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The Veteran Student's First 30 Days
A one-page onboarding checklist covering COE submission, VASCO intake, enrollment verification, and direct-deposit setup. Hand it out at orientation.
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The VASCO's Toolkit for Student Success
Shareable, printable resources you can hand to your veteran, service-member, and dependent students so they arrive informed and prepared for certification.
Notice to Students
AI Military Services and VASCO Assistant Pro are an independent software provider for university administrators. We are not the Department of Veterans Affairs, nor are we a university. For official guidance on your specific benefits, please contact your institution's designated VA School Certifying Official.
Printable Student Handouts
Each handout is a single-page PDF you can print, brand with your institution, and distribute during orientation or one-on-one advising.
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Understanding Your MHA
A visual guide explaining how the Monthly Housing Allowance is calculated, when it arrives, and how online-only courses change the rate.
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SAP Warning Guide
What a student needs to do if their grades slip below Satisfactory Academic Progress, including the appeal path and documentation VASCOs need.
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When Will I Get Paid?
A single-page timeline of tuition disbursement, MHA month-of-attendance rules, book stipends, and break-pay exceptions students can reference any time.
Request the HandoutThe Complete Packet
Get the Complete Student Orientation Packet
All printable student handouts, bundled and branded-ready. Reserve your copy by joining the VASCO Assistant Pro waitlist. We will send the packet the moment it is finalized.
Reserve the PacketFor prospective students
Share GI Bill schools by region
Our regional guides list universities and colleges by U.S. region and major international destination, with editorial context written by a practicing Senior VASCO. They are designed for veterans evaluating where to use their GI Bill - hand them out to admitted students or include the link in your acceptance-packet email. Each guide also includes an “Ask Your VASCO” template students can use to introduce VASCO Assistant Pro to their next school.
Reference Language for Advising
How Students Use VA Education Benefits
Step 1: Apply for Benefits
- · Go to va.gov/education/how-to-apply.
- · Complete VA Form 22-1990 (Chapter 33) or the form for the relevant benefit chapter.
- · Approval produces a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), typically within 30 days.
- · Keep the COE on hand to deliver to the school.
Step 2: Inform the School
- · Contact the school's VASCO (usually in Registrar, Financial Aid, or Veterans Services).
- · Provide the Certificate of Eligibility and complete any required school forms.
- · Do this BEFORE the semester starts.
Step 3: Enroll in Classes
- · Register for courses that count toward the declared degree.
- · Ensure enrollment is at least half-time (6 credits undergraduate, 5 credits graduate) to receive the housing allowance.
- · Report every drop or add to the VASCO.
Step 4: School Certifies Enrollment
- · After drop/add closes, the school certifies enrollment to the VA.
- · Certification happens every term the student is enrolled.
- · The student does not need to act on this step.
Step 5: Receive Benefits
- · Chapter 33 (Post-9/11): Tuition paid to the school; housing allowance paid monthly; book stipend at term start.
- · Chapter 30 / 1606 / 35: Monthly payment sent directly to the student; tuition paid from that amount.
- · Chapter 31 (VR&E): Tuition paid to the school; subsistence allowance paid to the student.
- · First payment typically arrives 4 to 6 weeks after certification.
Payment Timing Reference
First Payment
Expect the first payment 4 to 6 weeks after the school certifies enrollment. Covers the first month of the term.
Monthly Housing Allowance
Chapter 33 MHA is paid around the 1st of the month for the PREVIOUS month of attendance. Paid after attendance, not before.
Book Stipend
Chapter 33: $41.67 per credit, max $1,000 per academic year. Usually paid shortly after term certification.
During Breaks
No housing allowance during winter, spring, or summer break unless enrolled in summer courses. Payments only during active enrollment.
Key Facts to Brief Students On
Online Courses Affect MHA
One online-only course drops the entire housing allowance to the online rate ($1,054.50/month instead of the local BAH rate).
Withdrawals Create Debt
Dropped or failed courses can create VA debt. Students should talk to the VASCO BEFORE withdrawing to understand the impact.
Only Degree Courses Count
Only courses required for the declared degree program are certifiable. Elective courses off the degree plan will not be certified.
Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
SAP typically requires a 2.0 GPA and 67% course completion. Failing SAP terminates benefits until resolved.
Set Up Direct Deposit
Direct deposit on va.gov produces the fastest payment. Paper checks are slower and can be lost.
Report All Changes
Students must notify the VASCO immediately after drops, adds, major changes, or withdrawals.
Where Students Should Be Directed
Enrollment or Certification Questions
The school's VASCO. They handle certifications and school-specific questions.
Application Status
Check online at va.gov or call 1-888-442-4551.
Debt Questions
VA Debt Management Center: 1-800-827-0648. Payment plans and waivers available.
Building the full student toolkit for VASCOs
Every handout above, plus institution-branded templates and automated student communication, ships with VASCO Assistant Pro.