VA and Military Benefits

As a veteran, you may be eligible for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs through one of the many benefit programs offered by the VA. SFS is committed to working with students who utilize these educational benefits.

The Post 9/11 GI Bill® program (Chapter 33), is one of the most frequently used VA benefits by veterans. Under Chapter 33, students are provided funding for tuition, books, housing and required fees.

Harvard Law School is also proud to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, a provision of the law which created the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The Yellow Ribbon program allows institutions of higher learning to make additional funds available to fund tuition and fee expense that exceed the tuition and fees covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Under the program, the Department of Veterans Affairs matches school aid contributions made to eligible veterans. Harvard Law School has agreed to contribute the maximum amount to be matched by the VA for all eligible veterans. The combination of federal and HLS grants is expected to cover the full cost of tuition and fees for the academic year.

Students may utilize other benefit programs offered by the VA, other than the GI Bill. Each program is unique and requirements vary per program. Outlined on this page are the most common programs as well as frequently asked questions. If you will be utilizing a program not outlined on this page, we recommend reaching out to our office to discuss your benefits and how to best report them to our office.

As of August 1st, 2019, Harvard University adheres to the requirements of and complies with S2248 PL 1150497 Section 103. Harvard University does not impose late fees on any student and will not impose a late fee on students utilizing Chapter 33 and Chapter 31 benefits. Additionally, Harvard University will not prevent a student from attending classes or demand payment in advance for funds expected to be paid by the VA until at least 90 days post certification. Under this policy, Harvard University defines a covered individual as any student that has notified the University that they are eligible to receive Chapter 33 or Chapter 31 benefits in writing prior to the start of the academic term in which they plan to use those benefits. Covered individuals will see the amount anticipated from the VA on their student account in the form of Anticipated Aid for Chapter 33 or a third-party deferment for Chapter 31. If the VA fails to pay 90 days post certification, Harvard reserves the right to require payment from the student directly.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/​gibill.

Financial Aid Application Process

  • Post 9-11/GI Bill (Not Yellow Ribbon Eligible)

    Information:

    • The GI Bill provides up to 36 months of benefits for eligible students. Eligibility is determined by the VA and confirmed with your Certificate of Eligibility.
    • Under this program, students are eligible to have a portion of their tuition and fees covered by the VA.
    • Because this program does not cover 100% of tuition, students utilizing these benefits are still eligible to apply for HLS’s need-based financial aid.

    Application Process:

    • If you would like to apply for HLS’s need-based financial aid program or for student loans, complete Step 1 of the financial aid application process. This form will ask you for details about your veteran’s benefits.
    • If you are not interested in any financial aid other than your veteran’s benefits, submit the HLS Student Application found within the SFS Self-Service Portal as “Opt-Out.” Then you will need to submit the Adjustment Request form also within the portal to notify SFS of your VA benefits.
    • You will need to apply for your benefits directly with the VA, and receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA to turn into our office via the SFS Self-Service Portal.
    • You will also need to submit an internal Harvard online form called the “Notice of Student Enrollment”. HLS uses information gathered on this form to certify your enrollment with the VA in order for you to start receiving your benefits. We will reach out to you when it is time to submit this form (which is generally during the month of June).
  • Yellow Ribbon Program

    Information:

    • Applicants for the Yellow Ribbon Program must receive 100% of the benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill and have remaining eligibility for the Yellow Ribbon program as established by the VA. You may receive Yellow Ribbon benefits even while you are still classified as “Active Duty.”
    • Yellow Ribbon recipients will have their tuition and fees covered under this program. This includes tuition, the Student Health Fee, and the Student Health Insurance Plan. However, it does not cover enrolling family members in Harvard’s health insurance plan. Additionally, it does not cover the university’s dental plan.
    • Veterans who choose to receive the Yellow Ribbon benefits will waive their eligibility for need-based HLS aid, and will not be required to complete an application for HLS financial aid.
    • Additional VA benefits for veterans provide substantial assistance for living expenses. These benefits should cover academic year living expenses for most Yellow Ribbon recipients. However, Yellow Ribbon recipients may also apply for federal student loans to meet living expenses costs, if needed. Because Yellow Ribbon recipients do not receive aid through the need-based HLS aid program, this borrowing will not be eligible for assistance through the Low Income Protection Plan (LIPP). Students who elect to use Yellow Ribbon benefits can instead participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
    • Students with dependents are an exception to the policy above. Due to a higher student budget, students with dependents may have student loan eligibility determined for LIPP. We recommend reaching out to our office to discuss potential LIPP eligibility and application steps.

