Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I change my address?
• What are the payment rates for VA Benefits?
• How do I verify my enrollment to the VA?
• How do I sign up for Direct Deposit?
• Will the VA extend my entitlement?
• Can I save entitlement for later use?
• What should I do if I change my enrollment?
• Does the VA pay for Pass/Fail and Audit courses?
• What should I do if I plan to permantly transfer?
  
  

How do I change my address?

You can change your address by calling 1-800-827-1000 or 1-888-442-4551. In addition, you should also stop by 325 Boucke Building to complete a Change of Address Form so that we have your new address in our records.

If you are currently receiving benefits or have received benefits in the last year, the WAVE system can be used to update your address information. Just click on the WAVE link and follow the instructions on the WAVE web site to log-on. You will see links to change your address and your Direct Deposit information.

The WAVE web address is: https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave

How do I verify my enrollment to the VA?

Chapter 30, 1606 and 1607 are required to verify their enrollment with the VA at the end of each month. You can verify your enrollment through several means:

• IVR: Interactive Voice Response. Call 1-877-823-2378 (1-877-VAE-CERT) and follow the instructions provided.
• WAVE: Web Automated Verification of Enrollment. Point your Internet browser to http://www.gibill.va.gov and follow the link to the WAVE program. Instructions are provided on-line.

How do I sign up for Direct Deposit?

Chapters 30, 1606 and 1607 are eligible to use the Direct Deposit program through the VA. To sign up, you just need to call 1-877-838-2778 or 1-888-442-4551 and have your bank's routing number and your account number available.

If you are currently receiving benefits or have received benefits in the last year, the WAVE system can be used to update your financial institution information. Just click on the WAVE link and follow the instructions on the WAVE web site to log-on. You will see links to change your address and your Direct Deposit information.

The WAVE web address is: https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave

Will the VA extend my entitlement?

If you receive Chapter 30 benefits, and your entitlement runs out during a semester, the VA will pay you for the remainder of the semester at your base rate (less any "kicker" you may have), even if you have only one day of remaining entitlement at the beginning of a semester. If you have any questions, please stop by our office at 325 Boucke.

Can I save entitlement for later use?

There are several ways to conserve entitlement. You may choose not to be paid your benefits over breaks, or you may use the benefits at a reduced rate. Conserving your entitlement, however, is useful only to individuals in very special circumstances. If you wish to explore this option, please make an appointment to see a counselor in the Office of Veterans Programs.

What I should I do if I change my enrollment?

Let us know as soon as you drop, withdraw, or change majors, so that we can notify the VA. Overpayments may be incurred by dropping or withdrawing, so it's important that we notify the VA as soon as possible.

Does the VA pay for Pass/Fail and Audit Courses?

Pass/Fail courses will not be paid for if they are failed. However, if you are already full-time without the course, it will not affect your payment. Audit courses will not be paid for by the VA.

What should I do if I plan to permanently transfer?

If you are transferring to another Penn State campus, you should complete the Request for Change of Program of Place of Training forms (22-1995 or 22-5495 if Chapter 35) and we will make copies of your paperwork and send it to the campus. If you will be attending another college, you may complete the correct VA form and we will give you copies of your paperwork to take to your new college.


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