UCLA is engaged in supporting our Veterans, ROTC Cadets, active-duty members, and their dependents. Depending on the type of benefits you are receiving from the Veterans Administration, UCLA does offer financial aid that can work in conjunction with your VA benefits.
Important Note:
UCLA Financial Aid & Scholarships does not process or disburse veteran education benefit payments.
Financial Aid & Scholarships may include an estimated veteran education benefit amount as a placeholder (ANTICIPATED VA BENEFITS / ANTICIAPTED VA STIPEND) in your financial aid package. This estimated amount is used for financial aid coordination and to help determine your overall financial aid eligibility.
Please note:
- The estimated veteran education benefit amount shown on your Bruin Financial Aid Letter is not an actual payment or a guarantee of funds.
- The estimated amount may differ from the actual benefits you are eligible to receive.
- UCLA's Veteran Resource Center (VRC) is responsible for veteran education benefit certification and coordinating the actual benefit payment process.
If you have questions about the actual benefit amount, payment status, or benefit processing, please contact the VRC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive financial aid and veteran education benefits at the same time?
Yes! Students receiving veteran education benefits may also be eligible for federal, state, and institutional financial aid, as well as private scholarships.
In most cases, students may receive a combination of financial assistance up to UCLA's Cost of Attendance.
However, certain veteran education benefits may affect other financial aid awards. The impact depends on the type of benefits you receive and your individual financial aid eligibility.
Will my veteran education benefits reduce my UCLA financial aid?
Possibly. The impact depends on your specific benefits and financial aid package.
For example:
- Veterans receiving University Grant, campus-based loans, or work-study may see adjustments to loans and work-study before University Grant assistance.
- Dependents using transferred veteran education benefits may experience a greater adjustment to their University Grant.
- Students receiving the Cal Vet Fee Waiver may have certain tuition-related grants reduced or canceled.
- The anticipated VA stipend does not count toward the Cost of Attendance, and does not affect students’ financial aid eligibility or award amounts.
How do I apply for financial aid at UCLA?
To be considered for financial aid:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at StudentAid.gov.
- Submit your FAFSA by UCLA's applicable priority deadline.
- Monitor your Bruin Financial Aid Portal for requests for additional documents.
- Review your Financial Aid Notification when it becomes available.
What veteran education benefits are available?
Eligible students may qualify for several VA education programs, including:
VA program and Benefit
- Chapter 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill, including transferred benefits
- Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty
- Chapter 31: Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
- Chapter 35: Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA)
- Chapter 1606: Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve
For more information, visit Benefits Overview on the UCLA Veteran Resource Center.
How do I know if I qualify for VA education benefits?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) determines eligibility for federal veteran education benefits.
Students should apply directly through the VA. If approved, the VA will provide a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or other applicable benefit documentation.
For questions about eligibility, contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
How do I submit my veteran education benefits to UCLA?
If you plan to use veteran education benefits at UCLA, you must notify the university through the appropriate certification process. Follow the instructions on the UCLA Veteran Benefits Submission Process page.
The Veteran Resource Center coordinates with Financial Aid & Scholarships so applicable benefits can be reflected in your financial aid package.
Can I receive both a Cal Grant and the Cal Vet Fee Waiver?
You may qualify for both programs, but you cannot receive duplicate awards that pay the same fees.
If you receive a Cal Vet Fee Waiver, the fee-paying portion of your Cal Grant may be returned to the California Student Aid Commission. Your UCLA University Grant will also be reduced dollar-for-dollar under the policy described in UCLA's guide.
Other financial aid may be adjusted to prevent an over award.
What if my financial situation has changed?
If your income or your family's income has decreased since the tax year reported on your FAFSA, you may qualify for a financial aid reevaluation.
UCLA recommends submitting a Projected Year Income Petition so Financial Aid & Scholarships can review your current financial circumstances.
Approval is not guaranteed, but a reevaluation may change your financial aid eligibility.
Why do I see veteran education benefits listed on my financial aid package?
UCLA Financial Aid & Scholarships includes an estimated veteran education benefit amount as a placeholder on your financial aid package. This allows us to coordinate your veteran education benefits with other financial aid awards and determine whether any adjustments are necessary.
The estimated amount does not mean the funds have been received or disbursed.
Does UCLA Financial Aid & Scholarships pay my veteran education benefits?
No. Financial Aid & Scholarships only includes an estimated benefit amount in your financial aid package for financial aid coordination purposes.
The UCLA Veteran Resource Center (VRC) handles veteran education benefit certification and coordinates the actual benefit payment process.
Why is the estimated amount on my financial aid package different from my actual veteran education benefits?
The amount listed on your financial aid package is an estimate and may not reflect your final benefit eligibility or actual payment amount.
For questions about your actual veteran education benefit amount, please contact the UCLA Veteran Resource Center.
Who should I contact about my veteran education benefits?
Contact UCLA Financial Aid & Scholarships for:
- Questions about estimated veteran education benefit amounts listed on your financial aid package.
- Questions about how veteran education benefits affect your other financial aid awards.
- Financial aid adjustments and eligibility questions.
Contact the UCLA Veteran Resource Center (VRC) for:
- Veteran education benefit certification.
- Actual veteran education benefit amounts.
- Benefit processing and payment status.
- Questions about submitting veteran education benefit documentation.
What should I do if my veteran benefits are missing from my financial aid offer?
First, confirm that you have submitted your eligibility documentation through UCLA's Benefit Certification Request process.
Next, review your Bruin Financial Aid Portal and contact the appropriate UCLA office if your benefits are not reflected.
For questions about benefit certification, contact the Veteran Resource Center. For questions about how benefits affect your financial aid, contact Financial Aid & Scholarships.
UCLA Veteran Resource Center
Kerckhoff Hall Room 132
Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Email: veteran@saonet.ucla.edu
- Campus Contacts & Support: https://veterans.ucla.edu/contacts