Post-9/11 GI Bill Students who opted into text message enrollment verification will now receive enrollment verification texts from the number 44354. Getting texts via a short code means you’ll receive them faster and more consistently than ever. Since short-code senders are verified by mobile carriers, you can trust that it’s VA contacting you! Please be on the lookout for messages from our new number and continue verifying your enrollment as usual. For more information, check out the Enrollment Verification webpage.

Special COVID-19 protections are set to expire on June 1, 2022 and may impact your GI Bill education benefits. After June 1, 2022, you will no longer receive Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) payments at the resident rate for courses that were converted online due to COVID-19. To help you prepare and plan accordingly visit the COVID-19 FAQs webpage for more information and check with your School Certifying Official about your program.

Hey! Are you planning your Fall 2022 term course load, but not sure how much your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits will pay? The maximum tuition and fees rates for the 2022-2023 academic year are now available. Use this resource to find out what your benefits will cover.

While we may all experience some stress throughout the year, we want to take this time to remind you that you don’t have to deal with it alone. VA has a variety of resources to help you or a loved one. Visit the Mental Health Awareness Month resource page to learn more.

For those who prefer a self-help approach, the Mindfulness app can help. Mindfulness has been shown to be beneficial for reducing stress and coping with unpleasant thoughts and emotions. Download the Mindfulness Coach app to get started: https://ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/mindfulcoach_app.asp.

If you are a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, please contact the Veterans Crisis Line:

- Call 800-273-8255, then select 1.

- Start a confidential chat.

- Text 838255.

- If you have hearing loss, call TTY: 800-799-4889.

Are you looking for a tool to help you identify the university or college that matches your higher education goals and maximize your potential in the workforce? Look no further. The Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration (CVTI) offers a free, self-paced course to help transitioning Service members, Veterans and eligible family members evaluate their potential higher education match. 

Learn more: https://veterans.columbia.edu/content/attaining-higher-education. 

Have questions about enrollment? Read these FAQs to make sure you don’t have any delayed payments or debts this term!

They include:

- How can I be sure I’ll be able to use my benefits?

- Can I attend school while waiting for VA to make the payment?

- How will my benefits be charged for my education or training?

- What happens if I need to change classes or training?

- What if I fail a class or training?

- What if I need to change schools or programs?

- What if I need a copy of my Certificate of Eligibility/award letter?

You can use your GI Bill benefits for a work-study position if you’re enrolled at least three-quarter time in a college degree, vocational or professional program, have found an open job either at a nearby VA facility or in a VA-related role at your school, and can finish the work-study contract while you still qualify for education benefits. Every student must have a written contract and changes to their position or location must be approved by the VA work-study coordinator.

You can also use your VA benefits for an independent study course like accredited independent study programs at career and technical education schools. These programs must be offered at an accredited public or nonprofit site.

If you’re a new GI Bill student or trying to figure out what to do next with your benefits, VA has a three-part guide, “Building Your Future with the GI Bill,” just for you!

Part One: A Guide to Choosing Your Education Pathway

Part Two: A Guide to Understanding Your Benefits

Part Three: A Guide to Furthering Your Career

If you’re eligible for VA education benefits, then you’re also eligible for Personalized Career Planning and Guidance, a free benefit that provides:

- Career counseling to help you decide which civilian or military jobs you want

- Educational counseling to help you find a training program or field of study

- Academic and adjustment counseling to help you address issues or barriers that get in the way of your success

- Resume support and goal planning

You can use this benefit more than once.  Visit our website to apply!

Attending an on-site Warrior-Scholar Project (WSP) academic boot camp is now free including up to $500 of travel costs! Virtual options are also available, and WSP has added their first HBCU! Apply now: warrior-scholar.org/apply.

Warrior-Scholar Project (WSP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that equips Service members and Veterans for success in higher education. In partnership with the nation’s top colleges and universities, Warrior-Scholar Project (WSP) hosts intensive and immersive one and two-week college-preparatory academic boot camps for enlisted Veterans and Transitioning service members. Boot camps are offered in three disciplines: Humanities, STEM and Business & Entrepreneurship.

Do you have a question or concern about your benefits? Contact us safely and securely with Ask VA!