Veteran, Dependent and Spouse Education Benefits FAQs

Eligibility

Am I eligible to used transferred benefits?

You must meet all three rules:

• The Defense Department (DOD) approved the service member’s request for a Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB)
• You’re enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)
• You use the transferred benefits during the required timeframe

Find out your allowed time frame at VA.gov-When can I used Transferred benefits?

Applying

How do I apply to use my transferred benefits?

You can apply at VA.gov-Apply to use transferred education benefits.

What happens after I apply?

If the VA approves your request, they will send you a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The COE shows:

• How many months of transferred benefits you can use?
• How much time you have to use them?

Next Steps

I received my COE. What do I do next?

Email a copy of your COE to veteransaffairs@cofc.edu.

I registered for classes. Is there anything else I need to do?

After your schedule is final, the college needs an enrollment certification each semester. If the certification is not submitted:

• Your tuition will not be paid
• You will not receive your monthly housing allowance (MHA)

How are tuition and fees paid to the school?

The VA pays tuition and fees directly to the school for in-state public tuition.

I’ve heard about the Yellow Ribbon program. Do I need it?

The Yellow Ribbon Program can help pay for higher tuition and fees that the Post-9/11 GI Bill does not cover. This may apply to out-of-state, private, foreign, or graduate schools. Learn more at VA.gov – Yellow Ribbon Program.

The College of Charleston does not decide monthly stipend payments or has access to VA payment records. Questions about monthly stipends go to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the GI Bill® Helpline at 1-888-442-4551 (TTY: 711). Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. ET.

How much will my MHA be?

• How many credits you take each term
• How long you or your sponsor served on active duty (their eligibility tier)
• The sponsors active duty status
• Where your classes take place
• Whether classes are in-person or online
• The dates of your term

Check your rate at VA.gov-Post-9/11 GI Bill rates.

When will I start receiving my MHA payments?

MHA starts after the VA receives and processes your enrollment certification. Timing varies, usually within 30 days.

Why is my MHA amount different this month?

MHA can change if your enrollment changes (drop/add classes), if you switch from in-person to online, or if there are breaks during/between terms.

I did not receive my Monthly Housing Allowance this month. What do I do?

The college cannot see individual payment records.

For payment help, call the GI Bill Helpline: 1-888-442-4551 (TTY: 711)

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. ET

I’m using the GI Bill benefits; and I have been dropped from my classes, and my tuition hasn’t been paid. What happened?

Most likely, your enrollment certification was not submitted or completed for the wrong semester. Until certification is complete:

• Your benefits will be placed on hold.
• Tuition will not be paid
• You may be dropped from your courses, and will not receive MHA

Make sure you selected the correct semester and that the VA file number is your Social Security Number.

Submit your enrollment certification today!

Am I eligible for Chapter 35 — Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance?

You may be eligible if you are a child or spouse and the Veteran or service member meets VA rules.

Veteran or service member eligibility

At least one of the following must be true:

• The Veteran is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability.
• The Veteran died as a result of a service-connected disability.
• The service member died in the line of duty.
• The service member was captured in the line of duty or is missing in action for more than 90 days.
• The service member was forcibly detained or interned by a foreign entity for more than 90 days.
• The service member is hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a service-connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for that disability.

For full details, see VA.gov-Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (FAQ).

How do I apply for Chapter 35?

Follow the steps on VA.gov: How To Apply For Education Benefits as an Eligible Dependent.

What happens after I apply?

• You might get an automatic decision. If approved, you can download your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or award letter immediately from VA.gov. The VA will also mail a decision letter.
• If there is no automatic decision, expect to receive a decision letter in about 30 days. The VA will contact you if they need more information.

I received my Certificate of Eligibility (COE). What do I do next?

Email a copy of your COE to veteransaffairs@cofc.edu.

I registered for my classes. What else do I need to do?

When your class schedule is final, submit an enrollment certification to the college.

Submit an enrollment certification every semester. If you do not, you will not get payment for that term.

For Chapter 35, your VA file number is your sponsor’s Social Security number.

Monthly Stipend FAQs

The College of Charleston does not set monthly stipend amounts or see VA payment records. For payment questions, contact the VA or the GI Bill® Helpline.

