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VET TEC, a new pilot program offering training for high-tech careers to Veterans, is now taking applications from potential training providers.
See our webpage for more information.
What's Your GI Bill Story?
Tell us what the GI Bill means to you as we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the GI Bill.
Post-9/11 GI Bill STEM students: If you used all your benefits or are about to, you may be eligible for this extension. See our Rogers STEM Scholarship webpage for more info
Choose a School
Compare VA-approved institutions and review other information to choose the educational program that works best for you.
Average Processing Times
24 Days: First Time Applications
10 Days: Supplemental*
*A supplemental claim is a re-enrollment or other change that impacts your benefit.
FAQs
Apply for Benefits
You served with honor and you’re ready to further your education and skills. If you qualify, apply for VA education and training benefits online, in person, or request an application over the phone.
Contact Us
Call us at 888-GIBILL-1 (888-442-4551) between 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Central Time, Monday-Friday
Ask us a Question - Get an answer in four to five working days. You can also search for answers to frequently asked questions. This contact method is available worldwide 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
New Announcements
(Click Here for Older Announcements)
Release of the Revised School Certifying Official (SCO) Handbook
June 21, 2019 11:00 AM
Education Service is pleased to announce the updated release of the School Certifying Official Handbook. The Handbook has been revised to include new information pertaining to Graduate Level Training and determining Non-Standard Terms Graduate Training updates.
6/18 Webinar Slides Are Available - School Certifying Official
June 20, 2019 1:05 PM
The slides for the June 18, 2019 School Certifying Official Webinar are now available.
Webinar 6/18 - FY 2019 3rd Quarter VBA EDU Quarterly Webinar
June 5, 2019 1:35 PM
Join us on Tuesday, June 18 at 2pm EST for the FY 2019 3rd Quarter VBA EDU Quarterly Webinar.
Click here to join the meeting
Audio Information: 1-800-767-1750
Participant Code: 37639#
Test your connection here if you have never attended an Adobe Connect meeting.
Get a quick overview of Adobe Connect here.
Yellow Ribbon Program Open Season for School Participation Ended May 15
May 16, 2019 8:00 AM
March 25 to May 15 was the open season for the Yellow Ribbon Program for the 2019-20 academic year. Please see the Yellow Ribbon Program home page for more information.
3/26 Webinar Slides Are Available - School Certifying Official
April 1, 2019 12:45 PM
The slides for the March 26, 2019 School Certifying Official Webinar are now available.
Yellow Ribbon Program Open Season
March 25, 2019 12:00 PM
From March 25 to May 15 we are accepting new Yellow Ribbon Program agreements, modifications to existing open-ended agreements, or agreements to withdraw from participation. See our Yellow Ribbon Program Schools’ web page for instructions and forms.
Release of the Revised School Certifying Official (SCO) Handbook
March 20, 2019 11:05 AM
Education Service is pleased to announce the updated release of the School Certifying Official Handbook. The Handbook has been revised to include new information pertaining to Graduate Level Training (pages 55 and 56) and determining Non-Standard Terms Graduate Training updates (pages 62 and 63).
Webinar 3/26 - FY 2019 2nd Quarter VBA EDU Quarterly Webinar
March 19, 2019 12:15 PM
Join us on Tuesday, March 26 at 2pm EST for the FY 2019 2nd Quarter VBA EDU Quarterly Webinar.
Click here to join the meeting
Audio Information: 1-800-767-1750
Participant Code: 37639#
Test your connection here if you have never attended an Adobe Connect meeting.
Get a quick overview of Adobe Connect here.
New Post-9/11 GI Bill Rates Published
March 19, 2016 8:50 PM
The tuition and fee, Monthly Housing Allowance, and distance learning rates under the Post-9/11 GI Bill for academic year 2019-2020 are now available on our Rate Tables Page.
