|
New applicants who are applying for or transferring VA benefits need to make sure to read the Policy and Procedures Sheet attached to ensure your benefits remain consistent. Please be advised that failure to provide the Veteran’s Affairs Office with all required forms in a timely manner may result in a delay of benefit payments. The sequence of events that will occur in relation to the use of your GI Bill Benefits is as follows:
a.You will normally receive a letter from VA within two to three weeks of submitting your application informing you that they have received your application and are processing it. This is a form letter that is used only to let you know that your application has been received and is being processed.
b.Approximately 45-60 days (sometimes longer, depending on how backlogged the Atlanta Regional Processing Office is) after your application has been submitted, you will receive a letter from VA entitled “Certificate of Eligibility”. You will receive two copies of this form; take a copy to the VA Office for inclusion in your VA file. Also, a copy should be provided to the Financial Aid Office in order to ensure correct awarding of Financial Aid.
c.When all of your transcripts have been received, your Certifying Officer/Counselor will complete an official evaluation. This can be done only after a copy of your official acceptance has been provided, and the required transcripts have been received in this office.
d.Once your evaluation is complete, and all required paperwork and forms are in your file, you will need to provide a copy of your schedule to the VA Certifying Official. This is the action which will allow us to certify your attendance and start your monetary benefits.
Once You Are Certified:
e. Included in your letter from VA will be information on verification of attendance. Some VA students are required to verify attendance monthly. For these students we recommend that you sign up for the monthly automatic email reminder through the WAVE website. Instructions will be sent on how to do this telephonically or on the GI Bill website. You must verify your enrollment/attendance at the end of each month in order to be paid. Have your VA file number ready when you call.
To Keep Your Benefits Running Smoothly:
f. Read and familiarize yourself with the Policies and Procedures sheet that has been provided to you.
g. You MUST provide our office with a copy of your enrollment sheet and/or schedule before we will recertify you for the next semester. Otherwise, YOU WILL NOT BE CERTIFIED.
h. Keep in mind that VA will only pay for courses that are required for graduation as defined by your curriculum and as published in the catalog/bulletin. VA will not pay for non-degree or additional courses.
i. In the event you wish to change anything (schedule, major, course(s), address, etc.) or decide to pursue a Double Major or Minor, you must provide our office with a letter of approval, indicating such.
Numbers to Know:
1-888-442-4551 – VA Regional Processing Office, Atlanta (General Inquiries and Information)
- Address changes, requests to establish benefits, general information
1-877-823-2378 – VA or Use WAVE (on GI Bill website)
- Monthly verification of attendance
1-877-838-2778 – VA Direct Deposit Center for Education
- Start, stop or change direct deposit information
1-336-714-0613 – Chapter 31 - Vocational Rehabilitation Students ONLY (Winston-Salem)
- Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist
|
