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Government Shutdown Update: Tuition Assistance (TA) Impacts and Funding Status

Updated: October 31, 2025

The federal government shutdown has temporarily disrupted normal Tuition Assistance (TA) operations across all military branches. However, funding for FY26 has been partially restored through emergency legislation, allowing most service members to continue their studies while limited administrative delays persist.

While systems such as ArmyIgnitED, AFVEC, and the Navy College Program remain functional, reduced staffing and policy restrictions may delay approvals—especially for first-time users or students requiring counselor verification.

Delaware State University encourages all active-duty, reserve, and guard members to:

  • Confirm their TA request is approved before starting classes.
  • Maintain contact with their Education Office or counselor.
  • Consider alternate funding sources (e.g., GI Bill, Pell Grant, or scholarships) if approval delays occur.

Branch Specific Tuition Assistance Guidance

U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, & Coast Guard

  • Funding Restored: FY26 TA/NCPACE funding has been reinstated for courses beginning through December 31, 2025.
  • Eligible Participants: Active-duty Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen using the Navy College Program.
  • Applications: Submit TA/NCPACE requests up to 120 days in advance and obtain Command approval at least 7 days before term start.
  • Support Available: Navy College Counselors are accessible by phone, chat, Issue Tracker, Live Help Now, or email.
  • Policy Reference: OPNAV 1560.9B Chap 3.e(2)(a-b).

U.S. Air Force & Space Force

  • Funding Source: Limited FY26 funding provided under the Reconciliation Bill (Pub. L. 119-21).
  • Eligibility: Available only to Active Duty and AGR members during the shutdown.
  • Auto-Approvals: Approximately 75% of MilTA requests in AFVEC are auto-approved; others (new education goals, first-time users, CCAF courses, or course overloads) require counselor review and may face delay.
  • Counselor Availability: Some base Education & Training Sections (E&TS) have excepted personnel for approvals; others remain furloughed.
  • Responsibility: Members are financially liable for any course begun without approved TA.
  • Retroactive TA: May be considered once the shutdown ends; no direct reimbursement to members.
  • Stay Updated: Check AFVEC and contact your E&TS for the latest announcements.

U.S. Army

  • Funding Source: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) funds TA for Active-Duty Soldiers and Activated Reservists only.
  • System Access: ArmyIgnitED is live; over 80% of requests are expected to auto-approve.
  • Education Centers: Open for TA counseling only with government and contract counselors supporting approvals.
  • Limitations:
    • Non-activated Reservists and Credentialing Assistance (CA) are not covered.
    • Retroactive TA requests will not be processed during this period.
    • Invoice payments may be delayed while the GFEBS system is offline, but the Army has committed to paying all TA invoices once systems are restored.
  • Information: Visit ArmyIgnitED.com and use “View Details” in your dashboard to locate your Education Center contact.

In Summary

Although the government shutdown has affected staffing and approval timelines, temporary TA funding relief is active across all major branches. Service members are encouraged to:

  • Submit TA requests early
  • Monitor approval status through their respective portals.
  • Stay proactive with education counselors and DSU staff for support.

Delaware State University stands ready to support all military-affiliated students. For assistance, questions or concerns.

Contacts for DSU’s Military & Veterans Team:

dsumilitary-veterans [at] desu.edu
DAFB [at] desu.edu for Dover Air Force Base
dgwilson [at] desu.edu for veterans/dependents
ltreadwell [at] desu.edu for active-duty servicemembers
akellen [at] desu.edu for academic advisement for military-affiliated students