How much will my monthly stipend be?

The VA sets your monthly rate based on:

• the type of education or training you’re taking, and
• how many courses you take.

See current Chapter 35 rates at VA.gov — Chapter 35 Rates for Survivors and Dependents.

When will I get my first payment?

You will receive your first Chapter 35 payment after:

• the VA approves your application, and
• your school certifies your enrollment.

This usually takes about 30–60 days after the VA has your completed application and enrollment certification.

My payment was less than expected. Why?

Possible reasons:

• You’re enrolled less than full time.
• There is a break in the term (for example, spring break); payments are prorated for days classes are not in session.
• Classes start mid-month; the first payment will be prorated.

For questions about your payment amounts, call the GI Bill Helpline at 1-888-442-4551 (TTY: 711).

Hours: Monday-Friday, (8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)

I didn’t receive my payment. What should I do?

The college cannot see individual VA MHA payments. For payment problems, call the GI Bill Helpline at 1-888-442-4551 (TTY: 711). Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. ET.

Note for parents/guardians:

• If the student is 18 or older, the VA cannot talk about their benefits without the student’s OK. Options:
• The student must call the VA, or
• The student adds you as an authorized representative, or
• The student is on the call and gives verbal permission.

The College of Charleston does not set monthly stipend amounts or see VA payment records. For payment questions, contact the VA or the GI Bill® Helpline.

How much will my monthly stipend be?

The VA sets your monthly rate based on:

• the type of education or training you’re taking, and
• how many courses you take.

See current Chapter 35 rates at VA.gov — Chapter 35 Rates for Survivors and Dependents.

When will I get my first payment?

You will receive your first Chapter 35 payment after:

• the VA approves your application, and
• your school certifies your enrollment.

This usually takes about 30–60 days after the VA has your completed application and enrollment certification.

My payment was less than expected. Why?

Possible reasons:

• You’re enrolled less than full time.
• There is a break in the term (for example, spring break); payments are prorated for days classes are not in session.
• Classes start mid-month; the first payment will be prorated.

For questions about your payment amounts, call the GI Bill Helpline at 1-888-442-4551 (TTY: 711).

Hours: Monday-Friday, (8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)

I didn’t receive my payment. What should I do?

The college cannot see individual VA MHA payments. For payment problems, call the GI Bill Helpline at 1-888-442-4551 (TTY: 711). Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. ET.

Note for parents/guardians:

• If the student is 18 or older, the VA cannot talk about their benefits without the student’s OK. Options:
• The student must call the VA, or
• The student adds you as an authorized representative, or
• The student is on the call and gives verbal permission.

Provides a tuition waiver for qualified children of certain military Veterans applying to or enrolled in a South Carolina state supported college, university or post high school technical education school; or acceptance into a dual enrollment/early college credit program prior to graduating high school. Qualifying Veterans and students must meet certain residency requirements.

For more information on eligibility and how to apply, go to SC.gov-SC Tuition Assistance for Certain War Veterans’ Children. 

Eligibility

Am I eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill? 

You may be eligible if any of the following are true:

• You served on active duty for at least 90 days after September 10, 2001, whether continuous (all at once) or interrupted (for shorter periods over time), or

• You served for at least 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001, and were discharged because of a service-connected disability, or

• You received a Purple Heart after September 10, 2001

More information is available at VA.gov Post-9/11 GI Bill Eligibility. 

How do I apply for the Post-9/11 GI Bill?

Follow the steps at VA.gov — How To Apply For The GI Bill.

How long until I hear if I’m eligible for the GI Bill?

You should get a decision within 30 days. If approved, you will get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

What do I do with my Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?

Email your COE to veteransaffairs@cofc.edu so the College can verify your benefits.

Applying

How do I apply for the Post-9/11 GI Bill?

Follow the steps at VA.gov — How To Apply For The GI Bill.

How long until I hear if I’m eligible for the GI Bill?

You should get a decision within 30 days. If approved, you will get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

Next Steps

What do I do with my Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?

Email your COE to veteransaffairs@cofc.edu so the College can verify your benefits.

How much is my Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)?