Webinar 1/30 - Veterans and Dependents Please Join Us For a Webinar Explaining Provisions of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act - Forever GI Bill
January 28, 2018 3:50 PM
Join us on Wednesday, January 30 at 1pm EST. The purpose of the webinar is explain provisions to the Colmery Act and how it impacts you. See our schedule for upcoming webinars.
Click here to join the meeting
Audio Information: 1-800-767-1750
Participant Code: 28503#
Slides
Test your connection here if you have never attended an Adobe Connect meeting.
Get a quick overview of Adobe Connect here.
Webinar 1/30 - School Certifying Officials (SCO) please Join Us For a Webinar Explaining Provisions of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act - Forever GI Bill
January 28, 2019 3:50 PM
Join us on Wednesday, January 30 at 2pm EST. The purpose of this webinar is to inform the SCOs about provisions to the Colmery Act and how these changes will impact their duties. See our schedule for upcoming webinars.
Click here to join the meeting
Audio Information: 1-800-767-1750
Participant Code: 37639#
Slides
Test your connection here if you have never attended an Adobe Connect meeting.
Get a quick overview of Adobe Connect here.
Webinar 1/23 - Veterans and Dependents Please Join Us For a Webinar Explaining Provisions of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act - Forever GI Bill
January 22, 2018 2:30 PM
Join us on Wednesday, January 23 at 1pm EST. The purpose of the webinar is explain provisions to the Colmery Act and how it impacts you. See our schedule for upcoming webinars.
Click here to join the meeting
Audio Information: 1-800-767-1750
Participant Code: 28503#
Slides
Test your connection here if you have never attended an Adobe Connect meeting.
Get a quick overview of Adobe Connect here.
Webinar 1/23 - School Certifying Officials (SCO) please Join Us For a Webinar Explaining Provisions of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act - Forever GI Bill
January 22, 2019 2:30 PM
Join us on Wednesday, January 23 at 2pm EST. The purpose of this webinar is to inform the SCOs about provisions to the Colmery Act and how these changes will impact their duties. See our schedule for upcoming webinars.
Click here to join the meeting
Audio Information: 1-800-767-1750
Participant Code: 37639#
Slides
Test your connection here if you have never attended an Adobe Connect meeting.
Get a quick overview of Adobe Connect here.
1/16 Webinar Slides Are Available - School Certifying Official
January 14, 2019 1:50 PM
The slides for the January 16, 2019 School Certifying Official Webinar are now available. See our schedule for upcoming webinars.
1/16 Webinar Slides Are Available - Veterans and Dependents
January 14, 2019 1:50 PM
The slides for the January 16, 2019 Veterans and Dependents Webinar are now available. See our schedule for upcoming webinars.
Webinar 1/16 - Veterans and Dependents Please Join Us For a Webinar Explaining Provisions of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act - Forever GI Bill
January 14, 2018 9:00 AM
Join us on Thursday, January 16 at 1pm EST. The purpose of the webinar is explain provisions to the Colmery Act and how it impacts you. See our schedule for upcoming webinars.
Click here to join the meeting
Audio Information: 1-800-767-1750
Participant Code: 28503#
Test your connection here if you have never attended an Adobe Connect meeting.
Get a quick overview of Adobe Connect here.
Webinar 1/16 - School Certifying Officials (SCO) please Join Us For a Webinar Explaining Provisions of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act - Forever GI Bill
January 14, 2018 9:00 AM
Join us on Thursday, January 16 at 2pm EST. The purpose of this webinar is to inform the SCOs about provisions to the Colmery Act and how these changes will impact their duties. See our schedule for upcoming webinars.
Click here to join the meeting
Audio Information: 1-800-767-1750
Participant Code: 37639#
Test your connection here if you have never attended an Adobe Connect meeting.
Get a quick overview of Adobe Connect here.
Today's Webinar Slides Are Available - School Certifying Official
January 9, 2019 11:10 AM
The slides for the January 9, 2019 School Certifying Official Webinar are now available. Also see the link for upcoming webinars.
Today's Webinar Slides Are Available - Veterans and Dependents
January 9, 2019 11:10 AM
The slides for the January 9, 2019 Veterans and Dependents Webinar are now available. Also see the link for upcoming webinars.
