Amount of benefit:  Student will receive an “award letter” from the Veteran’s Administration with the amount of benefit, chapter of program, time period of benefit and eligibility criteria.  Didn’t get an “award letter?”  Contact the Veteran’s Administration to receive a new award letter.

Current Veterans Benefits:

• Chapter 35--Survivors' & Dependents
• Chapter 33--New Post-9/11 GI Bill -- NEW
• Chapter 31--Vocational Rehabilitation 
• Chapter 30--Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty 
• Chapter 1607--Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) 
• Chapter 1606--Montgomery GI Bill-SR 
• Yellow Ribbon Program -- NEW

USF is a participating member of the Yellow Ribbon Program.  Full time students are eligible for up to $8000 for the 2009/2010 academic year (part time students are eligible at a prorated amount).

Students must inform the USF Financial Aid Office of the benefit chapter and the amount of the benefit received each semester by completing the "Benefit Information Form".

Veteran's Benefits Process:

First-time students (have never received Veteran’s Education Benefits):

• Visit www.gibill.va.gov
• Complete application – Form number:  22-1990
• Print and sign application
• Bring copy of form 22-1990 to USF Registrar’s Office
• Notify the USF VA Certifying Officer when registration for classes is complete each semester.
• USF VA Certifying Officer will submit enrollment verification on behalf of the student.

Students who have received Veteran’s Education Benefits at a previous school (transferring to USF):

• Visit www.gibill.va.gov
• Complete “Change of Program or Place of Training” application – Form number 22-1995
• Print and sign application
• Bring copy of form 22-1995 to USF Registrar’s Office
• Notify the USF VA Certifying Officer when registration for classes is complete each semester.
• USF VA Certifying Officer will submit enrollment verification on behalf of the student.

 How does payment work?

• During the last week of each month student is enrolled, student must call 1-888-GI Bill-1 (1-888-442-4551) to verify monthly attendance.
• This phone calls prompts payment to be sent to student.
• It’s the student’s responsibility to use this payment to pay tuition at USF.
• The first payment each semester is received 30 days after the start of the semester or later based on the workload and processing time of the VA.

• Student must complete Vocational Rehabilitation Career Counseling with VA Case Manager
• Submit copy of Form 28-1905 with Application for Admission to the USF Admissions Office (form is obtained from VA Case Manager)
• Student is required to pay USF the $25 application fee, but is not required to pay $100 tuition deposit.
• Notify the USF VA Certifying Officer when registration for classes is complete each semester.
• USF VA Certifying Officer will submit enrollment verification on behalf of the student.
• VA Voc Rehab benefits do not cover the optional health insurance offered and billed by USF each semester.  It is the responsibility of the student to complete the proper form to waive this insurance charge.

How does payment work?

• The VA will bill USF each semester.
• Payment is sent directly to USF and applied to student’s billing account.

• Students must inform the USF VA Certifying Officer of any withdraw or change in registration.
• Proper notification is required to avoid an overpayment situation. 

Helpful hints to a successful experience using VA benefits

1. Complete forms in a timely manner.
2. Call and verify enrollment promptly the end of each month.
3. Communication with all parties/offices involved.
4. Be informed.  Visit www.gibill.va.gov and www.virtualarmory.com/education and www.vba.va.gov
5. The VA file number is that of the person who actually served in the military.  This may not always be the same as the student depending on the chapter of benefits.