Veterans Benefit Services
The VA School Certifying Official (SCO) in the Office of the Registrar is responsible for administering the federal and state Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational benefits programs at UC Santa Cruz for students who as veterans, veterans’ dependents, active duty, or reservists receive education benefits. Students should contact the Veterans Benefit Services office as soon as they receive notification of admission to UCSC to ensure timely processing of their benefit claims.
The Veterans Benefit Services staff assists with the California Department of Veterans Affairs’ college fee-waiver program for dependents of veterans who have service-connected disabilities or who have died from service-related causes. Students classified as a California resident for UC tuition may apply for the college fee-waiver program at their County Veterans Services Office. Claims for fee waivers should be presented to the university during the academic year for which the claim applies. Retroactive approval can be granted only in situations in which students applied for the exemption in a timely manner but approval was delayed by the VA’s processing of an original or reopened service-connected disability compensation claim. A copy of the initial denial letter and Disability Rating from the VA is required to document such circumstances. The Cal Vet Fee Waiver may only be applied to Summer Session fees if you are a continuing UC student. Note that an application of veterans benefits may impact financial aid eligibility.
UCSC will not prevent enrollment, assess late registration fees, require alternate or additional funding, or deny access to campus resources available for students using VA Education Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®) or Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation) benefits while payment is pending from the VA (up to 90 days). To qualify, provide a Certificate of Eligibility or an eBenefits GI Bill® Statement of Benefits and all required VA forms needed to certify enrollment by the first day of class. For more information please see the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, section 103. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Veterans Benefit Services is located at 190 Hahn Student Services Building. For more information, visit the Veterans Benefit Services website, call (831) 459-2709, (831) 459-3459, or (831) 459-2910, or email vets_benefits@ucsc.edu.
Veteran Resource Center (VRC) is a STARS program for military affiliates returning to school or transferring to UC Santa Cruz. In this peer mentor program, military affiliates will meet each other and receive assistance as they navigate admission and transition into university life. Ongoing personal and academic support and outreach to prospective students are also offered. The Veterans Resource Center is located on the 2nd floor of the Baytree Bookstore. Contact the VRC staff at (831) 459-1520, or send an email to vets@ucsc.edu, or visit the STARS website.