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Students Veterans Of America
March 30, 2020
Press Release
Contact: Ryan Rabac
202-223-4710, ext. 502
media@studentveterans.org
Veterans Face Academic, Employment Anxiety with COVID-19
Nearly all student veterans are worried that COVID-19 may impact their educational goals.

Washington, DC—Today, Student Veterans of America released opinion research showing signs of significant uncertainties among America’s veterans emerging as they weigh tough decisions regarding their education, employment, and healthcare in response to novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. The survey found that almost all current student veterans (89%) have concern COVID-19 will impact their educational goals.
 
One-third of respondents expressed concern about receiving their GI Bill benefits on-time or at all. SVA’s ongoing advocacy efforts—in direct coordination with Congress—led to the signing of S.3503, alleviating some initial dears. Most importantly, the recent legislation removed the legal barrier VA faced to maintain the same housing payments for students taking classes that transitioned from in-person to online instruction. SVA now faces the hurdle of addressing critical adjustments to VA work-study and other areas of concern to student veterans affected by COVID-19.
 
The employment opinion data shows student veterans are also concerned about their ability to earn a paycheck during the ongoing pandemic. In recent weeks, one-third of respondents have already experienced a reduction in work hours and 1 in 5 said they are either no longer earning a paycheck or expect not to be earning one soon.
 
From previous research, we know student veterans on average are more likely to have spouses and children and depend on employment income more than traditional students. Roughly 22% of student veterans expressed concern about buying groceries for their family, and 21% are concerned about making their mortgage or rent payments on time. 
 
“Our findings have demonstrated that student veterans feel they are at great risk both academically and economically due to the COVID-19 crisis,” SVA National President and CEO Jared Lyon said. “We will be working with our partners in corporate America, higher education, government, and others to identify ways we can all step in together to support tomorrow’s leaders as they face this time of increased uncertainty.”
 
The third area of this recent research identified concerns in healthcare, with 1 in 4 respondents indicating they do not have health insurance currently. Of those who are insured, 81% receive some or all healthcare benefits through a veteran or military program.
 
This is the first of a series of weekly surveys that will report on how COVID-19 is impacting student veterans and the larger veteran community. The above findings are based on online polling from 567 respondents with a margin of error of +/- 4.12% conducted from March 17-19, 2020. Full breakdowns of this survey can be downloaded here. Results will be updated periodically as more respondents are surveyed over the coming weeks.

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About Student Veterans of America 
With a mission focused on empowering student veterans, SVA is committed to providing an educational experience that goes beyond the classroom. Through a dedicated network of more than 1,500 on-campus chapters in all 50 states and 4 countries representing more than 750,000 student veterans, SVA aims to inspire yesterday’s warriors by connecting student veterans with a community of like-minded chapter leaders. Every day these passionate leaders work to provide the necessary resources, network support, and advocacy to ensure student veterans can effectively connect, expand their skills, and ultimately achieve their greatest potential. For more information, visit us at www.studentveterans.org.

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©2020 Student Veterans of America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.