Continuing & Returning Students
If you have used VA education benefits at APSU before, you do not need to re-apply with the VA each semester — but you do need to certify your enrollment with our office every term you are enrolled. This page covers what to do at the start of each term and what changes if you are coming back after a gap in enrollment.
Every Term: Re-Certify Your Enrollment
Your VA benefits do not automatically carry over from one semester to the next. Each term, once your registration is finalized, complete these steps:
1. Complete the Certification Request Form (CRF)
The CRF tells our office which courses you are enrolled in so we can certify your enrollment to the VA. Submit your CRF as soon as your registration is finalized — do not wait until the semester starts or your payment may be delayed.
Submit the Certification Request Form (CRF)
2. Submit your VA award letter annually
Provide a copy of your most current VA education award letter to the APSU Veterans Education Benefits office at least once each academic year. This confirms your benefit status and remaining eligibility.
3. Request a VA fee deferment if needed
If your VA payment has not been received by APSU's billing deadline, you can request a fee deferment to avoid late charges while your benefit is processing.
4. Verify your enrollment each month — Chapters 30, 35, and 1606 only
If you receive a monthly stipend under Chapter 30, 35, or 1606, the VA requires you to verify your continued enrollment each month to keep payments coming. This is separate from the APSU certification process and is done directly with the VA.
Returning After a Break in Enrollment
If you previously used VA benefits at APSU, took time away, and are now re-enrolling, what you need to do depends on how long you were gone:
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One semester away: Re-enrollment is straightforward. Register for classes and complete the CRF as usual. Contact our office if you have any questions about your remaining benefit eligibility.
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Longer absence: Reach out to our office before or at the time of re-enrollment to confirm your benefit period is still active. Some chapters have time limits on when benefits can be used — check your remaining eligibility on VA.gov or by calling 1-888-442-4551.
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Enrolled at another school during your absence: You will need to complete VA Form 22-1995 (or VA Form 22-5495 for Chapter 35 or Fry Scholarship) to transfer your certification back to APSU as your school of record.
Changing Your Major or Program of Study
Updating your major in APSU's system does not automatically update your program with the VA. The two are separate, and your VA enrollment certification is based on the program the VA has on file — not just your APSU record.
Before changing your major, speak with our office to make sure the change will not negatively affect your current enrollment certification.
After updating your major with APSU, you must also notify the VA:
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VR&E (Chapter 31) students: Meet with your VA counselor to get the new program approved. Your counselor will submit a new authorization to APSU.
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Chapters 30, 32, 33, Transfer of Entitlement, or 1606: Complete VA Form 22-1995 with our office.
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Chapter 35 or Fry Scholarship: Complete VA Form 22-5495 with our office.
If Your Enrollment Changes During the Term
Dropping a course, withdrawing, receiving a failing grade due to non-attendance, or shifting from full-time to part-time can all affect your VA benefit payment — and may result in a debt owed to the VA. Before making any enrollment changes, review how they could affect your benefits.