Your VA Educational Benefits are determined by the date of your enlistment in the military. South Suburban College does not determine benefit eligibility or payment rates. All questions regarding eligibility, housing, books and supplies stipends should be directed to VA. All determinations and final decisions are made by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Forms
SSC FORMS
Eligibility
According to Federal and State guidelines, a veteran must maintain satisfactory academic progress in order to be eligible to receive assistance.
Documents Needed to Certify Education Benefits
- Request for Veteran Benefits form
- A copy of the Veterans DD-214
- Official documentation from the Office of Veteran’s Affairs to show what program the Veteran qualifies to use
- If you are using IVG, a copy of the Notice of Eligibility letter
- Copy of current school schedule
All veterans need to complete the South Suburban College admission application. Admissions steps are located at the military admission checklist web page.
A user name, password and ID number will be provided once the application process is complete. This will allow entrance into the student Self Service at Sign In – South Suburban College – Student Self-Service containing information related to registration, class schedule, grades, financials, etc.
Please contact a SSC Counselor for transfer credits, degree or certificate requirements, academic planning and registration support. To contact a Counselor, QLess webpage.
Military Tuition Assistance (TA)
Tuition Assistance (TA) is a Department of Defense program. TA rules will vary between military branches and depend on whether the unit is active, Reserve or National Guard. Service members can use Federal VA Education benefits in combination with TA. TA is considered a source of financial aid for active duty military. Please contact your Educational Services Officer (ESO) or Education officer within your unit to obtain approval to use TA prior to enrolling at South Suburban College. More information on using TA for each branch (how to apply for TA, procedures for using TA, how to obtain approval) can be found by clicking on the link for your branch below:
- U.S. ARMY: https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/Federal-Benefits/Tuition-Assistance-(TA)
- U.S. MARINES: https://usmc-mccs.org/articles/how-do-i-apply-for-tuition-assistance/
- U.S. NAVY: https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/sailors/tuition-assistance-ncpace.htm
- U.S. AIR FORCE: https://www.afpc.af.mil/Civilian-Career-Management/
- U.S. COAST GUARD: https://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/FORCECOM-UNITS/ETQC/VOLUNTARY-EDUCATION/Tuition-Assistance/
Definition of Benefits
The Chapter 30 – Active Duty GI Bill® provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible Veterans. Monthly benefits are paid directly to the Veteran. For additional information on this benefit visit their website below.
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), formerly referred to as Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment or “VOC Rehab” is available for Veterans and servicemembers with service-connected disabilities and need help with employment. Chapter 31 will help with job training, employment accommodations, resume development, and job seeking skills coaching. Other services may be provided to assist Veterans and Service members in starting their own businesses or independent living services for those who are severely disabled and unable to work in traditional employment. For additional information on this benefit visit their website below.
This benefit is for individuals who served a minimum of 90 days on active duty after September 10, 2001, and are eligible for educational assistance under the Post 9/11 GI Bill®. Chapter 33 will pay applicable tuition and fee charges. A monthly basic allowance for housing is provided for students enrolled in at least 7 credit hours in an enrollment period and is based on E-5 with dependent criteria. The amount of funds released for each category is dependent on the Veteran’s level of entitlement for Chapter 33.
Dependents of eligible servicemen/women could be eligible for transferred entitlement of Chapter 33 benefits. The determination of transferability is made by the Department of Defense (DoD) and requires prior approval before South Suburban College will submit information to VA Education or hold registration. For additional information on this benefit visit their website below.
Chapter 35 – Survivor’s and Dependent’s Educational Assistance Program provides 45 months of full-time or equivalent educational benefits for the spouse or child(ren) of a Veteran who dies or is permanently and totally disabled as a result of service-connected disability, or a spouse or child of a Veteran who has been listed as POW or MIA for a period of 90 days. The monthly benefit is paid directly to the survivor or dependent. For additional information on this benefit visit their website below.
Service members of the Selected Reserve can apply for this benefit that provides a monthly basic allowance for housing and 36 months of entitlement. Selected Reserve service branches include Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard and Air National Guard. For additional information on this benefit visit their website below.
The Illinois Veterans Grant (IVG) program is available through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). The grant pays tuition and the per credit hour student fee. Any additional fees billed to your student account cannot be billed to IVG. Once approved by ISAC, the 120-unit eligibility is equivalent to four full-time years of enrollment at an Illinois public college or university. IVG cannot be used toward noncredit courses at South Suburban College. For additional information on this benefit visit their website below.
The Illinois National Guard (ING) Grant program is available through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). The grant pays tuition and the per credit hour student fee. Any additional fees billed to your student account cannot be billed to ING. Once approved by ISAC, the 120-unit eligibility is equivalent to four full-time years of enrollment at an Illinois public college or university. ING cannot be used toward noncredit courses at South Suburban College. For additional information on this benefit visit their website below.
The MIA-POW Scholarship program is available through the Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs (IDVA). The scholarship pays tuition and the per credit hour student fee. Any additional fees billed to your student account cannot be billed to MIA-POW. Once approved by IDVA, the 120-unit eligibility is equivalent to four full-time years of enrollment at an Illinois public college or university. MIA-POW cannot be used toward noncredit courses at South Suburban College. For additional information on this benefit visit their website below.