAC.org.
		After reading the material → Go to Launch Application.
2.	Complete the Military Benefits Data Form and return it to the Financial Aid Office.

Now what?
You will receive a letter of eligibility in the mail. Once you receive your letter, please bring in a copy for your file as well as a copy of your current schedule with “ING” and a current phone number written on it.

In order to use your grant, you must:
   1. Be enrolled at an Illinois public two- or four-year college.
   2. Not be in default on any student loan, nor owe a refund on any state or federal grant.
   2. 3. Maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher.

After confirming this information we will be able to pay your account.

★ The ING does not cover laboratory fees, online course fees, late registration fees, technology fees or auxiliary fees at this time; therefore, be aware these costs will fall to you, the student.

For more information: ISAC.org
→Go to ISAC Gift Assistance Programs
→Go to IL Veteran Grant (IVG)

Information as of 06/2012

Administered by the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs

What is it?
The MIA/POW Scholarship Grant is a grant which, if you qualify, will cover tuition and some fees at all Illinois state-supported colleges, universities, and community colleges. If eligible, a student is given 120 units of credit, equivalent to approximately 4 years of study, towards credit and non-credit, undergraduate and graduate level courses at Illinois state-supported schools. The grant is administered by the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs and is subject to their rules and regulations.

To qualify a student must:
1.	Must be a dependent (spouse or child) of a veteran who has been declared by the Department of Defense or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to be a prisoner of war, missing-in-action, to have died as the result of a service-connected disability or be permanently disabled from service-connected causes with 100% disability.
2.	The Veteran must be/must have been an IL resident at least within 6 months of entering military service.

To apply:
1.	Student must fill out a paper application.
	•	Mail to: Department of Veterans Affairs, P.O. Box 19432, 833 S. Spring, Springfield, IL 62794-9432.
2.	Complete the Military Benefits Data Form and return it to the Financial Aid office.

Now what?
Correspondence will be sent from the State of IL Veterans Office. Once you receive the letter and the scholarship card, bring copies to the Financial Aid office.

In order to use your grant you must:
   1. Be enrolled at an Illinois public 2- or 4-year college.
   2. Not be in default on any student loan, nor owe a refund on any state or federal grant.
   3. Maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher.

After confirming this information, we will be able to pay your account.

★ The MIA/POW scholarship does not cover laboratory fees, online course fees, late registration fees, technology fees or auxiliary fees at this time; therefore, be aware these costs will fall to you, the student.

For more information: www.veterans.illinois.gov/benefits/education.htm
→Scroll down to MIA/POW Scholarship heading

Information as of 06/2012

Federal Programs

Administered by the Federal Government, Office of Veterans Affairs

What is it?
The Original Montgomery GI Bill is an education program that provides up to 36 months of educational benefits to an eligible student. It directly pays the veteran a monthly amount based on eligibility, rate of training and type of training. It expires after 10 years or after the 36 months is used up, whichever comes first.

To qualify a student must:
   1. Be honorably discharged.
   2. Have had at least 1 year active duty.
   3. Have entered active duty for the first time after 06/30/1985.

There may be other scenarios which may make you eligible.
Access this information via the website noted below.

To apply:
A student who HAS NOT used benefits before may apply one of two ways:
•	Online at the VA website noted below. Once you receive your letter of eligibility, bring in a copy to the Financial Aid office.
•	Come into our office and fill out the Application for Education Benefits VA Form 22-1990 so that we may certify your enrollment via USPS mail.

A student who HAS used benefits before may apply:
•	In person, by filling out the application to Request for Change of Program or Place of Training, VA Form 22-1995.

Also required:
•	You will need to supply a copy of your DD214 Member 4.
•	Complete the Military Benefits Data Form and return it to the Financial Aid office.
•	You are also granted credit through this specialized General Petition for two courses, HTH 104 and PED 100, for completing Basic Training.

Now what?
Once all the paperwork has been reviewed by our office and your status as a student in good standing* has been confirmed, we will certify your classes. Payments will be sent directly to you. It is up to you to confirm your enrollment, monthly, through the VA website when appropriate.

