Apex School of Theology - VETERANS BENEFITS


Veteran Benefits \| Financial Aid \| Admissions

VETERAN BENEFITS - WELCOME

As a veteran, you are entitled to certain benefits, and are eligible to participate in certain education programs. Our Institutional Mission/Goal(s) is to “enroll veterans, participants, military, and other eligible persons under the provisions of Title 38, United States Code, Section 3675; to certify veteran students for their education benefits with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on enrollment.”

Veterans are accorded the same rights and must meet all academic requirements and maintain the same academic standards as any student attending Apex School of Theology (ASOT). The subsequent information should serve as a guide and a brief overview of these programs and your benefits. Currently, all of our programs offered at the university are approved through the North Carolina State Approving Agency.

Apex School of Theology is a member of Service Members Opportunity College (SOC), a consortium of over 1,300 institutions pledged to be reasonable in working with service members and veterans trying to earn degrees even while pursuing demanding, transient careers. As a SOC member, Apes School of Theology is committed to easing the transfer of relevant course credits, providing flexible academic residency requirements, and crediting learning from appropriate military training and work experiences. SOC is sponsored by fifteen national higher education associations with the military services, the National Guard Bureau, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense serving as cooperating agencies.

Active servicepersons must consult with the Education Services Officer (ESO) on his or her military facility before submitting an application for VA benefits. Veterans should contact the VA certifying official for detailed information. See below for frequently asked questions and for certifying individuals located at our extended campuses.

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HOW TO APPLY

New applicants who are applying for or transferring VA benefits, and continuing students need to make sure to read the Policy and Procedure Sheet attached in order to ensure that your benefits remain consistent. Please be advised that failure to provide the Director of Financial Aid 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 backed up the Regional Processing Office in Atlanta is) after your application has been submitted, you will receive a letter from VA entitled “Certificate of Eligibility”. This form will be received in two copies. You must bring copy number two to the VA representative for inclusion in your VA file. A copy of your award letter should be provided to the Director of Financial Aid in order to ensure correct awarding of Financial Aid.

c. When all of your transcripts have been received, the Director of Financial Aid 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 (Director of Financial Aid). 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. A telephone number is provided as well as a web address to verify attendance online. You must verify your enrollment / attendance at the end of each month; otherwise your payments will not begin or will be discontinued. 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 the Director of Financial Aid with a copy of your enrollment sheet and/or schedule before we will recertify you for the next semester. You MUST contact the Director of Financial Aid EACH SEMESTER that you register for classes. You will not be certified without doing so.

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 the Director of Financial Aid with a letter of approval, indicating such – as soon as possible.

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POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

When you sign up for VA benefits, you have certain responsibilities that you are required to fulfill. To ensure that your certification of benefits runs smoothly, please make sure you are familiar with our policies. The following rules and information are important to your certification and receipt of pay under your VA Educational Benefits. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

1. Certification for benefits cannot be submitted to VA until all Admissions requirements have been completed and all required documents are received. Documents needed by the VA Office are as follows:

Official Full Acceptance Letter (we cannot certify probationally accepted students).

Official High School transcripts (mailed directly to school - not issued to student).

Official transcripts from all colleges attended (mailed directly to school - not issued to student). This includes CLEP/DANTES test results.

DD-295 (Application for the Evaluation of Learning Experiences during Military Service) for Active Duty persons or an official copy of your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) for Veterans.

VA Form 1990 (Application for VA Benefits). If you are on Active Duty, you must have this signed by your Commanding Officer and your Education Officer. This form may be downloaded from the website or from Apex School of Theology’s Director of Financial Aid.

NOBE (Notice of Basic Eligibility) Form for members of the Selected Reserve Educational Assistance Program. This needs to be signed by your Unit Commanding Officer.

A copy of your schedule once you have enrolled in classes (you need to contact our office each semester with a copy of your schedule and request certification)

2. In order to avoid any confusion when enrolling in courses, you should see the Director of Financial Aid prior to your registering for classes.

