VA applications may take anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months to be processed: After your VA application and school certification is sent by the Veterans Affairs Office and processed by the VA, you will be awarded a certain amount of money per month. This monthly amount is actually broken down into a daily rate based on a 30-day month. (For example, if you are awarded $300 per month you would be paid $10 per day.) The first month and last month you attend will be a prorated amount. (For example, if classes begin September 18 you would be eligible for 13 days of payments for September, or $130. If the school year ends June 16 your last check would consist of 16 days pay for June, or $160.)

Note: Your veterans benefits will not be available until sometime after you have registered and paid your tuition for your first quarter.

There are many 'ins' and 'outs' to the payment process,
but basic choices are as follows:

Normal Method: After your application has been processed by the VA and your money begins to arrive, the VA will generally pay you after the fact, that is, approximately 1 to 1½ months behind. (For example, you will receive January's money sometime in February, February's money sometime in March, etc.).

Advance Pay: If you have not attended school for at least 30 days before the start of the quarter you may elect the option of advance pay. With advance pay the VA will temporarily break from their traditional method of paying one month behind and issue an advance amount consisting of a portion of the first month of school (actual days attended) plus all of the second month. This large advance check is sent to the school sometime during the 30-day period before the beginning of the quarter (or after!) and generally cannot be released until you have registered for your classes. Note: Advance Pay for Chapter 1607 (REAP) is not available at this time.

VERY IMPORTANT! If you receive advance pay please be aware that the VA will have to get back to their normal method of payment and there will be a long stretch before you receive your next check. If you receive advance pay for fall quarter (consisting of a portion of September and all of October) then the VA must wait until you have completed November before they can pay you again. Some chapters will not receive November's money until middle to end of December.

Those who request advance pay please note: If you elect to receive advance pay please be advised that registration for the next quarter may take place before you receive another VA check. Please plan your finances accordingly.

Chapter 30 (New Montgomery GI Bill), Chapter 1606 (Guard/Reserve) and Chapter 1607 (REAP): It is very important that you remember to call the VA (1-877-823-2378) or use the Internet (www.gibill.va.gov) on the last day of each calendar month (or after) to confirm your enrollment. If you confirm by phone or the Internet: With direct deposit, your check should be in your bank within 7 to 10 business days. Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your benefits! If you do not have direct deposit it could arrive within 1.5 to 3 weeks. Please be aware that it is very possible the VA may be inconsistent in their check delivery dates. VA workload and holidays can interrupt their processing from time to time and cause delays.

Chapter 32 (VEAP) and Chapter 35 (Dependents): You are not required to confirm your enrollment and will receive your checks by mail within the first 7 days of the month. Direct deposit is not an option at this time.

Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation): Processing and delivery of your check varies. Please call your vocational consultant with any questions you may have regarding your payments.

REMEMBER - TO ENSURE THE RECEIPT AND ACCURACY OF YOUR MONTHLY CHECK, IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT YOU NOTIFY THE VETERANS OFFICE ON CAMPUS OF ANY CHANGES YOU HAVE MADE IN YOUR CLASS SCHEDULE, ADDRESS, OR BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER.