University Registrar Home

Veterans Affairs Benefits

While you are attending Virginia Tech, the Office of the University Registrar will assist you in using your VA entitlement by processing VA forms for educational benefits and certifying enrollment to the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. We also provide information regarding certain procedural requirements and other processes relevant to the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. Our office is located at 250 Student Services Building on Washington Street.

It is the responsibility of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to approve applications and to make decisions regarding payment, issuance of checks, and eligibility.  Beneficiaries who have questions regarding payment or eligibility should contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at (888) 442-4551.  

Instructions for applying for VA Educational Benefits:

If you are applying for educational benefits for the first time, complete:

  • VA Form 22-1990 – Application for VA Education Benefits for Chapter 30, 1606, 1607 and Active Duty. Include a copy of the Member 4 copy of your DD 214 or a copy of your NOBE for reservists/national guard. (If Active Duty, application must be signed by the Education Officer in your unit.)
    OR
    VA Form 22-5490  - Application for Survivor’s and Dependents’ Educational Assistance for Chapter 35. Include a copy of your marriage license for dependent spouses or birth certificate for dependent children.

  • Mail the application and any supporting documentation to:

    VA Regional Office
    P.O. Box 4616
    Buffalo, NY 14240-4616

  • Complete the Veteran/Dependent Enrollment Verification Form* and submit it to the Office of the University Registrar.
    Dependents: please do not submit the enrollment form to our office until you receive your VA file number. We cannot submit your certification to the VA without your file number.

 

If you received benefits at another school prior to attending Virginia Tech:

Transfer your educational benefits to Virginia Tech by completing:

  • VA Form 22-1995 – Request for Change of Program or Place of Training for Chapter 30, 1606, 1607 and Active Duty. (If Active Duty, application must be signed by the Education Officer in your unit.)
    OR
    VA Form 22-5495 – Request for Change of Program or Place of Training Survivor’s and Dependents’ Educational Assistance for Chapter 35.

  • Submit both the VA form and the enrollment form to the Office of the University Registrar.


If you have received benefits at Virginia Tech in the past:

 

*Complete the Veteran/Dependent Enrollment Verification Form each semester to receive benefits.

Summer sessions may be submitted on the same form.

Additional Information:

  • VA Educational Benefits website: www.gibill.va.gov/. The V.A. forms are available in our office or available for download at their website.

  • Those applying for benefits for the first time will receive a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA when your application has been approved. Your Certificate states your benefit chapter, your VA file number, the amount of time you have to use your benefits and the amount you will be eligible for each month at full time status.

  • Please note that new applicants should expect an average processing time of approximately 11-13 weeks for VA to process their application. Beneficiaries who are renewing their benefits should expect an average processing time of approximately 10-12 weeks.

  • A new enrollment form must be submitted to the Office of the University Registrar each semester. Consecutive summer sessions may be submitted on the same form. Submitting this form each semester indicates to our office that you plan to attend and we will then certify your enrollment to the VA. Without this form, we will not notify the VA of your enrollment.

  • If you receive Chapter 30, 1606 or 1607 benefits, you must verify your enrollment to the VA on the last day of each month of the semester. The VA uses the “post-payment” system which pays benefits on or after the first of the month following the month for which payment is due. You will not receive your VA payment until you have verified your attendance. You can verify your attendance online at WAVE – (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) or by calling 1-877-823-2378. This is not necessary for Chapter 35 beneficiaries.
  • Army College Fund or kicker:  If you opted for this benefit at the time of your enlistment, you will receive an additional amount included with your VA monthly stipend. However, if you are Active Duty or are a veteran enrolled at less than half-time and your tuition and fees are less than your monthly MGIB benefit with the kicker, you will be limited to the total amount of your tuition and fees. The VA determines benefits. The Office of the University Registrar only handles certifications for the MGIB benefit.

  • Tuition Assistance (Top Up):  Active Duty members may use their GI Bill in conjunction with tuition assistance. This program allows the VA to pay the difference between the total course cost and the cost covered by your military branch, up to a maximum rate determined by the VA. If you are receiving 100% tuition assistance for a course, you would not be eligible for Top Up. Using Top Up reduces your GI Bill entitlement. This program is handled through the Bursar’s Office but you must apply for the program through your unit first.

  • Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (formerly Virginia War Orphans Education Program):  This program is for spouses and children of military service members killed, missing in action, taken prisoner, or who became at least 90 percent disabled as a result of military service in an armed conflict.  For more information, visit http://www.dvs.virginia.gov/statebenefits.htm or call 540-857-7104 to determine if you qualify. If you are approved for this benefit, the Virginia Dept. of Veterans Services will notify the Bursar’s Office at Virginia Tech. 

DO YOU STILL HAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING YOUR BENEFITS?

If you should need assistance with application/certification for VA educational benefits, please feel free to call our office, contact us via e-mail or call to schedule an appointment. You may request that Virginia Tech renew your certification for your VA benefits via e-mail if you provide all of the information contained on this form in your e-mail note. Please note that any correspondence to the Office of the University Registrar concerning your VA benefits should be marked ‘ATTN: Veterans Affairs’. Please retain copies of all forms that you submit to the University Registrar’s Office for your records.

To contact the Office of the University Registrar:

Virginia Tech
Office of the University Registrar
ATTN: Veterans Affairs
250 Student Services Bldg (0134)
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Phone:  (540) 231-6252
E-mail:  registrar@vt.edu

To contact the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs:

U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs
V.A. Regional Office
P.O. Box 4616
Buffalo, NY 14240-4616
Phone:  888-442-4551
E-mail: BUFFRPO@VBA.VA.GOV