Financial Aid FAQ 

• How do I obtain military tuition assistance?

  Military service members must obtain authorization for tuition assistance through their branch of service. Contact your education services officer for further information.

  • Army (Active Duty, USAR and ARNG) Tuition Assistance 
  • Air Force Tuition Assistance
  • Navy Tuition Assistance 
  • Marine Corps Tuition Assistance 
  • Coast Guard Tuition Assistance
• How do I apply for the GI Bill and related benefits?

  Apply for VA educational benefits online if you haven't already done so.
  You will need the following to complete the application:

  • Social Security number
  • Bank account direct deposit information
  • Education and military history
  • Basic information about the school or training facility you want to attend or are attending now

  Contact Financial Aid when you are enrolled in classes to certify your enrollment to VA. VA certifying officials process your paperwork proving to the VA that you are enrolled in classes that meet requirements for your degree objective.
   

• How do I apply for VA Vocational Rehab & Employment (Chapter 31) benefits?

  If you already have a VA disability rating:

  • Sign in to your eBenefits account.
  • Select Apply.
  • Click Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits.
  • Select the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment benefit you’re applying for.
  • If you’re eligible, the VA invite you to an orientation session at your nearest VA regional benefit office.

  If you haven’t yet received a service-connected disability rating:

  • Fill out VA Vocational Rehabilitation - Getting Ahead After You Get Out (VA Form 28-0588). Download VA Form 28-0588
  • After you apply, the VA will schedule a meeting for you with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) to find out if you have an employment handicap and if you’re eligible for VR&E benefits and services.
• Does UCR have any veteran-specific scholarships?

  Yes! Operation Education at UCR provides academic, financial, home, and social support to United States military veterans who have sustained a severe and permanent injury while serving our nation since Sept. 11, 2001. Recipients must meet the requirement of the UCR for admission as a degree-seeking student. The application deadline is May 15.

• Once I’m a student here, am I eligible for a deferred payment plan fee exemption?

  As a student veteran or servicemember, you may be eligible for exemption from the Deferred Payment Plan (DPP) $25 processing fee and the first late fee ($50) each quarter. Through DPP, you can pay your tuition and fees in three installments each quarter with no interest. Waiver of the application fee and first late fee will happen automatically if you were certified for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs educational benefits through Financial Aid. For questions, please contact vasco@ucr.edu

• Who can apply for the California College Fee Waiver?

  Under the California Education Code, dependents of veterans whose death or disability was service-connected may be eligible for exemption from many university fees.

  Contact your local county veterans service office to obtain applications, information, and to apply for benefits under this program. The Riverside County veterans’ services office is located at 4360 Orange St., Riverside California, 92501 and can be reached at (951) 276-3060. Always try to apply for these benefits prior to attending school. Benefits are awarded on an academic-year basis and students are required to reapply each year for ongoing benefits.

• Do I qualify for Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)?

  You may qualify for VA educational benefits under Chapter 35 if your parent or spouse died or is permanently and totally disabled as a result of his or her military service. Call the VA's toll-free number (888) GI BILL1 (442-4551) to determine if you are eligible for assistance. Be sure to have your parent's or spouse's VA file number available when you call.