Dependents
Dependents interested in attending the University of Idaho on a veteran family member's benefits should take the following steps toward becoming an admitted student.
Questions? Contact Military and Veteran Services at veterans@uidaho.edu or 208-885-7989.
First Steps
- Apply for U of I admission
- Determine whether you are an in-state resident or out-of-state resident
- Read about the Isakson and Roe Act
- Alternately, out-of-state residents may qualify for the Yellow Ribbon tuition assistance program.
- Visit Financial Aid
- Students using VA education benefits may still be eligible for financial aid.
- Applying for all university merit-based scholarships and financial aid is a simple step-by-step process. Learn more about Financial Aid scholarships.
Apply for VA Educational Benefits on VA.gov
This will take up to six weeks. Plan accordingly.
Our office highly recommends students set up direct deposit. You will need your bank account information, including routing number and your account number.
Once you receive your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA, please ensure the Military and Veterans Services Office receives a copy. We cannot process your VA Educational Benefits without proof of your COE.
Schedule VA Educational Benefits Orientation
Please contact the Military and Veteran Services Office to set up an orientation meeting by emailing veterans@uidaho.edu or calling 208-885-7989 or 208-885-7979.
Request GI Bill® Certification
Students must submit a new GI Bill® Certification Request each semester they plan on using VA Educational Benefits.
Financial Resources by Chapter
Benefits vary depending on the chapter students are using. Find details about each of the chapters below.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill®, otherwise known as Chapter 33, is an education benefit program for individuals who served on active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, and their dependents.
Benefits include:
- Tuition and fees paid by the VA directly to U of I student account. These include but are not limited to fees for diplomas, lab classes, course/web fees, and orientation. Fees do not include parking passes or any housing or meal plans.
- Textbook Stipends – Based on number of credits taken, student can receive up to $1,000 per academic year. Funds are direct-deposited into student's bank account.
- Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)/Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) – Rates are based on location and eligibility percentage of student. Funds are direct-deposited into student's bank account.
- Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP)
SHIP is the university-offered insurance program for students not already covered by personal insurance. All students attending U of I must have health insurance. The GI Bill® may cover this because it is a university requirement.
VA.gov Account Requirement
All students must have a VA.gov account.
The account allows students to:
- Find benefits remaining (months and days)
- Update mailing address
- Set up or change direct deposit banking information
- Verify payments made to the student and to the school for both educational and disability purposes
- Download VA letters and personal documents
Make an appointment with Military and Veteran Services work study assistants if you need help setting up your account.
GI Bill® Certification Requirement
All students must complete the online GI Bill® Certification Request form after registering for classes each semester.
Other Requirements
- All classes must fulfill a degree requirement as shown on your degree audit on VandalWeb.
- Free electives aren't restricted, but students must concentrate on required courses
The Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35 DEA) program offers education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to service-related conditions or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition.
This benefit is paid to students monthly.
How Does the Colonel John M. McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors Act of 2021 Affect Me?
Beginning in August 2022, public institutions of higher learning are required to charge in-state tuition rates for family members enrolled in the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance (CH 35 DEA) program.
GI Bill® Certification Requirement
All students must complete the online GI Bill® Certification Request form after registering for classes each semester.
Other Requirements
- All classes must fulfill a degree requirement as shown on degree audit on VandalWeb.
- Free electives aren't restricted, but students must concentrate on required courses.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.