Financial Aid

Veteran Benefits

Lewis University is proud to announce our participation in the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program. Eligible students will be able to use this benefit effective August 1, 2009. A provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008, veterans using Post-9/11 (Chapter 33) benefits may also be able to take advantage of the Yellow Ribbon Program.

The two programs will allow qualified Post-9/11 veterans to attend Lewis University tuition free. Lewis University has over one hundred approved education programs for veterans! The Office of Financial Aid Services processes educational benefits for veterans who are enrolled in an approved degree seeking program.

To receive benefits please complete the following steps:

1. Service members should always complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year for additional scholarship, grant, and loan eligibility options. The FAFSA is available here: www.fafsa.ed.gov.
   
   
1. You must indicate your VA education eligibility in step two of your FAFSA. Some veteran benefits are considered a resource for financial aid. They may be part of your financial aid package and affect your eligibility for additional grants, scholarships and loans.
   
   
2. Deferred billing options are available only to veterans who have completed the FAFSA and are receiving education benefits. Please forward the Veteran’s Deferred Billing Form to the business office for assistance with this option.
   
   
2. Determine your Chapter eligibility.
   
   
   1. Please call 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) to speak with a Veterans Benefits Counselor. Be sure to request your Certificate of Eligibility.
      
      
   2. Education Benefit descriptions and payment rates can be found on the GI Bill website here: Benefits and Payments
      
      
   3. Eligible Chapters include:
      
      
      1. Montgomery G.I. Bill-Active Duty (Chapter 30)
         
         
      2. Vocational Rehabilitation-Veterans with Disabilities (Chapter 31)
         
         
      3. Post-9/11 GI Bill (Available August 1, 2009) (Chapter 33)
         
      4. Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35)
         
         
      5. Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
         
         
      6. Reserve Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 1607)
         
         
3. Visit the GI Bill Website at www.gibill.va.gov to apply. (You will only need to do this one time—upon acceptance to the University. Select “How to Apply for Benefits” under the “Education Benefits” tab on the left.)
   
   
4. Submit the following forms to the Financial Aid Office:
   
   
   1. DD214 “Defense Department Form 214” (If you are/ were an Active Duty member of the Armed Forces.)
      
      
   2. NOBE “Notice of Basic Eligibility” (If you are a member of the Selected Reserves.)
      
      
   3. Certificate of Eligibility (If you are applying for Chapter 33 benefits.)
      
      
   4. Lewis University VA Education Benefit Enrollment Certification form

For continued benefits you must repeat the following steps:

1. Each month—Process monthly verification of enrollment with Veteran’s Affairs. Call 1-877-823-2378.
   
   
2. Each Semester—Process verification of enrollment with Lewis University. Submit the VA Education Benefit Enrollment Certification form to the Office of Financial Aid Services. You may download the form by clicking the link above or you may pick up a copy from the Financial Aid Office. Forms may be faxed, mailed, or submitted to the Financial Aid Office in person.

If you withdraw from one or more of your classes it could affect your eligibility for VA Benefits. It is your responsibility to notify the Financial Aid Office if you withdraw from any or all courses. If you are currently receiving these benefits and stop out for a semester, you must notify the Financial Aid Office that you have returned to the University.

Contact

Rhonda Pilgrim
Veteran’s Certifying Official
Email: pilgrirh@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5343
Fax: (815) 836-5135

Joni Scott
Veteran’s Certifying Official
Email: scottji@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5264
Fax: (815) 836-5135

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