Veterans' Benefits

Before Applying for VA Educational Benefits
Additional Financial Assistance
Top 15 Frequently Asked Questions

Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) educational benefits are designated to provide eligible individuals with an opportunity for educational and career growth.  It is certainly one of the most valuable benefits afforded to veterans and qualified dependents and should be wisely utilized.  Veterans have earned the right to use their educational benefits for the purpose it was intended for, and we at Nova Southeastern University are both pleased and honored to assist you in utilizing it to your best advantage.  We welcome you to our university and hope you will significantly benefit through your studies.

Contact Information for NSU Veterans’ Benefits

NSU Veterans’ Benefits Administrator/Certifying Official
Patrick Rafferty
praffert@nsu.nova.edu
3301 College Avenue
Fort Lauderdale-Davie, FL  33314-7796
Phone: (954) 262-7236, toll free 1-800-541-6682, ext. 7236
Office Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday

The NSU Veterans’ Benefits Administrator is not part of the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).  His responsibility is to interpret, explain, and administer VA regulations as they apply to you at Nova Southeastern University.  The Regional Office that we have been assigned to by Department of Veterans Affairs is the Atlanta Regional Processing Office.  Their mailing address for all correspondence is: DVA Atlanta Regional Processing Office, P.O. Box 100022, Decatur, GA, 30031-7022.

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Before Applying for VA Educational Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) requires each applicant utilizing their VA educational benefits to be formally accepted into an approved curriculum (Program of Study) before initial certification of attendance can be sent to the DVA.

Normally, formal acceptance is achieved by completion of the following:

• NSU admissions application for the program you are attempting to attend (this should be completed and submitted before any other steps are taken).
• Submission of official high school transcripts, official copies of GED scores or Adult High School diploma (if required).
• Submission of official transcripts from all other colleges attended.
• Any other documentation required by the program you are applying for.

 

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Top 15 Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I apply for veteran's benefits?
2. How do I know what benefits I am entitled to, what forms are needed, and where I can get them?
3. Where do I mail the VA forms?
4. After mailing my VA forms, what do I need to do next?
5. After registration has been completed, what does the school send to the DVA?
6. How long can it take to find out eligibility for veterans benefits or to begin receiving money?
7. How can I contact the DVA?
8. What kind of Information/forms will I receive from the DVA or NSU?
9. What if I make changes in my enrollment?
10. What are the most common changes?
11. What if I have a change of status of dependents?
12. What if I change my address?
13. What if I change my major?
14. What if I change my credit hours?
15. What if I withdrawal from school?
    
    

1. How do I apply for veteran's benefits?
All veteran students beginning or transferring to an NSU program who wish to receive VA educational benefits must complete the required VA forms.  These forms can be obtained from the Office of Student Financial Services and Registration Office within the Terry Health Profession Division building in Fort Lauderdale-Davie, FL or by calling (954) 262-7236, toll free 1-800-541-6682, ext. 7236.  Alternately, the below mentioned forms can be obtained from the VA education home page at: http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/education_forms.htm  

2. How do I know what benefits I am entitled to, what forms are needed, and where I can get them?

All forms necessary for applying for VA educational benefits are available from the Office of Student Financial Services and Registration Office within the Terry Health Profession Division building in Fort Lauderdale-Davie, FL or by calling (954) 262-7236, toll free 1-800-541-6682, ext. 7236.  Alternately, the below mentioned forms can be obtained from the VA education home page at: http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/education_forms.htm

Application requirements for educational benefits vary from program to program.  Your application package must be complete.  Partial application packages will not be accepted.

To determine the correct forms and documents to use for you DVA educational benefits, click on this link.(PDF).

Chapter 30 – Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)
The MGIB program provides up to 36 months of education benefits. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty.
For a more detailed description of Chapter 30 benefits, go to:
http://www.gibill.va.gov/pamphlets/CH30/CH30_Pamphlet_General.htm

Chapter 1606 - Montgomery GI Bill for the Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
The MGIB-SR program may be available to you if you are a member of the Selected Reserve. The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.
For a more detailed description of Chapter 1606 benefits, go to:
http://www.gibill.va.gov/pamphlets/CH1606/CH1606_Pamphlet_General.htm

Chapter 1607- Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
REAP was established as a part of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005. It is a new Department of Defense education benefit program designed to provide educational assistance to members of the Reserve components called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency (contingency operation) as declared by the President or Congress.  This new program makes certain reservists who were activated for at least 90 days after September 11, 2001 either eligible for education benefits or eligible for increased benefits. For a more detailed description of Chapter 1607 benefits, go to:
http://www.vba.va.gov/benefit_facts/Education_and_Training/English/Ch1607eg_0406.doc

Chapter 32 - Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
VEAP is available if you first entered active duty between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985 and you elected to make contributions from your military pay to participate in this education benefit program. Your contributions are matched on a $2 for $1 basis by the Government. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. For a more detailed description of Chapter 32 benefits, go to: http://www.gibill.va.gov/pamphlets/CH32/CH32_Pamphlet_General.htm