3. With your registration paperwork, we will aid you in ensuring that your courses match your degree program. It is ultimately your responsibility to make sure you follow the approved courses listed on you’re the Paradigm (curriculum sheet) for your specific Degree Program .

4. “Only courses required to complete your Degree Program may be counted in qualifying for VA benefits.”

The Apex School of Theology paradigm (course listing) for your degree is the official list of courses covered under VA Educational Benefits. Any courses taken outside of the stated curriculum are your financial responsibility.
Second or subsequent changes to include an additional minor requires documentation of approval by the Dean of your Degree Program and must be the Director of Financial Aid. A request for approval for such will then be submitted to the NCSAA. Approval must be made before your certification can be processed.
The VA will not pay for courses previously passed with a “D” or better; courses for which transfer credit has been granted; courses passed by a proficiency exam and credit received for military schools.
A full-time undergraduate student will be eligible to receive full VA benefits (12 credit hours minimum at main campus or 6 credit hours minimum each term under accelerated terms). Likewise, a full-time graduate student will also be eligible to receive full VA benefits. See the graduate school bulletin/catalog to determine full-time load. A student who enrolls for less than full-time will have the amount he/she can receive in benefits prorated.

Note: Although undergraduate students must be enrolled for at least 12 hours per semester (within their curriculum) in order to be considered full-time, the university Business Office charges a full time rate if you take 9 credit hours during one semester.

5. A record of approval of any changes must be provided to the Director of Financial Aid for inclusion in your file. It is the responsibility of the student to advise the VA Office of any CHANGE in status, such as dropping/adding courses, course substitutions, or withdrawal from the school after a semester or term has begun.

It is ultimately your responsibility to report any changes and to enroll in classes that meet your degree requirement. Failure to comply with these requirements and proper procedures could result in an overpayment situation, a lapse in payment, or a reduction in your benefits. Any extraneous benefits being received by the student will be terminated and/or recouped as quickly as possible; the government aggressively pursues repayment of any overpayments.
If you DROP/ADD a course, you must bring in the paperwork to the Director of Financial Aid.
If your advisor suggests that a particular course will benefit you, (outside your declared curriculum, and NOT required for graduation) you must provide the Director of Financial Aid with a memorandum from the Dean of your Degree Program, notifying us of addition or change, otherwise we will be forced to reduce your hours.
You must notify the Director of Financial Aid of any address changes.

6. Apex School of Theology certifies students using the beginning and ending dates of the terms stated on approved calendars. Internships as well as externships are reported as “irregular calendar dates” and approval must be sought by the NCSAA prior to certification.

7. Students will automatically be paid for breaks between terms of less than 30 days. If you do not want to be paid for these breaks, you must notify the VA.

8. Students taking classes at another institution with the purpose of transferring required credit back into Apex School of Theology must provide a visiting student letter to the visiting school and a copy to the Director of Financial Aid. You may be certified as a visiting student at the other institution provided all requirements are met.

9. Students enrolled in “prerequisites” for a Masters degree must provide an outline of required prerequisites from their college and a letter of acceptance into the Masters Program. VA will only pay for courses stated on this outline.

10. Students certified for all Chapters (with the exception of Chapter 31 – Vocational Rehabilitation) are responsible for tuition, fees, and books. YOU CANNOT CHARGE SCHOOL COST TO VA. You need to be prepared to pay out of pocket expenses to start school. It takes approx. 45-60 days to start receiving your VA benefit payments once the Apex School of Theology’s Director of Financial Aid Office certifies you. NOTE: The VA office in Decatur, GA may not know about your VA claim for at least 45 days after certification has been sent from our office. This is due to the heavy mail flux during peak semesters, and information is scanned in before a claim is processed.

11. Students whose GPA falls below a 2.0 may be placed on probation. Failure to achieve a GPA of 2.0 while on probation could result in suspension of VA Educational Benefits for unsatisfactory progress.

