Veterans Affairs
Texas Tech Health El Paso welcomes veterans, service members and eligible family members. The Veterans Affairs Office helps students use federal and state education benefits and certifies eligible enrollment with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Request Benefits Each Semester
After registering for classes, submit the VA Benefit Request Form for every semester or term in which you want to use education benefits. The office cannot certify your enrollment until the form and required documentation are received.
Getting Started
- Apply for federal benefits, if needed. Review eligibility and apply for VA education benefits. VA provides a decision letter or Certificate of Eligibility after reviewing an application.
- Register for classes. Complete registration before requesting certification.
- Submit your semester request. Complete the VA Benefit Request Form each semester or term.
- Provide supporting documents. The Veterans Affairs Office will advise which documents are required for your benefit and circumstances.
- Report enrollment changes promptly. Contact the office before adding, dropping or withdrawing from courses because enrollment changes may affect benefits or create a debt with VA.
Education Benefit Information
VA administers several education and training programs for eligible veterans, service members, reservists, National Guard members, survivors and dependents. Eligibility and payment rules vary by program.
- Explore VA education and training benefits
- Review education benefit eligibility
- Apply for education benefits
- Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool
Students using Veteran Readiness and Employment benefits, formerly called Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, should coordinate with their assigned VA counselor and the Texas Tech Health El Paso Veterans Affairs Office.
Students may be asked to provide an official military transcript as part of the admission or benefit process.
The Hazlewood Act is a State of Texas benefit that may provide qualified veterans, spouses and dependent children with up to 150 credit hours of tuition exemption, including most fee charges, at Texas public institutions. It does not cover living expenses, books or supply fees. Texas Tech Health El Paso makes the final institutional eligibility determination based on applicable law, rules and required documentation.
Applicants should review current eligibility requirements and forms before submitting a request.
Common supporting documentation may include the Hazlewood application, a qualifying DD Form 214 or other separation record, a VA Certificate of Eligibility when applicable, proof of relationship for a spouse or dependent, and additional documents requested by the institution.
The Yellow Ribbon Program may help eligible students using the Post-9/11 GI Bill pay certain tuition and fee costs not covered by the standard benefit. Eligibility, institutional participation and contribution amounts are determined under the current VA agreement and the student's benefit status.
- Yellow Ribbon Program eligibility and information
- Confirm current school participation and benefit details
Contact the Veterans Affairs Office before relying on Yellow Ribbon funding for a specific term or charge.
In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 3679(e), an eligible student using Chapter 31 or Chapter 33 benefits will not be penalized while covered tuition and fee payment from VA is pending. During the protected period, Texas Tech Health El Paso will not:
- prevent enrollment;
- assess a late penalty because VA payment is pending;
- require alternative or additional funding for the covered amount; or
- deny access to classes, libraries or other institutional facilities available to students who have satisfied their bills.
To receive this protection, the student must provide required eligibility documentation, submit a written request for certification and provide information needed to certify enrollment. Students remain responsible for charges that are not covered by VA benefits.
Additional Resources
- Request military service records or a replacement DD Form 214
- Texas Veterans Portal
- Texas Veterans Commission education resources
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about VA education benefits is available from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.