How to use your Veterans Education Benefits

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VA Education & VR&E Benefits will only pay for courses that are required for a degree or certificate program. Courses that have been successfully completed with the grade required for the major cannot be certified.  The VA will pay for remedial courses if taken on campus and the need for the course is documented. Remedial courses taken online cannot be certified.

 

Step 1: Apply for Veterans Education Benefits

Review the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website for details on your eligibility and instructions for applying for Veterans Education Benefits.

 

If you are using the Post 9/11 GI Bill®, Montgomery GI Bill®, or Dependents Education Assistance, a Certificate of Eligibility letter will be mailed to the address provided on your application.

 

Students using Chapter 31, Veterans Readiness & Employment receive approval for benefits from their VR&E Counselor. 

 

Step 2: Apply and be admitted to OSU-OKC. 

 

Step 3: Meet with an advisor to select courses for enrollment.

Our advisors are here to help you plan for and enroll in the required courses to meet your selected degree program.

 

Step 4: Enroll in Courses at OSU-OKC. 

 

Step 5: Submit the appropriate forms to OSU-OKC.

A copy of each of the following forms should be completed, signed, and submitted to Veteran & Military Services by email or in person:

 

• your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)* unless using Chapter 31 Veterans Readiness & Employment, 
• a Request for Certification form, and
• a VA Education Benefits Student Responsibility form or VR&E Student Responsibility form.

*Chapter 33, Post 9/11 GI Bill® students may provide a Statement of Benefits in lieu of a Certificate of Eligibility

 

Step 6: Request a copy of your Joint Services Transcript, if applicable.

You can have an official joint services transcript sent directly to OSU-OKC to be evaluated for prior credit you may have completed. 

 

Step 7: Watch your OKEY account.

The VA will process your certification in approximately 2 to 4 weeks.  VA payments to students are made on the first day of the month for the previous month’s benefit.

 

You will be contacted through your OKSTATE email address regarding VA benefit questions or concerns.  Keeping your OKEY Account current and checking your email frequently can prevent delays in processing your certification request.

 

Enrollment Requirements

Any change to your schedule affecting enrollment status after your Request for Certification form has been submitted can affect payments received from the VA.  You will be responsible for returning overpayments to the VA.  

 

Note: If you are denied benefits from the VA, your courses must be dropped before the end of the refund period. You will be responsible for charges on your business services account after the refund period.

• Chapter 30, Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty and Chapter 1606, Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve

  You are required to verify your enrollment on the last day of each month online or by calling 1-877-823-2378 before you will receive your payment for that month.

   

  Monthly benefit payments are based on student enrollment status (e.g. full-time, half-time, etc.). To receive the maximum benefit, a student must be enrolled as a full-time student. Less than full-time enrollment benefit rates are reduced proportionately.  See the GI Bill® Education Benefit Payment Rates website for current rates.

   

  If you will miss classes for short-term military leave or military training exercises, (example: Annual training for National Guard and Reserve members) contact your instructors as soon as possible regarding accommodations for coursework during your absence.

• Chapter 31, Veterans Readiness & Employment, VR&E

  You must be approved for a program of study at OSU-OKC by your VR&E Counselor prior to enrolling.  Your OSU-OKC transcript will be made available to your VR&E Counselor upon their request.

   

  Chapter 31 / VR&E students are responsible for turning in signed original receipts for Bookstore purchases to the Business Services office via in-person, night drop, or by email to Business Services. Bookstore purchases charged to your business services account will not be submitted to the VA for payment unless receipts are received by Business Services. 

   

  You will be responsible for Bookstore charges on your Business Services account if you fail to comply with this requirement.

• Chapter 33, Post 9/11 GI Bill® 

  You are required to verify your enrollment each month to continue receiving housing or kicker payments.  If the VA has your correct mobile phone number on file, you will receive a text message to confirm your enrollment.  

   

  Tuition and fee benefits will be paid directly to your OSU-OKC Business Services account. OSU-OKC submits tuition and fee information to the VA after the 100% refund period ends. VA payments for Tuition and Fees will be posted to your Business Services account after the funds are received by OSU-OKC.  

   

  Monthly Housing Allowance payments are based on enrollment status and enrollment in an on campus or hybrid course.  To be eligible to receive the full Monthly Housing Allowance, you must have an enrollment status for the term of more than half-time and be enrolled in at least one on campus or hybrid course.  If you are eligible to receive the Monthly Housing Allowance and your enrollment status is more than half-time but less than full-time, you will receive a pro-rated Monthly Housing Allowance payment. If you are eligible for a Monthly Housing Allowance and are enrolled in online courses only, your housing allowance will be based on the rate of 50% of the national average of all Basic Allowances for Housing.

   

  The Monthly Housing Allowance and Books and Supplies Stipend will be paid directly to you.

• Chapter 35, Dependents Education Assistance Education

  Monthly benefit payments are based on student enrollment status (e.g. full-time, half-time, etc.). To receive the maximum benefit, a student must be enrolled as a full-time student. Less than full-time enrollment benefit rates are reduced proportionately.  See the GI Bill® Education Benefit Payment Rates website for current rates.

Changes in Enrollment, Major, or Contact Information

 

Report Changes in enrollment (adds/drops/withdrawal from OSU-OKC) to Veterans & Military Student Services by email or by submitting a new Request for Certification form to okc.va@okstate.edu. Report a change of major, changes in your contact information (i.e. mailing address, email address, phone number) or a change in your VA Education Benefits to Veteran & Military Student Services by email.