Reduction in Force (RIF) Tuition Assistance Benefit
Overview
Postsecondary tuition assistance for two (2) years for Tennessee state employees who were separated due to a Reduction in Force (RIF). Benefits must be used at a Tennessee public community college, university, or college of applied technology. Benefits may not be used at private or proprietary institutions.
Award Information
- This program is contingent on availability of funding to state agencies with employees who were separated due to a Reduction in Force (RIF).
- If funded, the amount of the annual benefit will be determined by the separated employee’s agency and may be less than, but cannot exceed, the cost of tuition and mandatory fees at the eligible postsecondary institution attended. The approved amount may include online course fees; however, books and other fees (e.g. athletic fees, parking fees, etc.) are not covered.
- Recipients may use the tuition benefit for each semester that begins enrollment within two (2) years from the date of separation.
- All course types are eligible for payment. Students are not required to be in a degree or certificate program.
Eligibility
- Applicant must be a Tennessee state employee who was separated due to a Reduction in Force (RIF).
- Employees who are not Tennessee residents may also qualify if funding is available.
Application
- An application must be submitted each academic year. Each application must include:
-A copy of the separation notice.
-The Agreement from the separated employee’s agency indicating the availability of tuition benefit funds for the entire academic year for which the applicant is applying. - The application, separation notice, and statement of agency funding should be emailed to TSAC.AidInfo@tn.gov.
- Students attending multiple institutions must complete a separate application for each institution.