GI Bill® Benefits Checklist
Step #1
Students must apply for their VA education benefit to receive a VA issued Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The COE should be addressed to the student and the student will receive the COE via mail. In some instances, representatives at the VA GI Bill® Hotline, 1-888-442-4551, can email certificates to applicants. Review the following statements for assistance. For application or eligibility questions, please contact the VA GI Bill® Hotline at 1-888-442-4551.
Step #2
Students are required to upload their VA issued Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or student veterans may upload their Statement of Benefits. Students will receive a confirmation email from VA_Benefits@Baylor.edu that the COE has been received and/or reviewed. *Not applicable to CH 31 VR&E students*
Step #3
Students registers for classes. Immediately following registration, students must submit Baylor University’s Request for Certification (RFC) to receive VA benefit payments. *Required each term to receive benefit payments*
Step #4
For a term with an outstanding bill, VA beneficiaries who have submitted their initial COE and RFC are exempt from late fees. Students may still receive payment reminders, but should not be charged late fees. After the Baylor VA Benefits office receives both a COE and RFC, nothing additional is needed/required from the student.
To avoid registration holds near the end of each term, reach out to Baylor's One Stop for information on how to pay the balance on your account if needed.
Step #5
After the Baylor VA Benefits office submits a student's enrollment to the VA, the student should receive a confirmation email from the VA, stipends are generated, and the student’s award letter is mailed from the VA to the student’s address.
Step #6
For Post 9/11 GI Bill® and Chapter 31 VR&E students, an anticipated VA tuition and fee memo/credit will post to their e-bill. The anticipated payment could reflect a tuition specific scholarship.
- For questions concerning scholarship application, email Scholarships@baylor.edu with your Baylor ID number.
- The VA mandates Baylor University delay requesting tuition and fee payments until after the add-drop period. This is called "dual certification." Our office will initially certify your degree-applicable hours only. Submission of hours only will allow the VA to begin processing your housing allowance and book stipend. No tuition and fees are reported to the VA during the first certification. Please note, you will receive an initial mailed award letter from the VA saying no tuition and fees were charged by Baylor University. This is normal.
Step #7
Student's using Post 9/11 GI Bill®, Chapter 30 (MGIB – AD), and Chapter 1606 (MGIB – SR) must verify enrollment monthly with the VA.
Step #8
Students should receive monthly stipends via direct deposit from the VA on/around the first day of the following month. For example, August stipends should be received on/around September 1st. For questions concerning stipends, refer to your mailed VA award letter or contact the VA's GI Bill® Hotline at 1-888-442-4551.
‘‘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 Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill."