Veterans Administration and Military Education Benefits
Students wishing to use Veterans Administration (VA) and/or Department of Defense (DoD) education benefits must provide proof of eligibility and meet with a veterans' advisor to initiate payment of benefits. PHSC highly encourages those interested in using/applying for their benefits to thoroughly research and understand what each benefit entails. Detailed information about each benefit can be found on the VA's education website or by contacting a PHSC veterans' advisor. Department of Defense benefit information can be obtained through the service member's unit education representative. Note: The Department of Defense or Veterans Administration makes the final determination on a veteran/dependent's eligibility for benefits.
Most degree programs and many certificate and diploma programs at the College are approved for education and training under the various U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs. Even though these programs are approved, it is the responsibility of veteran students to apply for benefits. The VA will not pay benefits for classes outside of students' program of study. See the campus veterans advisor for assistance with your initial application, any changes in your program and to initiate enrollment certification to the VA.
The VA pays most entitlements directly to students. In turn, students must pay for tuition, fees, books and supplies. Veterans who are eligible to receive benefits under Montgomery GI Bill® (MGIB) Chapter 30, 35, or Chapter 1606/1607, are entitled to one deferment each academic year prior to receipt of VA benefits for payment of tuition and fees only. Deferments are not available for late fees, books and supplies. Veterans who receive deferments first shall complete a Veterans Deferred Payment Agreement (SVA-2) which is processed by the campus veterans advisor.
Under the Chapter 33 Post 9/11 MGIB, the VA will make direct payments to the College for tuition and fees, and to the student for books and housing allowance. Chapter 33 eligible veterans may receive a deferment for payment of tuition and fees, but not for books and supplies. All veteran students are encouraged to apply for federal financial aid. Please note that Chapter 33 pays only the in-state rate for tuition and fees according to the student's eligibility.
Under the Chapter 31 Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Program, formally known as Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, the veteran must provide authorization to cover the cost of tuition, fees, books and supplies.
The deferment starts with the first day of classes and is good for 90 days. If the session is for less than 90 days, the deferment shall be limited to 10 days prior to the last day of the term.
Veterans receiving continued benefits or who have their benefits suspended are not eligible for deferments.
Veterans who fail to meet their financial obligations will have a hold placed on their records and will not be allowed to re-register or receive transcripts until such time as any deferment is paid as outlined in District Board of Trustees Rule, 6Hx19-6.08.
Tutorial assistance is available for veterans who have a deficiency in one or more subjects and may be paid for by the VA. The Campus veterans advisor is the students' link to the VA. The advisor can furnish additional information about VA programs and procedures. Veteran students should consult with the campus veterans advisor prior to selecting, dropping/adding, withdrawing or auditing any class. All of these actions affect benefits. It is the student's responsibility to inquire about all VA rules and regulations and to report any changes in status that affects their benefits.
Purple Heart Waivers (s.1009.26(8) F.S.)
The Purple Heart Waiver, established in s.1009.26 (8), F.S., provides tuition waivers for Florida military veterans who have received a purple heart OR combat decoration that is “superior in precedence.” These superior combat decorations include Bronze Star (with V device), Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, Silver Star, Air Force Cross, Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Cross, and the Medal of Honor.
The waiver covers the tuition toward a degree or certificate program up to 110% of the required hours for the program of study. The waiver does not cover other costs, such as textbooks, housing, and food. To be eligible, the veteran or active military member:
- Must be a current Florida resident for tuition purposes or a Florida resident at the time of the military action that resulted in the awarding of the combat decoration.
- May be a full-time or part-time student.
- Must be enrolled in a certificate or degree program. Non-degree seeking does not qualify for the waiver.
- Must submit the DD-214 form issued at the time of separation from service indicating the student received the combat decoration (other documentation may be acceptable). Please work with PHSC Veteran Services to determine acceptable paperwork.
Spouses and Children of Active Duty Service Member Duty Waivers (s.112.19(3), F.S.) and (s.112.191(3), F.S.)
The spouses or dependents of deceased members of the Florida National Guard and the United States Armed Forces are eligible to receive tuition waivers equal to the cost of tuition and matriculation and registration fees for a total of 120 credit hours or 3,600 clock hours. Members of the National Guard must have been full-time Florida active duty. In addition, the deceased military member of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard must have been a Florida resident, or their duty post must have been within Florida at the time of death. For more information, please contact PHSC Veteran Services for more information.
Out-of-state Fee Waivers for Non-resident Veterans – Congressman C.W. Bill Young Tuition Waiver Act (s. 1009.26)
The college shall waive out-of-state tuition and fees for an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, the U.S. Reserve Forces or the National Guard who physically resides in Florida while enrolled in the institution. Honorably discharged veterans will provide the following documentation to be eligible for this out-of-state tuition and fee waiver:
- Proof of current residence in Florida. Examples of this documentation may include but is not limited to a Florida driver’s license or copy of a lease.
- Proof of honorable discharge. This information may be on the veteran’s DD214, discharge certificate, or other documentation deemed appropriate by PHSC Veteran Services.
Colonel John M. McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors Act of 2021 (SB 1095)
The College shall waive out-of-state fees for students receiving a stipend from the Survivors’ and Dependents Educational Assistance program (Chapter 35).
Veteran and Covered Individual Out of State Tuition Waiver (Section 3679c of title 38, United States Code)
The College shall waive out-of-state fees for students receiving certain benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill and other select categories (i.e. “covered individuals”). A covered individual is defined as:
- A Veteran who lives in the state where the IHL (Institution of Higher Learning) is located (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of discharge from a period of active-duty service of 90 days or more.
- An individual using transferred benefits who lives in the state where the IHL is located (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of the transferor’s discharge from a period of active-duty service of 90 days or more.
- Anyone described above while he or she remains continuously enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between courses, semesters, or terms) at the same school. The person so described must have enrolled in the school prior to the expiration of the three-year period following discharge or release as described above and must be using educational benefits under either chapter 30 or chapter 33, of title 38, United States Code.
- Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits who lives in the state where the IHL is located and the transferor is a member of the uniformed service who is serving on active duty.
- Anyone using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship who lives in the state where the IHL is located (regardless of his/her formal state of residence).
Active Duty Military Exemptions (s.1009.26(15), F.S.)
Section 1009.21(10), F.S., grants in-state residency for tuition purposes to active duty military members, including their spouses and dependents, who reside in Florida or attend a public postsecondary institution within 50 miles of a military establishment at the time of acceptance to the institution. Active drilling members of the Florida National Guard are also granted in-state residency for tuition purposes. Pursuant to S.1009.26(14), F.S., a state university, Florida College System institution, career center operated by a school district, or charter technical career center shall waive out-of-state tuition and fees for a person who is an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States residing or stationed outside of this state.
VA Pending Payment Compliance
For Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Ch 33) students and VA Veteran Readiness and Employment (Ch 31) students, our tuition policy complies with Title 38 USC 3679(e) which means Post 9/11 and Veteran Readiness and Employment students will not be charged or otherwise penalized due to a delay in Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) direct tuition and fee payments. For eligibility consideration, a Post 9/11 GI Bill student must submit a VA 'Certificate of Eligibility '(COE) or 'Statement of Benefits' from the DVA website: eBenefits, and a Veteran Readiness and Employment student must provide authorization from a Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Veteran Readiness and Employment Counselor. While payment to the institution is pending from the VA, PHSC will not:
- Prevent the student's enrollment;
- Assess a late penalty fee to the student or VA;
- Require a student to secure alternative or additional funding;
- Deny the student access to any resources (access to classes, libraries or institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the college.