Veterans Benefits
Chapter 33: Post 911 GI Bill
If you have at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service after Sept. 10, 2001, and are still on active duty, or if you are an honorably discharged veteran or were discharge with a service-connected disability after 30 days, you may be eligible for this program. Some of these benefits may be passed to your dependent.
Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill
Chapter 30 provides education benefits to veterans and service members who have at least two years of active duty.
Chapter 35: Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance
Chapter 35 offers education opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or of veterans who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition.
Chapter 1606: Montgomery GI Bill Selective Reserve
Chapter 1606 provides education and training benefits to eligible members of the Selected Reserve.
Chapter 31: Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program
- Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment assists service-disabled veterans to prepare for, find and keep suitable employment. This program also assists severely disabled veterans with living more independently when gainful employment is not possible.
- Chapter 31 benefits are handled through the Sioux Falls Regional Benefits Office. Please contact a Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program counselor for further information.
Reach out to Veterans Services and Engagement if you still have questions.
How do I get a copy of my Certificate of Eligibility?
Please use Ask a Question and request to have it mailed to your address. You can also call the VA at 1-888-442-4551.
How do I get a DD-214 or Notice of Basic Eligibility (Ch. 1606 only)?
Please contact your readiness noncommissioned officer.
Do I have to turn in a VA Information Form every semester?
Yes. Please submit a form before every semester you would like to use your VA benefits. Once you register for classes, complete the online form. Once it is submitted it will be automatically sent to your adviser for course approval and then it will be sent to our office.
Do I need to notify the Veterans Services and Engagement when I drop or add a class?
Yes. Please notify our office ASAP.
Does changing my credits affect my South Dakota Tuition Assistance?
Yes, it is automatically calculated by the Cashier’s Office. You don’t need to do anything.
If I drop a class while using federal tuition assistance on that class, do I have to pay money back?
Yes, contact ArmyIgnitED. Note: Filter by your unit's zip code.
Can I transfer my benefits?
Some VA educational benefits may be transferred to a military member’s spouse or children if you are still actively serving. Please visit the U.S. Veterans Affairs Transfer of Entitlement for more information.
When will I get paid?
- Chapter 33 and Chapter 35 should be paid on the first day of the month but may be paid slightly sooner.
- Chapter 1606 – About two weeks after you call.
- First time waiting to get paid, give it four to six weeks.
Still concerned?
- Best thing to do is to come into our office and verify you have turned in everything.
- If you are a Chapter 1606, verify your classes via the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) – 1-877-823-2378 or use the WAVE online.
South Dakota Tuition Programs
South Dakota offers special benefits for its military service members and veterans including a property tax exemption for veterans and their surviving spouses, compensation for state active duty, South Dakota tuition for veterans, hunting and fishing cards for disabled veterans and free admission and reduced camping fees at South Dakota state parks for veterans. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component and veteran disability status.
State Dakota State Tuition Assistance
The State Tuition Assistance Program covers 50% of tuition at South Dakota Board of Regents universities and 83.5% at South Dakota-supported technical institutes. To be eligible, a National Guard member shall: be a member of the South Dakota Army National Guard unit or Air National Guard unit throughout each semester; completed required initial basic training; satisfactorily performed duty upon return from basic training, a minimum 90% attendance on scheduled drill dates and at annual training with the member's parent unit; maintain satisfactory academic progress; and provide proper notice to the institution at the time of registration for the term in which the benefits are sought.
Active Duty Tuition Assistance
Military tuition assistance is a benefit paid to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Congress has given each service the ability to pay up to 100% for the tuition expenses of its members. Each service has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application process and restrictions. This money is usually paid directly to the institution by the individual services.
Tuition assistance is not a loan; it should be viewed as money you have earned just like your base pay.
Active Duty Reduced Tuition Application
Reduced tuition will apply to undergraduate courses. The student must provide one verification of active duty military service such as: current military ID with expiration date, pay stub (leave and earnings statement), current orders, other document with current dates of service that include academic term start date. There is no credit hour limit for the benefit. The student must fill out this application each semester.
Student application instructions: Download the Application for Reduced Tuition at South Dakota Board of Regents University Centers; complete Section I and submit application with proof of current military service to the SDSU Veterans email address.
South Dakota Vets Free
To qualify, the veteran: must have been discharged under honorable conditions; be a current resident of South Dakota and qualify for in-state tuition; and must meet one of the definitions of a "veteran": served on active duty at any time between Aug. 2, 1990, and a date to be determined, received an Armed Forces Expeditionary medal or other United States campaign or service medal for participation in combat operations against hostile forces outside the boundaries of the United States or has a service connected disability rated 10% or more, disabling. Questions? Contact Shane Olivier at 605-773-3648.
