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Veterans Returning to School: Pitfalls to Avoid

Years after the enactment of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, far too many veterans struggle to get the most out of their military education benefits and opportunities. The transition from active duty to academia can be fraught. Navigating individual college policies and procedures may cost you time, money, and even entire semesters.

Despite having access to some of the most generous military education benefit programs in American history, many veterans often underutilize their education benefits.

Returning to school after a long break is challenging for any non-traditional student. If you’re a military-connected learner trying to navigate this new terrain, it’s even more complex. On the bright side, you’re also not without support.

What Military Students Need to Know About FAFSA

Some veterans neglect completing a FAFSA application, but you should fill one out regardless of the education benefits you are eligible for. When filling out the form, accuracy is critical. If you don’t include everything on your application, you could miss out on credits, or worse, be flagged for incomplete information.

No matter what your circumstances are, filling out a FAFSA may open doors to additional opportunities you may not have considered, including work-study jobs, PELL grants, low-interest loans, and even state and institutional aid packages.

If you are unsure of how to fill one out, don’t hesitate to contact your school’s financial aid office, SCO, or local veterans services office.  Your On-base Education Services Officer (ESO) is also trained in assisting veterans accurately fill out your FAFSA and will know if there are other local nonprofits or resources where you can get help.

Be aware that you should not report GI Bill funding as taxable income when you fill out your FAFSA. This common mistake can reduce your chances of securing other funding opportunities, including Pell grants, and increase your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

Additionally, if you have any questions about declaring yourself as an independent student, don’t hesitate to ask for help. FAFSA has specific characterizations defining this, and serving alone does not automatically qualify you; other factors, including age, dependents, and marital status, are also included.

Don’t Forget Your Military Transcripts

To get college credit for military training, education, and in some cases even off-duty education, don’t forget a copy of your Joint Services Transcript (JST). However, this doesn’t necessarily encompass all education, training, and learning that may qualify for Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). Some veterans forget about some training and experience that may count toward a degree:

• Professional Development (e.g., NCO Academy, Senior NCO Academy)
• Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) coursework
• Third-party credentialing programs (e.g., cybersecurity, medical tech, logistics, or network systems)
• Safety training, CPR, first aid, or related

For all branches except the Air Force, the JST serves as a compilation of your military education and training.  The JST should be sent to any school you are considering before enrollment, as it can provide an idea of what credits may transfer. To request a copy or a replacement, go here

If you’re in the Air Force, things work differently. The same information is available, but you request it directly through the Air Force. For a small processing fee, you can have your transcript sent to a school or employer through Parchment. You will need to create an account, and once you do, you can expect to receive them at your school or employer within 1-3 days. To do so, go here.

GI Bill Issues

You earned your benefits, and you certainly deserve to get the most out of them; however, that doesn’t mean accessing them will be easy. The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers tuition, books, and a housing stipend, but you’ll need to understand and adhere to the guidelines and deadlines for the program.

Some Common Pitfalls:

• Lost DD-214s are among the top causes of benefit delays. Don’t wait until the school asks for it—secure it through milConnect or submit an SF-180 via archives.gov.
• Not having a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
• Failure to certify for each semester.
• Underestimating processing time. Processing of your application typically takes approximately 30 days.
• If your school doesn’t get your COE on time, you could miss the tuition window. Ensure you maintain contact with your SCO or veterans’ coordinator. When you receive your eligibility letter, please forward it as soon as possible, either by email or in-person delivery.
• Missing the VA benefits deadline for the fall semester. Ideally, you should apply 90 days before the start of the term and no later than mid-to-late July.

The VA doesn’t pay the school directly unless you are certified. Your school may drop you for non-payment, even though your benefits are pending.

GI Bill Housing Allowance

The Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) is determined by the area code where the campus you are attending is located and the number of credits you are pursuing. To check 2025 MHA rates, you can review them in our 2025 MHA Rate Calculator article.

If your school is situated in a high-cost area, such as San Diego or New York City, you will likely receive more funding than in a more rural location in the Midwest or South. For some examples of how housing amounts differ and some tips on deciding where to live while you are in school, check out our article On-Campus Housing Options for Veterans.  And unlike tuition, MHA goes directly to you.

Delayed VA Benefits Payments

Your VA benefits may not arrive as quickly as expected, especially when you first start at a new school.

Schools tend to have their own policies to address this, so it’s a good idea to discuss it upfront with your veterans’ affairs coordinator or financial aid office. The sooner you know what your school’s process is, the more likely you are to avoid hardships related to late payments. Additionally, be sure to check if your school offers emergency grants, short-term loans, or payment deferrals.

If you need to explain, let them know that it takes a little longer for them to process the initial application; your school will also need to certify your application. If you miss the necessary paperwork, your delay could be extensive, as the clock will start again, and you may need to pay up front for books, fees, and housing. Until your payments are received, you may be required to cover the costs of books, housing, and fees upfront.

Campus Health Insurance Requirements

Most schools require health insurance and may or may not consider your VA healthcare to be sufficient. Know this upfront so you can explore waivers, or you could find yourself paying thousands out of pocket per semester.

You may be automatically enrolled in your school’s plan unless you actively opt out. That could mean unexpected charges of $1,000–$3,000 per semester. To avoid this, make sure you:

• Ask your campus if VA care qualifies for a waiver
• Submit any exemption paperwork before the deadline
• Get confirmation in writing