Frequently Asked Questions: General
When will I be paid my monthly stipend from the VA? Expand
The VA typically pays on the first of every month for the previous month. For example, on October 1st you’ll get a check for the month of September. Payments are prorated, meaning checks will be less during months we aren’t in school from beginning to end (August, December, January and May).
Why haven’t I received my stipend yet? Expand
Have you properly established your benefits at EWU?
Have you submitted a Concise Student Schedule to the Veterans Resource Center , thereby notifying us of your intentions to use your benefit?
Has enough time passed since the EWU VRC certified your enrollment? You will receive an email from the VA system when your claim is submitted. Two to eight weeks into the term is the typical time-frame. Longer processing times occur at the beginning of terms because of increased workloads.
If you are a dependent, has your sponsor formerly transferred the benefit to you (Post 9/11 GI Bill®)?
Have you applied for the benefit on the VA site and received a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA?
For Chapters 30and 1606 : has your monthly enrollment certification been accomplished through WAVE or through the verification hotline (1-877-823-2378)?
For Chapter 31 Veteran Readiness and Employment, please contact a VR&E Counselor with all payment questions.
I have question/concerns about specific payments made to me by the VA. Who should I contact? Expand
If you are receiving CH 1606, CH 33, CH 30 or CH 35 benefits, please contact the VA directly through their Education Benefits hotline for assistance: 1-888-442-4551. If you are receiving CH 31 benefits, please contact a VR&E counselor directly for payment questions or concerns.
How do I receive back pay? Expand
Generally, VA will pay back pay up to one year from date of award of your VA Education Benefit. If this applies to you, please seek assistance through EWU VRC office.
Am I eligible for a refund of Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty’s $1,200 by-in for Post 9/11 GI Bill? Expand
Individuals who entered Active Duty after June 30, 1985, OR who served a combination of at least 2 years of Active Duty service and 4 years of Selected Reserve service after June 30, 1985, may qualify to receive a refund of the $1,200 deduction for MGIB- Active Duty (Chapter 30) under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33).
- Individuals must have made an irrevocable election to use Chapter 33 by relinquishing benefits under Chapter 30 and had entitlement remaining as of the date of relinquishment of Chapter 30.
- Only individuals who made the contributions may receive the refund.
- Individuals must be receiving a housing allowance at the time entitlement exhausts to receive the refund. If you meet the criteria listed above, the refund will be added to the last housing payment. Remember: Your training-time needs to be more than half-time to be eligible.
- Individuals receiving transferred benefits are not entitled to the Chapter 30 refund. (Example: If you transfer your entire 36 months of benefits to your eligible dependents, you will not receive a refund).
- The amount of the refund will be equal to the number of months and days the individual had remaining under Chapter 30, divided by 36 months, multiplied by $1,200. For example, if an individual has 20 months of entitlement remaining under Chapter 30 prior to relinquishing the benefit in lieu of Chapter 33, then the individual would receive $666.67 as a refund equaling 20 months. The calculation is (20 divided by 36, multiplied by $1,200)
How do I receive benefits via direct deposit? Expand
Direct deposit authorization is initiated at time of the VA Education benefit application. To update, change or add direct deposit information call the regional office at 1-888-442-4551 or https://www.va.gov/change-direct-deposit/
How can I find out how many months of education benefits I have remaining? Expand
You can view this information if you have an eBenefits account. You can also call the VA Education Benefits hotline at 1-888-442-4551 to receive an update on the status of your remaining eligibility. If Chapter 33 you can go here: https://www.va.gov/education/gi-bill/post-9-11/ch-33-benefit/
What happens after I submit my Concise Student Schedule? Expand
A Concise Student Schedule should be submitted before the start of each term that you plan on using benefits. After you submit the schedule, the VRC staff will review and submit to the VA for processing. It is really important that you do this as soon as you are registered so you don’t experience payment delays.
Will my VA education benefits pay for every class that I want to take? Expand
Only classes that are specifically required for your degree program (to include any minors) and listed in the EWU Catalog will be counted towards your VA benefits.
Example, PHED 150 Fast Fitness, PHED 152 Strength Training, and like classes, do not count.
How do I apply for Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) benefits? Expand
If you have a service-connected disability that limits your ability to work or prevents you from working, Veteran Readiness and Employment (formerly called Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) can help. This program-also known as Chapter 31 or VR&E-helps you explore employment options and address training needs. In some cases, your family members may also qualify for certain benefits. Visit https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/
Will the GI Bill® pay for me to study abroad? Expand
The VA will not pay for students to study abroad unless study abroad is explicitly required for the degree program (which is rare). EWU instructional costs may be covered depending on your VA education benefit. The VA does not cover fees associated with foreign study, unless it is mandatory for your degree program. The VA will not pay any costs related to travel or third-party charges (for example: travel insurance, study abroad application fees, etc.).
