Veterans Services Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Eligibility
Who determines what I am eligible for? Can I talk to someone for more in-depth information regarding my VA status?
UNLV falls under the VA Regional Processing Office in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Call 1-888-442-4551 for answers to your questions.
Semester Certification
What is certification? When should I turn in my paperwork?
Certification (VA form 22-1999) is the information your school’s certifying official sends to the regional processing office. The student’s enrollment dates, training status and class standing are all a part of the certification. The sooner you turn in your paperwork, the sooner you will start receiving your monthly benefits. Rule of thumb: Turn in your forms as soon as possible after class registration to ensure a timely certification. You have one year from the start of a semester to file for benefits.
What is a semester enrollment form?
For each semester, you need to turn in a completed semester enrollment form. Semester enrollment forms are available at www.unlv.edu. Go to Veterans Services and click on the form link. They are also available at the office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, Student Services Complex, 2nd floor. Fill out the student’s portion and then take the form to your academic advisor for a signature. Your academic advisor will review the form to make sure the classes listed are degree applicable. The academic advisor will also provide your up-to-date degree sheet. The degree sheet lists all the classes you need to complete to receive your degree. A copy of the degree sheet is needed for your VA file.
Do I have to wait in line at the office of Financial Aid and Scholarships just to turn in my paperwork?
You can mail in or fax (702-895-1353) your completed paperwork. If you fax the form, send it with a cover sheet addressed to Veterans Services. If you need to talk with the VA certifying official, and there is a long line, call 895-2290. If the certifying official is available, she will come get you out of line.
What should I do if I change my enrollment?
If you change your enrollment, immediately fill out and submit an updated semester enrollment form. Withdrawing from a course may reduce your benefits. You may have to repay benefits unless you can show the change was due to mitigating circumstances. (If you have mitigating circumstance, let the certifying official know so the information can be added to the updated certification.) Indicate on the semester enrollment form which classes were dropped and/or added. If you are adding a class that has not previously been approved by your academic advisor, the form must be signed by the advisor also. If you are just dropping a class, the form only needs your signature.
What if I change my major?
If you are chapter 30, 32, 34, 1606 or 1607, complete VA form 22-1995 (Request for Change of VA Education Program or Place of Training). If you are chapter 35, complete form 22-5495 (Request for Change of VA Education Program or Place of Training). Forms are available in the office of Financial Aid and Scholarships or on the GI bill website, www.gibill.va.gov under Education Benefits/Education Forms. Make sure you update your major with the school’s Registrar’s office. You also need to have your new academic advisor supply an updated degree sheet showing your transferred credits.
Can I dual major and still receive benefits?
Instructions on how to apply for VA approval of a dual major are available from the certifying official in the office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
GRADES AND THE GI BILL
What if I fail a class, will the GI Bill still pay? May I retake a class to improve my grade?
If you fail a class the GI Bill will pay for you to retake it. You can only use your benefits to improve a grade if the grade you received is not acceptable under your program. But if receive a grade that is acceptable under your program you cannot use your benefits to retake the course for a better grade.
What if I’m placed on academic probation because of low grades?
Your benefits cannot be terminated if you are placed on academic probation. However, your benefits will be stopped if you are placed on university suspension.
Can I receive Tutorial Assistance?
Tutorial assistance can be paid by the GI Bill. You must provide a letter from the course instructor stating you are deficient in the course and that individual tutoring would help correct the deficiency. The monthly rate may not exceed the cost of tutoring up to $100. To apply, complete VA form 22-1990t, Application and Enrollment Certification for Individualized Tutorial Assistance. Forms are available on the GI Bill website www.gibill.va.gov, or, from the certifying official at the office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
WHAT WILL THE GI BILL PAY FOR?
Can I take any courses I want?
The VA will only pay for classes that are degree applicable. This means only classes within your course of study or major. Anything outside the degree program will not be eligible for benefits.
Will the VA pay for classes towards a minor?
If your degree has elective credits, you can be paid for classes toward a minor until electives are filled. Otherwise classes for a minor cannot be counted for certification.
What if I am a non-admit student?
The GI Bill will pay benefits for two semesters as a non-admit student. After two semesters, benefits will stop until you are formally admitted. Courses taken while a non-admit student should be limited to classes that would be acceptable to any program on campus (i.e. core requirements). Have your semester enrollment form signed by an academic advisor in the University College advising office.
Can I take degree applicable classes at the Nellis AFB campus?
Yes. File a semester enrollment form for those classes just like you were attending at the UNLV main campus.
What if I want to take degree applicable classes at another school?
Attending classes at two different schools at the same time is called concurrent enrollment. An example would be taking classes during the same semester at CSN and UNLV. Use the Concurrent Enrollment Form. The form is available at www.unlv.edu. Go to Veterans Services and click on the form link. The form is also available at the office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, Student Services Complex, 2nd floor. Complete the form, have it signed by your academic advisor and turn it in to the UNLV certifying official.
Will the GI Bill pay for remedial courses?
Yes if you can demonstrate need. Low test scores on the ACT, SAT or placement testing warrant need for remedial courses. UNLV provides placement testing through University College. Call 702-895-3800 for details. If you do not have qualifying test scores, your remedial course cannot be considered for GI Bill benefits.
Will the GI Bill pay for courses I audit?
No. Courses you do not receive a punitive grade for cannot be considered for GI Bill benefits.
Will the GI Bill pay for ROTC courses?
Yes. Currently UNLV offers Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC courses. Refer to the UNLV website for additional information.
Will the GI Bill pay for honors courses?
Yes, but only when those courses count toward your major/degree. If a course is not degree applicable, you cannot receive benefits.
Can I receive benefits for a test for a license or certification?
Tests approved by the State Approving Agency may be reimbursed. Information about license and certification test reimbursement is on the GI Bill website www.gibill.va.gov/pamphlets/lcweb.htm.
MISCELLANEOUS
What is break pay?
Break pay is pay for school breaks. In order to receive break pay, you need to file two consecutive semester enrollment forms with the certifying official. Your education entitlement is charged for break periods. You can elect not to be paid break pay by notifying Muskogee or the UNLV certifying official. There are several rules that apply to breaks during summer. Contact Muskogee or the UNLV certifying official about break pay during summer. Active duty service members are not eligible for break pay.
How do I update my direct deposit information or my address?
Call the VA at 1-877-838-2778 to update your information. Chapter 30 and 1606 students who verify their attendance on line can change their address at that site.
Are VA education benefits taxable?
No. Any veterans benefits paid under any law administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs should not be reported as income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
What is enrollment verification and do I have to do one?
Only chapters 30 and 1606 must verify. In order to receive your monthly benefits from the GI Bill, you must verify your enrollment at the end of each month. There are two ways to verify; both are available 24 hours a day.
- Telephone 1-877-823-2378 and use the Interactive Voice Response
- Go to https://www.gibill.va.gov under Information for Benefit Recipients/WAVE
Who pays my tuition and fees?
It is your responsibility to see that tuition and fees are paid on time. Tuition and fees are due prior to the start of each semester. Your benefits are paid after you attend class each month.
