SEIU Tuition Reimbursement: A Comprehensive Guide for Members

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) offers valuable tuition assistance benefits to its members, helping them advance their education and careers in the healthcare field. This article provides a detailed overview of the SEIU tuition reimbursement program, covering eligibility requirements, covered expenses, application procedures, and other important aspects.

Overview of the SEIU Training Fund

The Training Fund, established by the Training Fund Trustees (comprised of both employer and union representatives), aims to equip members with the skills necessary for in-demand healthcare positions offered by participating employers. Given the rapid evolution of healthcare, the Training Fund Board of Trustees regularly updates the list of eligible training programs to ensure relevance and job security for its members upon completion of their training.

Eligibility for Tuition Assistance

To be eligible for SEIU tuition assistance, several criteria must be met:

Active Membership: You must be an active member in good standing of the SEIU.
Employment Status: Generally, you must be a regular benefited full-time or part-time employee. Per diem employees are typically not eligible for Tuition Assistance or any other Training Fund benefit, as employer contributions to the Fund are based on eligible employee’s FTE status. However, as long as you have an FTE you are eligible for TA.
Program Approval: Your chosen program must prepare you for a new career in an occupation offered by your current employer.
Enrollment: You must be enrolled in the Tuition Assistance program and have met with a Regional Education Navigator. If you are not currently active in an approved program or if you have already graduated, you will not be eligible for Tuition Support.

Covered Expenses

Tuition Assistance covers the costs for all required courses in approved programs and their pre-requisite classes. This includes:

Tuition and most required fees
Required and/or recommended books
Software
Supplies

However, certain expenses are not covered, including:

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Immunizations
Criminal background checks
Uniforms
Computer equipment
Parking fees
Student ID fees
Late registration fees

Tuition Assistance Benefit Amounts

The Training Fund Board of Trustees annually reviews and sets the maximum individual member Tuition Assistance benefit amount. These amounts vary based on the bargaining unit:

SERVICE bargaining unit members: The current maximum is \$3,500.
RN and PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL bargaining unit members: The current maximum is \$5,250.

Application and Reimbursement Process

Member Application: Complete the member application to begin the process.
Regional Education Navigator: After completing your application, you will be assigned a Regional Education Navigator. You must meet with your Navigator to remain on the Tuition Assistance enrollment list. Your Navigator will help you prepare for school and discuss your interest in Tuition Assistance.
Funding Request: To have the Fund pay your tuition upfront, submit a Funding Request to the Training Fund as soon as you are registered to allow enough time for processing before the payment due date. If you have already paid for the class, you may submit a Funding Request for reimbursement, provided you have already been enrolled in the Tuition Assistance program and are working with a Regional Education Navigator. Remember that students are responsible for their own tuition payment, which includes submitting their prepared voucher to their school.
Reimbursement Submission: The Training Fund recommends submitting reimbursement requests on a quarterly basis; however, the annual deadline for reimbursements is December 31 for any costs incurred during the year. Only members who are already enrolled in the Tuition Assistance program can submit costs for reimbursement.

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Enrollment Rounds and Seniority

Due to high demand, the Tuition Assistance enrollment process involves multiple rounds:

Initial Round: The Training Fund identifies the seniority of each member within their bargaining unit at their employer. Seniority is based on the collective bargaining contract language at each employer and is provided by them. Members with the highest seniority are given the first opportunity to receive Tuition Assistance (TA).
Subsequent Rounds: If members decline the TA, the opportunity is extended to the next person on the enrollment seniority list. This process continues until all funding for that bargaining unit is allocated.

Unfortunately, the enrollment list changes day to day, depending on the number of applicants and their seniority level.

Important Considerations

Maintaining Eligibility: You do not need to reapply as long as you maintain your eligibility.
Pre-requisite Courses: Pre-requisite courses are generally transferable between schools and can usually be taken at multiple places if that is more convenient for you. If you are taking pre-requisites, the state’s community colleges or public universities offer well-priced, high quality classes whose credits are generally transferable between schools. Due to their higher cost, enrollment in pre-requisite classes at private institutions is generally not funded.
Tuition Due Dates: At most schools, tuition is due within five to seven (5-7) business days from the date you register for classes. However, if you register on or after the first day of the quarter, tuition is usually due immediately.
Waitlisted Classes: You may submit a voucher request for waitlisted class tuition and fee costs but not for books. Once you are actually admitted to the class, you can submit another voucher or reimbursement request for books along with your updated school schedule.
Financial Aid: The type of financial aid you receive may affect your eligibility for Tuition Assistance.

Additional Educational Opportunities and Support

Adult Basic Education (ABE), English as a Second Language (ESL), and College Prep Courses: Members who have identified these courses as part of their educational plan with their Regional Education Navigator may request TA for Adult Basic Education (ABE), English as a Second Language (ESL), college readiness and college prep courses (such as basic math, reading, writing, English and college success courses, to name a few).

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Academic Support: Academic support is available on a limited basis through Tutor.com. This service offers live one-on-one tutoring for approved classes for select participants. Healthcare-specific content tutoring (for nursing classes, MA courses, etc.) is generally available at your college. The Training Fund also offers free on-line tutoring with Tutor.com which can be accessed 24/7 from any internet-enabled computer or mobile device.

Academic Performance and Consequences

Minimum GPA: The minimum GPA for all pre-requisite classes is 1.9 unless otherwise noted by your specific class/program. It is important to remember that most healthcare programs are competitive and applicants are selected based on their grades. The minimum GPA is established by your college program. Check with your college program advisor.
Failing a Class: If you fail a class, you are obligated to reimburse the Training Fund for the cost of the failed class. If you are unable to reimburse the Fund, then you will not be able to access Training Fund benefits for a period of two years.
Dropping a Class: If you drop your class(es), you are obligated to reimburse the Training Fund for the cost of the dropped class(es). If you are unable to reimburse the Fund, then you will not be able to access Training Fund benefits for a period of two years.
Contacting Your Navigator: It is extremely important for you to maintain contact with your Regional Education Navigator if you are experiencing difficulties with any of your class(es).

Approved Programs and Institutions

To be eligible for tuition assistance, your program must be approved and prepare you for a new career in an occupation offered by your current employer. Classes other than those listed as pre-requisites or courses required by your program are not covered by the Tuition Assistance benefit.

Edvance has partnered with academic institutions across the United States to provide students regional choice and ability to maximize available federal and state financial aid.

Examples of institutions include:

Trine University (TrineOnline)
William Woods University (WWU)
Cambridge College (CC)
Bay Path University
Southeastern University (SEU)
Herzing University
Central Community College (CCC)

Continuing Education Reimbursement

The SEIU also offers reimbursement for Continuing Education (CE) activities. You must be a regular benefited full-time or part-time employee, including on-call and per diem employees, to be eligible. You must have attended a CE training, AHA certification course, paid and obtained a license renewal OR have taken a license/certification exam within the current calendar year (1/1/25 - 12/31/25). All CE Reimbursement requests must be paid for in the current calendar year, with the exception of an exam or course that has a completion date in 2025. Applications for 2025 are open as of Tuesday, February 18.

What is reimbursable? TEAS/HESI/Wonderlic exam fees & prep materials - MYC required for reimbursement.

You must submit the required materials for reimbursement, showing that the requests have been paid and/or completed in the current calendar year.

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