The Department of Education has announced the proposed re-establishment of its Computer Matching Agreement (CMA) with the VA, extending a long-standing process that helps ensure veterans receive the financial aid benefits they are entitled to while maintaining compliance with federal privacy regulations. The current agreement is set to expire on June 26, 2026, unless renewed.
For colleges, universities, and financial aid professionals, accurate verification of student eligibility remains a critical part of administering federal aid programs. That’s why the U.S. Department of Education’s ongoing data-matching partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs continues to play an important role in confirming veteran status for students seeking Title IV financial assistance.
“Pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended by the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988 and the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Amendments of 1990 (Privacy Act), and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance on the conduct of matching programs, notice is hereby given of the re-establishment of the matching program between the U.S. Department of Education (Department or ED) (recipient agency) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) (source agency).
The current 18-month Computer Matching Agreement (CMA) between ED and VA was recertified for an additional 12 months on June 27, 2025, and will automatically expire on June 26, 2026. The matching program allows ED to receive information from VA to assist the Secretary of Education (Secretary) in the Secretary’s obligation to verify the status of applicants for financial assistance under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, who claim to be veterans.”
Submit your comments on the proposed re-establishment of the matching program on or before June 22, 2026.
To view this Federal Register publication, click here.