Q&A About the GI Bill Advance

The school I was originally going to attend (CSM) sends me info through their VA network. Here is what they had:

Background Information



1. I have heard about education advanced payments. What are they?

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki has authorized advanced education payments up to $3,000 for veterans who have applied for VA educational benefits and who have not yet received their monthly education payment as of October 2, 2009. This is an advance payment of the veteran’s housing and book allowance only, as the tuition payment will be paid to the school.



Obtaining Payment



2. How do I obtain an advance payment and what do I need to provide?

Starting October 2nd, you may go to one of VA’s 57 regional offices with a government issued photo ID (Driver’s License, Military ID, etc.) and proof you are enrolled in school (class schedule, admission letter, enrollment verification letter, etc.)

You will be required to sign for the payment upon receipt.



3. What if I cannot make it to a Regional Office?

Currently VA is only offering advance payments at one of our 57 offices, however we are looking at other alternatives.





4. Can I receive more than one advance payment?

This is a one-time advance payment, which will be recouped from future education payments. Only one payment is authorized per veteran, up to $3000.



Payment Details



5. I am a veteran, am I eligible for an advance payment?

Yes, if you are currently enrolled in school under a VA education program.



List of VA Education Programs:

a. Ch33 - Post-9/11 GI Bill

b. Ch 30 - Montgomery GI Bill

c. Chapter 1606 - Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve

d. Ch 1607 – Reserve Education Assistance Program



6. I am a dependent, am I eligible for an advance payment?

No, payments are only available to veterans.



7. If I received my education payment on October 1st, am I still eligible for a $3000 advance payment?

No, advance payments are only authorized for veterans who did not receive a payment on October 1st.



8. Will I have to pay this advance payment back to VA?

This payment will be recouped from future VA payments. However, if you stop attending school during the semester, recoupment by VA will not be possible and you will have to repay the advance payment.



9. What if I want less than $3000?

Veterans may chose to receive a payment less than $3000, however, only one advance payment is authorized regardless of amount.



Future Payments



10. When can I expect future payments?

After the advance payment is recouped, you can expect future payments at the beginning of each month, which will likely start in November.



11. How does this emergency payment affect my future education payments?

This payment will be recouped from future VA payments, however, if you stop attending school during the semester, recoupment by VA will not be possible and you will have to repay the advance payment. The exact recoupment amount will be determined once your education claim is processed.



Additional Information

This is the latest information concerning the education advance payments. At this time, there is no additional information that can be provided or number to refer the claimant to for additional information. If a claimant needs more information, they should contact the National Call Center (888-442-4552) for updated information or visit the education website at www.gibill.va.gov