Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill®
Introduction to GI Bill® Benefits
The GI Bill® is a series of educational benefits provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to support veterans, active-duty service members, and their families in pursuing higher education and training. The Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill® is one of the most comprehensive benefits available, offering financial assistance for tuition, housing, and other educational costs.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Welcome to Total Cyber Academy!
Total Cyber Academy is proud to support our veterans and their families in pursuing educational and career goals. Our academy offers specialized certification programs designed to enhance your skills and qualifications in today’s competitive job market. This page provides comprehensive information on how to utilize your GI Bill® benefits to enroll in our programs, including the IT Operations Specialist, Cybersecurity Engineering, Penetration Tester, and Cloud Engineer programs.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33), you must meet the following criteria:
Service Requirements: Must have served at least 90 days on active duty after September 10, 2001, or have a service-connected disability after 30 days of service.
Discharge Status: Must have received an honorable discharge.
Transferability: Benefits may also be available to dependents of service members under the Transfer of Entitlement option.
For more detailed eligibility information, please visit the VA Education Programs website.
Benefits Overview
Tuition and Fees:
The Post 9/11 GI Bill® covers tuition and fees up to a specified cap for private institutions. At Total Cyber Academy, this benefit is applied to certification programs, ensuring that your educational expenses are covered for the courses required for your chosen certification.
Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA):
MHA is provided to help cover living expenses while you study. The amount varies based on the location of the school and your enrollment status. For online learners, the MHA is typically set at half the national average BAH for an E-5 with dependents.
Books and Supplies Stipend:
Students may receive an annual stipend for books and supplies, capped at $1,000. This stipend is paid proportionately based on the number of credits enrolled.
Yellow Ribbon Program:
Total Cyber Academy participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which helps cover additional tuition costs not covered by the Post 9/11 GI Bill®. Eligibility for this program is based on the student’s enrollment status and the availability of Yellow Ribbon funds.
Specifics for Certification Programs
At Total Cyber Academy, our programs focus on certifications rather than traditional degrees. The VA benefits are structured to support these certification programs, including:
It’s important to note that the VA covers only the courses required for these certification programs. We encourage students to work closely with their academic advisors to ensure that all courses are VA-approved and necessary for their certification path.
Steps to Apply for GI Bill® Benefits
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Visit the VA Education Programs website to confirm your eligibility for the GI Bill® benefits.
Step 2: Apply for Benefits
Go to https://www.va.gov and click on “Apply for Education Benefits.”
Complete form 22-1990, providing the required information about your educational background and goals.
Submit the application and wait for the VA to process your request.
Step 3: Receive Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Once your application is processed, the VA will issue a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). This document outlines your entitlement to educational benefits.
Step 4: Submit Your COE
Submit a copy of your COE to Total Cyber Academy. You can do this via mail, email, or in person. This step is crucial for verifying your benefits and enrolling in courses.
Step 5: Enroll in Courses
Work with your academic advisor to select courses that are covered under the GI Bill®. It is essential to choose only those courses required for your certification program, as the VA will not cover non-required courses.
Step 6: Complete the VA Enrollment Certification Form
Submit the VA Enrollment Certification Form each semester. This form must be updated with any changes to your enrollment status, such as adding or dropping courses, to ensure your benefits are correctly applied.
Additional Considerations and Resources
Direct Deposit Setup:
To receive your Monthly Housing Allowance and book stipend promptly, set up direct deposit through the VA. This ensures timely payments and avoids potential delays.
Continuous Communication:
Maintain regular contact with the Office of Veteran Services at Total Cyber Academy for updates on your benefits, guidance on course selection, and any other support you may need.
Useful Links:
- VA Comparison Tool: Compare programs and benefits across different institutions.
- VA Education and Training: Official VA resources and information on educational benefits.