Tuition Assistance Top-Up

What is the benefit?

The amount of this benefit can be equal to the difference between the total cost of a college course and the amount of Tuition Assistance that is paid by the military for the course.

To be eligible for the Top-up benefit, the person must be approved for federal Tuition Assistance by a military department and be eligible for MGIB-Active Duty benefits or the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

How Much Will I Get?

The amount of the benefit is limited to the amount that the person would receive for the same course if regular benefits were being paid. In no case can the amount paid by the military combined with the amount paid by VA be more than the total cost of the course. If you are receiving the Montgomery GI Bill, you will receive the difference between what the DoD pays for the course and the total cost of the course (not to exceed the GI Bill monthly maximum). If you are receiving the Post-9/11 GI Bill your school will be reimbursed the difference between the amount the DoD pays for the course and the authorized maximum tuition and fees for the school.

How Is My GI Bill Entitlement Charged?

Your GI Bill entitlement is charged differently depending on which GI Bill program you are utilizing:

  • If you are utilizing the Montgomery GI Bill your entitlement is charged based on the dollar amount of benefits VA pays you. You will be charged one month of entitlement for each payment you receive that is equal to the full time monthly rate for the GI Bill. To see the current monthly rates click here.
  • If you are utilizing the Post-9/11 GI Bill your entitlement is charged based on the training time you are enrolled in.  If you are going to classes at the 1/2 time training level you will be charged 1/2 month of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for each month you are enrolled and receiving GI Bill benefits - (it does not matter how much money you are reimbursed)

How do I apply for Tuition Assistance Top-Up Reimbursement?

People who have not requested GI Bill benefits before should apply online using the VONAPP program, click here for more information.

A copy of the Tuition Assistance Authorization form for the course that has been signed by an authorized military official should also be sent to the office handling your claim.

See HERE for addresses of the processing offices.

You can also send us an electronic copy of the signed Tuition Assistance Authorization form by utilizing our "Submit A Question" application here. Please include information explaining that you are submitting an application for Tuition Assistance Top-Up benefits in your question and include the file as an attachment.

The Top-up program is not available at this time to persons who are eligible for the MGIB Selected Reserve program.

Tuition Assistance "Top-Up" Factsheet