12. Students are under obligation to both Apex School of Theology and VA Regulations.

Bear in mind that VA regulations may differ from Apex School of Theology’s regulations.

13. Students receiving VA benefits are subject to all rules and regulations stated in the

Catalog.

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CHECKLIST AND PROCEDURES * May be obtained from the Office of Admissions

(Required documents needed in file before certification can be accomplished - * May be obtained from the Office of Admissions)

Chapter 30 (GI Bill) or Chapter 32 (VEAP)

Copy of Apex School of Theology’s Application for Admission*
Transcripts (H.S. and all other institutions attended since high school)*
Copy of an Official Apex School of Theology Letter of Acceptance*
VA Form 22-1990 Application (new) OR 22-1995 Application (change of program or school)
Copy of your DD Form 214 (Service Member Copy 4 -Discharge paper)
Approved Education Plan/Curriculum Sheet (provide copy to advisor)
Army/American Council on Education Registry Transcript System (AARTS) Transcript OR
Sailor/Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript System (SMART) Transcript
Signed & dated VA Policy and Procedure Form
Copy of VA Awards letter (to Financial Aid)

Chapter 34/30 (Vietnam Era GI Bill)

Copy of Apex School of Theology Application for Admission*
Transcripts (H.S. and all other institutions attended since high school)*
Copy of an Official Apex School of Theology Letter of Acceptance*
VA Form 22-1990 Application (new) OR 22-1995 Application (change of program or school)*
Copy of your DD Form 214 (Service Member Copy 4 -Discharge paper)
686C (if you have dependants)
VA Form 21-674 (if you have dependant children over the age of 18)
Approved Education Plan/Curriculum Sheet (provide copy to advisor)
Signed & dated VA Policy and Procedure Form
Copy of VA Awards letter (to Financial Aid)

Chapter 35 (Survivors and Dependents)

Copy of Apex School of Theology Application for Admission*
Transcripts (H.S. and all other institutions attended since high school)*
Copy of an Official Apex School of Theology Letter of Acceptance*
VA Form 22-5490 Application (new) OR 22-5495 Application (change of program or school)
Birth Certificate of Dependant filing for claim
VA file number/copy of VA Award letter
Approved Education Plan/Curriculum Sheet (provide copy to advisor)
Signed & dated VA Policy and Procedure Form
Copy of VA Awards letter (to Financial Aid)

Chapter 1606 (Guard and Reserve)

Copy of Apex School of Theology Application for Admission*
Transcripts (H.S. and all other institutions attended since high school)*
Copy of an Official Apex School of Theology Letter of Acceptance*
VA Form 22-1990 Application (new) OR 22-1995 Application (change of school or program)
Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE – Unit Form)
Copy of your DD Form 214 (Service Member Copy 4 -Discharge paper) (for active duty time/basic training)
Signed & dated VA Policy and Procedure Form
Copy of VA Awards letter (to Financial Aid)

Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation)

Copy of Apex School of Theology Application for Admission*
Transcripts (H.S. and all other institutions attended since high school)*
Copy of an Official Apex School of Theology Letter of Acceptance*
VA Form 28-1905 Authorization and Certification of Entrance or Reentrance Into Rehabilitation and Certification of Status (from your Vocation Rehabilitation Counselor)
Copy of your DD Form 214 (Service Member Copy 4 -Discharge paper)
Signed & dated VA Policy and Procedure Form
Copy of VA Awards letter (to Financial Aid)