    Application Process:

    • Even though you are not eligible for HLS’s need-based financial aid, you should still submit the HLS Student Application found within the SFS Self-Service Portal as “Opt-Out.” Then you will need to submit the Adjustment Request form also within the portal to notify SFS of your VA benefits.
    • You will need to apply for your benefits directly with the VA, and receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA to turn into our office via the SFS Self-Service Portal.
    • You will also need to submit an internal Harvard online form called the “Notice of Student Enrollment”. HLS uses information gathered on this form to certify your enrollment with the VA in order for you to start receiving your benefits. We will reach out to you when it is time to submit this form (which is generally during the month of June).
    • If you are interested in applying for LIPP ineligible student loans:
      • Submit the LIPP Waiver within the SFS Self-Service Portal
      • Submit the FAFSA
      • Submit the Adjustment Request form within the portal to request the Direct Unsubsidized Loan
      • If you would like to utilize any other student loans, choose your lender and apply directly with them
  • Voc-Rehab

    Information:

    • Voc-Rehab recipients will likely have their tuition and fees covered under this program. This includes tuition and the Student Health Fee. However, it does not cover Harvard’s health insurance plan or the university’s dental plan.
    • Veterans who choose to receive the Voc-Rehab benefits will waive their eligibility for need-based HLS aid, and will not be required to complete an application for HLS financial aid.
    • Additional VA benefits for veterans provide substantial assistance for living expenses. These benefits should cover academic year living expenses for most Voc-Rehab recipients. However, Voc-Rehab recipients may also apply for federal student loans to meet living expenses costs, if needed. Because Voc-Rehab recipients do not receive aid through the need-based HLS aid program, this borrowing will not be eligible for assistance through the Low Income Protection Plan (LIPP). Students who elect to use Voc-Rehab benefits can instead participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

    Application Process:

    • Submit either a paper application to the VA, visit your nearest VA Regional Office, or submit an application online to apply for your Voc-Rehab benefits.
    • You will then need to complete the Third Party Billing process: have the VA complete and submit a Third Party Billing Form and a Third Party Billing Letter to the Student Accounts Office.
    • You will also need to complete and submit a Sponsorship Information Release Form.
    • Even though you are not eligible for HLS’s need-based financial aid, you should still submit the HLS Student Application found within the SFS Self-Service Portal as “Opt-Out.” Then you will need to submit the Adjustment Request form also within the portal to notify SFS of your VA benefits.
    • You will also need to submit an internal Harvard online form called the “Notice of Student Enrollment”. HLS uses information gathered on this form to certify your enrollment with the VA in order for you to start receiving your benefits. We will reach out to you when it is time to submit this form (which is generally during the month of June).
    • If you are interested in applying for LIPP ineligible student loans:
      • Submit the LIPP Waiver within the SFS Self-Service Portal
      • Submit the FAFSA
      • Submit the Adjustment Request form within the portal to request the Direct Unsubsidized Loan
      • If you would like to utilize any other student loans, choose your lender and apply directly with them
  • Chapter 1606, Chapter 30, REAP, and DEA

    Information:

    • All funds through these benefit programs go directly to the student.
    • Students receiving benefits from these VA programs are eligible to apply for HLS’s need based financial aid. Funding through these VA Benefits will be treated on the same level as an outside scholarship.

    Application Process:

    • If you would like to apply for HLS’s need-based financial aid program or for student loans, complete Step 1 of the financial aid application process. This form will ask you for details about your veteran’s benefits.
    • If you are not interested in any financial aid other than your veteran’s benefits, submit the HLS Student Application found within the SFS Self-Service Portal as “Opt-Out.” Then you will need to submit the Adjustment Request form also within the portal to notify SFS of your VA benefits.
    • You will need to apply for your benefits directly with the VA, and receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA to turn into our office via the SFS Self-Service Portal.
    • You will also need to submit an internal Harvard online form called the “Notice of Student Enrollment”. HLS uses information gathered on this form to certify your enrollment with the VA in order for you to start receiving your benefits. We will reach out to you when it is time to submit this form (which is generally during the month of June).
  • Housing and Book Allowances
    • Students receiving VA benefits to pursue education may be eligible to receive a monthly Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) which is essentially the same as the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents. Your BAH will come to be a living stipend of approximately $4,188 a month (as of 3/1/2023). Students are also eligible for a book allowance for up to $1,000.
    • Please note, the BAH is paid after the start of school, so the earliest that you will be paid generally October 1st. If you have any concerns about affording living expenses before your BAH is paid out, please contact our office.
    • Related Links:
  • Frequently Asked Questions

    What if I don’t have my Certificate of Eligibility prior to the start of classes?

    Reach out to sfs@law.harvard.edu to let us know that you are unable to submit your COE prior to September. We will work with you to ensure that your benefits are reflected as anticipated credit on your student billing account. However, we are unable to certify you until we receive the COE which means you will not receive your BAH until that point.

    Does my Voc-Rehab benefit cover Harvard’s Student Health Insurance Plan?

    No, Voc-Rehab only covers the required UHS Student Health Fee. It will not cover Harvard’s Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). Therefore, you should consider waiving SHIP if you have comparable coverage from the VA.

    I was transferred VA benefits from my parent. Can I use these benefits the entire time I am at HLS?

    You may use the benefits for up to 36 months of enrollment, or until your 26th birthday. The benefits will expire at whichever occurs first.

    I am an active duty military member participating in the Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP). Does HLS Participate in this program?

    While HLS does not participate in FLEP, we actively work with students within this program to make attending HLS a reality. Please reach out to sfs@law.harvard.edu with the specifics of your program so that we can engage in discussion with you.

    I have another question that is not on this list, can you help me?

    We are available to help you navigate funding your education at HLS. Reach out to us at sfs@law.harvard.edu or 617-495-4606 with your questions.