APPLYING FOR CHAPTER 31 VETERANS READINESS AND EMPLOYMENT:
The first step in the process is establishing that the student has the disability rating necessary to demonstrate eligibility. This is a VA Service-Connected Disability rating of 20% or more.
Next, navigate to the VA Application Portal to complete and submit VA Form 28-1900. An intake counselor will contact the student directly to discuss the application and schedule an orientation. PROSPECTIVE RECIPIENTS MUST ATTEND THE CHAPTER 31 VR&E ORIENTATION. This typically is conducted online and last no longer than 45 minutes.
Once the orientation is completed, students will be assigned to a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC), who will work with the student to develop a Rehabilitation Plan. Once this has been completed, the VRC will send over an authorization to OVS through a program called Tungsten. This document serves as the student’s Certificate of Eligibility and also authorizes purchases from the Pitt Bookstore for books and required supplies.
Additionally, Chapter 31 recipients may request authorization for a required laptop purchase, not to exceed a total cost of $2500 including an extended warranty purchase. The student’s VRC can provide more details and the required forms.
All Veterans Education Benefit recipients, regardless of benefit type, must complete the Office of Veterans Services Enrollment Certification Request Form during each term enrollment period that they wish to use their benefits.
PAYMENTS:
Tuition and Fees are billed directly to the VA by the University of Pittsburgh. The “lead time” for this is typically up to one calendar month. No special accommodations can be made at this time to accelerate this process. Any refundable scholarships, grants, or awards will be processed once Chapter 31 tuition is applied to a student’s PittPay account.
The amount of Subsistence Allowance (or Monthly Housing Allowance) a student will receive depends on remaining Chapter 33 eligibility and may pay out at the Chapter 33 rate the student is eligible for both. If a student does not have Chapter 33 eligibility remaining, the rate is listed at the following VA Resource.
RETROACTIVE INDUCTIONS:
OVS is unable to determine eligibility for a retroactive induction of Chapter 33 benefits. Requests must be made to a VRC, who will provide the appropriate application form. Retroactive inductions are available for Chapter 31 recipients who previously used Chapter 33 where Chapter 31 would have been applicable and will restore any Chapter 33 eligibility used by the student once approved.
For questions concerning retroactive inductions, please contact your individual VRC using the e-VA communication portal.