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SUMMARY OF BENEFITS

Title/Chapter	Basic Eligibility	Months of Entitlement	Monthly Benefit Amount	Time Limit
Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty	a) Service after 6/30/85. b) Serves 3 or 2 years of continuous Active Duty/Selected Reserves for 4 +years. c) Has GED or High School Diploma. d)Contributes $100 per month for the first 12 months of service. e) May be eligible for DOD “kickers”.	36 months of education Benefits.	3+ years Active Duty:	10 years from date of release from Active Duty.
			*Full .. .$1075.00 3/4 .. .$806.25 1/2 .. .$537.50 1/4- .. .$268.75 2 years Active Duty:
			Full .. .$873.00 3/4 .. .$654.75 1/2 .. .$436.50 1/4 - .. .$218.25 No additional amounts for dependents of payee.
Chapter 34 Vietnam Era GI Bill (Oldest Program --phased out 1-1-90; is now 30/34)	181 days of continuous Active Duty (not Reservist) after 1/31/55 and before 12/31/76. Continued on active duty through 6/1/88. Delayed entry may apply.	Vets with 18 months or more service will have 45 months of entitlement. Vets with less than 18 months of service are entitled to 1 1/2 months for each month of service.	*Full .. .$1263.00 3/4 .. .$947.75 1/2 .. .$631 .50 1/4 - .. .$315.75 Additional amounts with dependents.	10 years from the date of discharge or 12/31/89, whichever comes first.
Chapter 32 Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)	A voluntary contributory program for persons who entered service from 1/1/77 to 6/30/85.	Depends on number of months Vet contributed.	The amount of benefit depends on amount of money Vet contributed.	10 years from date of discharge.
Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation for Disabled Veterans (Winston-Salem)	Vets need a 10% service connected disability or more to apply.	As many as 48 months of entitlement.	*Full...... $508.04 3/4....... $381.73 1/2....... $255.42 Additional amounts with dependents plus tuition, fees, books and supplies are paid for by the VA.	Latter of 12 years from last separation from Active Duty or date of service connection.
Chapter 35 Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance	For spouses and children of 100% service connected disabled Vets or spouses/children of Vets who died in service.	45 months of entitlement under this program.	*Full...... $860.00 3/4....... $645.00 1/2....... $429.00 No additional amounts for dependents of payee.	For spouse, 10 years from the date of Veteran's 100% disability or death. Dependents have 8 years from date of 100% rating or death.
Chapter 1606	a) 6 year obligation to serve after 6/30/85 (Officer - 6 more yrs in addition to original obligation). b) Has GED or High School Diploma. c) Has completed initial Active Duty for training. d) Remain in good standing while in active Reserves.	Maximum of 36 months of full-time training or its equivalent in part- time training.	*Full...... $309.00 3/4....... $231.00 1/2....... $153.00 1/2 -.... $77.25 No additional amounts for dependents of payee. North Carolina Army NG SR Kicker.. . . $200.00 mth. OCS/SMP.. .. $350.00 mth. NC TAP .. . $4515.02 ann. ARNG FTA .. .4500.00 per FY	10 years from date of eligibility. *o/a 12/21/02, the delimiting date has been extended from 10 to 14 years effective 10/1/92.
Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve
Chapter 1607	Called to active duty after 9/11/01.	Maximum of 36 months of eligibility.	40% to 80% of MGIB – AD Depends how long on Active Duty.	Generally ends when you leave the Selected Reserve.
Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)	Called to active duty after 9/11/01.	Maximum of 36 months of eligibility.	40% to 80% of MGIB – AD Depends how long on Active Duty.	Generally ends when you leave the Selected Reserve.

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ACTIVE DUTY QUESTIONS

Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)

What if I am receiving chapter 1606 benefits and I am called up and have to drop out of school without receiving credit?

You are entitled to chapter 1606 benefits through the date you dropped out of school.

If you were called up under title 10 (federal authority), VA will restore the entitlement you were charged for the period that you received benefits. For example, if you were in school one month and had to drop out, you keep the money for that period and VA will add back a month to your entitlement for you to use at a later time. If you were called up under title 32 (State authority), you don't receive the entitlement restoration benefit.

If you have been overpaid education benefits, VA will not pursue collection action if you are deployed to a combat area.

What is the effect of call-up on my period of eligibility for chapter 1606?

