VA education benefit eligibility is based on individual service information and is specific to the service-member or veteran. The Veterans Services Coordinator can assist you in determining whether or not you should be eligible for any VA education benefits but final determination of eligibility will come from the VA.
In order to receive your VA education benefits at Western Iowa Tech you must first apply for your benefits through the VA at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. The Veterans Services Office does not automatically certify anyone for VA education benefits. Failure to notify the Veterans Service Office of your enrollment may delay the payment of your benefits.
If you have used GI Bill® benefits at a different school and are now coming to Western Iowa Tech, the VA requires you to complete a Change of Place of Training form (VA Form 22-1995). You may complete this form online by visiting the VA's website www.benefits.va.gov/gibill and then launching the Veterans Online Application. You may also complete this form by contacting the Veterans Services Office.
If you were using the benefits last semester at Western Iowa Tech there is no requirement for you to re-apply to the VA for benefits or complete any additional paperwork. You simply need to notify the Veterans Services Office when you have registered for classes.
To remain eligible to use VA education benefits at Western Iowa Tech you must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress. This means maintaining a 2.0 GPA or higher and having a completion rate of 67% or higher. If you fall below these marks you may be certified for one additional semester. If you are below a 2.0 GPA and 67% completion rate for two consecutive terms your VA education benefits will be suspended. If your benefits are suspended, you may appeal for reinstatement by following the procedures outlined on the Financial Aid page at my.witcc.edu.
To determine how much you would receive from your benefits use the VA Benefits Comparison Tool at www.va.gov/gi-bill-comparison-tool/ and provide the requested information.
Click on the chapters listed below for information on eligibility and applying for benefits, receiving payments, and other important information.
If you are an actively drilling member of the reserve components, you may be eligible for Chapter 1606 Reserve Component GI Bill. The reserve components consist of Army Reserve, Naval Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard and Air National Guard.
The Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Program (previously called Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) is authorized by Congress under Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 31. The VR&E program assists Veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs.
The Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill® is an education benefit for any member or former member of the Armed Forces who served on active duty after September 10, 2001.
The Dependent Education Assistance Program (DEA) Chapter 35 provides aid to a spouse, son or daughter (including stepchild or adopted child) of veterans who are either deceased or permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability.