Veterans Education Benefits

• The Cal-Vet Fee Waiver from the California Department of Veterans Affairs assists students with the systemwide resident tuition and student services fee.

• The Cal-Vet Fee Waiver authorization form is available from the Cal-Vet County Veterans Services.

• Students need to provide Veterans Benefits a copy of their current Authorization Letter each academic year they plan to utilize the Cal-Vet Fee Waiver.

• The Cal-Vet Fee Waiver does not require a minimum number of enrolled units. Eligibility for financial aid requires a minimum of 6 units of enrollment, please review Eligibility for Financial Aid.

• Cal-Vet and Cal Grant cannot be used at the same time, students eligible for both use the Cal Grant during the academic year and the Cal-Vet during the summer term.

• Cal-Vet waiver can be used toward summer tuition but not toward summer campus fees. Students may qualify for the summer fee grant which applies toward campus fees.

• Students may qualify for the summer fee grant based on the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the 2024-25 California Dream Act application (CADAA) and the number of enrolled units. Please review the summer financial aid eligibility requirements at Summer Aid.

• The Chapter 33 program is designed to assist students in paying the systemwide tuition and campus-based fees. It also offers a monthly housing allowance and book stipend.

• The Department of Veterans Affairs determines eligibility for educational benefits, and students may apply online at VA.GOV.

• Students interested in receiving educational benefits at UC Berkeley must submit a Veteran Services Intake Request eForm via CalCentral. 

• Every subsequent term, students that wish to use educational benefits, must submit a VA Enrollment Certification Request eForm via CalCentral.

• Veterans (Chapter 33) or Dependents of Veterans (Chapter 33 Transfer of Entitlement) using educational benefits are exempt from nonresident supplemental tuition.

• Chapter 31 is a return to work program for disabled veterans. Upon approval by a Veterans Readiness and Employment (VRE) case manager, it may assist students in paying the systemwide tuition and campus-based fees. It also offers a monthly housing allowance.

• Veterans need to contact the Oakland VA Regional Office to learn about Veteran Readiness and Employment—Chapter 31 eligibility and to apply for VRE. This process can take several months, please plan ahead and contact the Oakland VA Regional Office by calling (510) 637-6128 or emailing CH.VBAOAK@va.gov. 

• Students interested in receiving VRE benefits at UC Berkeley must submit a Veteran Services Intake Request eForm via CalCentral.

• Every subsequent term, students that wish to use educational benefits, must submit a VA Enrollment Certification Request eForm via CalCentral.

• Veterans using education benefits under the Chapter 31 program are exempt from nonresident supplemental tuition.

• The Chapter 35 program is designed to assist the child or spouse of disabled veterans.

  • Apply for education benefits as an eligible dependent at VA.GOV.

  • Learn about the Fry Scholarship for eligible dependents.

• ROTC Scholarships administered by the Department of Defense (DoD) are not treated as other financial assistance (OFA) and do not impact students’ eligibility for federal financial aid.

• We encourage Air Force ROTC, Army ROTC, and Naval ROTC students to apply for federal, state, or institutional financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

• Citizens and eligible non-citizens may consider completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

• Non-citizens eligible for in-state tuition under AB 540 may consider completing the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) at https://dream.csac.ca.gov.

• Students may email scholarship questions to UC Berkeley Air Force ROTC, Army ROTC, Navy ROTC

  • Air Force ROTC (https://airforcerotc.berkeley.edu/contact-unit/)

  • Army ROTC (https://army.berkeley.edu/contact-unit/)

  • Navy ROTC (https://nrotc.berkeley.edu/contact-unit/)

When can I submit my 2025-26 Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA) or CADAA (California Dream Act Application)?

The 2025–26 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or CADAA (California Dream Act Application) is available. When you’re ready to file your FAFSA, a new resource page will walk you through what to expect when filing for federal aid: FAFSA Completion Overview

• Collect the documents and information that you need. This includes tax returns for 2023—for you and your parent contributors to the FAFSA.
• Have the name(s), date(s) of birth, social security number(s), and email address(es) for you and your parent contributors available.
• Ensure that you and your parent contributors can access the StudentAid.gov accounts.
• A parent who contributed to your FAFSA last year will already have an FSA ID.

The priority deadline for financial aid applications is March 3, 2025. The priority deadline for students with home addresses in Los Angeles or Ventura counties has been extended to April 2, 2025.

Do veterans' education and noneducation benefits need to be reported as untaxed income on the FAFSA?

Veterans educational and noneducation benefits are no longer reported as untaxed income on the FAFSA. Veterans noneducation benefits include disability, the death pension, dependency and indemnity compensation.

If my family income changes and does not reflect the information I provided on my financial aid application. Can I submit an appeal?