If you are activated for even one day under title 10, VA will extend your period of eligibility by the period of your active duty plus 4 months. You will receive a separate extension for each call-up. This extension is not available if you were called up under title 32.

Can I continue to use chapter 1606 after I have been called up?

In general yes. This is a decision by your military component.

How about eligibility to the Montgomery G.I. Bill--Active Duty (Chapter 30)?

We answer questions about Montgomery G.I. Bill—Active Duty (Chapter 30) in the next section of this paper.

Where can I get additional information?

Go to www.gibill.va.gov. From there, you can email VA if you need more assistance.

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Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty) (Chapter 30)

Questions affecting those already eligible for chapter 30

What if I’m receiving chapter 30 benefits and I’m called up and have to drop out of school without receiving credit?

You are entitled to chapter 30 benefits through the date you dropped out of school.

If you have been overpaid education benefits, VA will not pursue collection action if you are deployed to a combat area.

What if I am already on active duty and must stop school due to a new duty assignment or increased workload?

The same principle applies as if you were called up to active duty. You are entitled to chapter 30 benefits through the date you dropped out and you are entitled to the entitlement restoration benefit.

What are the effects of call-up on my period of eligibility?

Your period of eligibility (commonly called your delimiting period) is extended from your last date of discharge or release from active duty provided you serve at least 90 days on active duty. There is an exception to the 90-day requirement if you are discharged or released for a service connected disability, for a non-service connected medical condition which preexisted the later active duty service, for hardship, or because of a reduction in force for the convenience of the government. You would not receive this extension of your eligibility if you were called up under title 32 (State authority) for operational purposes within your State.

Can I receive benefits during the call-up period?

Yes if you established chapter eligibility before the call-up.

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Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty) (Chapter 30)

Questions affecting those not already eligible for chapter 30

What if I am called up for less than 2 years under title 10 and I have never established chapter 30 eligibility?

Service resulting from call up under title 10 is generally not qualifying
for chapter 30.

What if I am called up for 2 years or more?

You will be eligible for chapter 30 in most cases unless you decline chapter 30 in writing.

What if I am initially called up for less than 2 years but I am extended so that I do serve at least 2 years?

In most cases, you will be eligible for chapter 30.

Does the military collect $1,200 from me if I am going to be eligible for chapter 30?

Yes.

Can I use the same period of active duty to establish eligibility under both chapters 30 and 1606?

No. One period of service can only be used to establish eligibility to one program or the other. You can choose whichever is best for you.

Can I receive benefits while called up?

If you are establishing eligibility based on the call-up period, you must wait until you have served 24 months to use your benefits. If you were already eligible for chapter 30 when you were called up, you may begin using benefits immediately.

What if I am in the National Guard and I am called up under title 32?

Such service may be qualifying for chapter 30 if it is for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the national guard.

Can I contribute $600 while on active duty and receive an increase in my chapter 30 benefits?

Yes if you are already eligible for chapter 30 and you first entered active duty after June 30, 1985. Otherwise No.

Where can I get additional information?

Go to www.gibill.va.gov. From there, you can email VA if you need more assistance.

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VEAP (Veterans Educational Assistance Program -- Chapter 32)

What if I am receiving chapter 32 benefits and I am called up and have to drop out of school without receiving credit?

You are entitled to chapter 32 benefits through the date you dropped out of school.

If you have been overpaid education benefits, VA will not pursue collection action if you are deployed to a combat area.

What if I am already on active duty and must stop school due to a new duty assignment or increased workload?

The same principle applies as if you were called up to active duty. You are entitled to chapter 32 benefits through the date you dropped out and you are entitled to the entitlement restoration benefit.

What are the effects of call-up on my period of eligibility?

Your period of eligibility (commonly called your delimiting period) is extended from the last date of discharge or release from active duty provided you serve at least 90 days on active duty. There is an exception to the 90-day requirement if you are discharged or released for a service connected disability, for a non-service connected medical condition which preexisted the later active duty service, for hardship, or because of a reduction in force for the convenience of the government. You would not receive this extension of your eligibility if you were called up under title 32 (State authority) for any reason.

