How to Use Your VA Educational 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.

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).

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.

Complete the Veterans Benefit Information Sheet (VBIS)

Veteran Benefit Information Sheet 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 qualify for Chapter 33 and are unable to provide a recent COE, we can accept a screenshot of your electronic benefits statement, accessible through eBenefits, as this will provide the most up-to-date VA information available.