FAQs
1. Can I transfer my Post 9/11 benefit to my dependent?
Answer: You may be eligible to transfer your benefits.
a. Visit Transfer your Post-9/11 GI Bill® Benefits
b. Contact the VA GI Bill® Education line for assistance. (1-888-442-4551)
2. How do I transfer military benefits here from my previous institution?
Answer: Transfer students must complete VA Form 22-1995 to change your institution from your previous one (form found on the VA’s website). This also applies to students transferring from SIUE to another university.
3. How long does it take to process benefits?
Answer: If you have never used VA benefits or have had a lapse in them, expect 6 to 10 weeks for processing.
4. How do I get my Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE)?
Answer: You have to go to your unit S1/Personnel Management office. S1 has to put the military member's eligibility in the iPERMS system.
5. How do I transfer my military benefits to my child/spouse?
Answer: The Post 9/11 GI Bill® and the GI Bill® Chapter 35-DEA are the only two benefits that parents can transfer. The parent of the benefit must fill out a Transfer of Eligibility first (or call the VA Regional office @ 1-888-442-4551). Once this is filled out and sent to the Department of Defense, the veteran must wait to receive a letter of approval. The child/spouse must be enrolled in DEERS and after the veteran gains approval. The child/spouse will also receive an approval letter.
6. How do I get my immunization records?
Answer:
a. If you are able to access iPERMS you can find your immunization records there along with any other documents you may need.
b. If you are unable to access iPERMS then you can email an NCO at your unit and have them email them to you.
7. If drop a class, how will it affect my allowance? (Post 9/11 GI Bill®)
Answer:
a. Full time student /12 credit hours-up = 100%
b. ¾ or 9 credit hours = 75%
c. ½ or 6 credit hours = 50%
d. ¼ or less than 6 credit hours = 25%
e. What steps do I need to take to use benefits at SIUE?
Answer: Students may utilize the Incoming Veterans Checklist for a compilation of all necessary documents, steps, and potentially important locations/contacts. Please contact us anytime via the contact us tab.
9. What benefits can I receive?
Answer: Kevin Wathen and Veterans Services’ student workers may be able to help narrow down potential eligibility for a program. However, the Department of Veteran Affairs is the only authority capable of granting official eligibility and all applications must be processed through them.
10. What happens if I drop a class after the last official drop-day?
Answer:
a. Once the official drop date has passed, any class drop can result in a debt to the VA. This depends on the benefits you are using, but generally, if the drop causes your total credit hours to fall below 12, you most likely owe money to the VA.
b. Any change in training status results in owing money to the VA.
11. When will I receive my eligibility letter and what programs require that I turn one in?
Answer: We cannot confidently say when eligibility letters may arrive. However, GI Bill®s receive these letters and they need to be turned into Bobbi Wojcik in the Registrar’s office. All state programs’ letters are turned into Toni Taylor in the Student Financial Aid office.
12. Where do I get my GI Bill® KICKER document?
Answer: The GI Bill® KICKER is in the enlistment contract that was signed by the Retention Officer and yourself. A copy of your contract may be found in iPERMS or with the Retention NCO at your unit.
13. Will the VA pay for Study Abroad?
Answer: Effective Fall 2012, VA no longer pays for study abroad unless it is a graduation requirement in your program.
If it is required for graduation Chapter 33 benefits will pay the following:
- Home school tuition and fees
- Books and Supplies
- Monthly housing allowance based on the home school's address
The VA will NOT pay:
- Costs related to travel (airfare, lodging & meals)
- Third party charges
14. How does Winter session work with the GI Bill®?
- Winter courses will be entered on the same GI Bill® Certification Request Form as Spring courses.
- The Winter session hours do not count toward full time status for Spring. Twelve Spring hours is still required.
- The VA will determine how many hours are required for full time status during the Winter session. Provide class start dates and end dates to the VA for payment amount. (1-888-442-4551)
- Winter term will use 3 weeks of GI Bill® eligibility.
15. My program is online only. How does that work with the GI Bill®?
- Effective October 1, 2011. Individuals only enrolled in distance learning courses will be eligible for a monthly housing allowance equal to 50% of the national average of all BAH rates. Rates will be multiplied by the rate of pursuit rounded to the nearest multiple of 10.
16. As a Reservist, can I use Reserve Tuition Assistance and Montgomery GI Bill® Chapter 1606/7 at the same time?
- DoD will not authorize Federal Tuition Assistance for classes for which a member is also receiving benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill®® – Selected Reserve program (Chapter 1606 of title 10, United States Code), or the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 1607 of title 10, United States Code).
17. Will the Post 9/11 GI Bill® pay for the Environmental Resource Training Center(ERTC)?
- Yes. Particpants will utilze the same steps listed under "Application Process" and "Campus Requirments" listed under the Educational Benefits Tab
- The VBI (Green Sheet) will only list ERTC
- The Registrar office will certify the class all at one time
18. I'm taking graduate classes. How many hours do I need for full time?
- 9 hours are required for full time GI Bill® during Spring and Fall
- 6 hours required for MBA students
- 6 hours required for Graduate Assistants
19. When do I have to verify enrollment/attendance on a monthly basis and how do I do that?
- You must verify your enrollment each month if you are using the following programs
- Montgomery GI Bill®
- Montgomery GI Bill® Select Reserve
- There are a few ways to verify:
- Visit Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE)
- Call the toll free Interactive Voice Response (IVR) telephone line at 1-877-VA-ECERT (1-877-823-2378)
- Call the VA at 1-888-442-4551
