Veterans certification for education benefits

To be certified for Veterans Benefits programs, follow the University of Minnesota and U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) basic procedures described on these pages. Your first step is to submit all of the required documentation to the University's Veterans Certification Office in 200 Fraser Hall (EXCEPTION: Applicants for Chapter 31 must meet with a USDVA counselor).

IMPORTANT: If you complete and submit Application for VA Benefits (22-5495) or the Change of Program or Place of Training (22-1995) online, you must send your VONAPP signature page directly to the VA office in St. Louis to avoid a hold on your payments. The documentation you submit to the University will be forwarded electronically within two business days to the USDVA St. Louis Office. Their decision on your eligibility may take up to 12 weeks.

Monthly stipends, eligibility periods, financial aid criteria, and the documentation required are given at the links below. Eligibility criteria and benefits vary. Veterans education benefits must be reported on FAFSA. If you have specific questions about a program that aren't answered on these pages, please contact the USDVA Regional Processing Office in St. Louis toll-free at 1-888-442-4551 or go to their Web site, www.gibill.va.gov.

Benefit programs

Minnesota GI Bill

Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (Chapter 30)

Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)

REAP (Reserve Educational Assistance Program - Chapter 1607)

VEAP (Veterans Educational Assistance Program - Chapter 32)

DEAP (Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program - Chapter 35)

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31)

Verify your enrollment

Chapter 30, 1607, and 1606 recipients: Once you are certified for your benefits, you must verify your enrollment with the VA at the end of each month before you will receive your payment. To verify enrollment, go to the Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) or call 1-877-823-2378.