Education Checklist

How to Apply for VA Education Benefits

Applying for VA benefits does not establish admission to YSU, so you will need to apply for admissions first. Once you're accepted to YSU, the Office of Veterans Affairs is able to assist you each semester.

Tuition Assistance
- Service members are directed to speak to their Education Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within their military service prior to enrolling at YSU.
- The current rate of Tuition Assistance is $250/credit hour, up to a total of $4,000/year; Members of the Ohio Air National Guard provides up to $4,500/year.
- Tuition Assistance Program funds are awarded to students under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. When a student withdraws, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of Tuition Assistance funds originally awarded.
- To comply with the Department of Defense policy, Youngstown State University will return any unearned Tuition Assistance funds on a prorated basis through at least the 60% portion of the period for which the funds were provided. Tuition Assistance funds are earned proportionally during an enrollment period, with unearned funds returned based upon when a student stops attending.
- Navigate to your respective branch's website to apply for TA. Approved forms can be sent to veterans@ysu.edu.
  - Air Force
  - Army
  - Navy
  - Marine Corps
Post 9/11 - Chapter 33
- Complete the VA form 22-1995. Once complete, submit the application to the YSU Office of Veterans Affairs. Alternatively, you can complete the VA online application at https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/. Once complete, print out the application confirmation page and submit a copy to the YSU Office of Veterans Affairs.
- Provide Proof of Additional College Fund or Kicker (if applicable)
  - College Fund - enlistment contract
  - MGIB Kicker - Proof of $600 payment (Leave and Earnings Statement, DFAS statement)
- Upon approval and receipt of your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), submit a copy to the YSU Office of Veterans Affairs before the end of the term.
- Complete the YSU Benefit Declaration Form once registered.
- Complete a Prior Credit Evaluation.
- Submit copy of DD214 to the Office of Veterans Affairs.
Remember it may take VA up to 90-120 days to process an initial VA claim. Make sure to submit all applications and documentation to help ensure benefits are applied and received in a timely manner.
Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA) - Chapter 35
- Complete the VA form 22-5490. Once complete, submit the application to the YSU Office of Veterans Affairs. Alternatively, you can complete the VA online application at https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/. Once complete, print out the application confirmation page and submit a copy to the YSU Office of Veterans Affairs.
- Submit supporting documents to the Office of Veterans Affairs
  - Birth certificate or marriage license
  - DD214 of the Veteran, DoD Causality of Death, or copy of the disability compensation letter
- Upon receipt of your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from VA, provide a copy to the YSU Office of Veterans Affairs
- Complete the YSU Benefit Declaration Form once registered.
- Complete a Prior Credit Evaluation.
Remember it may take VA up to 90-120 days to process an initial VA claim. Make sure to submit all applications and documentation to help ensure benefits are applied and received in a timely manner.
Reserves/National Guard - Chapters 1606 & 1607
- Complete the VA form 22-1990. Once complete, submit the application to the YSU Office of Veterans Affairs. Alternatively, you can complete the VA online application at https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/. Once complete, print out the application confirmation page and submit a copy to the YSU Office of Veterans Affairs. You will also need to complete VA from 22-1995 with our office to declare you program of study and school.
- Submit a copy of your Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE).
- Submit a copy of your kicker contract (if applicable).
- Complete the YSU Benefit Declaration Form once registered.
- Complete a Prior Credit Evaluation.
Remember it may take VA up to 90-120 days to process an initial VA claim. Make sure to submit all applications and documentation to help ensure benefits are applied and received in a timely manner.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment - Chapter 31
- Complete the online application for Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Benefits through eBenefits at https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage. Once approved, you must make an appointment to see a VA Vocational Rehabilitation counselor. The VA Vocational Rehabilitation counselor will send the VA form 28-1905 to the school.
- Complete the YSU Benefit Declaration Form once registered.
- Complete a Prior Credit Evaluation.
Remember it may take VA up to 90-120 days to process an initial VA claim. Make sure to submit all applications and documentation to help ensure benefits are applied and received in a timely manner.