APPLYING FOR VETERANS EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS AT SRU

Applications and appropriate documentation should be completed at least 8-12 weeks prior to your term starting date to ensure timely processing.  Carefully review your options about the different GI Bill options by reading the information on the www.gibill.va.gov web site

Chapter 33 Post 9/11 Note:
If you are considering the switch to the Post 9/11 GI Bill, please be aware that it is an irrevocable decision when you elect to give up one of the other VA benefit programs (Chapter 30, 1606, 1607).  SRU suggests that you contact the VA in writing through the Questions and Answers on www.gibill.va.gov to determine if you would be better served to switch to the Post 9/11 GI Bill now or later or to stay with the benefit that you are currently receiving. You should keep a copy of their response. The SRU Veterans Affairs is unable to provide this type of advice because we do not have access to your military records, and we do not make the determination of your eligibility.  If you decide to switch to the Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill (or begin using VA benefits for the first time), you will need to follow the directions below for Applying for GI Bill benefits.

Applying for GI Bill Benefits for the First Time OR Switching to the new Post 9/11 GI Bill

1.   You will need to submit the VA application by completing the on-line form at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp 

♦  Click on “Start VONAPP”.  If you have any questions when you are completing the form, please call the VA at 1-888-GIBILL1.

2.   You will need to complete the SRU VA Enrollment form at http://administration.sru.edu/finaid/VAMontgomeryGIBillEnrollmentForm.pdf

♦  Please attach a copy of the confirmation page that you receive from the VA indicating that you have applied for GI Bill benefits 

♦  Be sure to read your rights and responsibilities included with the SRU VA Enrollment Form.

3.  Post 9/11 GI Bill: After the VA has determined your eligibility for Chapter 33, you should send a copy of the determination letter to the SRU Office of Veterans Affairs. The VA will not send the school this information, and SRU will need this letter to know about your tuition rate. Chapter 33 entitles you to some/all of tuition depending on your eligibility. SRU cannot defer your tuition or partial tuition from the VA until we have a copy of your annual letter from the VA.

Other GI Bills:  GI Bill checks are sent directly to the student electronically or by check, not the university.  Chapter 30, Chapter 1607 (REAP) and Chapter 1606 veterans must verify their enrollment on the last day of each month enrolled before the next GI Bill payment is issued. You can verify your enrollment in the following ways:  Phone in your enrollment information 1-877-823-2378
Verify via website www.gibill.va.gov, then click on WAVE.

NOTE:  An enrollment certification form will be sent to you each spring. This information is used to certify your GI Bill for subsequent semesters, after your initial enrollment. If you do not return this form indicating your enrollment information, you will not be certified for future GI Bill education benefits.  The form will be available on the SRU Veterans Home page every April.