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Frequently Asked Questions
Place your mouse over one of the questions below and the answer will be revealed.
Question 1: What if I've used my benefits before?
Question 2 : How do I pay for school?
Question 3 : I thought the VA paid for my school... What is this monthly entitlement thing?
Question 4 : How much money will I get each month?
Question 5 : I am an active duty serviceperson... what happens to me?
Question 6 : Why can't I take the courses I want -- it's my money!
Question 7 : Why is my money reduced if I don't attend course(s)?
Question 8 : How do I start my VA educational benefits?
Question 9 : I have not received my money, what do I need to do?
Question 10 : What is a Certification Request Form (CRF)? Why do I need to complete a CRF? And, how often do I have to complete it?
Question 11: Why do I have to complete a Change in Status (CIS) form?
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If you have received your VA educational benefits within the past five (5) years, you will be required to complete different paperwork. If you received the Montgomery GI Bill or VEAP, you must complete the VA Form 22-1995. If you received dependent benefits, you must complete the VA Form 22-5495.
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Students must be prepared to pay for tuition and fees up front. It normally takes about 8 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. Out of that entitlement you are expected to pay all schooling costs.
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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 and general living expenses.
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The amount of entitlement is determined by DVA and the amount of your training time. To obtain the amount in your specific case, please contact the DVA at 1-888-442-4551. You may also view the rate chart under PAYMENT INFORMATION.
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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.
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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 four courses that count for graduation credit in an approved degree program or are university requirements to complete a deficiency.
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Non-attendance or excessive, non-excused absences from a course(s) that results in a failing grade are reported to DVA as punitive grades. The money received for those hours must be repaid. DVA will not pay for you to not attend class.
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You will need to complete the application packet that can be obtained from the campus in which your degree program is offered.
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Please refer to PAYMENT INFORMATION page.
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The CRF is the form in which you indicate in writing the request for enrollment certification from the Veterans Affairs office to DVA. It outlines the courses that you are currently enrolled or pre-registered for. The VA office 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 every semester that you want to use your VA educational benefits.
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If course changes are made that differs from your original CRF, you must submit a CIS (Change in Status) form to request the course(s) you dropped/added to be considered for your enrollment certification. If you have to withdraw due to mitigating circumstance, you must claim it on the CIS and submit supporting documentation.
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