Veteran Aid Program

The VA is now accepting applications for the Post 9/11 GI Bill, Chapter33, on line. Please see this link for details: www.gibill.va.gov

1. Veterans Educational Benefits

The Veterans Office at Ramapo College is the liaison with the Regional Processing Office in Buffalo, New York, to assist veterans, dependents of veterans, reservists, and National Guardsmen/women with the application and certification process. This office will assist the eligible student to apply for their respective educational benefits for the Montgomery GI Bill under Chapter 30, 31, 32, 35, 1606 or VEAP. Questions regarding the eligibility of a veteran or dependent can be answered by calling 1 888-GIBILL1.

Chapter 30 – New GI Bill

Members of the armed forces who entered active duty for the first time after June 30, 1985, will receive monthly payments if they contributed to the program following enlistment and subsequently enroll in courses at an accredited educational facility.

Chapter 31 – Disabled Veterans

Members having a service-connected disability that entitles them to veteran compensation can receive tuition and fees paid to the college under this program.

Chapter 32 – Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)

This program provides financial assistance for members of the armed forces who initially entered service after December 31, 1976.

Chapter 33 – Post 9/11 GI Bill

The VA is now accepting applications for the Post 9/11 GI Bill, Chapter33, on line.  Please see this link for details: www.gibill.va.gov

Chapter 35 – Survivor and Dependents

Sons, daughters and/or spouses of veterans are eligible for financial assistance if the veteran died in service as a result of a service-connected disability or became permanently and totally disabled while in the service.

Chapter 1606 – Selected Reserve Program

Students who enlist in the Reserve component of the armed forces and contribute to the MGIB will receive monthly payments while attending courses at a State Approved accredited educational facility.

Chapter 1607 – Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP)

Established as a part of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005. It is a new Department of Defense education benefit program designed to provide educational assistance to members of the Reserve components called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency (contingency operation) as declared by the President or Congress. This new program makes certain individuals currently serving in the Selected Reserves, or who were activated after September 11, 2001, eligible for education benefits and increased benefits.

New Jersey National Guard – Tuition Waiver Program

Students who enlist in the NJ National Guard are entitled to a tuition-only waiver while attending courses, full or part time. The waiver is applied after submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and all Federal and State grants are deducted from the tuition (if any). Eligible Guardsmen/women must submit a NOBE (Notice of Basic Eligibility) from their Commanding Officer upon initial registration at an accredited New Jersey educational facility and a Commander’s Certification each semester he/she intends to enroll.

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2. Before YOU Apply for VA Educational Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs requires each applicant for VA educational benefits to be formally accepted to an approved curriculum/program of study before initial certification. (Under certain circumstances, up to 24 credits within one year may be certified as a non-matriculated student.)

To apply for admission (matriculation), the following must be received by the Ramapo College Admissions Office:

1. Completed admission application;
2. Official high school transcript (this document is not required if student will be transferring more than 60 credits from another college upon admission);
3. Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges;
4. SAT or ACT scores for first-time full-time students:
5. Non-refundable application fee.

The application and instructions are available from the Admissions Office or on our website (link below).

Ramapo College Online Application

Applicants are encouraged to visit the campus during Open House Programs and weekday tours (link below)

Open House/Weekday Tours

3. Benefit Programs and Requirements

There are VA forms necessary for application for educational benefits that can be easily completed and submitted on the VA Website.

How to Apply for Benefits.

Ramapo College requires an internal registration form that is available at the Financial Aid/ Veterans Office (Room E-210). An additional internal form for National Guard members is required. These forms must be handed in each semester you want your benefits certified.

