Financial Resources
Education Benefits for Military-Connected Students: GI Bill® and other VA Benefits, Hazlewood Act Exemption, and Tuition Assistance
Veterans and military-connected students have access to several educational benefits, including the GI Bill®, Hazlewood Act, and Military Tuition Assistance, to help cover the cost of their education.
The GI Bill® is a federal benefit provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), offering a variety of education benefits to eligible veterans, service members, and their families. For more information, visit the official VA website.
The Hazlewood Act, a state benefit available in Texas, provides qualified veterans, spouses, and dependent children with up to 150 hours of tuition exemption at public institutions of higher education in Texas, though it does not cover living expenses, books, or certain fees.
Additionally, military students planning to utilize Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance must consult with their Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within their service before enrolling at TTUHSC. TTUHSC will assist with providing necessary enrollment, grade, and billing information to the appropriate education offices as required by military regulations. To learn more and how to apply for each benefit, read below.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official VA website, with links to each benefit below:
Ch. 30 Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
Ch. 31 Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
Ch. 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill®
Ch. 35 Dependents' Education Assistance (DEA)
Ch. 1606 Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
How to Request VA Benefits
Students must apply to use VA benefits and submit the following documents to the School Certifying Official via HSC benefits portal every semester, after registration. Next semester's terms will be available in the portal by the first week of registration.
- Current VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) (6 months old or less). For Post-9/11 GI Bill® a screenshot of Statement of Benefits can be retrieved from va.gov. If using Ch. 31 Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), a valid Tungsten PO Authorization must be submitted by the VR&E counselor.
- DD-214 (Service-2 or Member-4 copy) (if applicable)
- Military Transcript(s) (if applicable) - Joint Services Transcript (JST) or Community College of the Air Force
- Students covered less than 100% by a benefit or combination of benefits, can complete and submit a Tuition Deferment Request.
- Upload all of the above supporting documentation into a VA Certification Form on the HSC benefits portal.
- Current VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) (6 months old or less), or screenshot of Statement of Benefits from va.gov if using Ch. 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill®.
- Students covered less than 100% by a benefit or combination of benefits, can complete and submit a Tuition Deferment Request.
- Upload all of the above supporting documentation into a VA Certification Form on the HSC benefits portal.
Important: Isakson & Roe Act Section 1018 Requirements
Section 1018 of Public Law 116-315, Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans
Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, requires that educational institutions
participating in the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) provide students with certain financial information and other requirements.
The Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 adds new requirements for educational institutions participating in the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These new provisions became effective June 15, 2021 and will apply to Institutions of Higher Learning and Non-College Degree institutions beginning August 1, 2021. Many of the requirements are consistent with the Principles of Excellence, currently in Executive Order 13607; however, there are requirements in addition to those embodied in the Principles of Excellence which schools must also satisfy to maintain approval for GI Bill® participation. Schools were required to satisfy the requirement of Section 1018 by August 1, 2021. Please see the TTUHSC College Financing Plan guide to help you understand education costs and options to fund your education.
The Hazlewood Act is a State of Texas benefit that provides qualified veterans, spouses, and dependent children with an education benefit of up to 150 hours of tuition exemption, including most fee charges, at public institutions of higher education in Texas. This does NOT include living expenses, books and supply fees, Student Services fees, or Student Health Insurance fees.
How to Request the Hazlewood Exemption
Students will submit either: Hazlewood Application (if using exemption for the first time at HSC or after a break in enrollment). Beyond the first semester, students will submit a Continued Enrollment Application. Submit any supporting documentation via HSC benefits portal every semester, after registration. Terms will be available in the portal by the first week of registration.
- DD-214 (Service-2 or Member-4 copy).
- Current VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) (6 months old or less) for Ch. 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill®, if veteran served after 9/10/2001. Student must apply at va.gov.
- Proof of Hazlewood Online Database registration
- Copy of utility bill, less than 30 days old, with veteran's name and address, proving veteran's Texas residency. If not utility bill, then two other documents showing veteran's name and address.
- Military Transcript(s) from Joint Services Transcript (JST) or Community College of the Air Force.
- Upload all of the above supporting documentation into a Hazlewood Initial Application on the HSC benefits portal.
- DD-214 (Service-2 or Member-4 copy).
- Current VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) (6 months old or less) for Ch. 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill®, if veteran served after 9/10/2001. If Legacy using veterans Hazlewood, provide a current COE if veteran served after 8/1/2009. Student must apply at va.gov. COE must be for student, not veteran.
- Proof of Hazlewood Online Database registration, for both student and veteran.
- Copy of utility bill, less than 30 days old, with veteran's name and address, proving veteran's Texas residency. If not utility bill, then two other documents showing veteran's name and address.
- Proof of relationship/dependency to veteran, in the form of Child's Birth Certificate listing veteran as parent (along with Marriage Certificate for step-child), OR the most recent IRS Tax Transcript for veteran listing dependent child, OR court ordered document listing veteran as guardian of child.
- Copy of Revocation of Previously Assigned Hours (to Institution where other Legacy student is currently using hours) (if applicable).
- Upload all of the above supporting documentation into a Hazlewood Initial Application on the HSC benefits portal.
- DD-214 (Service-2 or Member-4 copy).
- If veteran served after 8/1/2009. Current VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) (6 months old or less) for Ch. 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill® or Ch. 35 Dependents' Education Assistance (DEA). Student must apply at va.gov. COE must be for student, not veteran.
- Proof of Hazlewood Online Database registration.
- 100% Disabled - Current VA rating letter, from va.gov stating veteran is 100% totally and permanently disabled.
- KIA or MIA - DD Form 1300.
- Children - Proof of relationship/dependency to veteran, in the form of Child's Birth Certificate listing veteran as parent (with Marriage Certificate for step-child), OR the most recent IRS Tax Transcript for veteran listing dependent child, OR court ordered document listing veteran as guardian of child.
- Spouse - Marriage License
- Selective Service Registration - A legal requirement for all male U.S. citizens ages 18-25. Must be completed before Hazlewood may be received.
- Upload all of the above supporting documentation into a Hazlewood Initial Application on the HSC benefits portal.
GI Bill Benefits: Coverage for Tests, Training, and Credit Review for VA Students
Reimbursement for Tests & Trainings
The GI Bill covers more than just tuition. You can use part of your entitlement to cover the cost of certain tests and or training courses. Visit VA Benefits to find out what types of tests can be reimbursed.
You can also call Veterans Affairs at 888.442.4551.
Credit for Previous Training for Students Receiving VA Benefits
(Title 38 Code of Federal Regulations 21.4253(d)(3) and 21.4254(c)(4))
Students receiving VA education benefits are required to have all prior credit reviewed by the school, with credit awarded where applicable. This review includes all credits from military service as well as all post-secondary institutions previously attended.
The school is responsible for obtaining copies of all post-secondary and military transcripts for all veteran students receiving or requesting to receive VA education benefits. This requirement applies to all approved programs of study offered by the school.
Important Note: All students, even if they are not requesting VA benefits, should have all official transcripts sent to Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) for evaluation.
Official transcripts can be requested to be electronically delivered to TTUHSC for free on the Joint Services Transcript website or Community College of the Air Force website.
Got Questions?
Contact us. We're here to help.
Veteran & Military Services
Phone: 806.743.7549
Email: Veteran&MilitaryServices@ttuhsc.edu