Veteran Services is here to help students navigate the paperwork necessary to apply for GI Bill® benefits. SUNY Niagara is responsible for reporting accurate and timely enrollment information to the Buffalo VA Regional Processing Office. The Buffalo RPO determines eligibility and processes payment based on this information. SUNY Niagara staff members assist with general College and GI Bill® benefit concerns and work with other college offices to expedite paperwork on behalf of our veteran population.
Digital Commemorative Flag Tribute
SUNY Niagara’s Veteran Association will be offering American Flags that may be dedicated in honor or in memory of a family member or friend who has served or is currently serving in the armed forces. The flags will be displayed for Veterans Day and throughout the month of November. Donations start but are not limited to $1 (1 flag tribute: $1; 4 flag tributes: $3; 7 flag tributes: $5). You do not need to provide names for all of the flag tributes. In this event, the veteran office may fill out a flag on your behalf. All proceeds go directly to the Veterans Association.
VA education benefits are authorized to veterans and qualified dependents under US Title 10 and 38. Each chapter has specific eligibility requirements that can be found on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website. Eligibility for benefits is determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Benefits checklist
- Complete your Application for VA Education Benefits
- Receive your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from Veterans Affairs that outlines your percentage of benefits
- Send your COE to the School Certifying OfficialChange your GI Bill® school or program
- Transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits
- Change your VA direct deposit
- Follow the steps to complete SUNY Niagara’s application
- Qualified Veterans and Dependents: Veterans Resident Tuition Rate
- For Army, Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard request your Joint Service Transcripts
- For Air Force, request your transcripts from The Air University
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Review and apply for scholarships
From Instructions found on Cashier’s Page.
- Complete the intake data form (new or transfer veterans)
- Complete the intake data form (dependents)
- Schedule a new veteran orientation (new veterans)
- Verify through W.A.V.E.
- Chapter 33 Verification Process
- Complete the attendance form (upon registering for courses)
- Contact your respective Educational Services Officer within your military branch to begin the Tuition Assistance process.
- Complete the necessary steps to utilize to Tuition Assistance on campus.
- Once Approved, TA users, please contact the Cashier’s Office if you plan on using Military tuition assistance for the current semester.
- Return Policy Regarding Military Tuition Assistance
Printable checklists for veterans and/or dependents:
- SUNY Niagara’s Admissions and GI Bill®: Checklist for Veterans
- SUNY Niagara’s Admissions and GI Bill®: Checklist for Dependents
- Qualified Veterans and Dependents: Veterans Resident Tuition Rate
Active Duty Orders: Students called to active duty should bring a copy of their orders to SUNY Niagara Veteran Services (B-103). We will work with you and other offices on campus to help you avoid academic and financial penalties. Please refer to Important Information for Service Members Called to Active Duty for more detailed information.
View frequently asked questions about Veteran Services.
Contact
Joseph Potalivo
Veteran Services/Financial Aid
Phone: 716-614-6283
Fax: 716-614-5291
Email: jpotalivo@niagaracc.suny.edu
Location: B-103
Questions about your eligibility or the status of your benefits should be directed to the Department of Veterans Administration (through the Ask a Question Page on their website).