Using Veterans Readiness & Employment (VR&E)
1. Check WEAMS to confirm your program is approved.
If your program is not approved, the VA will not pay for your courses.
2. Complete an Academic Worksheet (if applicable).
An academic worksheet is often required by the Veteran Readiness Counselor (VRC) to be filled out before degree program is approved. For more information on the academic worksheet, please refer to the Academic Worksheets section at the bottom of this page.
3. VRC sends Purchase Order to MVS Office.
- Student must work with VRC to submit a Purchase Order (PO) via Tungsten for tuition/fees, books, supplies, etc.
- The PO must be valid on/before the earliest class start date for the semester and end on/after the last class end date.
- If applicable, have separate line items for technology (laptop, hard drive, etc.) and transportation (parking garage pass, U-pass, etc.) with a specific or "up to" dollar amount.
NOTE: VR&E does not cover GW student health insurance plan (SHIP). You can waive GW SHIP each semester and provide proof of insurance to avoid this out-of-pocket fee.
4. Request certification no more than 60 days prior to the start of each University semester via GWeb.
- In GWeb, under the Student section, select Access Veteran Certification.
- Requesting certification initiates your request for a book voucher.
- Requesting certification after the first Friday of the University semester may result in late fees, interest, and/or financial holds applied to your GW account.
- Adding/dropping credits? You MUST notify our office within 30 days of the change so we can amend your certification to the VA.
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. If you need help connecting with your VRC or have general VR&E questions, contact our VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) Counselor.
VR&E Resources
- Veterans Readiness & Employment (VR&E) Chapter 31
Eligibility: Veterans who have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% from the VA are eligible for VR&E (Chapter 31). Veterans must also have received a discharge that is other than dishonorable.
Benefits: Pays tuition and fees but the amount is based on an individualized assessment of the veteran's needs and the cost of the chosen program. It also provides subsistence allowance (also known as a living allowance) to veterans who are participating in a VR&E program and are eligible for it. The amount is based on the veteran's rate of attendance (full-time or part-time). You are eligible to have your required books and supplies paid for up to the amount approved by your Veteran Readiness Counselor (VRC). When you request certification through our office, MVS will create your book voucher to send to the GW Campus Store.
Payment Structure: Pays tuition and fees directly to the school.
Duration of Benefits: Provides up to 48 months of benefits, which veterans must use within 12 years of being notified of their eligibility.
- Book Vouchers
A book voucher refers to financial assistance provided to eligible veterans to cover the cost of books and supplies required for their approved educational or vocational training program.
Process: Veterans will discuss their needs for books and supplies during their counseling sessions with their VRC. The VRC will then include an appropriate allowance for books and supplies in the veteran's Purchase Order (PO). The PO will be sent to GW's MVS office through a system called Tungsten. When MVS receives the PO, a school certifying official (SCO) will create a book voucher. That book voucher will be sent to the campus bookstore who will create the student's account and notify them via email with their account information, special code, and detailed purchasing instructions. For any questions about book availability please contact the campus bookstore at [email protected] or (202)992-6566.
Note: If applicable, have VRCs add separate line items in the PO for technology (laptop, hard drive, etc.) and transportation (parking garage pass, U-pass, etc.) with a specific or "up to" dollar amount. If purchasing through another party (i.e. Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc) contact your VRC to discuss purchasing the book and being reimbursed directly through VR&E.
- Academic Worksheets
An academic worksheet (example) refers to a document that helps veterans and their Veteran Readiness Counselor (VRC) plan and track progress toward educational or vocational training goals. They are required to be filled out by the student with their academic advisor/program representative for their degree program.
Content: The worksheet typically includes details such as:
- Educational Goals: Specific educational or training outcomes the veteran aims to achieve (e.g., completion of a degree program, certification in a trade).
- Courses or Programs: List of courses or programs the veteran plans to undertake to meet their goals.
- Timeline: Estimated timeline for completing each course or program, including start dates and expected completion dates.
- Resources Needed: Identification of resources required to support the veteran's educational efforts, such as textbook fees.
Note: Students can fill in the following information:
- Tungsten Tax ID - 53019658406. There is no need for a separate Bookstore Tungsten Tax ID (fill in "N/A").
- Facility Code: Foggy Bottom - 31907109, Alexandria - 31927346, Arlington - 31927446, Ashburn - 31831546
- SCO contact information - April Clark | 202-994-9570 | [email protected].
- If the academic worksheet requires an SCO signature, send your completed worksheet to [email protected].
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Click here for more information about VA education benefits.