For more information: www.benefits.va.gov/gibill

* In order to be eligible to receive benefits a student must:
1.	Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
2.	Complete 67% of all credits attempted with a grade of C or higher (Grades of W count against your average, will be reported to the appropriate VA agency, and may result in an overpayment of benefits for which the student, alone, will be responsible to repay).
3.	Have completed a formal academic evaluation of all previous college credit towards the degree which they are pursuing at Triton College, within two semesters of attendance.

Information as of 06/2012

Administered by the Federal Government, Office of Veterans Affairs

What is it? The new Post 9/11 Montgomery GI Bill is an education program that provides up to 36 months of educational benefits to an eligible student, and up to 48 for qualifying students who can combine 2 or more VA programs. It expires after 15 years or after the 36/48 months is used up, whichever comes first. It is also a program that can be passed on to eligible dependents (see VA website for details).
•	It directly pays the school tuition and fees up to the predetermined percentage of eligibility established by the VA.
•	It can also pay the veteran a book stipend based on the predetermined percentage of eligibility established by the VA and based on the number of credit hours the student is enrolled.
•	It can also pay the veteran a basic housing allowance based on a predetermined rate established by the VA, if the student is enrolled in 7 credit hours or more. Current rates can be viewed on the VA website or by using the online benefits calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

To qualify a student must have:
•	An Honorable Discharge and have served at least 90 aggregate days active duty after September 10, 2001.
•	Been honorably discharged for a service-connected disability while serving 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001.

To apply:
Complete the online application which you may access at the VA website noted below.

Also required:
•	You will need to supply the Financial Aid/Veterans Affairs office at Triton College with a copy of your DD214 Member 4.
•	Complete the Military Benefits Data Form and return it to the Financial Aid office.
•	You are also granted credit through this specialized General Petition for two courses, HTH 104 and PED 100, for completing Basic Training.

Now what?
Please let the Financial Aid Office know you have applied for this benefit program. We will place your tuition on a protective hold while you are awaiting your letter of eligibility.

Once you receive your letter of eligibility, please bring in a copy, as well as, a copy of your current schedule, your DD214, responsibility form, and specialized general petition. You may also be asked to fill out one last form in our office declaring your degree for our records.

When your status as a student in good standing* has been confirmed, we will apply payment to your account. Book stipends and housing allowances will be sent directly to you. It is up to you to confirm your enrollment, monthly, through the VA website when appropriate.

For more information:www.benefits.va.gov/gibill

* In order to be eligible to receive benefits a student must:
1.	Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
2.	Complete 67% of all credits attempted with a grade of C or higher (Grades of W count against your average, will be reported to the appropriate VA agency, and may result in an overpayment of benefits for which the student, alone, will be responsible to repay).
3.	Have completed a formal academic evaluation of all previous college credit towards the degree which they are pursuing at Triton College, within two semesters of attendance.

Information as of 06/2012

Administered by the Federal Government, Office of Veterans Affairs

What is it?
The Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserves is an education program that provides up to 36 months of education benefits to members of the Selected Reserve. This includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Reserves, as well as, the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. Typically, your eligibility ends when you leave the Selected Reserves. If you stay in the Selected Reserves, benefits generally end ten (10) years from the date you become eligible, if you became eligible before 10/01/92. If you became eligible on or after 10/01/92, your benefits end after 14 years.

To qualify:
1.	You signed a six-year contract to serve in the Selected Reserve after 6/30/1985.
2.	You completed your Initial Active Duty for Training (IADT).
3.	You got your High School Diploma or GED before you completed your IADT.
4.	You are in good standing in a drilling Selected Reserve unit.

To apply:
A student who HAS NOT used benefits before may apply one of two ways:
•	Online at the VA website noted below. Once you receive your letter of eligibility, bring in a copy to the Financial Aid office in order to certify your enrollment.
•	Come into our office and fill out the Application for Education Benefits,VA Form 22-1990 so that we may certify your enrollment via USPS mail.
A student who HAS used benefits before may apply:
•	In person, by completing the application Request for Change of Program or Place of Training, VA Form 22-1995.