Webinar 1/9 - School Certifying Officials (SCO) please Join Us For a Webinar Explaining Provisions of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act - Forever GI Bill
January 8, 2018 9:45 AM
Join us on Thursday, January 9 at 2pm EST. The purpose of this webinar is to inform the SCOs about provisions to the Colmery Act and how these changes will impact their duties. See our schedule for upcoming webinars.
Click here to join the meeting
Audio Information: 1-800-767-1750
Participant Code: 37639#
Test your connection here if you have never attended an Adobe Connect meeting.
Get a quick overview of Adobe Connect here.
Webinar 1/9 - Veterans and Dependents please Join Us For a Webinar Explaining Provisions of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act - Forever GI Bill
January 8, 2018 9:45 AM
Join us on Thursday, January 9 at 1pm EST. The purpose of the webinar is explain provisions to the Colmery Act and how it impacts you. See our schedule for upcoming webinars.
Click here to join the meeting
Audio Information: 1-800-767-1750
Participant Code: 28503#
Test your connection here if you have never attended an Adobe Connect meeting.
Get a quick overview of Adobe Connect here.
School Certifying Officials (SCO) please Join Us For a Webinar Explaining Provisions of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act - Forever GI Bill - January 3
December 31, 2018 10:45 AM
Join us on Thursday, January 3 at 2pm EST. The purpose of this webinar is to inform the SCOs about provisions to the Colmery Act and how these changes will impact their duties.
Click here to join the meeting
Audio Information: 1-800-767-1750
Participant Code: 37639#
Test your connection here if you have never attended an Adobe Connect meeting.
Get a quick overview of Adobe Connect here.
Veterans and Dependents please Join Us For a Webinar Explaining Provisions of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act - Forever GI Bill - January 3
December 31, 2018 10:45 AM
Join us on Thursday, January 3 at 1pm EST. The purpose of the webinar is explain provisions to the Colmery Act and how it impacts you.
Click here to join the meeting
Audio Information: 1-800-767-1750
Participant Code: 28503#
Test your connection here if you have never attended an Adobe Connect meeting.
Get a quick overview of Adobe Connect here.
School Certifying Official (SCO) Webinar Slides Available
December 27, 2018 11:35 AM
The transcript of the December 18, 2018 Education Service Webinar is now available.
Veterans and Depdendents Webinar Slides Available
December 27, 2018 11:35 AM
The transcript of the December 18, 2018 Education Service Webinar is now available.
School Certifying Officials (SCO) please Join Us For a Webinar Explaining Provisions of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act - Forever GI Bill - December 27
December 21, 2018 2:45 PM
Join us on Thursday, December 27 at 2pm EST. The purpose of this webinar is to inform the SCOs about provisions to the Colmery Act and how these changes will impact their duties.
Click here to join the meeting
Audio Information: 1-800-767-1750
Participant Code: 37639#
Test your connection here if you have never attended an Adobe Connect meeting.
Get a quick overview of Adobe Connect here.
Veterans and Dependents please Join Us For a Webinar Explaining Provisions of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act - Forever GI Bill - December 27
December 21, 2018 2:45 PM
Join us on Thursday, December 27 at 1pm EST. The purpose of the webinar is explain provisions to the Colmery Act and how it impacts you.
Click here to join the meeting
Audio Information: 1-800-767-1750
Participant Code: 28503#
Test your connection here if you have never attended an Adobe Connect meeting.
Get a quick overview of Adobe Connect here.
Closure of Vatterott College
December 18, 2018 10:30 AM
VA is aware of the recent announcement by Vatterott College that its operations were discontinued effective December 17, 2018. See their letter informing students of closure.
VA is working closely with the State Approving Agencies on this developing situation. Please see our website for additional information for options in restoring benefits.
School Certifying Officials (SCO) please Join Us For a Webinar Explaining Provisions of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act - Forever GI Bill - December 18
December 17, 2018 11:53 AM
Join us on Tuesday, December 18 at 2pm EST. The purpose of this webinar is to inform the SCOs about changes to Section 501 and 107 of the Colmery Act and how these changes will impact their duties.
Click here to join the meeting
Audio Information: 1-800-767-1750
Participant Code: 37639#
Test your connection here if you have never attended an Adobe Connect meeting.
Get a quick overview of Adobe Connect here.
Change to Date - Veterans and Dependents Please Join Us For a Webinar Explaining Provisions of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act - Forever GI Bill - December 18
December 13, 2018 9:30 AM
Join us on Tuesday, December 18 at 1pm EST. The purpose of the webinar is to provide an update about the changes to section 501 and 107 of the Colmery Act and how it impacts you.
Click here to join the meeting
Audio Information: 1-800-767-1750
Participant Code: 28503#
Test your connection here if you have never attended an Adobe Connect meeting.
Get a quick overview of Adobe Connect here.
Veterans and Dependents Please Join Us For a Webinar Explaining Provisions of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act - Forever GI Bill - December 17
December 11, 2018 4:00 PM
Join us on Monday, December 17 at 1pm EST. The purpose of the webinar is to provide an update about the changes to section 501 and 107 of the Colmery Act and how it impacts you.
Click here to join the meeting
Audio Information: 1-800-767-1750
Participant Code: 28503#
Test your connection here if you have never attended an Adobe Connect meeting.
Get a quick overview of Adobe Connect here.
Closure of Education Corporation of America Schools
December 7, 2018 10:00 AM
VA is aware of the abrupt closure of facilities associated with Education Corporation of America (ECA), which operated several chains of schools, to include Virginia College, Brightwood College, Golf Academy of America and Ecotech Institute, throughout the nation. VA is coordinating with the various State Approving Agencies (SAA) and is in the process of gathering the specific details surrounding this closure.
VA reaches out to every student in attendance at institutions that close to advise them of their options and potential for having their benefits restored and will do so within 5-days once it has received official notices from its SAA partners. Until specifics can be provided about each school location in question, please see information regarding benefit restoration at closed institutions.
Press Release - Post-9/11 GI Bill Housing Payment Rates Update
November 28, 2018 1:45 PM
See our Press Release discussing resolutions for the implementation of Harry W. Colmery Act sections 107 and 501, which pertain to how housing allowance payments are calculated.
1st Quarter School Certifying Officials' Webinar
November 6, 2018 12:15 PM
Join us on December 5 for the 1st Quarter School Certifying Officials' Webinar.
Where: https://vbatraining.adobeconnect.com/eduwebinar/
When: 2pm EST
Conference Number: 1-800-767-1750; Participant Code: 37639#
Test your connection here if you have never attended an Adobe Connect meeting.
Get a quick overview of Adobe Connect here.
Information for School Certifying Officials (SCO)
October 25, 2018 2:45PM
We continue to experience a high pending claims inventory which is causing continuing processing delays for some GI Bill students. We apologize for these delays, and want to assure you we are doing everything in our power to reduce the pending workload, address the oldest claims, and continue to test the housing payment IT modifications required for the Colmery Act. As of October 24, our pending work is continuing to go down, and we are maintaining our focus on the oldest items.
As we get reports of hardship situations we are addressing those immediately.
If you are aware of a specific hardship case you can call the Education Call Center SCO Hotline. You may also recommend the student contact the general Education Call Center number (1-888-442-4551) or submit an inquiry online. Some of you have asked what Education Service considers to be a hardship case. Examples of a financial hardship due to a delay in GI Bill payments include, but are not limited to:
- a beneficiary is in danger of losing housing or
- a beneficiary is in danger of having utilities turned off or
- a beneficiary is in danger of receiving collection notices from creditors.
Financial Hardship
October 25, 2018 11:00AM
Education Service continues to experience a higher than normal pending claims inventory which is causing processing and payment delays for some GI Bill students. We apologize for these delays, and want to assure you we are doing everything in our power to reduce the pending workload and address the oldest claims. As of October 24, our pending work is continuing to go down, and we are maintaining our focus on the oldest items.
