How do I get my VA benefits started?

• Step 1: You must apply to use your educational benefits through the VA at https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/
• Step 2: Submit an electronic Veteran Benefits Request Form or each semester that you would like to have your enrollment certified for VA benefits. If it is your first time using benefits while at Paul Quinn, this form will require that you submit the eligibility letter that the VA will provide you along with a copy of the Veteran's DD 214 to the VA Certifying Official. This also includes dependents.

I have received benefits while at Paul Quinn before. How do I request the benefits each semester?

• Submit a Veteran Benefits Request Form (VBRF) each semester that you would like to utilize benefits. Beneifts will not be certified without this form.
• If you recently submitted it, it may have not been processed by the campus or the VA yet. It may take a few weeks overall for processing to be finalized and for the VA to issue payment.

I have a parent who is a Veteran, how can I learn more about VA education benefits?

• Visit the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) Program (Chapter 35) and Transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) to Spouse and Dependents web sites for additional information.

How long does it take for me to start receiving money from my VA benefits?

• The VA Certifying Official ain the Office of Financial Aid certifies students' enrollments to the VA in the order requests are received. After you registered for courses and submitted your paperwork, the VA will process your request and issue payments that you are eligible for.

Who do I contact if I have questions about my VA Education benefits eligibility/application status?

• The Department of Veteran Affairs website has helpful FAQ's and contact information.
• While we are able to certify your enrollment, we are not able to request documents on your behalf.

How do i request a replacement certificate of eligibility?

• If you have lost or otherwise need a replacement Certificate of Eligibility you can visit this Department of Veteran Affairs webpage and select the "Ask A Question" tab on the top of the page. You can then submit a secure email via their website where you can ask for a replacement. You will then receive a replacement via postal mail from the VA.

What happens if I drop a class?

• If your enrollment has already been certified and you drop a class or classes, notify our office.
• We will need to report it to the VA and in some cases this may lead to an adjustment in your benefits and in funds owed back to the VA.

What happens if I do not pass or complete a class?

• If you receive a "non-punitive" grade (a grade that doesn’t count as earned credit and that doesn’t affect progress standards for graduation) you may be required to repay money you received for such classes. Examples of non-punitive grades are "W" / Withdrawals, "NC" No Credit, and "I" Incompletes.
• If you fail a class you may receive what is called a "punitive grade" for that class. This means that the grade you receive earns credit towards your degree, even though it may bring your GPA down. Since this grade counts towards your degree requirements (even negatively) you are entitled to GI Bill benefits for any class you receive such a grade in.
• If you are unsure if a class will be punitive or non-punitive, please contact us.

What should I do if I did not receive my GI Bill payment?

• Make sure you submitted a VBRF for the semester. If you recently submitted it, it may have not been processed by the campus or the VA yet. It may take a few weeks overall for processing to be finalized and for the VA to issue payment.
• You can contact our office and we can verify that a certification has been submitted and we can check with the VA for a timeline if possible.
• You can also VA by using the "Ask a Question" tab on their website or call 888-GIBILL-1 [888-442-4551]). This process could take up to 6 weeks.

How do i know how much i will receive in a monthly housing allowance (mah)?

• The Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) payments you receive for the Post-9/11 GI Bill are based on the military's Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for an E-5 with dependents. The Department of Defense adjusts the military BAH rate every calendar year (January 1) based on changes to housing costs across the country. Rates can either go up or down.
• You can view the current Rate Tables by benefit on the Department of Veteran Affairs Website.
• Please note that actual amounts are determined by the VA and can vary based on enrollment status and enrollment period length. For example if you are not enrolled for a full month, you won't receive a full-month rste.