Can I use my GI Bill® to prepare for a required licensing or certification test? Expand
Yes, the GI Bill® covers more than just tuition and fees. You can also use your entitlement to cover the cost of certain licensure and certification exams and national tests. VA produced this Test Proration Postcard that explains this process in detail.
How many credits must I be enrolled in to be eligible for MHA under the Post 9/11 GI Bill®? Expand
Students using CH 33 benefits must be enrolled in at least seven credits to be eligible for MHA. If you are enrolled less than fulltime (12 credits), MHA payments will be prorated in 10% increments. MHA rates are based on the zip code of the school. Current GI Bill® payment rates can be found on the GI Bill® Comparison tool. EWU’s zip code is 99004. Rate of pursuit is calculated differently for summer term, Graduate Programs and Online Accelerated Programs , so please contact the VRC staff for guidance.
Does the VA help pay for books? Expand
If you are eligible and receive the Post 9/11 GI Bill®, you will receive payment after your quarterly or semester certification is submitted to the VA. This usually arrives on or around the first day of the term and payment is sent directly to the bank account you listed on your original VA application. This amount is calculated at approximately $41.67 per credit hour. Students normally take 12 to 15 credits per quarter/semester. The first payment will be between $500 and $625. The maximum is $1,000 per academic year. Once you reach this amount, the VA will not send any more payments until the new academic year which runs from August to August. Students attending Eastern are traditionally out of book money during their second quarter.
If you delay in submitting your schedule to the VRC, your payments will be delayed too.
Can I be eligible for two or more education benefits? Expand
Yes, you may be eligible for more than one VA education benefit program. However, you may only receive payments from one program at a time. You can receive a maximum of 48 months of benefits under any combination of VA education programs you qualify for. If you are eligible for more than one benefit program you must notify the VA in writing which program you intend to use before enrolling in training.
For more information, please see the VA’s website at: VA GI Bill Customer FAQ
How do I change my address with the VA? Expand
Address changes should be submitted to the VA Education regional office in Muskogee, OK by calling the VA at 1-888-442-4551.
I need verification of enrollment to renew my military ID or update medical insurance. Where do I get this? Expand
Request a letter of verification from the Registrar’s office. This process is via online means at https://staging-inside.ewu.edu/records-and-registration/enrollmentdegree-verification
EWU ENROLLMENT VERIFICATION
Login on EagleNet
Under Student Records select “EWU Enrollment Verification”
Select the term
Select the Verification Type
Select the Number of Copies
Press Continue
Your enrollment verification will be ready for pick up, can be mailed, or be faxed by the next morning.
If you have any questions, you can contact them at 509-359-2321.
I am a Non-Resident student; will the Post 9/11 GI Bill cover all my tuition? Expand
No. The Post 9/11 GI Bill® will only pay the costs associated with in-state enrollment. However, we can review residency eligibility under the federal Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability act of 2014. Access waiver here. Please see the Veterans Resource Center for more information and to provide documentation to ensure you are charged the correct tuition rates.
To address true Washington residency please contact EWU residency office. It may take 12 months to establish and open other doors to help finance your education.
Which military school credits transfer over to college credit? Expand
For military credits to be evaluated, your Joint Service Transcripts or Community College of the Air Force transcripts need to be submitted to the Admissions office. See step #2 of Ten Steps to Enrollment
For more information visit www.ewu.edu/undergrad/transfer
Upon evaluation if you feel there is an area that did not get evaluated and warrants credit, you will need to obtain supporting documentation of the class or course and submit it to the EWU Transfer Center.
Do I need to tell anyone if I make changes to my enrollment? Expand
Yes. If you make changes to your schedule by adding and/removing course(s), please notify the us as soon as possible. Even if the total number of credits remain the same, you need to communicate the change because there may be a change in course fees.
If you drop a course or need to withdraw from school after the drop period contact the VRC as soon as possible. The VA may reduce your benefits retroactively unless there are mitigating circumstances. The VA will automatically grant a 6-credit hour exclusion the first time you drop/withdraw from courses while using benefits. Mitigating circumstances are those beyond your control that prevent you from continuing to be enrolled or that cause you to reduce the number of credits. Examples include:
An illness or injury afflicting you during the enrollment period
An illness or death in your immediate family
An unavoidable change in your conditions of employment
Unanticipated active duty military service, including training
Immediate family or financial obligations beyond your control that require you to suspend pursuit of your education to gain employment.
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How does military Tuition Assistance work? Expand
Tuition Assistance is administered by the services. Contact your unit or base education office for procedures to establish the benefit, and information on current payment rates and rules. When you receive a Tuition Assistance Authorization form, please provide the Veterans Resource Center with a copy; we will make sure that it is applied to your student account. You are responsible for the portion of tuition that TA does not cover. Excess TA cannot be refunded to students per University policy.
