Student Resource Center
Information for veterans, service members, and dependents using VA education benefits
Apply for Benefits
Start your VA education benefits application online
Check Your Benefits
View remaining entitlement and benefit status
Call GI Bill Hotline
1-888-GI-BILL-1 (M-F 8am-7pm ET)
How to Use Your VA Education Benefits
Step 1: Apply for Benefits
- • Go to va.gov/education/how-to-apply
- • Complete VA Form 22-1990 (for Chapter 33) or appropriate form for your benefit chapter
- • You'll receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) after approval (typically 30 days)
- • Keep your COE - you'll need it for your school
Step 2: Inform Your School
- • Contact your school's VA Certifying Official (VASCO) - usually in Registrar, Financial Aid, or Veterans Services office
- • Provide your Certificate of Eligibility
- • Complete any required school forms
- • Do this BEFORE the semester starts
Step 3: Enroll in Classes
- • Register for courses that count toward your degree
- • Make sure you're enrolled at least half-time (6 credits undergrad, 5 credits grad) for housing allowance
- • Tell your VASCO if you drop or add any courses
Step 4: School Certifies Your Enrollment
- • After drop/add period, your school certifies your enrollment to the VA
- • This happens each semester/term you're enrolled
- • You don't need to do anything - the school handles this
Step 5: Receive Your Benefits
- • Chapter 33 (Post-9/11): Tuition paid to school, housing allowance paid to you monthly, book stipend paid at term start
- • Chapter 30/1606/35: Monthly payment paid directly to you (you pay tuition from this)
- • Chapter 31 (VR&E): Tuition paid to school, subsistence allowance paid to you
- • First payment typically arrives 4-6 weeks after certification
When Will I Get Paid?
First Payment
Expect your first payment 4-6 weeks after your school certifies your enrollment. This covers the first month of the semester.
Monthly Payments (MHA)
For Chapter 33: Housing allowance (MHA) is paid around the 1st of each month for the PREVIOUS month's attendance. You receive payment AFTER you attend, not before.
Book Stipend
Chapter 33: Book stipend ($41.67 per credit, max $1,000/year) is typically paid shortly after your enrollment is certified for the term.
During Breaks
You do NOT receive housing allowance during winter break, spring break, or summer (unless enrolled in summer courses). Payments are only during active enrollment.
Important Things to Know
⚠️ Online Courses Affect MHA
If you take even ONE online-only course, your entire housing allowance drops to the online rate ($1,054.50/month instead of your local BAH rate). Plan carefully!
⚠️ Withdrawals Create Debt
If you withdraw from classes or fail courses, you may owe the VA money back. Talk to your school BEFORE withdrawing to understand the impact.
📚 Only Degree Courses Count
Only courses required for your declared degree program are covered. Taking courses "for fun" or not on your degree plan won't be certified.
✓ Maintain Good Grades
You must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) - typically 2.0 GPA and completing 67% of courses. Failing to meet SAP terminates benefits.
📞 Set Up Direct Deposit
Log into va.gov and set up direct deposit for fastest payment. Paper checks take much longer and can get lost.
🔄 Report All Changes
Tell your school VASCO immediately if you: drop/add courses, change your major, withdraw, or have any enrollment changes.
Who Do I Contact?
For Enrollment/Certification Questions:
Contact your school's VA Certifying Official (VASCO). They handle enrollment certifications and can answer school-specific questions.
For Payment Questions:
Call the GI Bill Hotline: 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551)
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM ET
For Application Status:
Check online at va.gov or call 1-888-442-4551
For Debt Questions:
Contact the VA Debt Management Center: 1-800-827-0648
You can also request payment plans or waivers
Helpful Links
Questions About Your Benefits?
Your school's VA Certifying Official is here to help!
Contact your Registrar's Office, Financial Aid Office, or Veterans Services Office to find your school's VASCO.