TSTC is proud to provide services to those who have served in the armed forces or their eligible dependents. The college is approved for training veterans and their eligible dependents under the provisions of various laws commonly called the GI Bill. A veteran with remaining entitlement may receive a monthly check, which varies in amount based on class load and the type of eligibility that the veteran has. A spouse or child of a veteran may receive benefits under certain conditions. The DD form 214 and all official college, university and military transcripts may be required. Veterans who may be eligible for assistance under any of the Department of Veteran’s Affairs programs should contact Kathy Chastain or call (254) 867-4817.

Today’s veterans’ benefits are the best since the first GI Bill was passed into law after World War II. Veterans have a variety of avenues to explore when looking for ways to finance their higher education. In addition to many of the programs for which other students are eligible (e.g., Pell Grants), the major programs for veterans, both state and federal, are listed below. Click on the highlighted text to read detailed descriptions for each.

• Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33): This is an expansive program that provides money for tuition, fees, books, and even housing. You must have received an honorable discharge from the service and served at least 90 days on or after September 1, 2001, unless you were discharged with a service-connected disability, in which case you must have served 30 days during that period.
• Reserve Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 1607): Congress established REAP in 2005 to provide educational benefits to reservists called to active duty.
• Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30): While not as expansive as the Post 9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill provides for 36 months of benefits for those who served on active duty. Veterans must generally use their benefits within 10 years of discharge from active duty. If you were a member of the Selected Reserve, click on the following highlighted text to see the eligibility requirements for the MGIB-SR.
• Veterans Education Assistance Program (Chapter 32): You must have joined the military between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985 to be eligible for this program. You must also have made voluntary contributions to your account.
• VA Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31): This program provides benefits to veterans with service-connected disabilities.

Hazlewood Act: Have you exhausted your educational benefits? Then the Hazlewood Act may be just what you need. These forms apply:

o   HE-V App Packet for Veterans

o   HE-D App Packet for Children and Spouse of Eligible Veterans

Required Documents:

1.       Veteran’s DD214

2.       Dependent Child’s Birth Certificate (or adoption papers)

3.       Proof of Online Registration (veteran and child):  https://www1.thecb.state.tx.us/apps/hsh/students/ (Register, then Login and print screen)