Chapter 31 - Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
This benefit is designed to assist veterans with a service-connected disability in obtaining and maintaining employment. A service-connected disability rating is required as part of the eligibility requirements. Veterans should apply for vocational rehabilitation through the County Veteran Services Office. They will receive guidance from the Vocational Rehabilitation and Counseling Division of the DVA regarding application and admission requirements.
For a more detailed description of Chapter 31 benefits, go to: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/vrs.htm

Chapter 35 - Dependent's and Survivor's Educational Assistance Program (DEA)
DEA provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service related condition. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. If you are a spouse, you may take a correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.
For a more detailed description of Chapter 35 benefits, go to: http://www.gibill.va.gov/pamphlets/CH35/CH35_Pamphlet_General.htm

3. Where do I mail the VA forms?
After acceptance to a program please fill out the required VA Educational benefits forms.  If your application is submitted using VONAPP, please send the original signature page and any supporting documentation required to the VA office in Atlanta, GA using the following address: DVA Atlanta Regional Processing Office, P.O. Box 100022, Decatur, GA 30031-7022.  Also, please do not forget to forward a copy of the VONAPP and signature page to the NSU Veterans’ Benefits Administrator at the Main Campus if you use the above application process.  If your application is downloaded, please forward the forms with all supporting documentation to the NSU Veterans’ Benefits Administrator at the Office of Student Financial Services and Registration, attention Veterans’ Benefits, 3301 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale-Davie, FL  33314-7796.

4. After mailing my VA forms, what do I need to do next?
The next step is to register for classes. Registration is accomplished through the academic program office and/or the appointed cluster coordinator. NSU does not offer deferred payment based on receipt of veteran benefits. NSU has developed a universal registration process for all students. The student must be prepared to pay tuition at the beginning of the term with one of the approved payment methods set up by NSU (NSU Payment Policy).

5. After registration has been completed, what does the school send to the DVA?
Once the registration form is processed, a Certification of Enrollment (22-1999) will be sent to the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) Regional Office for processing via mail and/or online with the application for benefits. The certification of enrollment will report the term of enrollment, attempted credit hours, training time for graduate level students and tuition and fees for those students still on active duty. Please note that the DVA office determines the training time for undergraduate students by viewing undergraduate students schedules on a day-to-day basis.  Please speak with the NSU Veterans’ Benefits Administrator to verify what will be considered “full time” training time for undergraduate student at NSU.  A student copy of the certification will be mailed directly to the student. The "Date Signed", which can be found in the bottom left hand corner of the form, is the date the form was forwarded to the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) Regional Office that we are assigned.

6. How long can it take to find out eligibility for veterans benefits or to begin receiving money?
The DVA requires about two to three months (sometimes more) after receiving the certification of enrollment and application via mail, to process an award and begin payment. After the initial application and first certification of enrollment is mailed to the DVA, all other semesters will be electronically sent to the DVA. The DVA requires about two months (sometimes more) after transmission, to process an award and begin payment. To sign up for direct deposit, just call 1-877-838-2778 or download form 24-0296 at http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/24-0296.pdf and mail to the appropriate location indicated on the form.  Payment for veteran’s benefits is made at the end of each month by the VA. For example, you will be paid for February for attendance during January, in March for attendance in February, and so on (considering your registration and certification for class registration has been processed by the VA)..

7. How can I contact the DVA?
Inquiries regarding certification and payment can be made directly to the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). by calling 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) or by email in the ask a questions section listed on their website at: https://www.gibill2.va.gov/vba/vba.cfg/php.exe/enduser/std_alp.php.  Please feel free to contact the NSU Veterans' Benefits Administrator with any questions or concerns at (954) 262-7236. Our toll free number is 1-800-541-6682, ext. 7236.

8. What kind of Information/forms will I receive from the DVA or NSU?
Utilization of VA Educational Benefits will generate a continuing stream of school and VA correspondence.  All correspondence is important and should be read carefully upon receipt.  Any misunderstandings or discrepancies should be brought to the attention of the NSU Veterans’ Benefits Administrator immediately for clarification or correction when appropriate.  We urge you to create and maintain a file for all VA and school correspondence.  It is also recommended you keep a photocopy of each check received.

The documents you will receive include Enrollment Certification (22-1999) and Changes in student status (22-1999b) from the NSU Veterans’ Benefits Administrator, and award letters from the DVA Regional Office.

Enrollment Certifications (22-1999) contain information about the dates of the classes you are taking. Verify personal data such as address, social security number, and name.  Pay particular attention to the dates and hours reported.  If any information is incorrect, please notify the NSU Veterans’ Benefits Administrator immediately.

Notices of Change in Student Status (22-1999b) are usually sent to the DVA after an initial enrollment certification has been sent.  Again, a photocopy will be sent to you.  These forms reflect a change in hours either as a result of dropping a class, being dropped from a class by the instructor, or the change of dates of classes.  You should carefully review this form to verify name, social security number, and hours reported.  If the information appears incorrect, please contact the NSU Veterans’ Benefits Administrator so the information can be explained or corrected.

