jesscoastie

About a year ago, my dad applied as a disabled veteran to receive benefits through the Department of Veteran Affairs. This was so I could get my tuition paid for. They were supposed to be done reviewing my dad's case by February. They aren't. Since we were told that he was gauranteed to be declared a disabled vet, we have no back-up plan and no other way to pay for college.

I start school at UC Santa Cruz (which I worked my butt off to get into) in late september and have no way to pay for my tuition.... I have considered getting a loan for my first year there, but what if the VA isn't done reviewing my dad's case by then? I can't afford to get a loan for all four years at UCSC, I'd rather not be $100,000 in debt before I even go to med school.

Every time we have contacted them, they've given us the same response: "we will contact you again in thirty days with news"

Anyone else in a similar situation? any advice on what to do or how to deal with the VA?

2collegewego

Contact the office of your congressman/congresswoman and ask for help. He/she should have a caseworker who can call and see what the holdup is and encourage them to complete the process.

In the meantime, call the university and find out what you have to do to defer. You may need to take a semester or year off if this isn't straightened out on time.

jesscoastie

Thank you, I never considered that! I do know that the VA is extremely backed up, but I do hope it will work. Which do you think will be most effective, sending a letter, or calling by phone?

rustedcbatboots

I can understand your frustration, but you are very much so correct. they are extremely backed up and there are veterans on that list that are not just waiting for their school benefits, but their medical benefits. You need to just be patience. Personally I would not have sighed up for school until after the fact your father got his benefits. I had to wait almost two and a half years for mine. You receive your benefits in the order they are received, and sometimes they will put them in priority. there are still viat. veterans that do not have their diability. just be patience and consider yourself lucky you have someone offering to pay for your school. not everyone has that opportunity.

best wishes.

FLtoWashu

I am confused. What kind of education benefits do you get when your father gets approved for a VA disability? Disability claims decisions are taking a long time for Va to decide sometimes even almost a year. VA do award retroactive benefits when approved. But my understanding is only the veteran can recieve benefits including education.

Erin's Dad

That would depend on the school/state. For instance here is Indiana's info: DVA: Remission of Fees (Free Tuition) for the Child/Children of a Disabled Veteran

CaliMomof5

Children of California disabled vets (at least 20% disabled, I think), have their tuition and fees covered at California state colleges. I think that they have to also show that they don't earn over a certain amount of $, too. (not sure on the amount- it's been a few years since I looked at this.)

I agree with the other posters that you should ask for help from your congressperson, and also ask the university about deferring your enrollment.

Be sure to check what the earnings limitation is - you don't want to exceed the amount and then make yourself ineligible.

Of course, if you don't want to put your life on hold, you could go to community college for two years while you wait on the VA, and then transfer to UC. Afterall, what if your dad's application is ultimately denied? Then what will you do? Good luck to you!

2collegewego

Jesscoastie, absolutely call. Congressional mail can get backed up more quickly than a phone call. Also, once you have a case open, keep in touch with the congressional staffer assigned to your case.

jesscoastie

Thank you all so much for the advice. Im already beginning to plan out what Im going to say when I call my local congressman/woman! I'll also continue to keep my fingers crossed for good news from the VA next time they contact us (even though I know the likelihood of that happening, but still). Thanks again!

P.S. Im still open to other ideas too, I can use all the advice I can get right now xD

2collegewego

Jesscoastie, don't worry too much about what you have to say; you won't be talking to your congressman/woman. They have staff people in their district offices that are in charge of helping constituents get through federal bureaucracy. You will call, be transferred to that person and explain the situation. They will ask you questions and probably have you fill out some legal release form. Then they will call the people at the VA and get back to you.

mom2collegekids

Don't borrow. If this isn't resolved before school starts, ask to defer enrollment for a year. No, you do NOT want to have debt if you'll be going to med school.