First it is necessary to distinguish between veterans' education and non-education benefits.
Veterans' non-education benefits such as Disability, Death Pension, or Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and/or VA Educational Work-Study allowances must be reported on the FAFSA as a source of untaxed income. The value of these benefits is considered when calculating the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
Veterans' education benefits such as the Montgomery GI Bill, Active Duty-Chapter 30; Montgomery GI Bill, Selected Reserve-Chapter 1606; Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program-Chapter 35; and Vocational Rehabilitation-Chapter 31; and Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)-Chapter 1607 must be reported on the FAFSA, but the value of these benefits is not considered when calculating the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). VA education benefits are considered a "resource" and "estimated financial assistance" when considering your overall eligibility for federal and institutional aid. Thus, these types of benefits can directly reduce eligibility for other types of federal aid. Please contact our office if you desire further information about your specific benefits and your financial aid.
