Home  »  GI Bill   »   The GI Bill Certificate of Eligibility

The GI Bill Certificate of Eligibility

Updated | Hannah Heine
GI Bill Certificate of Eligibility

Applying for the GI Bill is the first step toward a degree from an institution of higher learning.

The process for getting your GI Bill Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is relatively easy, but there’s one thing you need to remember. Submit your “Application for VA Education Benefits” well before fully enrolling in school.

Why Do You Need to Apply for a GI Bill COE Early?

The VA clearly states that the application process can take up to 30 days depending on how you apply for the COE. Remember that the school must also receive verification that you are eligible for the GI Bill; being approved for a VA COE is only one step in the process.

If you submit an application online, VA.gov advises, “After you apply, you may get an automatic decision. If we approve your application, you’ll be able to download your Certificate of Eligibility (or award letter) right away. If we deny your application, you can download your denial letter. We’ll also mail you a copy of your decision letter.”

But if you submit an application by mail, expect the VA’s 30-day processing period to apply. The same is true if you are missing important documentation such as your DD Form 214 (Report of Discharge). If you have to request a replacement by mail from the National Archives, it may take several more weeks to receive your replacement forms, adding to the time it takes to get your GI Bill COE.

You should verify your GI Bill status before enrolling in a military-friendly college or other academic institution.  If not, you may be in a tight spot with the school’s business office.

How to Get My GI Bill Certificate of Eligibility

Make sure you have the following documentation before you start the application process:

  • Social Security number
  • Education and military history
  • Basic information about the school or training facility you want to attend
  • Bank account direct deposit information

When will I receive the first GI Bill payment?

If you have Direct Deposit, or you applied for it when you submitted your GI Bill application, the VA says, “We’ll deposit your payment into your bank account 7 to 10 business days after you verify your school enrollment.” This is the fastest way to receive your payment. Those who opted to be paid by check should receive it in the mail two weeks after the VA verifies your school enrollment.

Need Help Filling Out Your Application?

An accredited representative, like a Veterans Service Officer (VSO), can help you fill out your claim. Find an accredited representative. You don’t need one to fill out GI Bill paperwork, but some find the assistance helpful. It can make the entire application process feel less intimidating for some.

There are three ways to obtain a copy of your GI Bill Letter or Certificate of Eligibility.

  • Online
  • Mail
  • In-Person

#1 Online: How to Get Your GI Bill COE Online

If you have an eBenefits Level II account, you can:

  • Log in using ID.me or Login.gov.
  • On the Welcome page, select the “Manage Your Benefits” option at the bottom
  • Under the “Manage Benefits” option, select the “Status Tracking” option
  • In the Education block, you should see a link for the benefit you are eligible for
  • Select the “Enrollment Status” Link (Post 9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, etc)
  • Print the page entitled “Education Enrollment Status”

#2 By Mail: How to Get Your GI Bill COE By Mail

Call 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (888-442-4551), Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET, to request that an application be sent to you. Fill it out and mail it to the VA regional claims processing office.  The office should be in the same location as your school.
See a list of regional claims processing offices

#3 In-Person: How to Get Your GI Bill COE In-Person

Go to a VA regional benefit office to get assistance from a VA employee.
Find a VA regional benefit office near you

Other Resources Available To You

You can work with a trained professional called an accredited representative to get help applying for education benefits. Get help filing your claim. Work with your school’s certifying official. This person is usually in the Registrar or Financial Aid office at the school.

 

Related:

 

 

Tagged: