When registering for college courses, can I use both TA and my Chapter 1606 benefits?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 17:13:31 -0500

I am currently using TA to register for my college courses however I want to use my Chapter 1606 benefits also. Can I use both or can only one be used.

Response by CPT Andrew Wright made Dec 17 at 2019 5:39 PM

CPT Andrew Wright — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 17:39:17 -0500

You may use both. Tuition Assistance can pay the first 75% of the tuition bill and go through the VA to "Top Up" with your GI Bill benefits and pay the remainder. I did this several years ago with my 1606 benefits but regretted it later when the Post 9/11 GI bill came along because that benefit would have paid a lot more. Best of luck with your education goals.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2019 12:39 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 00:39:45 -0500

You can use your GI Bill, BUT, you have to pay out of pocket first then the VA reimburses you. I was in the same boat, I burn through my TA very quickly because my job allows me the time to do them, so I went to the Education Center to do all of that.

Go to the Education Center, they will help you submit a request to the VA and the VA will send you a letter allowing you to use your GI Bill while on active duty.

Then, for every class, you have to pay out of pocket first and then submit a document (forgot what they needed) for reimbursement from the VA.

Response by TSgt David Holman made Dec 18 at 2019 1:43 AM

TSgt David Holman — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 01:43:49 -0500

You can, but I would also look at other scholarship options as well.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2019 8:30 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 08:30:31 -0500

If you plan on going to school for more than 4 years, I would recommend looking at other options than burning through your GI Bill as a "Top Up." You can use student loans, and then request SLRP as a reenlistment incentive. Many states also have a Veterans Grant that covers 100% of tuition at public universities. There are probably other options as well. Once you figure out a long term education plan, you can plan which incentives to use when.