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Getting Started

We would like to help you make the most of your benefits and have compiled a checklist for you on how to get started on using your benefits that you so rightfully earned!

GI Bill tuition benefits are typically paid for up to 36 months, so your whole program will be covered. They also will normally expire if not used within 15 years of separation from the military. Those who earned the benefits should seriously consider utilizing them.

Checklist for new students who have never received GI Bill Benefits

  • Apply to American College of Education (ACE) for a degree program
  • Send application to VA to start educational benefits with VA form 22-1990. This form can be submitted directly to the VA on the VA website.
  • If transferring credits, send official transcripts, teaching certificate (if required) to ACE Admissions
  • VA reviews application & issues Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
  • Provide ACE School Certifying Official (SCO) with Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
  • Verify attendance with VA monthly (if required) once you are enrolled

Checklist for transfer students who have received GI Bill Benefits at another school

  • Apply to ACE for degree
  • Fill out VA Change form VA 22-1995. Request for Change of Program or Place of Training - (for transfer students to change school info/update info/or personal info). This form can be submitted directly to the VA on the VA website.
  • If transferring credits, send official transcripts, teaching certificate (if required) to ACE Admissions
  • VA reviews request & reissues Certificate of Eligibility (COE) with new College listed 
  • Provide ACE School certifying official with Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
  • Contact School certifying official each semester once registered for a class
  • Verify attendance with VA monthly (if required) once you are enrolled

Additional required documentation for REAP only

  • Application for Degree program must be on file. All students must be enrolled in a degree program to qualify for benefits.
  • All students receiving Chapter 33-30-1607(REAP)-1606 must submit Certificate of Eligibility (COE) (VA Form 22-0557). In addition to the COE, submit one of the following to School Certifying Official (SCO):
    • DD214 – Discharge Papers (Member 4)
    • NOBE - Notice of Basic Eligibility (DD Form 2384) National Guard or Reserve members
    • Letter from Commanding Officer (or Education Office) for Active Duty Military

Procedure to follow each semester

  • Notify our SCO in the Bursar's Office every semester once you have registered for classes. SCO certifies students every semester with the VA for the number of credits registered. If the student does not contact the SCO at ACE, he or she might not be certified for benefits with the VA.
  • Verify enrollment with the VA at the end of each month either by using WAVE (Web Activated Verification of Enrollment) on the VA website, or by calling the IVR (Interactive Voice Response) phone line at 877-823-2378. Benefits checks will not be issued if the student fails to verify with the VA each month during the term.

Special notes

  • Once a student is certified for a school term by the School, it can take 4-6 weeks to receive a check from the VA.
  • Please contact the VA directly if you have not received your checks or have questions regarding your benefits at 888-442-4551
  • Check the VA website for payment rates and other information.