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Chapter 33 Post 9-11 GI Bill: Veterans

Steps to Utilize Benefits

The information below outlines the steps you will need to complete to begin utilizing Veterans Affairs education benefits.

Step 1: Apply for Benefits

Veterans may be eligible for multiple education benefits, consult the VA's website to determine if you are eligible for the Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill.

To utilize the Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill, the veteran must apply for the benefit. Go to www.va.gov, Select "Apply for Education Benefits" then answer the questions under "Find your Education Benefits Form". You will be routed to form 22-1990. Complete this form and submit. The VA will process your request in about 30-45 days. When applying, make sure to give the VA your banking information for direct deposit, provide a good mailing address for the VA to send a COE, list Virginia Tech as your place of attendance, and list your intended major if known.  

Step 2: Submit COE to Virginia Tech

The veteran will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in the mail after applying for education benefits. Once the COE is received, please provide a copy of this letter to the Virginia Tech Office of Veterans Services by mail, email, or in person.  

Step 3: Register for Classes

Most new freshman and transfer students will register for classes during summer orientation. Be sure to register only for classes that are required for your degree. The VA will not pay for classes that are not required!  

Step 4: Complete VA Enrollment Certification Form

The "VA Enrollment Certification Form" is an online form found on the student's Hokie Spa. After registering for classes, complete and submit this form to use VA benefits. This form must be completed every semester a student wants to utilize benefits, and must be redone within 7 days of every change of enrollment, i.e., add, drop, or withdrawal during the semester. Benefits will not be certified if this form is not completed. We urge students to complete this form at least 21 days prior to the semester bill due date!

Post 9/11 GI Bill - Chapter 33 Information

Tuition and Fees

  • Once all paperwork is received and the student has been certified with the VA, a pending credit will be placed on the student’s account in the amount expected to be paid by the VA. The pending credit relieves the student of responsibility for paying this amount until funds are received from the VA. Note: The VA will not pay tuition/fees to Virginia Tech until approximately three weeks after the semester's last date to add a class. Virginia Tech will not release refunds, loans, or grants until the VA payment has been received. 
  • The pending credit is for in-state tuition and fees only.
  • Housing, dining, and most education abroad expenses will NOT be paid by the VA. 
  • The student is responsible for paying the difference between the billed amount and what the VA is expected to pay. If this difference is not paid by the bill due date, the student will be subject to late fees and holds.
  • If a student is receiving scholarships or grants that must be applied directly to tuition and fees, these awards will be subtracted out of the amount certified to Veterans Affairs. Virginia state grants (Commonwealth and VGAP), Virginia Tech Grant, and ROTC awards are examples of funds that will be subtracted out.

Basic Housing (BAH), Books and Supply Stipend

  • A Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and stipend for books are paid by the VA directly to eligible students approximately 30-45 days after certification or the start of the term, whichever is later. Students can sign up to receive these funds by direct deposit through the VA.
  • If a student is living on campus, they must pay their housing and meal charges to the Bursar’s office by the bill due date. The VA will not pay Virginia Tech for meal plans and housing charges. If this is not paid by the bill due date, the student will be subject to late fees and holds.
  • BAH amount is determined based on the rate of an E-5 with dependents at the zip code of the institution (this will vary if class locations are not in Blacksburg). If a student is enrolled solely in online/ distance education (virtual) courses, the BAH payment will be ½ the national average BAH for E-5 with dependents.
  • BAH is paid on or after the first of the month, following an enrolled month for which payment is due. (Example: BAH is paid October 1st for an enrolled month of September.) Partially enrolled months will result in a prorated BAH payment. (Example: Fall semester ends December 20th, the VA will pay 20 days of BAH on January 1st.)
  • BAH will not be provided for students enrolled in less than 51% of a full-time credit hours. Consult Registrar's Office site for full-time credit requirements.  
Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill: Veterans (PDF)