Also required:
•	You will need to supply a copy of your NOBE (DD2384 or 2384-1) and, if applicable, a copy of your DD214 Member 4.
•	Complete the Military Benefits Data Form and return it to the Financial Aid office.
•	You are also granted credit through this specialized General Petition for two courses, HTH 104 and PED 100 for completing Basic Training.

Now what?
Once all the paperwork has been reviewed by our office and your status as a student in good standing* has been confirmed, we will certify your classes. Payments will be sent directly to you. It is up to you to confirm your enrollment, monthly, through the VA website when appropriate.

For more information: www.benefits.va.gov/gibill

* In order to be eligible to receive benefits a student must:
1.	Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
2.	Complete 67% of all credits attempted with a grade of C or higher (Grades of W count against your average, will be reported to the appropriate VA agency, and may result in an overpayment of benefits for which the student, alone, will be responsible to repay).
3.	Have completed a formal academic evaluation of all previous college credit towards the degree which they are pursuing at Triton College, within two semesters of attendance

Information as of 06/2012

Administered by the Federal Government, Office of Veterans Affairs

What is it?
Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance is an education benefit for eligible spouses and children of certain veterans. Eligible persons can receive up to 45 months of full-time or equivalent benefits. Spouses have 10 years from the date VA established eligibility to use this benefit. Surviving spouses of veterans who died while on active duty have 20 years from the date VA established eligibility to use this benefit. Children may use the benefits while they are between the ages of 18 and 26.

To qualify:
To be eligible you must be the son, daughter, or spouse of:
•	A veteran who died, or is permanently and totally disabled, as the result of a service connected disability. The disability must arise out of active service in the Armed Forces.
•	A veteran who died from any cause while such service-connected disability was in existence.
•	A service member missing in action or captured in the line of duty by a hostile force.
•	A service member forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign government or power.
•	A service member hospitalized or receiving outpatient care for a VA determined service-connected permanent and total disability may be eligible for DEA benefits (Effective December 23, 2006).

To apply:
A student who HAS NOT used benefits before may apply one of two ways:
•	Online at the VA website noted below. Once you receive your letter of eligibility, bring in a copy to the Financial Aid office in order to certify your enrollment.
•	Come into our office and fill out the Application for Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance, VA Form 22-5490 including a copy of your current schedule so that we may certify your enrollment via USPS mail.
A student who HAS used benefits before may apply:
•	In person, by completing the application: Request for Change of Program or Place of Training, VA Form 22-5495.

Also required:
•	Complete the Military Benefits Data Form and return it to the Financial Aid office.

For more information: www.benefits.va.gov/gibill

* In order to be eligible to receive benefits a student must:
1.	Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
2.	Complete 67% of all credits attempted with a grade of C or higher (Grades of W count against your average, will be reported to the appropriate VA agency, and may result in an overpayment of benefits for which the student, alone, will be responsible to repay).
3.	Have completed a formal academic evaluation of all previous college credit towards the degree which they are pursuing at Triton College, within two semesters of attendance.

Information as of 06/2012

Administered by the Federal Government, Office of Veterans Affairs

What is it?
Chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program, is an educational benefit program established to help veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find and keep suitable jobs. It is a program that pays for: eligible tuition, fees and materials; and can be used for 12 years before expiring.

To qualify:
•	Have received, or will receive, a discharge that is other than dishonorable.
•	Have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10%.
•	Submit a completed application for VR & E services.
To apply:
A veteran must have an evaluation done by the VA. Contact your regional VA Office for more information: Chicago Regional Office, 2212 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60612, 1-800-827-1000

Also required:
•	Complete the Military Benefits Data Form and return it to the Financial Aid office.
•	Download and review the Responsibilities & Checklist for your records.

Now what?
Once your initial evaluation is completed, and you have met with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to determine your academic goals, our office should receive a copy of your Certification paperwork. VR Counselors often fax or mail this paperwork to us.

