Veteran's Benefits
Veterans, their dependents, Active Selective Reserve members, and National Guard students can apply for Title IV Federal grants and loans.
In addition to completing all the appropriate Federal and State Veteran's applications, students must complete both the annual FAFSA online application and Veteran's Benefits Confirmation form.
Coverage
Under federal regulations, students cannot receive federal/state benefits and Title IV federal grants and loans in excess of their annual "cost-of-attendance".
Federal and state veterans benefits are applied first toward the "cost-of-attendance". If the benefits do not exceed the cost, then either federal grants or loans can be added to meet the full cost of attendance.
In many cases the new G.I. Bill (Chapter 33) will cover the entire cost of attendance, especially when combined with the Wisconsin Act 25, which pays tuition in full.
Disbursement
It is important to note that when we post your veterans benefits (federal and state) to your SOLAR account, these amounts are only estimates and not official notice of your eligibility. They do not necessarily come to you as cash payments. Some Veterans's benefits are applied directly to your tuition bill while others are paid directly to you on a monthly basis.
Veterans should note that benefits are usually not available when school starts. They are often delayed a month or more. Therefore, veteran students should amass a small savings to offset the living costs during the start of the school year.
Questions and application procedures/forms should be directed to your county veterans service office and/or to Sue Lemens, Campus Veterans Coordinator, (phone: 262-595-2160 or email: lemens@uwp.edu).
Deployed Soldiers
Servicemen and women deployed for active duty have one less thing to worry about while serving our country -- payments on their student loans. Federal student loan programs provide options to ensure loans aren't a burden during their deployment.
Those eligible typically fall into one of three categories:
- Those currently enrolled in school, have taken out student loans, and are being called to active duty.
- Those within the grace period of their student loans, have yet to make a first payment, and are being called to active duty.
- Those currently making payments on student loans and are being called to active duty.
Depending on the individual's circumstance, they can delay or temporarily suspend making loan payments. The key is contacting their lender or student loan servicer to find out what options are available to them.
Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation provides more information for soldiers and their families including the options available, and what questions they should ask their lender or servicer. Servicemen and servicewomen can learn more by visiting the Great Lakes website at mygreatlakes.org/deployment.