Application benefits may vary from program to program. Your application package must be completed before certification. Requirements for each program’s initial application are:

Chapter 30 – Montgomery GI Bill

For veterans who served on active duty after June 30, 1985 (Category 1), those who had remaining entitlement under the Vietnam Era GI Bill(Category II), and those who switched form VEAP before being involuntarily separated after February 2, 1991 (Category III);

Category I & III – Application package includes:

• Form 22-1990 Application for Educational Benefits which can be done online via VONAPP (Veterans Online Application) by going to www.gibill.va.gov or letter of eligibility from Department of Veterans Affairs (which is received after form 22-1990 is submitted)
• Copy of DD-214 (Member copy 4 – long version)
• Ramapo College Veterans Registration Form (PDF) (must be completed each semester including summer session).

Chapter 35 – Survivor’s and Dependent’s Educational Assistance

Surviving spouses and children of veterans who died of a service-connected death, disability, or surviving spouses and children of veterans with a permanent service-connected disability;

• Form 22-5490 Application for Survivor’s and Dependent’s Educational Assistance (or letter of approval for Dependent’s Educational Assistance)
• Ramapo (must be completed each semester including summer session)

Chapter 1606 – Selected Reserve Program

For students who are currently serving in the Selected Reserves;

• Form 22-1990 Application for Educational Benefits which can be done online via VONAPP (Veterans Online Application) by going to www.gibill.va.gov
• Copy of DD-214 (Member copy 4 – long version)
• Form 2384 Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) This form is issued through the Reserve Unit.
• Ramapo College Veterans Registration Form (PDF) (must be completed each semester including summer session)

Chapter 1607 – REAP

For students who are currently serving in the Selected Reserves and were activated;

• Form 22-1990 Application for Educational Benefits which can be done online via VONAPP (Veterans Online Application) by going to www.gibill.va.gov
• Copy of DD-214 (Member copy 4 – long version).
• Ramapo College Veterans Registration Form (PDF) (must be completed each semester including summer session).

Ramapo College Veterans Registration Information Form (must be completed each semester, including summer if student wishes to have their credits certified)

New Jersey National Guard Tuition Waiver

Students who enlist in the NJ National Guard are entitled to a tuition only waiver after all Federal and/or State grants and;

• Must apply for financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meet all guidelines of eligibility for aid.
• Form 2384 Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) This form is issued through the Reserve Unit.
  Commander’s Certification for each semester of enrollment.
• Ramapo College Veterans Registration Form (PDF) (must be completed each semester including summer session).
• Ramapo College National Guard Tuition Waiver Form (PDF) (must be completed each semester including summer session).

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4. Correspondence

By using your educational benefits, you will generate a continuing stream of school and VA correspondence. All correspondence is important and should be read carefully upon receipt. We urge you to create a file for all VA and/or school correspondence.

Verify personal data such as address, date of birth, social security number and name. Pay particular attention to the enrollment dates reported. If any information is incorrect, please notify the veterans administrator immediately.

Telephone and Internet Enrollment Verification for Montgomery GI Bill.  www.gibill.va.gov
Chapters 30 and 1606 and 1607/REAP veterans must verify their monthly enrollment through the Internet by accessing the Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) website, or by using the telephone verification system at 1-877-823-2378. The VA Regional Processing office will no longer mail verification of enrollment forms (VA Form 22-8979) to those veterans.

Please see the links section for a link to the Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) website.

National Guard Tuition Waiver Form (PDF)

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FAQ

What is the New Jersey state law regarding military re-deployment?

You can find the New Jersey Legislation at http://law.onecle.com/new-jersey/18a-education/62-4.2.html.  If you have any questions please call the Office of Veteran Affairs at 609-652-4315.

What is the federal law regarding military re-deployment?

The  Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, Public Law 110-315. Section 487 accords the postsecondary education student whose education was interrupted by voluntary or involuntary military service the right to readmission to the educational program.

Who do I contact for any refunds due to redeployment?

Financial Aid office at 201-684-7549 or finaid@ramapo.edu

To whom do I bring my benefits paperwork to?

Financial Aid office located in the Academic Building – Core 6 – 2^nd Floor EWING – see Financial Aid counselors listed under “Veteran Success Team”