State Benefits
The Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services also administers a Veterans Dependents Educational Benefits program for qualifying dependents. Maine provides a 100% waiver of tuition and all mandatory fees for spouses and dependents of veterans as defined in Title 37B, Chapter 7, Section 505(2) . Specifically, veterans must meet the following criteria:
Has a 100% total permanent disability rating resulting from service-connected disability. Or who:
- Was killed in action;
- Died from a service-connected disability as a result of service;
- At the time of death was totally and permanently disabled due to a service-connected disability, but whose death was not related to the service-connected disability; or
- Is a member of the Armed Forces on active duty who has been listed for more than 90 days as missing in action, captured or forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign government or power.
"Veteran" means any person who served in the military or naval forces of the United States and entered the service from the State of Maine or has been a resident of the State of Maine for five years immediately preceding application for aid and, if living, continues to reside in the State of Maine throughout the duration of benefits administered under the educational benefits program.
Schools covered under this program include the University of Maine System, Maine Community Colleges, and Maine Maritime Academy.
Types of Trainings
GI Bill® programs can be used for a wide range of education and training programs. The following provides a brief description of the types of training available.
- Institutions of Higher Learning — degree granting institutions, such as four year universities, community colleges, and two year colleges.
- Non College Degree — institutions that do not offer degrees, such as truck driving schools, cosmetology schools, adult education programs and high schools.
- On-the-Job & Apprenticeship Training — organized training lasting six months or more while working.
- Flight Training — VA will reimburse 60% of the approved costs for this type of training.
- Correspondence — VA will reimburse you 55% of the approved costs for this type of training.
- Licensing & Certification — VA can pay only for the cost of the tests, up to $2,000.00, and not other fees connected with obtaining a license or certification. Chapter 33 is limited to one test.National Testing Programs — national tests for admission to institutions of higher learning and those providing an opportunity for course credit at institutions of higher learning.
- National Testing Programs — national tests for admission to institutions of higher learning and those providing an opportunity for course credit at institutions of higher learning.
- Entrepreneurship Training — Interested in owning your own business? VA will pay for programs offered by the SBCD or the Veterans Corporation.
- Accelerated Payment — a lump sum payment of 60% of tuition and fees for certain high cost, high tech programs.
- Co-op Training — Schools partnering with employers to allow you to attend classes in your chosen field while still working.
- Work-Study Program — any student receiving VA education benefits who is attending school three-quarter time or more may work under this program at the school veterans' office, VA Regional Office, VA Medical Facilities, or at approved State employment offices.
- Tuition Assistance Top Up — eligible persons must be approved for federal Tuition Assistance by a military department and be eligible for MGIB-Active Duty benefits. To be eligible for MGIB benefits, the person must be an MGIB - Active Duty participant and must have served at least 2 full years on Active Duty.
- Tutorial Assistance — available to those receiving VA educational assistance at the half-time or more rate and have a deficiency in a subject making tutoring necessary.