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Office of the University Registrar

VA Benefit Information  Veterans

All veterans are separated into different categories (chapters) that define the class of benefits received. To identify the eligibility requirements and benefits, click the link to the chapter in question.

Please note: If you are considering a Study Abroad program, be sure to meet with staff in the Veterans Resource Center before completing the process.  Your benefits may not be applicable for the program. 

Undergraduate Students: The Cal Vet Fee Waiver covers Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters only, does not include Spring Intersessions(CGE). Graduate Students: check with the Veterans Resource Center for more information.

California veterans and their dependents should contact the County Department of Veteran Affairs closest to their location for information regarding application procedures or other related services.  Basic eligibility is attained if the veteran died from a service-connected disability or has a service-connected disability rated by the Veterans Administration at zero percent (0%) or higher.  There are other specific criteria that must be met prior to being deemed eligible, such as the student being a California resident. Please see additional information at: Additional Information

Fresno State Veterans Services may also be contacted for information and guidance pertaining to California Veteran Fee Waiver benefits.

Students whose parents are rated less than 100 percent by the Department of Veteran Affairs or who are also receiving Chapter 35 educational benefits, must turn in their previous year’s tax return or a letter from the Internal Revenue Service stating they were not required to file federal income taxes.

  • You must meet California residency requirements of your school in order to receive these benefits.
  • Applications for the Cal Vet Fee Waiver must be renewed every academic year. You must re-establish eligibility for each subsequent academic year you plan on attending school.
  • Please note: this benefit cannot be used to fund courses taken through the Continuing Global Education Program.
College Fee Waiver

The College Fee waiver for Veteran's Dependents waives mandatory system-wide tuition at any State of California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus. This program does not cover the expense of books, parking or room and board. There are four plans under which dependents of veterans may be eligible. Many California colleges and universities have campus-based and extension fees which may not be waived.

For more information please visit: www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/pages/college-fee-waiver.aspx

VA Chapter 33

Verification of enrollment to receive Post - 9/11 Educational Assistance benefits

As of August 1, 2021, Chapter 33 students must verify their enrollment status each month to continue receiving their monthly housing allowance (MHA) and/or kicker payments. This change willo be implemened in phases, starting with students enrolled at a Non-Degree (NCD) facility.

Sudents can verify their enrollment status in one of two ways:

  • Text Messaging - Students who choose VA's "Opt-In" feature will receive a text message each month prompting them to verify their enrollment status
  • Telephone - Students may call the Education Call Center (ECC) at 888-442-4551 to verify their enrollment status
     


For more information on Post 9/11 GI Bill® go to http://www.gibill.va.gov

VA Chapter 35 Definition
Basic Eligibility
  • Spouse or children of a veteran that is deceased or has a 100% service-connected disability.
To Enroll


The spouse/dependent must complete and return the following paperwork to Veterans Services:

  • Application for Survivor's and Dependent's Educational Assistance, VA Form 22-5490.   IMPORTANT!!   When completing 22-5490, please insert the veteran's social security number or C Number.
  • EACH SEMESTER the spouse/dependent will fill out an Enrollment Form at Fresno State Veterans Services.
Changes
  • ALL CHANGES to the spouse/dependent's schedule (adds, drops, class cancellations, and/or withdrawals) must be approved by Fresno State Veterans Services.
  • ANY CHANGES to the major or if transferring in from another school require the spouse/dependent to complete and return VA Form 22-5495 to Fresno State Veterans Services.
Contact Information
  • Fresno State Veterans Services: (559) 278-6036.
  • Veterans Administration Educational office: (888) 442-4551.
  • Veterans Administration Direct Deposit information: (888) 442-4551.
Tutor
  • If a spouse/dependent needs a tutor, they should contact Fresno State Veterans Services. 
  • Complete and return VA Form 22-1990t to Fresno State Veterans Services. 
  • The spouse/dependent must be attending at least 1/2 time.
  • Contact, negotiation of wages, and pay is the spouse/dependent's responsibility.
  • The spouse/dependent is eligible to receive $100 per month, up to $600 per semester and up to $1,200 total, for tutor reimbursement expenses.