An award letter will be sent directly to your mailing address by the DVA.  It verifies your enrollment as previously reported.  Check the letter carefully, paying close attention to the dates and hours reflected.  If you are receiving MGIB benefits (Chapter 30) or MGIB-SR benefits (Chapter 1606), you must verify your enrollment on a monthly basis for VA to continue benefits.  If your enrollment does not change, you can submit your enrollment by using one of the methods below.  If your enrollment has changed during the month, you must verify your enrollment through the WAVE program and call the Veterans’ Benefits Administrator to make the correction with the VA.  Verifications are processed starting the last day of the month.  If a change is necessary, your payment may be delayed.  Please remember that only students who are receiving MGIB and MGIB-SR benefits are now REQUIRED to certify their monthly enrollment over the phone by using the Telephone Voice Response (IVR) or the Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE). 

Also, these students will have:

• 24 hour a day access without speaking to a case manager.
• Your education benefit check is issued faster.
• You can certify beginning the last day of the month.

How the system works?
Just dial 1-877-823-2378 and follow the instructions provided.
OR
Go to https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/default.cfm to signup and log onto the WAVE system.

Failure to complete these monthly verification procedures in a timely fashion may result in delayed checks and possible termination of educational benefits.

9. What if I make changes in my enrollment?

All changes made after your initial application and/or certification are forwarded to the DVA Regional Office and should be brought to the attention of the NSU Veterans’ Benefits Administrator so the change can be reported.

10. What are the most common changes?
The most common changes include:
1. Change in status of dependents
2. Change in address
3. Change in major
4. Changes in credit hours
5. Withdrawal from school
6. Anticipated change in place of training

11. What if I have a change of status of dependents?
This applies to those students utilizing Vietnam Era GI Bill benefits and Vocational Rehabilitation. Those groups of veterans receive an additional allowance for each dependent.

This applies to those students utilizing Vietnam Era GI Bill benefits and Vocational Rehabilitation.  Those groups of veterans receive an additional allowance for each dependent.

Changes can occur when:

• A dependent child reaches the age of 18.  If the dependent child is still in high school or is enrolled in college, the veteran may continue to receive an allowance for that child.  This requires the veteran to complete and submit a 21-674 form available through the NSU Veterans’ Benefits Administrator or the DVA directly at: http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/education_forms.htm
• A child is born.  If this happens, you will need to submit a certified true copy of the child’s birth certificate immediately.
• A divorce occurs.  The veteran will need to submit a certified true copy of the divorce decree.
• A dependent dies.  The veteran will need to submit a certified true copy of the death certificate.
• A veteran marries.  You will need to submit a certified true copy of the marriage certificate

12. What if I change my address?
If you should move during your enrollment at NSU, you would need to change your address with the Registrar’s Office and the DVA Regional Office.  Changing your address with only one of these offices will not automatically change your address with the other.  This change for NSU can be done at your program office or online at http://webstar.nova.edu.  DVA changes of address can be done by calling 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) or download a form 20-572 at www.GIBILL.va.gov and mailing to the DVA Regional Office in Atlanta.

13. What if I change my major?
Should you decide to change your major you should be aware there are school and VA forms to complete.  The NSU form is available through your program office. The form required by the VA is form 22-1995 or 22-5495 and available through the NSU Veterans’ Benefits Administrator.

14. What if I change my credit hours?
This occurs when you drop a class(es), withdraw from a class(es) or are dropped from a class(es) by the instructor.  Most often, the NSU Veterans’ Benefits Administrator will receive notification, but there are occasions where this does not happen.  It is your responsibility to inform the NSU Veterans’ Benefits Administrator of the change, as well as, the DVA Regional Office.

15. What if I withdraw from school?
Should it become necessary for you to withdrawal from all classes, you should contact the NSU Veterans’ Benefits Administrator before doing so.  There are many concerns you should be aware of before withdrawing completely (i.e. repayment).

If you are transferring from NSU, you should notify your program office and the NSU Veterans’ Benefits Administrator as soon as possible.

Note: Failure to report changes constitutes fraud and is the primary cause for delays in the delivery of your educational checks and occurrences of overpayment.  Changes may be reported to the NSU Veterans’ Benefits Administrator in person, by telephone, or email (listed on the first page).

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Additional Financial Assistance

There are several additional forms of financial aid you may be eligible for to supplement your DVA educational assistance. These include military tuition assistance, loans, scholarships, special assistance for the educationally disadvantaged and grants.

Military Tuition Assistance
Tuition assistance is handled within the University Bursars Office.  The procedure is to obtain your tuition assistance form from your unit, a copy of your registration form, and forward both to the Bursars office.

Loans, Scholarships, and Grants
For assistance with military scholarship, please go the following web link to inquire:
http://www.gibill.va.gov/links.htm#Financial%20Aid

For NSU Financial Aid inquires, please go to the following web link to inquire:
http://www.nova.edu/cwis/finaid/index.html

 

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