Can I receive benefits during the call-up period?

Yes.

Where can I get additional information?

Go to www.gibill.va.gov. From there, you can email VA if you need more assistance.

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Dependents Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)

What if I am receiving chapter 35 benefits and I am called up and have to drop out of school without receiving credit?

You are entitled to chapter 35 benefits through the date you dropped out of school.

If you have been overpaid education benefits, VA will not pursue collection action if you are deployed to a combat area.

What are the effects of call-up on my period of eligibility?

If you are activated during your period of eligibility under title 10, VA will extend your period of eligibility by the period of your active duty plus 4 months. You will receive a separate extension for each call-up. This type of extension is in addition to the extension you would receive for your first period of military service which occurs between your 18th and 26th birthdays. Under the latter extension, your eligibility period would extend 8 years from your release from active duty from this period of service but not beyond your 31st birthday.

Example: You are eligible for chapter 35 between your 18th and 26th birthdays. You are called to active duty for 12 months from March 1, 2003, at age 20 and you are discharged on February 28, 2004. Because of your first period of active duty, your period of eligibility would be extended 8 years from February 28, 2004. Because of your call-up, you would receive one additional year plus 4 months.

Can I receive benefits during the call-up period?

No. You may not receive chapter 35 benefits while you are on active duty.

Where can I get additional information?

Go to www.gibill.va.gov. From there, you can email VA if you need more assistance.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I Qualify For VA Benefits?

The Veterans Administration will make a determination of whether or not you qualify for Veterans Benefits, including your monthly benefit amount when your application and certification are submitted. Please see the attached chart “Summary of VA Educational Benefits” for more detailed information. For questions and inquiries regarding VA Education Benefits, students should call 1-888-GIBILL1 (1-888-442-4551) or visit www.gibill.va.gov/.

How Do I Apply?

1. First, make sure you are fully accepted. You can apply for admission online by accessingan application at www.apexsot.edu.

2. You can apply for benefits by filling out VA Form 22-1990 from any VA Office. You may also apply on-line at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp. Please save and submit a copy of your completed application to the Director of Financial Aid.

How much will VA pay?

Veterans’ benefits are not taxable and therefore, should not be reported to the IRS. The monthly benefit paid to you is based on the type of training you take, length of your service, your category, and if DOD put extra money in your Montgomery GI Bill Fund (called "kickers"). You usually have 10 years to use your MGIB benefits, but the time limit can be less, in some cases, and longer under certain circumstances. Please refer to our “Summary of VA Education Benefits” chart for further information.

How much of the cost will my VA benefits cover?

The Department of Veterans Affairs will only pay for the exact number of days a student is enrolled. Consequently, if a student begins classes on the 15th, VA will pay from the 15th to the end of the month. VA education benefits pay only a portion of the total cost of the program. Under current laws, VA education benefit payments are based on both the rate of training, such as full-time or ½-time, and on the length of training.

Veterans attending courses at Apex School of Theology under the GI Bill receive a monthly amount from the Department of Veterans Affairs. VA will make a determination of your monthly benefit when your application and certification are submitted. Generally, 36 months of full-time benefits are provided. The course load taken determines the allotted monthly benefit amount. A full-time undergraduate student will be eligible to receive full VA benefits (12 credit hours minimum at main campus or 6 credit hours minimum each term under accelerated terms). Likewise, a full-time graduate student will also be eligible to receive full VA benefits as well. See the graduate school bulletin/catalog to determine full-time load. A student who enrolls for less than full-time will have the amount he/she can receive in benefits prorated. Bear in mind that full time requirements for off campus locations may vary because of accelerated terms. Veterans should contact the Director of Financial Aid for more detailed information.

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NUMBERS TO KNOW

1-800-442-4551 – VA Regional Processing Office, Atlanta (General Inquiries and Information)