Benefits from the VA
Using Your VA Education Benefits
To use your VA education benefits, you must first apply with the VA at Vets.gov Links to an external site.. It typically takes the VA 4–6 weeks to process the application. Once it's processed, they'll mail you your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). This letter will state the specific benefit(s) you're entitled to, your remaining entitlement, and percentage of entitlement, if applicable. We won't be able to process your request to use your education benefits until we receive your COE. You can supply this information to us by either scanning your COE or taking a screenshot of your education entitlement information from Vets.gov or eBenefits Links to an external site., and then emailing the information to Links to an external site.militarybenefits@worldcampus.psu.edu. This only needs to be sent one time unless your entitlement changes. Updated COEs must be emailed if benefits have changed.
The Certification Request Form
Once you're accepted and have registered for courses at World Campus, you'll need to complete a Certification Request Form (CRF) Links to an external site.. This process will need to be completed every semester in which you wish to use your benefits, so make sure you become acquainted with it. The CRF requires the following information:
- full name,
- 9-digit Penn State ID number,
- chapter/benefit,
- Academic Requirements Report or Degree Audit, and
- mailing address.
Submitting the CRF starts your housing allowance, so it's important to get it submitted as soon as possible. If you're on active duty and plan to use TA, please be sure to indicate on the CRF that you're using TA. You can also get information about combining TA and VA benefits and benefits like the TA Top-Up on the VA's Tuition Assistance Top-Up page Links to an external site..
Chapter 31—Vocational Rehabilitation
If you're using Vocational Rehab (Chapter 31) benefits, you must first apply with the VA at Vets.gov and indicate you are applying for Vocational Rehab (Chapter 31). When approved, a VA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) in your area will contact you to set up an appointment. They'll give you a VA Form 1905 that will authorize you to use your Chapter 31 at Penn State. We'll need a CRF and a VA Form 1905 in order to submit a certification to the VA. If you have any questions about this process, you can contact one of our Military Benefits office by calling 814-863-6638 or emailing militarybenefits@worldcampus.psu.edu.
Chapter 33—Post-9/11
If you're using Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) benefits, we'll post your benefit percentage to your Penn State account once we receive your COE and CRF. This percentage and updated tuition amount will then be reflected on your tuition bill. You'll need to pay your remaining tuition amount (if any) by the bill due date to avoid late fees being assessed to your Penn State student account.
After you submit your CRF, Penn State reports your enrollment to the VA. You may receive a notice from the VA indicating that your school did not report your tuition and fee charges. You do not, however, need to take any action after receiving this notice. Penn State will report your tuition and fee charges after classes begin. Once we report your enrollment, you'll receive any stipend you're due based on the amount of GI Bill benefits you're eligible for.
After classes begin, Penn State will submit an amended enrollment certification reporting your tuition and fee charges to the VA. You'll receive another notice from the VA, indicating that this amended certification was submitted. The VA will then make payment to Penn State based on the amount of benefits for which you're eligible.
Chapter 30—Montgomery GI Bill
If you're using Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30) benefits, you must pay out of pocket for your courses, and you'll receive a monthly stipend from the VA once you have confirmed your attendance through VA WAVE Links to an external site..
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site Links to an external site..
Return to Module 1: Funding Your Education.