Using the GI Bill® at GW

NOTE: Withdrawing (W) after the drop period may affect your benefit and/or result in a debt for you to GW. Please contact our office if you are considering a withdrawal.

What is the GI Bill®?

Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapter 30)

Eligibility: Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill® is primarily for those who entered active duty for the first time after June 30, 1985, and contributed $1,200 to the program during their first year of service.

Benefits: Provides a fixed monthly stipend directly to the student, which can be used for tuition, books, and living expenses. The amount depends on the length of service, type of training, and enrollment status.

Payment Structure: Payments are made directly to the student, who is then responsible for paying tuition and other expenses.

Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)

Eligibility: Chapter 1606 Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve is for members of the Selected Reserve, including the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard, and Air National Guard. Eligibility requires a six-year service commitment in the Selected Reserve and satisfactory participation in required training.

Benefits: Also provides up to 36 months of education benefits for various training programs, but the benefit amount is generally lower than that of Chapter 30 and is specifically designed for Selected Reserve members. It provides a monthly stipend based on enrollment status (full-time, half-time, etc.).

Payment Structure: Payments are made directly to the student, who is responsible for paying tuition and other expenses.

Duration of Benefits: Benefits typically end when the service member leaves the Selected Reserve, unless they qualify for an extension.

Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)

Eligibility: Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill® is available to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service after September 10, 2001, or those discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days.

Benefits: Covers up to $28,937.09 of tuition and fees for private or foreign schools. For students that are 100% eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill®, they are automatically qualified for the Yellow Ribbon Program. It also provides a monthly housing allowance (based on the school's location) and an annual stipend for books and supplies for up to $1,000 each academic year. Your GI Bill® can pay up to $100 in tutorial assistance a month for an approved tutor (not to exceed $1,200). To request this benefit you have to fill out an Application for Individualized Tutoring Assistance (pdf).

Payment Structure:  Tuition and fees are paid directly to the school, while the housing allowance and book stipend are paid to the student.

Certification Process for GI Bill® Users at GW

The certification process at George Washington University (GW) involves the systematic submission of student certifications to the VA by the Office of Military & Veteran Services (MVS). There are approximately 1000 VA education benefits users at GW, 700 of which use the GI Bill®. This process is crucial for those GI Bill® students. 

Steps in the Certification Process:

1. Request for Certification:
   • Initiated by the student via GWeb.
   • Should be done prior to the first day of classes but no more than 60 days in advance.
   • Only one request is needed unless there are changes
2. Zero-Certification (Zero-Cert):
   • MVS reports students' total credit enrollment with $0.00 tuition.
   • Triggers the VA to send the book stipend and start the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) for eligible students.
   • Submitted up to 30 days before classes start, but no later than the first week.
3. Final Certification (Final-Cert):
   • MVS reports students' enrollment and total tuition.
   • Prompts the VA to send tuition payments to GW.
   • Submitted the week following the drop/add period.

Impact on GW Bill:

Before Classes Start:

• Students should request certification via GWeb before the first day of classes to avoid late fees, holds, and payment requirements by the first day.
• MVS coordinates with the Student Accounts Office (SAO) to protect the GW account.

After Classes Start:

• Requests made after the first day of classes or not at all will require payment by the first day, and protections cannot be ensured.

VA Funds Arrival:

• Funds typically arrive at GW about 30 days after final-cert submissions.
• Students may receive automated past due messages from SAO while waiting for VA funds.
• Students should expect that GW will receive tuition from the VA soon after receiving VA notification of their certification.

Options for Handling Out-of-Pocket Expenses:

Pay your bill:

• Once VA funds are applied, request a refund if a credit is created.
• Note: Refunds from Student Accounts must be verified by MVS.

Wait for VA funding:

• Determine remaining out-of-pocket expenses after VA funds are applied, then pay that portion.

Pay in advance:

• Determine and pay out-of-pocket expenses before VA funding is applied.

Payment plans:

• Typically unnecessary if payment protection by the first day of classes is ensured.
• Contact MVS for assistance in determining out-of-pocket expenses or any certification process queries.
• Payment plans are not covered by the  GI Bill®.

 

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Click here for more information about VA education benefits.