Veterans must apply for educational benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Below are several links that will get you started and will provide you with the information you need to take advantage of your benefits. Please contact our office if you have questions that are not answered by the links below, or if you need assistance with the process.
Massachusetts definition of a Veteran
To be eligible for veterans' benefits, one must be a "veteran" or a dependent of a "veteran" under M.G.L. c. 4, sec. 7, cl. 43rd as amended by the Acts of 2005, ch. 130. Click link above for service requirements and exceptions.
Education Benefit Payment Rates
The U.S. VA website includes up-to-date information on all education benefit payment rates. For additional assistance visit the Veteran Services Office in Dickinson Hall.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
This easy to navigate site contains information regarding veterans’ benefits and eligibility requirements. Some highlights include education benefits, home loans, life insurance, health care, and information on Department of Veterans Affairs infrastructure and politics
VA Online Application for Educational Benefits
Veterans may use this site to apply for many VA benefits, including the Montgomery GI Bill. Students collecting MGIB benefits must either complete the online application here or use the paper application (VA Form 22-1990).
Montgomery GI Bill®(MGIB)
This is a secondary page of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website. It is an excellent resource for both current and prospective students eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill as well as their dependents. The site provides information on education benefit programs, toll-free numbers for VA program information, as well as links to VA forms, electronic application for benefits, payment rates, and verification.
For additional assistance, call 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) to speak with a Veterans Benefits Counselor.
MGIB®Verification
(Web Automated Verification of Enrollment/WAVE)
If you receive GI bill benefits, you must verify your attendance status monthly. Once our VA office (or another approved educational institution) has certified your enrollment, you may use this site to complete monthly verification online. It is often quicker and easier to do this online than it is to call the verification number (1-877-823-2378 ). The MGIB verification also offers individual benefit status information, certified periods of enrollment, and recent direct deposit information.
Massachusetts Veterans Information
This is the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education site for veterans. It includes information on applying for benefits in its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section, lists of educational institutions and programs eligible for GI Bill benefits, information on educational assistance regulations, and programs and benefits offered by the commonwealth.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Veterans Services
This is the veterans’ website for the state of Massachusetts. It includes information on benefits, employment and training, honors and records, housing, outreach and counseling, women veterans, and returning veterans.
Welcome Home Guide
Recently returned veterans of Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) should also note the Welcome Home Guide available on the Massachusetts Veterans site. This publication explains the benefits they have earned from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as well as some federal benefits to which they may be entitled from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
National Guard Benefits
This is the website of the Massachusetts Army National Guard. It provides extensive information for National Guard members in the commonwealth under the Education link. Student interested in membership in the Guard should also visit the education section for a brochure and slideshow that explain the education benefits available.
FinAid!
FinAid is an excellent site offering information for students and families on all aspects of financial aid. The site includes a section on military student aid that provides information about student financial aid resources for students who are interested in pursuing careers in the military and for veterans and their dependents.
Military Education Transcripts
Use the following links to request that your official military education transcript be sent to UMass Amherst.
Army
Navy/Marine Corps
Coast Guard
Air Force
The university will then determine which credits will transfer.
Prospective students should request that transcripts be sent directly to:
Transfer Admissions & Credit Evaluation
University Admissions Center
37 Mather Dr.
UMass Amherst
Amherst, MA 01003
Please note: ‘‘GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill."