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Be sure to check out:
FAQs for Students
We cover your housing, grade, classroom, and financial hardship concerns.
FAQS for School Certifying Officials
We cover your IHL, non-college degree and on-the-job training and apprenticeship questions.
Paperless Guidance
VET TEC, a pilot program offering training for high-tech careers to Veterans, is now taking applications from potential training providers.
Due to utilization of all available funding for the VET TEC Program, VA cannot support training for new participants until October 1, 2020
See our webpage for more information about the program.
Information about the School Certifying Officials (SCOs) Annual Training Requirements is now available to new and existing SCOs.
See our webpage to read more about the requirements and to take the online training.
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.
Announcements
We Want Your Feedback - Introducing VSignal Customer Experience Surveys
July 28, 2020 1:50 PM
You may be receiving an email survey from us at different stages of your education benefit process. These surveys consist of 5 to 7 questions and take less than three minutes to complete. We appreciate your time in providing us with your feedback and intend to use this information to improve our processes, therefore, improving your experience.
California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education (CSAAVE) will return to its role as the “State Approving Agency” (SAA) for the State of California
June 30, 2020 3:15 PM
On June 25, 2020, the California Department of Veterans Affairs signed an agreement with the US Department of Veterans Affairs that will return the California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education (CSAAVE) to its role as the “State Approving Agency” (SAA) for the State of California. CSAAVE’s transition back into their role as the SAA will be effective on July 1, 2020. The US Department of Veterans affairs had been acting in place of CSAAVE as the California State Approving Agency since October 1, 2019.
SAAs are generally responsible for the approval of education and training programs in their respective states. They are the pathway into VA for a program's recognition and identification as being eligible for the payment of VA education benefits.
Colleges, universities, and other training establishments seeking to provide VA eligible training programs should begin by contacting their SAA. CSAAVE can be reached via email at csaaveinfo@calvet.ca.gov or phone by calling the general office line: (916) 503-8317.
School Certifying Official (SCO) Handbook Update
June 8, 2020 2:30 PM
The School Certifying Official (SCO) Handbook is now available as an on-line Handbook.
In addition to this Handbook becoming an on-line resource, content was updated on the following topics: Rounding-out, Fry Scholarship, and SCO Training Requirements.
6/17 and 6/18 107 Recertification Refresher Training (Phase 2 – Schools)
June 4, 2020 10:40 AM
Work-Study and the impact of PL 116-140 (Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act of 2020) SCO Training
To Register click on the dates below:
Thursday, June 18 | 11:00AM-1:00PM EST
Thursday, June 18 | 2:00-4:00PM EST
Friday, June 19 | 11:00AM-1:00PM EST
Friday, June 19 | 2:00-4:00PM EST
This training qualifies for 2-hours of SCO Annual Training Credit.
VET TEC's funding is exhausted
May 21, 2020 11:30 AM
Due to the utilization of all available funding allotted for the program, VET TEC cannot support training for new participants until October 1, 2020.
Individuals may still apply for a VET TEC Certificate of Eligibility in order to receive a formal eligibility decision for a program that begins on or after October 1, 2020. See our webpage for more information about the program.
Find a Yellow Ribbon School Search Tool
May 19, 2020 2:35 PM
The Yellow Ribbon Search Tool was developed for students to quickly identify which schools offer Yellow Ribbon benefits which can help you pay for higher out-of-state, private school, or graduate school tuition that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn’t cover.
Dedicated Phone Line for Surviving Spouses and Children of an Active Duty Service Member Who Died in the Line of Duty
May 12, 2020 11:45 AM
We are pleased to announce a dedicated phone line for GI Bill beneficiaries who are a surviving spouse or child of an active duty service member who died in the line of duty and need assistance with their education benefits.
A child or surviving spouse can contact the Education Call Center at 1-888-442-4551 and select Option 5. A highly trained agent with specialized training in survivor benefits will be ready to assist the caller with their education benefits or survivor-related resources. Agents will be available Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST.
Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act of 2020
May 4, 2020 1:50 PM
Provides new guidance on work study, suspension of classes, school closure, and the inability to attend training due to COVID-19.
See our Facebook post.
COVID-19 Paperless Guidance
April 21, 2020 4:05 PM
Due to the COVID-19 national emergency, the GI Bill program is working to increase capabilities for a paperless environment. This will mean some changes for us and for our beneficiaries, the way we communicate and the way paperwork is submitted.
See further guidance on going paperless and why we need you to provide us with your most current email address.
Temporary relief from your GI Bill benefit debt
April 15, 2020 1:20 PM
The VA Debt Management Center (DMC) is offering temporary financial relief if you are unable to pay your GI Bill benefit debt during this crisis.
See our debt relief Facebook post for more information.
COVID-19 FAQS for School Certifying Officials (SCOs)
April 2, 2020 9:10 AM
Be sure to check out our COVID-19 FAQS for SCOS. We cover your IHL, non-college degree and on-the-job training and apprenticeship questions.
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