Veteran Services FAQs

Q: What is VA Educational Benefits?
A: VA Educational Benefits are programs offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to assist eligible veterans, service members, and their dependents in pursuing higher education and career training.

Q: What types of VA Educational Benefit programs are available?
A: Programs include:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)
• Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapter 30)
• Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31)
• Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)
• Reserve Educational Assistance (REAP/Chapter 1606)

Q: Can I use VA Educational Benefits for online or distance learning programs?
A: Yes, most VA programs support online or distance learning. Check with your VA certifying official to ensure compliance.

Q: Can I use VA Educational Benefits for graduate programs or professional certifications?
A: Yes, VA benefits can be used for approved graduate and professional certification programs.

Q: Who is eligible for VA Educational Benefits?
A: Veterans, active-duty service members, and dependents may qualify. Eligibility depends on length of service, discharge status, and other factors.

Q: How do I know if I'm eligible for VA Educational Benefits?
A: Apply on VA.gov. The VA will notify you by mail with your eligibility determination.

Q: How do I apply for VA Educational Benefits?
A: Submit a current Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or a screenshot of your eBenefits summary.

Q: What document is required to use VA Educational Benefits at UHD?
A: Submit a current Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or a screenshot of your eBenefits summary.

Q: Is this your first time requesting Enrollment Certification at UHD?
A: Ensure your contact details are current in myUHD Personal Information Tile.

Q: How often must I submit a request for VA Educational Benefits?
A: Every semester/session, no later than three weeks prior to the start date.

Q: What do I do if I add or drop classes?
A: Submit a Schedule Change Form via myUHD within 10 days of changes.

Q: How long does UHD take to certify/submit my enrollment?
A: Please allow 5–7 business days. You can track your status in the myUHD Records & Enrollment Tile.

Q: What classes will the VA certify?
A: Only courses required for your degree program that haven't been completed or transferred.

Q: I don't see the term listed in myUHD—what now?
A: You must enroll in courses before you can request benefits for that term.

Q: How much financial assistance can I receive?
A: Benefit amounts vary by program, length of service, and more. Use VA's online calculators to estimate.

Q: How do I secure my courses until the VA sends payment?
A: Make a payment or enroll in a payment plan via myUHD Finances Tile. 100% GI Bill® users receive a “No Drop” hold.

Q: Will the VA cover repeated courses?
A: Yes, if the course was failed or a higher grade is required. Not allowed for previously passed electives.

Q: Will the VA cover remedial courses?
A: Yes, if required by your degree plan. Test scores may be requested.

Q: Can I repeat courses to maintain full-time status?
A: Yes, especially during your final semester.

Q: Do VA benefits cover my parking?
A: No, except possibly under Chapter 31 with Vocational Rehab counselor approval.

Q: Is there a scholarship for veterans?
A: Yes. The Hamill Scholarship is available for undergraduate students with 30+ credit hours, including 12 from UHD, and a 2.5 GPA.

Q: As a graduate student, what is considered full-time?

A:

• Graduate Business Programs: 8 credit hours
• All other Graduate Programs: 9 credit hours

Q: How does the payment process work?
A:

• Chapter 31 & 100% Chapter 33: UHD places a hold to prevent course drops.
• Chapter 33 <100%, Chapter 30, 35, 1606, 607: Students must plan with the Cashier Office to prevent being dropped.

Q: How do I transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a dependent or spouse?
A: Use the Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB) process on VA.gov.

Q: Can I apply for the Hazlewood Act while using my GI Bill?
A: Only if:

• Your GI Bill benefits are less than 100% (for Chapter 33), or
• You’ve exhausted other VA benefits.

Submit the Hazlewood Act Exemption Application to Ms. Ashley Andrus. This is managed by the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.

Q: What is Tutorial Assistance?
A: VA offers up to $100/month, with a maximum of $1,200 in total. File VA Form 22-1990t after tutoring sessions.

Q: What is Tuition Assistance?
A: Handled by Third Party Contracts. Submit the Third-Party Payment Agreement Form to the Student Accounting Office (S320). Separate requests are needed for other VA benefits.

Q: Is there a deadline to request enrollment certification?
A: Yes. Submit no later than three weeks prior to the start of each semester/session to avoid delays or dropped classes.