A Certificate of Eligibility is a document issued by the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) that states your eligibility to receive VA benefits.
Certificates are issued by the VA after approving a claim for benefits. To submit a claim for benefits please use VONAPP (VA Online Application) at www.gibill.va.gov. Initial claims can be filed on a Form 22-1990 or 22-1990E.
Processing times vary based on VA workload. On average the Department of Veterans Affairs processes a Certificate of Eligibility within 4-6 weeks.
Online at www.gibill.va.gov through VONAPP (VA Online Application)
Post- 9/11 GI Bill is based on your period of service on active duty since September 10, 2001. To review the exact requirements for eligibility please review the information at www.gibill.va.gov. You may also visit this site for information
Generally, veterans with 36 months of service or more on active duty who qualify for the 100% benefit rate may qualify for this benefit. To determine eligibility, veterans must apply for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits with the VA. The VA will issue a Certificate of Eligibility which lists your eligibility for Yellow Ribbon. For more information please review: http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_BILL_Info/CH33/Yellow_ribbon.htm
VA will send Chapter 33 (Post 9-11) tuition/fee payments directly to the school. All other payments will be issued to the student. The VA makes payment directly to the veteran by (1) direct deposit or (2) mailing a check to the mailing address on file at the VA.
- Under Montgomery GI Bill (Ch 30 and 1606) and REAP: If you attend school, you must verify your enrollment each month by using the WAVE or IVR system or by calling the toll free 1-877-823-2378. Remember that you cannot be paid for a month until the month is over and you verify that you were still in attendance for that month.
How does Missouri State's Chapter 33 (Post 9-11) "third party billing" system work?
Missouri State University has a system to manage Chapter 33 (Post 9-11) payments that are sent by VA for tuition/fees. The system is designed to apply the correct amount for tuition/fees to your account based on your percentage of eligibility. It will apply this amount to tuition first and fees second. Often, unless you are 100% eligible and do not add/drop classes, it will appear on your itemized bill that your student service fees have not been paid. For example:
Tina is 60% eligible under Chapter 33 and receives no other financial aid. She is enrolled in 12 credit hours during the Spring semester.
For the Spring 2012 semester Tina would be charged $194 per credit hour and has $389 student service fees (SSF) for being enrolled in a total of 12 credit hours.
12 Credit Hours x $194 per hour = $2,328
SSF for 12 credit hours = $389
Total = $2,717 (Tuition + SSF)
VA Payment = $1,630 (60% of $2,717)
$1087 is the remaining balance on Tina's account for Missouri State after her VA payment of 60%. It is listed on Tina's itemized bill from Missouri State as $698 Tuition and $389 Fees ($698 + $389 = $1087 the remaining balance)
When is my bill due at Missouri State?
Charges incurred for and during the Fall semester may be paid in three monthly installments beginning August 25 and ending October 25. Spring semester may be paid in three installments beginning January 25 and ending March 25. Two monthly installments may be made for Summer charges, beginning June 25 and ending July 25.
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 Veteran Certifying Official will receive notification, but there are occasions where this does not happen.
It is your responsibility to inform the Missouri State Veteran Certifying Official of the change.
Should it become necessary for you to withdrawal from all classes, you must contact the Missouri State Veteran Certifying Official before doing so. There are many concerns you should be aware of before withdrawing completely (i.e., repayment). Depending on the circumstances of the withdrawal, the Missouri State Veteran Certifying Official may be able to assist you in preventing a repayment.
What if I am a applying for Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation benefits?
Chapter 31 Veterans should direct their initial inquiry to their local vocational rehabilitation center to inquire about eligibility.
The Tuition Assistance (TA) Authorization Form can be obtained at the service member's unit or education center. A unit approved and properly filled out TA Authorization Form must be submitted by the student at the beginning of each term to the Financial Aid Office (Carrington 101).
Missouri State University does not currently offer tuition reductions for servicemembers or veterans. However, the state of Missouri does offer a tuition reduction program for some Missouri residents who are servicemembers or veterans. For more information please refer to Missouri Returning Heroes.
- Review the Missouri State University Veteran Student Services Web site.
- Review the GI Bill Web site.
- Contact our office at (417) 836-6199 or VeteranServices@MissouriState.edu