Yes, we can consider those circumstances for the 2024-25 and upcoming academic year.

The aid application for 2025-26 is based on income from 2023, and we know that it may not reflect your family's current employment or financial situation. If there has been a reduction in income due to a job loss, job change, divorce/separation, or reduction in child support, you may consider submitting an Economic Hardship Appeal.

Visit our Economic Hardship Appeals website for more information about submitting an appeal.

How does Cal Grant impact my VA Educational Benefits?

Cal Grant like VA education benefits is tuition and fee-specific. Students eligible for Cal Grant will see the Cal Grant pay the systemwide resident tuition and student services fee, and the VA education benefits pay the remaining fees. Tuition and fee-specific awards on student financial aid packages will reduce their certified VA education benefits as the VA is the last payer.

Who determines what I am eligible to receive in VA Education Benefits?

The Department of Veterans Affairs determines eligibility for VA education benefits and not the university. Berkeley falls under the VA Regional Processing Office in Muskogee, OK. Please contact the VA via one of the methods listed on their website to inquire.

How many units of enrollment are required for VA education benefits? 

The GI Bill® Comparison Tool can help you estimate how your credit hours affect your benefits. Your payment for tuition and fees may not be affected by the number of units you are taking, but it may affect the monthly housing allowance.

Do I need to report my enrollment to the VA every month?

Yes, the Isakson and Roe Improvement Act of 2020 requires students to verify their continued enrollment electronically throughout the term. Please get in touch with the VA for more information.

What is the difference between Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)?

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a housing benefit the Department of Defense provides. The Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) is a housing benefit the Department of Veterans Affairs provides.

Where does the school report Veterans Education Benefits or ROTC Scholarships?

Veterans Education Benefits or ROTC Scholarships are reported as gift aid on Form 1098-T. The 2024 1098-T forms are available from Student Billing.

Workshops 

The Cal Veteran Services Center (CVSC) conducts several workshops to inform students about financial aid and scholarship matters. The CVSC notifies students of these workshops via email and via social media. In addition, students may reach the CVSC directly for information and be added to the listserv at veteranscenter@berkeley.edu.

The CVSC workshops include the following financial aid and scholarship information:
Apply for Aid
Verification Process
Economic Hardship Appeal
Cost of Attendance Adjustment
Students with Dependents
Berkeley Financial Aid Forms

Partnering Offices, Programs, and Tools

Academic Resources

Basic Needs Resources

Campus Partner Connect

Current Students

Parents Financial Aid Support Hub

Prospective Students

Refunds after Withdrawal

Signing Up for Direct Deposit

Student Health Insurance Plan

Types of Aid

Undocumented Student Program

Do you identify as a Dream Aid Recipient and/or Undocumented student? If so, please complete this form to be in touch with the Undocumented Student Program and UndocuGrads! 

The Undocumented Student Program (USP) is hosting the California Dream Act Application, CADAA workshops, and clinics to assist you in submitting your application for the CADAA priority deadline on May 2nd! Please visit https://undocu.berkeley.edu/events/.

FAFSA Workshop

The Financial Aid & Scholarships Office (FASO) is hosting a workshop to assist you in your application submission leading up to the FAFSA priority deadline on March 3rd! Please visit https://financialaid.berkeley.edu/apply-now/apply-for-aid/fafsa-simplification/.

Work-Study/Learning Aligned Employment Program (LAEP)

Mark your calendars! Work-Study/LAEP jobs for the 2025-26 year will be advertised beginning March 2025, within the Work-Study Management System (WSMS). Get a head start by updating your resume and/or cover letter so that you can be prepared to apply for jobs.

Center for Financial Wellness

Meet your Financial Aid and Scholarships and Center for Financial Wellness Team. Come learn more about the Center for Financial Wellness and the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office on March 14 from 12 pm to 5 pm! Familiarize yourself with the staff and financial wellness peer advisors that are here to serve YOU! Follow us on Instagram@UCB.FinancialWellness to learn more about upcoming events and continuous learning.

Basic Needs Center

Need assistance with essential resources that impact your health, belonging, persistence, and overall well-being? Visit the Basic Needs Center, and someone will help you navigate the many options available to you in your time of need. 

Student Tech Equity Program (STEP)

Students with financial need are invited to submit an application for the Spring Semester to the Student Tech Equity Program (STEP) to request a laptop, iClicker, and other related technology.

The Spring applications are open through April 27th and have transitioned to ServiceNow, please visit https://technology.berkeley.edu/STEP for more information.

• Cal Student Central is the destination for student university business related to financial aid, fees and billing, disbursements, registration, and enrollment.

• Please contact the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office by opening a case with Cal Student Central.