Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the Post 9/11 GI Bill?

A. The Post 9/11 GI Bill, also referred to as Chapter 33, will offer Veterans who have served after September 10, 2001 a chance to pursue a higher education. This comprehensive educational benefits package will be available as of August 1, 2009.

Q. Who qualifies?

A.

• Those having served at least 90 days of continuous active duty after 9/10/01; or
• Those having served at least 30 days of continuous active duty after 9/10/01 discharged due to a service-related disability.

Q. How much will a veteran receive from the VA?

A. The amount of financial assistance is dependent upon the state in which the selected institution or program is located. The amount made available to you is capped at the highest in-state, undergraduate tuition and fees rate. Your length of service after 9/11 determines the benefit eligibility as follows:

• 100% - 36 or more total months
• 100% - 30 or more consecutive days with Disability related Discharge
• 90% - 30 total months
• 80% - 24 total months
• 70% - 18 total months
• 60% - 12 total months
• 50% - six total months
• 40% - 90 or more days

Please Note: Only those who have served for a total of 36 months or more, or those who have served 30 or more consecutive days with a disability-related discharge are eligible to receive 100% of the available benefits.

Q. What is the potential tuition benefit amount in New York?

A. The final VA-approved rates in New York for 2009 – 2010 Maximum In-state Tuition and Fees are $1,010 per credit hour for tuition and $12,697 per term for fees. For more information on this or to get updated figures please visit the Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Q. Are graduate or non-matriculated students eligible?

A. Graduate students are eligible, but it is important to note that the benefit amounts are still based on the state's most expensive undergraduate rate. However, individuals auditing a class or those who are non-matriculated do not qualify for assistance.

Q. What is the Yellow Ribbon Program?

A. The Yellow Ribbon Program is a matching program that allows institutions that participate to waive up to 50% of any excess expenses you may incur by enrolling in a more expensive program. The VA will then match that same amount, making it possible for some veterans to receive up to 100% coverage of additional charges.

Q. Who is eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program?

A. Students at 100% rate under Chapter 33 are eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program.  

Q. Who pays what in the Yellow Ribbon Program at NYU-Poly?

A. For graduate students, NYU-Poly's graduate center will pay the balance of the amount under the tuition and fees after all the benefits have been processed by Veteran Affairs (benefits includes Chapter 33 100% and Yellow Ribbon Program). Undergraduate students may pay up to $4,000 per year.

Please Note:

• Students will not receive any amount if the tuition and fees are completely paid by VA or any other grants
• If the VA benefits and Yellow Ribbon Program cover all the tuition and fees for the credits enrolled in the semester, then this scholarship or grant will not be available. Only veterans who qualify for 100% of the GI benefits can receive this additional funding.

Q. Can I get the benefits under Chapter 33 if I enroll for an online program at NYU-Poly?

A. Yes, you can get the benefits under Chapter 33 by enrolling into our online programs, however in order to receive BAH the following criterion will be used: BAH will be paid to veterans if the “Rate of Pursuit” is greater than 50% and you’re taking at least 1 in-residence course. It will be prorated for those eligible at less than 100% rate.

Q. What is the calculation for “Rate of Pursuit”?

A. ROF = Number of credits enrolled (at least one In-residence course) / Equivalent full time credits.

Q. Am I eligible for the Yellow ribbon payment if I take only online courses?

Yes, you are eligible for Yellow Ribbon payment provided your benefits level is 100% under Chapter 33. 

A. Under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, veterans may receive a monthly housing stipend determined by the zip code of the chosen institution of higher learning. However, those enrolled at a half-time status, enrolled solely in an online program, and those currently on active duty are not eligible to receive the housing allowance, although they still receive tuition assistance.

You will also receive up to $1,000 per academic year to help cover the costs of books, supplies, and any additional fees. Depending upon how the academic year is divided, equivalent portions of this stipend will be disbursed during the first month of every semester, term, trimester, etc. Active duty members do not qualify for the stipend.

Q. How long are individuals entitled to the benefits?

Generally, veterans are entitled to 36 months of the educational benefits. Individuals who elect to enroll in Chapter 33 after previously receiving benefits from the Montgomery Bill (Chapter 30) are only entitled to the number of months they had remaining under Chapter 30.

Q. Do educational benefits expire?

A. Yes, veterans must utilize their benefits within 15 years of the date of discharge or release from active duty of at least 90 consecutive days.

Q. Are dependents entitled to Chapter 33 benefits?

A. Yes, benefits are potentially transferable if the veteran meets criteria outlined by the VA. Benefits made available through the Yellow Ribbon Program are also transferable to dependents of eligible veterans.

This information was gathered from the website of the Department of Veterans Affairs and is accurate to the best of our knowledge, as of June 30, 2009. Veterans should rely on official VA documentation and policies in determining their individual eligibility for educational benefits.