Veteran Benefits

How to Apply for Veteran Benefits

Educational assistance for veterans is available in the form of federal grants, monthly benefits, and Stafford loans. Over 80% of veterans are eligible for some form of financial aid. Veterans are encouraged to apply as early as possible to avoid delays.

GETTING STARTED

All student veterans must follow the first three steps. However, since each veteran’s benefits vary, follow steps 4, 5, and 6 if they pertain to you.

• Step 1 - Apply for admission (apply 180 days before the term you wish to attend). Be prepared to provide proper documentation to prove that you are eligible for veterans benefits. Complete the "Application for VA Education Benefits" (form #22-1990): The form is available from UW-WC's Student Services office. Pick up a copy or phone (262)-335-5201 and ask to have it mailed to you. You can also apply online at the Federal Veterans Administration website.
• Step 2 - Follow the Transcripts guidelines. (Contact prior schools early to ensure transcripts are received by Student Services.) Note: Transcripts coming from another state take about 2-3 weeks and overseas take about 6-7 weeks.
• Step 3 - Submit proper documentation and completed application to Maria in Student Services at UW-Washington County. To make an appointment, phone (262)-335-5207 or email maria.graciano@uwc.edu. Please allow up to 45 days for the VA to process your application.
• Step 4- Apply for Federal VA Benefits via VONAPP or at your County Veterans Service Office. The CVSO will assist in starting the MGIB. Note: Bring copy of DD Form 214 to the CVSO. (Apply 90 days before the beginning of the term.)
• Step 5 - Apply for financial aid. (Apply as soon after January 1 as possible for the academic year that begins the following September.)
• Step 6 - Contact the County Veterans Service Office for initiation of State Benefits.
• Step 7 – Enjoy your classes at the University of Wisconsin-Washington County!

Transfer Students

If you are a veteran that has received benefits in the past and are now transferring to UW-Washington County, you will need to complete a "Change of School Form" (form #22-1995). This form is also available in Student Services.

Direct Loans

Veterans may receive federal assistance in the form of direct loans. These are low-interest loans that must be repaid. If you are a first time Federal loan borrower at our campus, you must participate in an entrance counseling session PRIOR to receiving your first loan check.

To qualify for federal loan assistance:

• Visit the website: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
• Click on the online student counseling icon or use direct link.
• Read all the loan information and follow the step-by-step instructions.
• Complete the "test" made available and correctly answer all the questions. After correctly answering all of the questions, follow the instructions for submitting your successful entrance counseling session.
• Print your confirmation statement.
• Allow 2-3 days for confirmation of your entrance counseling completion to be forwarded to UW-Washington County. At that time, you will be eligible to obtain your first loan check through our campus Business Office (if your loan check has already arrived).

Additional information may also be found at:

• GI Bill Website
• SMART (Sailor/Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript)
• Veterans Wisconsin Education Portal
• Veterans Education Grant
• Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs
• Wisconsin Army National Guard
• Army American Council on Education Registry Transcript (AARTS)
• FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

The University of Wisconsin Colleges are fully approved for the certification of educational benefits for veterans and veterans' dependents under both federal and state veterans administration programs.

It is your responsibility to report all changes to the Financial Aid office that would affect your monthly rate. This includes drops, withdrawals, addition of mini courses, and courses changed to "Audit." Dropping courses may result in an overpayment; this may require partial or full repayment to the VA. In addition, veteran-students are responsible for paying their own tuition on time to avoid late charges and cancellation.