How to Use Your VA Educational Benefits

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Utilizing VA benefits at Thomas Edison State University is a two-step process, which requires:

  1. Activation of VA benefits
  2. Application of VA benefits

More information on which VA benefit programs are available for veterans is available through the VA website.

Step 1: Activation of VA Benefits

Please select the appropriate option.
  • If You Have Never Activated Your VA Benefits

    1. Determine your VA benefits program
      This is important because only two VA chapters pay for tuition up front: the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program. Every other chapter reimburses tuition, which can affect your choices when applying for financial aid.
    2. Apply for your VA benefits
      Dependents using transferred benefits should initially apply by submitting VA form 22-1990e through the VA’s Veterans Online Application (vets.gov). Veterans or service members should initially apply by submitting VA form 22-1990 through va.gov. Once submitted, the VA will send the application to the appropriate regional office for processing and, if approved, the VA will activate your benefits and provide a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), verifying the details of your benefits, such as length of benefit and delimiting dates, if applicable.

  • If You Have Previously Activated Your VA Benefits

    Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Program

    Speak to your VA counselor about changing schools
    This step is critical, as VA counselors are not only directly responsible for payment of tuition but will also discuss educational goals related to a change of school. Once the change is agreed upon, the counselor will then submit an electronic authorization, directly to the University.

    All Other VA Programs

    Submit a Change of Institution Application
    Submitting a 22-1995 through va.gov will notify the VA that you wish to change your home (degree-seeking) institution to Thomas Edison State University, upon which they will then provide you with an updated Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

Step 2: Application of VA Benefits

Please select the appropriate option.
  • Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)

    1. Complete the Veterans Benefit Information Sheet (VBIS).
      This form expands on the information provided by your electronic authorization, which will enable the University to accurately update your account to reflect VA Benefits.
    2. Request Your VRC Submit an Electronic Authorization.
      Once the authorization has been received, then we will ensure that your account is appropriately updated and guide you through the next steps.

  • All Other VA Programs

    Complete the Veterans Benefit Information Sheet (VBIS)

    This form expands on the information provided by your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which will enable the University to accurately update your account to reflect VA Benefits. If you are unable to provide a recent COE, we can accept a screenshot of your electronic benefits statement through eBenefits or WAVE, depending on your chapter, as this will provide the most up-to-date VA information available.

GI Bill is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Considering the Financial Aid Option

You may want to consider applying for financial aid if either your benefits do not cover the cost of tuition up front, such as with the Montgomery GI Bill, or if you know only part of the cost of tuition will be covered, for example: Post-9/11 GI Bill under the 100% benefit level.

Thomas Edison State University provides a College Financing Plan (CFP) formerly known as Financial Aid Shopping Sheet to help you estimate the cost of attending Thomas Edison State University during the current Academic Year and identify potential sources of financial aid so you can easily compare Thomas Edison State University with other institutions and make an informed decision about where to attend school.