Q: How long does it take from the time you certify my benefits until I can receive my money?
A: It will take VA to up to 30-45 days to review your claim. Once your claim has been approved then you would self certify yourself at the end of each month to receive your money.

Q: How do I certify myself?
A: You can call 877-823-2378 and give your VA file number (Social Security Number) along with your zip code or you can go to www.gibill.va.gov and click on waves and set your account up to certify at the end each month.

Q: Will I get my money before fees are due?
A: You will not receive your money before fees are due because you can only certify at the end of each month when school starts.

Q: How will I pay for classes if my money does not get here on time?
A: You have two options:

1. You can pay for fees out of your own pocket or with financial aid, or
2. You can call the Business Office 474-7551 and set up a payment plan.

Q: What paperwork do I need to start my VA benefits if I am a first time user?
A: You can fill out the paperwork two ways which is by web at www.gibill.va.gov click on electronic application form or you can come into the Financial Aid office and fill out the paperwork. You will need to fill out VA form 22-1990 (PDF) and provide a copy of your DD-214 or your Notice of Benefit Eligibility form (NOBE). You may also provide additional paperwork (i.e. LES showing that you paid into a kicker).

Q: How do I let VA know that I want to use my benefits each semester?
A: You will need to fill out the Veterans' Benefits Certification Request form (PDF) each semester to use your benefits.

Q: Why am I only certified for a certain amount of credits, but I am taking more than what is certified?
A: VA will only pay for the classes that fit in your degree program.

Q: Do I have to be a degree seeking student to receive VA benefits?
A: Yes, you do because VA wants to know that you are working towards a degree.

Q: Do I need to report that I have dropped a class?
A: Yes, you do need to report that you have dropped a class because if you do not, then you may be considered for overpayment and will need to repay the VA back.

Q: How long do I have to use my benefits?
A: You have up to 10 years from the date you separated from the service.

Q: What are the payment rates for Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill?
A: Go to www.gibill.va.gov to review the current payment rates.

Q: What are the pay rates for Chapter 35 Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance?
A: Go to www.gibill.va.gov to review the current payment rates.

Q: What are the payment rates for Chapter 1606 National Guards or Reservist?
A: Go to www.gibill.va.gov to review the current payment rates.

Q: What paperwork do I need to fill out for Survivors' and Dependents' Educational and Assistance Program (DEA)?
A: You will need to fill out VA form 22-5490 (PDF) .

Q: What does each chapter stand for?
A: Chapter 30-Active duty Montgomery GI Bill, Chapter 31-Vocational Rehab, Chapter 35-DEA (Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program) or Dependent of Disabled/Deceased Vet, and Chapter 1606-National Guard or Reservists.

Q: How do I know which chapter I am eligible for?
A: The eligibility is determined by VA. When you turn in your initial paperwork to VA they will decide what chapter you are eligible for.

Q: How will I know if I am approved for VA?
A: VA will send you a notice of eligibility to the mailing address you have provided on the VA application.

Q: What happens if I get an incomplete (I) grade for one of my classes that I was certified for?
A: The certifying official will report it to VA and the student has up to one year to complete the class to get a grade. As soon as the student has received a letter grade, the student needs to notify the certifying official.

Q: How do I apply for my benefits if I am admitted to another school, but I am taking classes somewhere else?
A: The student will need to notify the certifying official at the school they are admitted to let them know they are attending another school and they would need to request a concurrent enrollment form or parent letter to send to the other school. The student will also need to fill out the Veterans' Benefits Certification Request form (PDF) or any other internal form the school may use in which you are taking classes at.

Q: What is a parent letter or concurrent enrollment form?
A: A parent letter or concurrent enrollment form is a letter or form in which it lets the other school know that the student is admitted through another school and the classes he is taking fits in the degree program.

Q: What if I am considered overpaid?
A: You will need to call VA at 888-442-4551 to see why you are overpaid and call debt management at 800-827-0648 to set up a payment plan.

Q: What if I am not getting paid what I am suppose to get paid?
A: You will need to call VA at 888-442-4551.

Q: If I have any questions about my payment or how many months of eligibility I have left who do I call?
A: You will need to call VA at 888-442-4551.