As we get reports of hardship situations we are addressing those immediately.
If you are experiencing a financial hardship due to a delay in GI Bill payments, please contact the Education Call Center at 1-888-442-4551 between 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Central Time, Monday-Friday or contact us through the GI Bill website.
We have been asked what Education Service considers to be a hardship case. Examples of a financial hardship due to a delay in GI Bill payments include, but are not limited to: you are in danger of losing your housing or; you are in danger of having utilities turned off or; you are in danger of receiving collection notices from creditors.
We regret that these delays are occurring and the impact they may have on you and your family. We are working to make sure you are paid as soon as possible and will continue to update you on our progress.
Housing Payment Timeliness
October 16, 2018 11:00AM
Many of our Post-9/11 GI Bill students are experiencing longer than typical wait times to receive monthly housing payments. Today, we are averaging a little over 35 days to work first-time applications and 23 days for re-enrollments.
Although processing times in the fall are longer than other seasons, wait times this year are longer than usual. Knowing this may have caused you a financial hardship, please let us know by contacting us via the GI Bill website at https://gibill.custhelp.va.gov/app/utils/login_form/redirect/ask.
As Our Education Call Center is also experiencing higher than normal wait times, you can avoid waiting on the phone for a payment status by calling 1-888-442-4551 and choosing Option 2 for an automated response. You can also check your eBenefits or vets.gov account for payment status. Once your payment is processed by VA, it will take a few more days to reach your banking institution.
We regret that these delays are occurring and the impact they may have on you and your family. We’re working to make sure you are paid as soon as possible and will continue to update you with any new information we have. You may also want to follow us on our Facebook page for updates at https://www.facebook.com/gibillEducation/.
Information for School Certifying Officials (SCO)
October 16, 2018 9:45AM
As you are aware from our previous notices to you, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is experiencing some delays in processing payments for our beneficiaries and their educational institutions. This is due to several IT-related issues and the fall peak enrollment season. While the pending inventory is trending downward, we anticipate a high pending claim inventory through the end of this year. We sincerely regret these delays, and are doing everything possible to restore the timeliness you have come to rely on.
We are reaching out to you to ask for your assistance to ensure that GI Bill students are not penalized if the school has not received tuition and fee payments due them from VA. Late payments are likely due to VA processing delays and certainly are not the fault of the student. We ask for your patience as we work to resolve the ongoing challenges. If your school is waiting for tuition and fee payments for GI Bill students, we respectfully urge you to continue to work with the students so they may continue their academic pursuits.
Please share this with any other offices at your institution as you deem appropriate.
If you have questions concerning the status of an enrollment you submitted, please contact our School Certifying Official inquiry phone number. If you do not have the number, please contact your Education Liaison Representative for it.
For updates on the average time it will take us to process enrollments, please go to the GI Bill website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
Thank you again for your patience.
Housing Payment Processing Times
October 10, 2018 3:30 PM
Many of our Post-9/11 GI Bill students are experiencing longer than typical wait times to receive monthly housing payments. Today, we are averaging a little over 35 days to work first-time applications and 23 days for re-enrollments.
Although processing times in the fall are longer than other seasons, wait times this year are longer than usual. Knowing this may have caused you a financial hardship, please let us know by contacting us via the GI Bill submit a question.
As Our Education Call Center is also experiencing higher than normal wait times, you can avoid waiting on the phone for a payment status by calling 1-888-442-4551 and choosing Option 2 for an automated response. You can also check your eBenefits or vets.gov account for payment status. Once your payment is processed by VA, it will take a few more days to reach your banking institution.
We regret that these delays are occurring and the impact they may have on you and your family. We’re working to make sure you are paid as soon as possible and will continue to update you with any new information we have. You may also want to follow us on our Facebook page for updates at https://www.facebook.com/gibillEducation/.
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