Veterans and Military Benefits

VETERANS and MILITARY EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS 2008 - 2009:  General Information

Veterans of the U.S. Armed Services who are eligible for VA Education Benefits may follow the steps below or stop by the PSGV Financial Aid Office for our VA Packet.   For the information in pdf format, click here.  

1. Contact the VA Office directly at 1-800-827-1000.  You will reach a Philadelphia regional VA education counselor.   Ask about:
         •  your specific eligibility
         •  when your benefits expire
         •  how much your full-time, ¾ time, ½ time and ¼ time benefits will be (including “kickers”)
   
2. Complete the appropriate VA form and return it to PSGV, Financial Aid Office,
   30 E. Swedesford Road , Malvern, PA 19355.  Do not return the form to the VA.  
         •  First-time VA education benefit recipients use VA form 22-1990: Application for VA Education Benefits. Attach a copy of your DD-214 and a voided check for direct deposit. 
         •  For continuation of VA education benefits at PSGV after having attended a different school or program, use VA form 22-1995: Request for Change of Program or Place of Training.  These forms are also available at the PSGV Financial Aid Office.  
   
3. Complete and return the PSGV Veterans Education Benefit Questionnaire to PSGV Financial Aid. 
   
4. Register for ALL of your semester classes, both Session I and Session II, as soon as the registration period opens.  We will send a VA 22-1999 Enrollment Certification Form to the VA at the start of each Fall, Spring and Summer semesters and will report both Session I and II courses for you before the semester begins.
   
5. If you drop or add a class AFTER the semester has begun, phone the PSGV Financial Aid Office at 610-648-3216.  We must report your enrollment change to the VA.

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CHAPTER 30 AND 1606 VETS:  Required monthly student enrollment verification with the VA

On the last day of the month YOU MUST VERIFY your enrollment with the VA by internet or touchtone phone.  Both are available 24/7.

• Online:   Automated Verification of Enrollment 
• Phone:    1-877-823-2378 .

You cannot do this earlier in the month, and if you wait a week, payment will be delayed. Payment for the previous month will be issued at least 7 days after you submit your verification.  No payments are made by the VA without the student verification.

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CHAPTER 1607 VETS --  a new education benefit for Activated Reservists

For information, click here.  

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FEDERAL STAFFORD LOANS

You can borrow with a Federal Stafford Loan in addition to receiving VA benefits. 

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TUITION PAYMENTS 

• Pay Penn State tuition charges by the billing date, and the VA will reimburse you.
• Or request the VA Tuition Deferred Payment Plan if you are receiving VA Education Benefits.  File a form EACH semester with a $25 deposit.  (Important: full payment must be made by Penn State's published deadline whether or not all of your VA benefits have been received.)    

NOTE: Your VA payments are based on dates of attendance in your courses and are made monthly for the previous month about 7 days AFTER you file the Student Verification of Enrollment with the VA.  If you attend for part of a month, your monthly check is pro-rated.  Checks are mailed to your home or payments are deposited in your bank account.

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VA ACCELERATED PAYMENT

Because of the ratio of tuition to VA benefits required by the VA, most PSGV Vets are not eligible.  See the PSGV Financial Aid Office to apply. 

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USING YOUR GI BILL FOR LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION TESTS

MGIB Active Duty Ch 30, VEAP Ch 32, or Dependents Ed Assistance Ch 35 (Not available for MGIB Selected Reserve Ch 1606) contact the VA at 888-442-4551 or click here

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NATIONAL GUARD EDUCATION BENEFITS

See the education officer of your unit about qualifying for education benefits as an active member of the National Guard.  Forms are supplied by the National Guard and signed by commanding officers. They are sent directly to the funding source, and awards are paid to your student account at PSU at the start of the semester. You should pay your tuition bill before classes start. Refunds are given for any surplus. In Pennsylvania, undergraduates receive priority for these funds, and graduate consideration is secondary as the National Guard budget allows.

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EMPLOYER-ASSISTED TUITION DEFERRED PAYMENT PLAN

Tuition deferment for students currently employed by an organization which maintains a qualified tuition reimbursement program. 

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