Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long will it take for the Department of Veterans Affairs to begin monthly payments?
A. Original new claims may take up to twelve weeks to process. (The Department of Veterans Affairs must develop the claim
for eligibility and then make the award). In the case of a returning student it may take up to eight weeks to process since
we use the electronic certification now. A student may track the educational claim by calling 1.888.442.4551.
2. Will the Department of Veterans Affairs pay for courses that are not in my major program?
A. Normally, federal law prohibits payment for courses that do not lead to a student's educational objective. Students may
be paid for a course not in his or her major program under certain circumstances:
- If it is a valid prerequisite for a course that is required in your major program.
- A student may enroll in more than 12 semester hours. The Department of Veterans Affairs pays full-time benefits for 12 or
more semester hours. If a student enrolls in 12 semester hours which are in the major program, he or she may enroll in
additional hours which do not have to be in the major program.
- A student may obtain a Letter of Substitution from the department for a course which may be substituted for a course that is
required in the major program.
- On a Student's final graduating semester, if the student is enrolled in al least one course that is required in the major
program, he or she may enroll in courses which do not have to be in the major program for the purpose of rounding-out to
full-time.
3. How can I contact the Department of Veterans Affairs?
A. The Department of Veterans has a local contact office at 5788 Eckhert Road. They may also be reached via the Internet
at: http://www.va.gov or by phone at:
- For educational benefits: 1.888.442.4551
- For other VA benefits: 1.800.827.1000
4. What happens if I drop a course?
A. If a student withdraws after the school's drop period, the Department will reduce or stop benefits on the date of
reduction. If the student is assigned a non-punitive ("W") grade, he or she may have to repay all benefits for the course
unless there are mitigating circumstances (illness, illness or death in the immediate family, changes in employment, or lack
of child care).
- The first time a student withdraws from up to six (6) credit hours, the Department of Veterans Affairs will "excuse" the
withdrawal and pay benefits for the period attended.
- If a student completes the term and receives a grade for a course (other than remedial) that does not count toward graduation
(IP) he or she may have to repay all benefits for the course.
5. As a Chapter 31(Vocational Rehab) student, why can't I get my voucher for books before class begins?
A. The Department of Veterans Affairs school liaison has authorized us to issue book vouchers up to a week before class
start date for the semester. This office will issue book vouchers a week before class, except in cases where there are a
small number of students enrolled in a class and there is a strong possibility that the class will not make.
6. As a student eligible to utilize Department of Veterans Affairs Educational Benefits can I also apply for Federal
Financial Aid or Scholarships?
A. Receiving education benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs does not preclude you from also applying for
financial aid or scholarships.
page last updated 02/22/08