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The Suited Soldier

“COVERING THE GAP”

Many student veterans rely on the GI Bill as their primary income while pursuing their degree. But throughout the year, there are periods in the summer and winter when GI Bill payments stop.

Student veterans in Orange County who are enrolled full-time (12+ units) receive approximately $3,600 a month while school is in session.
12 units is at least 4 classes a week, often meeting twice a week in a typical bachelor’s degree.

How the GI Bill Actually works

In the Spring semester (January to May), veterans receive the full stipend in the months of February, March, and April. However, in January and May, veterans receive half of their stipend because of when classes start or end. If school ends on May 15th, the student veteran does not get paid between May 16th and May 31st. Resulting in a $1,800 stipend that deposits on June 1st, right before summer break.

The Gap

During the summer break, freshmen and sophomores have more flexibility in taking summer classes, allowing the monthly stipend to continue. For juniors and seniors, summer classes
become difficult to enroll in due to narrowing degree requirements, causing student veterans to lose their primary income in the months of June, July, and August.
September is similar to the month of May, where student veterans receive less than half of the stipend due to the academic year starting in late August.

loss of income

When a student veteran is unable to take summer classes during their junior or senior year, the last full stipend is given to them on May 1st.
The next full stipend they will receive is on October 1st.

That’s over $10,000 in loss of income.

Here’s how we help:

  • The Veterans Resource Center (VRC) at Cal State Fullerton (CSUF) identifies student veterans who are experiencing a lapse in benefits

  • VRC staff verifies their military service and confirms financial need

  • The Suited Soldier provides direct financial support to bridge the gap

  • Veterans receive the stability they need to continue their degree without interruption

  • The Suited Soldier provides a tailored suit to equip veterans in their new professional civilian life

We fill the gap so Orange County’s student veterans can build better futures for themselves and their families.