What if I've used my benefits before?

If you have used your VA Educational Benefits within the past five (5) years, you will be required to complete different paperwork.  If you received the Montgomery G.I. Bill or V.E.A.P., you must complete the VA Form 22-1995.  If you received benefits under D.E.A. (spouse and/or dependent), you must complete the VA Form 22-5495.

How do I pay for school?

Students must be prepared to pay for tuition and fees up front.  It normally takes about 9-12 weeks following the initial application process for VA Educational Benefits before the first payment check can be expected.  

DVA works on a reimbursal basis.  This means you are paid a monthly entitlement rate the month following your training (i.e., you go to school the month of  February, and receive February's payment around the first of March).  Out of that entitlement you are expected to pay all schooling costs, including tuition, books, fees, etc.  The only exception to this process is Advance Payment or VA Fee Deferment. The University also has a deferred payment plan option (for information contact the Business Office).

What is Advance Payment? How do I apply?

Please refer to Advance Payment page.

I thought the VA paid for my school ...  What is this monthly entitlement thing?

DVA pays for schooling through the monthly entitlement.  As part of federal law, DVA has contracted to pay you a monthly benefit amount.  This amount is the same nationwide, and is the same for all similarly entitled veterans.

Out of this monthly entitlement, you are expected to pay for all schooling costs, which can include: tuition, fees, books, supplies, child care, transportation, and general living expenses.  The VA recipient is expected to pick up the extra costs if the full amount is not covered by the monthly entitlement. This can be accomplished through the VA Work-Study Program, part-time employment, or Federal Financial Aid.  For more information on these resources, please refer to  Links to Other Information page.  

How much money will I get each month?

The amount of entitlement is determined by DVA and the amount of your training time (i.e., how many hours you are enrolled in school).  To obtain the amount in your specific case, please contact DVA at 1-888-GIBILL-1.

I am an active duty serviceperson... what happens to me?

You are not authorized the full monthly entitlement rate.  DVA authorizes you to be reimbursed for the full amount of your tuition and fees only up to the amount you would be authorized at the monthly entitlement rate.    Tuition and fees does not include books or supplies.

Why can't I take the courses I want -- it's my money!

VA Educational Benefits are an earned entitlement to be used for pursuit of an educational goal.  The Code of Federal Regulations is very specific regarding proper degree pursuit, and benefits will be paid only for courses that count for graduation credit in an approved degree program or are University requirements to complete a deficiency.

Why is my money reduced if I don't attend course?

Non-attendance or excessive, non-excused absences from a course(s) that results in a failing grade (FA/FN) are reported to DVA as punitive grades.  The money received for those hours must be re-paid. DVA will not pay for you to not attend class.

What is Veterans Upward Bound?

Veterans Upward Bound is a pre-college program for individuals who want to improve their skills before beginning their college courses.  Please refer to VUB page.

Matriculation, Delimiting Date, Prior Credit, CRF...there are so many terms and acronyms that I don't understand. Where can I get more information?

Please refer to Important Terms page.

How do I start my VA Educational Benefits?

You will need to complete the application packet that can be obtained from the campus in which your degree program is offered. You may also apply through the DVA website at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp, but you will still need to contact the campus in which your degree program is offered for additional forms to complete.

Do I qualify for Chapter 35, Dependents' Education Assistance?

Please refer to the Chapter 35 handout.

I have not received my money, what do I need to do?

Please refer to Payment Problems page.

Who is my VA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC)? What is my VA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor’s phone number?

Please refer to VA Vocational Rehabilitation page.

What is a Certification Request Form (CRF)? Why do I need to complete a CRF? And, how often do I have to complete it?

The CRF is the form in which you indicate in writing the request for enrollment certification from the OVA to DVA. It outlines the courses that you are currently enrolled or pre-registered for. The OVA uses this form to comply with DVA rules and regulations that the courses that you are requesting are within your degree program and/or are University’s requirements to complete a deficiency. You must complete this form for every term that you want to use your VA Educational Benefits.

Why do I have to complete a Change In Status (CIS) form?

If course adjustments are made that differs from your original CRF enrollment certification, you must submit a CIS to request the course(s) added to be considered for your enrollment certification. If you have to withdrawal due to mitigating circumstances, you must claim it on the CIS and submit supporting documentation.

What is Prior Credit (PC) evaluation? Didn’t I do this for the Office of the Registrar? Where do I get the form?

Please refer to Prior Credit Evaluation page.

What is Transferability?

Individuals under the Montgomery G.I. Bill - Active Duty who have 36 months of fulltime entitlement may transfer up to 18 months of their entitlement to either a spouse or dependent. This is a one time only. You must contact DVA.

Who handles my Tuition Assistance (TA)?

TA is handled through your Educational Services Officer (ESO) and must be signed by your commander. For active duty servicepersons, the ESO is located in the ED Center on Ft. Campbell. For selected reserve, your ESO is generally with your battalion. Upon completion of the TA, it is submitted to the Business Office.