While in the Law Enforcement Basic Training academy, current and former members of the United States Armed Forces may be eligible for education benefits. To find out, recruits/trainees can contact the Department of Criminal Justice Training’s Veteran’s Affairs liaison who can help navigate the process.

  • Education Benefits Offered

    • On the Job Training

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR BENEFITS:

  • Recruits must be honorably discharged or retired from active duty status.

  • Active and former members of the Reserve or National Guard.

  • If a recruit was called to active duty post 9/11

  • Spouses or dependents of a veteran who is deceased or has been determined to be 100 percent disabled as a result of a service-related injury or action and are between 18-25 years old.

DETERMINE YOUR ELIGIBILITY:

Recruits can research benefits and apply online at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or by calling 1-888-442-4551.

  • Link to apply for benefits online

TRAGEDY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR SURVIVORS (TAPS)

A child or surviving spouse can contact the VA Education Call Center at 1-888-442-4551 and select option 5. A call center agent with specialized training in survivor benefits will be ready to assist the caller with their education benefits or provide survivor-related resources. Agents are available Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. CST.

DOCUMENTS YOU WILL NEED:

  • Certificate of Eligibility

    • Certificate of Eligibility. This form will also be mailed to your home a few weeks after applying for benefits.

  • DD-214

    • Recruits will need to provide a copy of their DD Form 214 from active reserve or National Guard.

  • Joint Service Transcript

    • Joint Services Transcript. The JST provides a description of military schooling and work history in civilian language. It serves as a counseling tool for academic and career counselors in advising service members and veterans.

  • High school or College Diploma

    • College transcript or high school diploma. The hiring agency should have this in its personnel file.

  • Birth Certificate

    • Birth certificate. Only for Chapter 35 recipients (military dependents).

  • Marriage Certificate

    • Marriage certificate. Only for Chapter 35 recipients (military dependents).

MAINTAINING YOUR BENEFITS:

If recruits have completed any of the following benefits, they must report monthly to Web Automated Verification of Enrollment [↗] (WAVE) or call 1-877-823-2378. Those benefits are:

  • Chapter 30

  • Chapter 1606

  • Chapter 1607

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

AGENCY RESOURCES FOR ON-THE-JOB TRAINING:

*All forms for initial approval will need to be submitted to Kaleb Cornett at Kaleb.Cornett@kctcs.edu

CONTACT PERSON

Amy Robertson
Program Coordinator
859-622-8182