Am I eligible for a tuition waiver? Expand
Veterans: Tuition waiver covers roughly half of tuition costs. To be eligible you must be a student seeking first undergraduate degree, in-state resident, full time student taking 10 or more state supported credits and be in good satisfactory academic standing towards degree. Funds are available on a limited basis and distributed first come, first serve within the priority deadline established for the quarter. Tuition waiver does not apply for summer quarter. Waiver does not apply if receiving third party assistance, such as chapter 33, 31 or tuition assistance.
Dependents: Tuition waiver covers tuition and course fees only. To qualify, a student must be a dependent of a 100% disabled or deceased veteran as defined by U.S. Dept. of Veteran Affairs, legal Washington state resident, must be undergraduate student seeking first undergraduate degree and documentation must be verified of veteran being a Washington state resident status at time of disability or death. Funds are available on a limited basis and distributed first come, first serve within the priority deadline established for the quarter.
Application can be made on a yearly basis or quarterly basis. Applications will not be awarded retroactive or past the published deadlines (on application).
Click here for application and information on each waiver.
Can I use Financial Aid and VA Benefits? Expand
Yes! In fact, we encourage students to file your FAFSA (link is external) to see what financial aid you may be eligible for; financial aid may and can be helpful. VA benefits are no longer included in the calculations of financial aid awards. VA benefits aren’t always enough to cover the cost associated with being a student (books, living expenses, etc.). There are financial aid counselors available to help you determine what would be beneficial for you to accept from the financial aid package you are offered. Grants and scholarships are “free” money, but loans are debt that you do pay back. EWU Financial Aid Office is in Sutton Hall, 1st Floor. Their website is at: EWU Financial Aid
How does tuition payment work if I receive financial aid and VA benefits? Expand
Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill®), Chapter 35 (Dependents), Chapter 1606 (Montgomery GI Bill® Reserves): If you are receiving a tuition waiver in addition to VA education benefits, the waiver is included in your financial aid package. Financial aid will first be used to pay your student account balance and any excess funds will be refunded back to you.
Chapter 31 (Veteran Readiness and Employment, formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment): Financial aid will be applied to the tuition balance on the student account automatically on the first day of the term. Pullman staff places a “Veterans Admin Guarantee” on the student account during the first two weeks of the term. Once the guarantee is on the account, financial aid will be refunded to the student. If it is a financial hardship to wait for your financial aid refund in this timeframe, please contact the Veterans Coordinator as soon as possible.
Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill®): If you are receiving a tuition waiver, it is included in your financial aid package. Your financial aid money is applied to your tuition balance automatically on the first day of the term (this includes grants, student loans, scholarships, etc.). The Veterans Coordinator typically reports tuition to the VA after the tenth day of classes at the start of each term. It can take up to 8-10 weeks into the semester for the VA to pay EWU, and for those funds to be applied to your account by the Bursar’s Office and Cashier staff. Students will not be charged any late fees while waiting for VA funding to come through. If it is a financial hardship to wait for your financial aid refund in this timeframe, please contact the Veterans Coordinator as soon as possible.
What is EWU’s Policy on students fulfilling obligations of Active Duty? Expand
Many student veterans at Eastern are still fulfilling service obligations either in the Active Duty, Reserves, or National Guard. The EWU Academic Policy 303-30, Chapter 7 covers policy on students called to active duty or deployed. This policy discusses periods of service less than 30 days and more than 30 days. https://staging-inside.ewu.edu/policies/knowledge-base/category/academics/
Does the VA pay for my graduation? Expand
The VA does not pay for the actual costs to participate in EWU commencement ceremony. If you are using the Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) or VR&E (Chapter 31), we can ask for reimbursement under these benefits for the graduation application fee. Once you apply for graduation, provide the VRC office a receipt of this transaction so we can research and ask for reimbursement from the VA. It will be applied to your EWU student account the same way these types of funds are applied each quarter.
Do I really have to go to class? Expand
If you don’t attend class, you are not entitled to benefits. If a student stops attending a class they must drop officially with the college and report the drop to the Veterans Coordinator. This is a student responsibility-not ours. Federal law requires that students report any change in enrollment status, which might affect their VA education benefits to the school and the VA.
When there is an overpayment, the VA will ask for repayment of the overpaid benefits. If you ignore the VA’s request, they can withhold future GI Bill® payments, disability payments, or depending upon the situation, they can take a student to court, charge interest, and they may take future tax return refunds, attach wages, put legal holds on property, or deny home loans.
The Veterans Coordinator monitors student enrollment and updated enrollment statuses are regularly sent to the VA. When adding or dropping classes, the student must report the drop or add directly to the Veterans Coordinator.
