Getting a Certificate of Eligibility for VA educational benefits is the first step in using the GI Bill.
The Department of Veterans Affairs educational programs are a huge thing for military members. Being able to transfer the Post 9/11 GI Bill makes it an even bigger benefit. While it’s great, it can also be intimidating and overwhelming.
This article assumes that benefits were transferred according to the required rules. This includes when the benefits can be transferred, and the completion of any service obligation. If you don’t know about this, the VA website is a good place to learn more.
Certificates of eligibility are applied for by the student, not the parent who transferred the benefits. Applications require that the student create a login to access the VA system, using their own information. They will also need to know information about the person who transferred the benefits.
If you want some help with your college financial strategy, including making the most of your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits, hire me to help. You can schedule a free 30-minute call to discuss your family’s specific concerns by using this link to my Calendly schedule.
Use The VA GI Bill Website
Go to the VA’s How to apply for the GI Bill and related benefits page and click on the green “Find your education benefits form” button.
That will open a series of questions on the same webpage. Answer each question as it is presented. 
Once you have finished answering the questions, click the green Apply Now button. It will take you to a page that starts like this:
Sign In
Click on the blue button that says “Sign in to start your application.” A new window will pop-up (you may need to disabled any pop-up blockers.) It will look like this:
You’ll have to either establish one of these forms of login, or figure out what your password is, or reset your password if it has expired. You may need your military ID, so have that handy. Depending on what credentials you already have established, the authentication process may include a soft credit pull to verify your identity.
Fill Out the Certificate of Eligibility Application
Once you’ve successfully logged in, the page will now look like this:
Click on the green “Start the education application” button, and a new page will open. It will start like this:
The application itself is 8 pages long. You will need your sponsor’s information, your school’s information, and the bank account you want to use for payments.
Once you complete the application, you will receive a confirmation page that looks like this:
The VA usually reviews applications within 30 days, and then they’ll send you a Certificate of Eligibility by mail. If they have questions, or your application is denied, that will also happen by mail.
What To Do With The Certificate of Eligibility
Once you receive your Certificate of Eligibility, make a copy and then give it to the VA Certifying Official at your school. The Certifying Official usually works in the Financial Aid Office, or the Financial Aid Office will know where to find them. The Certifying Official will help you through the next steps.
The process to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility isn’t terribly hard, and will take less than 1/2 an hour if you have login credentials already established. Plan for a longer time if you need to set up those credentials. It’s the first step to using those GI Bill benefits, and it does take time to get the paperwork back, so go ahead and do it now!
More places to learn about the GI Bill and paying for college:
Now The GI Bill Does Guarantee In-State Tuition For Active Duty Family Members
The Big List of Military Scholarships for Service Members, Veterans, Spouses and Kids
College Shopping? Be Sure To Do All The Math
Six Answers To FAFSA Questions For Military Families
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