VA Chapter 1606 Definition (Reservist)
Basic Eligibility
  • Member MUST be in drill status to use benefits.
  • Member MUST have a signed six-year contract dated after July 1, 1985.
  • Member MUST have completed 180 days of duty in the selected reserve or guard. 
  • Member must have a GED or High School diploma.
To Enroll

The member will complete and return the following paperwork to Fresno State Veterans Services:

  • Application for Educational Benefits VA Form 22-1990.
  • Copy of Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) obtained from member's unit.
  • Copy of Reserves/Guard Kicker paperwork.
  • EACH SEMESTER the student will fill out an Enrollment Form at Fresno State Veterans Services.
Changes
  • ANY CHANGES to the major or if transferring in from another school require the veteran to complete and return VA Form 22-1995 to Fresno State Veterans Services.
Contact information
  • Fresno State Veterans Services: (559) 278-6036.
  • Veterans Administration Educational office: (888) 442-4551.
  • Veterans Administration Direct Deposit information: (888) 442-4551.
Tutor
  • If a member needs a tutor, they should contact Fresno State Veterans Services. 
  • Complete and return VA Form 22-1990t to Fresno State Veterans Services. 
  • The member must be attending at least 1/2 time.
  • Contact, negotiation of wages, and pay is the member's responsibility.
  • The member is eligible to receive $100 per month, up to $600 per semester and up to $1200 total, for tutor reimbursement expenses.

VA Chapter 1607 Definition Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
No Longer Active as of November 26, 2019
Basic Eligibility
  • Member MUST be a reservist who was activated for at least 90 days after September 11, 2001.
  • Click here to view Questions and Answers on the new REAP Benefit
To Enroll

The member will complete and return the following paperwork to Fresno State Veterans Services:

  • Copies of all DD 214s.
  • Copies of all orders for the period(s) you will use to claim eligibility.
  • EACH SEMESTER the student will fill out an Enrollment Form at Fresno State Veterans Services.
Changes
  • ANY CHANGES to the major or if transferring in from another school require the veteran to complete and return VA Form 22-1995 to Fresno State Veterans Services.
Contact information
  • Fresno State Veterans Services: (559) 278-6036.
  • Veterans Administration Educational office: (888) 442-4551.
  • Veterans Administration Direct Deposit information: (888) 442-4551.
Tutor
  • If a member needs a tutor, they should contact Fresno State Veterans Services. 
  • Complete and return VA Form 22-1990t to Fresno State Veterans Services. 
  • The member must be attending at least 1/2 time.
  • Contact, negotiation of wages, and pay is the member's responsibility.
  • The member is eligible to receive $100 per month, up to $600 per semester and up to $1,200 total, for tutor reimbursement expenses.

Fresno State is eligible to accept Military Tuition Assistance (TA) for active duty soldiers, which may pay up to 100% of tuition. Tuition Assistance is a source of financial aid for active duty military, not a loan that will need to be repaid after graduation.  TA is considered a first payer.

Each of the military branches has its own application and procedure for Tuition Assistance. Therefore, prior to enrolling at Fresno State, military students requesting TA must visit their respective Military Service’s education portal to ensure eligibility for TA benefits. Approval from the student’s Educational Services Officer or military branch counselor is required prior enrollment in the first course.

For a detailed step-by-step process of applying for TA, click here.

To learn more about Military Tuition Assistance as well as other military college benefits, contact our Veterans Resource Center at (559) 278-6036 or send email to fsveterans@mail.fresnostate.edu. 

Note: Be aware of TA application submission deadlines.  

Breakdown of fees per unit ASA-2018-07 - Tuition Costs for Military Students

Verification of enrollment to receive Post-9/11 GI Bill® Benefits

Effective December 18, 2021, the requirement for students to verify their enrollment information will be expanded to include students who attend Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) facilities.  This exapansion includes those taking IHL programs and NCD programs at an IHL school.  The requirements to verify is effective for all terms that begin on or after December 17, 2021.

Note: Monthly enrollment verification is only applicable to Chapter 33 students!

As of December 18, both NCD and IHL facility students will be able to verify their enrollment status in one of three ways:

  1. Text Messaging - Students who choose VA's "Opt-In" feature will receive a text message each month prompting them to verify their enrollment status
  2. Email - Students who do not Opt-In for text will be automatically enrolled in email verification and sent an automated email on the last day of hte month to verify their enrollment status
  3. Telephone - Students who opt out of text and email may call the Education Call Center (ECC) at 888-442-4551 to verify their enrollment status

Enrollment Verification Resources and Reminders