How to Use the GI Bill to Pursue Your Education

One of the biggest benefits of serving in the armed forces is the GI Bill, which allows most veterans to attend the school of their choice for free after their discharge. While the paperwork and the application process may seem intimidating at first, the benefits of a free education cannot be overstated.

If you are interested in using the GI Bill to pay for your education, the professionals at Vets National Advocates want to help. Follow these steps, and soon you will be ready to take full advantage of the educational opportunities that your military service provides.

Step One: Apply for College

In order to use the GI Bill, you first have to know where you will be attending school. In order to apply for education benefits, you will need to have representatives from your school fill out certain forms. Accordingly, you will need to be admitted to a qualifying school before you can complete your application for GI Bill benefits.  Always be sure to indicate that you are a veteran on all of your application paperwork.

The GI Bill covers nearly all accredited colleges and universities, as well as trade schools and professional schools. Before you apply for college, first use the VAs WEAMS Institution Search to make sure that your school is covered by the GI Bill.  This tool will show you how much of the tuition will be covered, and whether students attending that school are eligible for additional financial aid through the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Step Two: Meet with the Veterans Office on Campus

After you have been admitted to a school, contact your institutions registrar or Veterans Office directly. The people in that office will ask you to provide certain documents and complete various enrollment forms so that your attendance can be certified with the VA.

Step Three: Apply for GI Bill Benefits

There are many types of VA benefits for students looking to pursue additional education after their military service. After you have applied for college, use the VAs website, speak with your Veterans Office at your college, or contact your regional VA office to determine which benefits are right for you.

You can complete your benefits paperwork online, in person, or you can have the forms mailed to you. In many cases, your schools Veterans Office will help you complete these forms, and submit your application package to the VA for you. You should receive a letter of eligibility from the VA and a statement of your benefits within 4 to 8 weeks.

Step Four: Apply for Other Sources of Financial Aid

Veterans are still eligible for other sources of financial aid even if they are receiving GI Bill benefits. You may be able to receive a Monthly Housing Allowance from the Post 9/11 GI Bill, as well as a stipend for books and supplies.

You are also still eligible for federal student loans, as well as private loans and scholarships. These additional loan programs may help cover the gaps in the cost of your education if you are attending a more expensive private school or are completing a graduate school program.

Step Five: Take the CLEP

Throughout your military career, you may have had training or taken courses which could count for credit towards your college degree. The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) allows you to take exams for college credit at a fraction of a price that the course would be at a university. By taking CLEP courses, you can get a jumpstart on your education and avoid repetitive courses that cover what you already learned.

Step Six: Register for WAVE

Once you have been awarded benefits through the GI Bill, you must register for the VAs Web Automated Verification of Eligibility (WAVE). You can either register online, or call (888) GIBILL-1. You cannot receive your monthly benefits payments until you have registered online, and you will have to complete a monthly verification of your continued enrollment in order to keep receiving your benefits.

Step Seven: Enjoy your Education!

Pursing additional education after your military service is a worthy goal. While the paperwork and the process may seem intimidating at first, seeking out help from people who have been through the application procedures many times can give you the confidence you need to start your education successfully.

Many people are willing and able to help you pursue your dreams. From your local VA, to your schools Veterans Office, to the professionals at Vets National Advocates, we are here to help you succeed.

For more information on the GI Bill, or for help with your veterans benefits, call 877-777-4021.