Currently MHA rates are on VA.gov – Post-9/11 GI Bill Monthly Housing Allowance Rates.

When will I get my MHA payment?

MHA is usually paid at the end of the month for that month's enrollment.

First-time payments can take 4-6 weeks after your enrollment is certified.

If a payment is more than 10 business days late after the month ends, call the GI Bill Helpline at: 888-442-4551(TTY: 711). Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET.

When will I get my Books & Supplies Stipend?

The books and supplies stipend is usually paid after the drop/add period. Check the school academic calendar for drop/add dates.

How does VA figure my MHA amount?

The VA looks at:

• How many credit you are taking (enrollment level)
• Your length of active-duty service (eligibility tier)
• Whether you are active duty now
• Where your classes are located
• Whether classes are in-person or online
• The dates of your term

Confirm your rate at VA.gov – Post-9/11 GI Bill rates.

How is MHA calculated for online vs. in-person classes?

• In-person classes: Based on the school's ZIP code Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rate
• Online classes: Half the national average BAH rate

See the GI Bill Comparison Tool at VA.gov.

MHA Payment Issues

The College of Charleston does not set monthly MHA payments and cannot view individual VA payment records. For questions about payments, contact the VA GI Bill Helpline at 1-888-442-4551 (TTY: 711), Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. ET.

When will I start receiving my MHA payments?

MHA starts after the VA receives your certified enrollment and processes it. Timing varies but it is usually within 30 days.

Why is my MHA amount different this month?

MHA can change if you:

• Drop or add classes
• Change from in-person to online courses
• Have breaks between terms
• Change the number of days you attend

These things change your enrollment level or how the VA calculates your location.

Why did my housing allowance stop during winter/summer break?

MHA is only paid during active enrollment periods. You will not receive MHA during breaks unless you are enrolled in classes that run during those breaks.

Why hasn’t my tuition been paid?

If tuition wasn’t paid, your enrollment may not have been certified, or it may have been certified for the wrong term. If certification is missing:

Your benefits may be placed on hold

• Tuition may not be paid
• You could be dropped from courses
• You will not receive MHA until certification is completed.

Submit your enrollment certification right away.

Will I have to pay back money if I withdraw from a course? 

If you started full time (12 credits) and then drop a course that lowers you to 9 credits or less, you could owe money to the college and to the VA. 

For details visit VA.gov - How Your Reason for Withdrawing from a Course Affects Your VA Debt.

Who can get VR&E benefits?

You may be eligible if both are true:

• You did not receive a dishonorable discharge, and
• The VA gave you a service-connected disability rating of 10% or higher

For more details go to VA.gov-Eligibility for Veteran Readiness and Employment.

How do I apply for VR&E? 

Follow the steps at VA.gov-How To Apply For Veteran Readiness & Employment. 

What happens after I apply? 

If you are approved, the VA will set up a meeting with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC). The VRC will help you make a plan.

To learn more, go to VA.gov-What Happens After I Apply.

How many months of VR&E can I receive?

You may get up to 48 months of VR&E benefits.

See Compare VA Education Benefits at VA.gov.

What does VR&E pay for?

• Tuition and fees
• Parking
• Required books and supplies

How much subsistence allowance will I receive each month?

Rates change. Check current rates at VA.gov-Current subsistence allowance rates for VR&E.

I have the Post-9/11 GI Bill and use VR&E, does that change my subsistence rate?

You might qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill subsistence rate, which can be higher.

Check eligibility on VA.gov – Find out if you’re eligible to get the Post-9/11 GI Bill subsistence rate.

How will I receive my subsistence allowance?

The VA pays the subsistence allowance directly to you each month.

Who handles subsistence payment issues?

The College of Charleston cannot set stipend amounts or see VA payment records. Contact your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) for payment questions.

My payment was less than expected. Why?

Common reasons:

• You are enrolled less than full time.
• There is a break in the term (for example, spring break). Payments are prorated for days classes are not in session.
• Classes start mid-month. The first payment is prorated for the days you were enrolled that month.

I didn’t receive my subsistence allowance. What should I do?

Contact your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC). The college cannot access individual VA payment records.