Veterans Benefits

Welcome to the Veterans Benefits webpage!

Veterans Benefits – Office of the Registrar offers information related to the types of benefits, certification of benefits, contact information for dedicated support, and campus resources for students who have served in the military.

On January 5, 2021, the President signed the Isakson and Roe Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. In addition to existing laws, this new law significantly changes veterans’ education benefits. Many changes enhance or expand education benefits for Veterans, service members, families, and survivors.

Effective August 1, 2021, sec.1005 of PLL 116-315 requires public institutions to assess in-state tuition for students receiving benefits under the Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill® regardless of when they separated from the military.
Effective September 20, 2018, sec. 301 of PLL 115-251 requires public institutions to assess in-state tuition for students receiving benefits under Chapter 31 Veterans Readiness and Employment.
Effective August 1, 2022, S.1095 requires public institutions to assess in-state tuition for students receiving benefits under the Chapter 35 Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA).
VA Education Benefits or ROTC Scholarships, as defined under sec. 480(c) of the Higher Education Act (HEA), effective July 1, 2009, are not treated as estimated financial assistance (EFA) and are not taken into consideration when evaluating students’ eligibility for federal financial aid.
Benefits not included in sec. 480(c) of the HEA and state veterans education benefits count as EFA.

We encourage veteran and military-connected students to apply for federal, state, or institutional financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

Information regarding VA Education Benefits and a Checklist for Initiating Benefits are available on the Office of the Registrar’s website.

Cal-Vet College Fee Waiver
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- The Cal-Vet College Fee Waiver is a state program for Dependents of Veterans designed to assist students in paying systemwide tuition and fees and specific program fees. Students are responsible for all other campus-based fees.
- The Cal-Vet College Fee Waiver form is available from the California Department of Veterans Affairs by calling 1-800-952-5626 or online Service Provider Search by Location.
- Students must be California residents and apply for the Cal-Vet College Fee Waiver each academic year. Students may consult with the Residency Unit at the Office of the Registrar to determine eligibility for CA residency.
- The Cal-Vet College Fee Waiver may not be used along with the Cal Grant, as both state-based awards assist students in paying resident tuition and student services fees. Undergraduate students eligible for both typically use their Cal Grant during the academic year and their CalVet College Fee Waiver over the Summer term.
- Additional Cal-Vet College Fee Waiver program information is available on the Office of the Registrar’s website. Students are requested to submit the tracking number for their Cal-Vet College Fee Waiver Authorization Letter by email to veteransbenefits@berkeley.edu.
- Please review financial aid eligibility requirements and contact the financial aid scholarships office by opening a case with Cal Student Central.

Post-9/11 GI Bill® - Chapter 33
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- The Post-9/11 GI Bill - Chapter 33 program is designed to assist students in paying systemwide and campus-based tuition and fees.
- The Department of Veterans Affairs determines eligibility for education benefits, and students may apply online at VA.GOV.
- Students interested in receiving education benefits must submit the VA Enrollment Certification Request form each semester. The link to this form can be found on the My Dashboard page of your CalCentral account under the section labeled Student Resources and the sub-heading Submit a Form.
- Non-California residents using education benefits under the Chapter 33 GI Bill program will be exempt from nonresident supplemental tuition. Students may consult with the Residency Unit and review the residency Exceptions and Exemption requirements.
- Additional Post-9/11 GI Bill - Chapter 33 program information and a Checklist for Initiating Benefits are available on the Office of the Registrar’s website. Students are requested to submit documents by email to veteransbenefits@berkeley.edu.
- Please review financial aid eligibility requirements and contact the financial aid scholarships office by opening a case with Cal Student Central.

Veterans Readiness and Employment - Chapter 31
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- The Veterans Readiness and Employment program - Chapter 31 program is designed to assist students in paying systemwide and campus-based tuition and fees.
- Veterans need to contact the Oakland VRE Regional Office to get information about Veteran Readiness and Employment - Chapter 31 eligibility and apply. This process takes several months, so please plan ahead. Students can reach the Oakland VRE Regional Office by calling (510) 637-6128 or emailing CH.VBAOAK@va.gov.
- Students interested in receiving education benefits must submit the VA Enrollment Certification Request form each semester. The link to this form can be found on the My Dashboard page of your CalCentral account under the section labeled Student Resources and the sub-heading Submit a Form.
- Non-California residents using education benefits under the Chapter 31 VR&E program will be exempt from nonresident supplemental tuition. Students may consult with the Residency Unit and review the residency Exceptions and Exemption requirements.
- Additional Veteran Readiness and Employment - Chapter 31 program information and a Checklist for Initiating Benefits are available on the Office of the Registrar’s website. Students are requested to submit documents by email to veteransbenefits@berkeley.edu.
- Please review financial aid eligibility requirements and contact the financial aid scholarships office by opening a case with Cal Student Central.

Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program - Chapter 35
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- The Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program is designed to assist the child or spouse of a veteran or service member.
- Students may apply online for Dependents Educational Assistance - Chapter 35. For this program, the VA pays a monthly amount directly to the student.
- Students interested in receiving benefits must submit the VA Enrollment Certification Request form each semester. The link to this form can be found on the My Dashboard page of your CalCentral account under the section labeled Student Resources and the sub-heading Submit a Form.
- Non-California residents using benefits under the Chapter 35 DEA program will be exempt from nonresident supplemental tuition. Students may consult with the Residency Unit and review the residency Exceptions and Exemption requirements.
- Additional Dependents Educational Assistance - Chapter 35 program information and a Checklist for Initiating Benefits are available on the Office of the Registrar’s website. Students are requested to submit documents by email to veteransbenefits@berkeley.edu.
- Please review financial aid eligibility requirements and contact the financial aid scholarships office by opening a case with Cal Student Central.

ROTC Scholarships - Air Force, Army, Navy
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- ROTC scholarships administered by the Department of Defense (DoD) are not treated as estimated financial assistance (EFA) and are not considered when evaluating students’ eligibility for federal financial aid.
- We encourage ROTC students to apply for federal, state, or institutional financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
- Students may consult with the Residency Unit at the Office of the Registrar to determine eligibility for CA residency.
- ROTC students may email Air Force, Army, or Navy ROTC contacts on campus regarding their eligibility for the ROTC Scholarship each term.
- Please review financial aid eligibility requirements and contact the financial aid scholarships office by opening a case with Cal Student Central.

Frequently Asked Questions - Veterans Benefits
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Do Veterans' education and noneducation benefits need to be reported on the FAFSA?

Yes. Veterans' education and noneducation benefits are reported as untaxed income on the FAFSA. Veterans' noneducation benefits include disability, death pension, dependency and indemnity compensation, and VA education work-study allowances.

Do Veterans need to report their parent's information on the FAFSA?

No, veterans are considered independent for Title IV financial aid purposes and are not required to report parent information on the FAFSA.

How does Cal Grant impact VA Education Benefits?

Cal Grants like VA education benefits are tuition and fee-specific. Students eligible for Cal Grant will see the Cal Grant pay the resident tuition and student services fee, and the VA education benefits will pay the remaining fees.

Since the VA is the last payer, tuition and fee-specific awards on students' financial aid packages will impact their certified VA education benefits.

Are VA education benefits taxable income?

No, VA education benefits are reported as gift aid on Form 1098-T and found in box 5. Additional information is also available on the VA website and the IRS website.

What is certification of benefits?

Certification is the information the school's certifying officer sends to the VA Regional Processing Office. The student's enrollment dates, units, and tuition and fees for some programs are part of the certification process.

Who determines what I am eligible to receive in VA Benefits?

The Department of Veterans Affairs determines eligibility for VA education benefits, not UC Berkeley. Berkeley falls under the VA Regional Processing Office in Muskogee, OK. Please get in touch with the VA via one of the methods listed on their website to inquire.

Do I need to report my enrollment to the VA every month?

Yes, the Isakson and Roe Improvement Act of 2020 requires students to electronically verify their continued enrollment throughout the term. Please get in touch with the VA for more information.

How many units are required for VA education benefits?

Your payment for tuition and fees may not be affected by the number of units you are taking, but it may impact your housing allowance. The GI Bill Comparison Tool can help you estimate how your credit hours affect your benefits. Please get in touch with veteransbenefits@berkeley.edu with questions regarding VA education benefits.

What is an estimated NRST Waiver?

This waiver estimates your eligibility for the non-resident supplemental tuition based on the information you provided on your application for admission and your Statement of Legal Residence. Students are requested to review the residency Exceptions and Exemption requirements and contact the Residency Unit in the Office of the Registrar. The Office of the Registrar determines the final confirmation for this waiver.

What is the difference between Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)?

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a housing benefit the Department of Defense provides. The Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) is a housing benefit provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Additional Resources
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Workshops - Cal Veteran Services Center (CVSC)

The Cal Veteran Services Center (CVSC) conducts several workshops to keep students informed regarding financial aid and scholarship matters. The CVSC notifies students of these workshops via email, social media, and program calendar. In addition, students may reach the CVSC directly for information and be added to the listserv at veteranscenter@berkeley.edu.

The CVSC workshops include the following financial aid and scholarships information:
Apply for Aid
Verification Process
Family Contribution Appeal
Cost of Attendance Adjustment Request
Students with Dependents
Berkeley Financial Aid Forms

Partnering Offices, Programs, and Tools

Academic Resources

Basic Needs Resources

Campus Partner Connect

Current Students

Parents Financial Aid Support Hub

Prospective Students

Refunds after Withdrawal

Signing Up for Direct Deposit

Student Health Insurance Plan

Types of Aid

Contact - Financial Aid and Scholarships
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- Cal Student Central is the destination for student university business related to financial aid, fees and billing, disbursements, registration, and enrollment.
- Please contact the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office by opening a case with Cal Student Central.