Once all the paperwork has been reviewed by our office and your status as a student in good standing* has been confirmed, we will certify your classes. Payments will be sent directly to you, the student.

For more information: www.benefits.va.gov/gibill

* In order to be eligible to receive benefits a student must:
1.	Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
2.	Complete 67% of all credits attempted with a grade of C or higher (Grades of W count against your average, will be reported to the appropriate VA agency, and may result in an overpayment of benefits for which the student, alone, will be responsible to repay).
3.	Have completed a formal academic evaluation of all previous college credit towards the degree which they are pursuing at Triton College, within two semesters of attendance.

Information as of 10/2009

Other Program

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Contact & Hours

The Veterans Resource Center is located in the B-Building, Room 280.

The hours of operation are as follows:
Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday: The Student Center will only be open on the two Saturdays prior to, and following, the start of the semester from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Veterans Coordinator:
Toni Johnson, Coordinator / Welcome Center
(708) 456-0300, Ext. 3731
tonijohnson@triton.edu

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Attendance Verification

Students using chapters 30, 1606, and 1607 must verify enrollment once per month. Your enrollment can be verified starting on the last calendar day of the month by using the Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) or by calling the toll free Interactive Voice Response (IVR) telephone line at (877) 823-2378.

The WAVE and IVR systems do not update account information instantly. Please allow up to 2-3 workdays for the systems to reflect updates to your account.

Payments by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer are strongly encouraged. Payments are sent directly to your savings or checking account. To enroll, click on the "Direct Deposit Enrollment Form" link after you have logged into WAVE.

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Veterans Financial Aid

Service members are also eligible to apply for Federal Financial Aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov.

Note: Both military benefits and financial aid, if granted, may be utilized during the same semester provided:
1. The student is in good standing as determined by Triton College’s Standards of Academic Progress
2. No existing regulations preclude the use of both awards

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Credit for Military Service

Triton College awards credit for military training deemed equal to specific courses in a program of study. This may include hours awarded for the completion of basic training. To obtain this credit, veterans must submit a copy of their DD-214 to the Admission and Records Office along with a General Petition Form to request an evaluation (available at the Welcome Center (Student Center, B Building)). It takes approximately three weeks for the evaluation process to be completed.

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Additional Resources

   • Veterans Educational Benefits and Student Resources
   • Military Transfer Credit Procedure
   • Accredited Online Schools & Colleges

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Veterans Contact Information

Certifying Officials
Ruby Hilker (Veteran Last Name A-L)
(708) 456-0300 Ext. 3651
rubyhilker@triton.edu

Nicole LaCognata (Veteran Last Name M-Z)
(708) 456-0300 Ext. 3531
nicolelacognata@triton.edu

Office Location: Room B-160

Hours
Monday & Thursday: 8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday & Wednesday: 8 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

For More Information ISAC.org
→ Go to ISAC gift assistance programs
Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs
United States Department of Veterans' Affairs GI Bill
1-888-442-4551
Military.com
About.com: U.S. Military
Military Student Aid
Student Veterans of America
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans
Veteran Center Services of America
Transfer Guide: Understanding Military Credit
Illinois Department of VA Bonus Payment eBenefits

This tool has been made available for wounded and ill Service Members, Veterans and their families. It provides access to thousands of services and resources at the national, state, and local levels that support recovery, rehabilitation and the community reintegration of Veterans. Benefits, Education, Employment, Health and Housing are just a few of the resources available on this site.

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In This Section

Veterans Information and Educational Benefits

Illinois Programs

Illinois Veterans Grant (IVG)

Illinois National Guard Grant (ING)

MIA/POW Scholarship Grant

Federal Programs

Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30)

Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)

Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserves (Chapter 1606)

Montgomery GI Bill – Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)

Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31)

Tuition Assistance (administered through our Bursar’s Office)

Other Program

National Military Family Association

MilitaryScholar.org

Contact & Hours

Attendance Verification

Veterans Financial Aid

Credit for Military Service

Additional Resources

Veterans Contact Information