How to Apply for VA Educational Benefits

General Instructions

  1. Apply for Admission
  2. Have prior training evaluated for credit. If you have been issued a VA Educational Certificate of Eligibility, please email, fax, or bring it in.
  3. Take placement tests if needed at the Testing Centers.
  4. Select a program of study.
  5. Complete appropriate VA forms (see CSM VA representatives for help).
  6. Register for courses that apply to your program of study. The VA will ONLY pay for courses that are specifically required for your program of study at CSM.
  7. Chapter 30, 35, and 1606 students pay semester bill. (my.CSMD, Student Account Services for FACTS Tuition Payment Plan and/or Financial Assistance Office)
  8. Complete CSM Veterans Educational Benefits Request form. This MUST be completed each semester.
  9. Notify the CSM Veterans Affairs Team of schedule changes/program changes via email at veteransbenefits@csmd.edu.

Notes

Prior/military credit evaluation: YOU MUST HAVE ALL OF YOUR PRIOR CREDITS AND MILITARY TRAINING EVALUATED AT CSM! By the end of your first semester, you must submit official transcripts from all prior colleges and the military. If we do not receive and evaluate your official transcripts by the end of your first semester of enrollment with us, we will not be able to submit any further enrollment certifications.

Recruitment of military / veteran students: In accordance with federal laws, regulations, and the Department of Defense (DoD) Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) prohibits the payment of any commission, bonus, inducement, or other incentive payment based in any part, directly or indirectly, upon success in securing enrollments or awarding financial aid to any persons or entities, engaged in any student recruiting, admission activities, decision-making regarding the award of Title IV, HEA program funds.

Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, Section 103 of Public Law 115-407

In accordance with Section 103 of Public Law 115-407, College of Southern Maryland will not:

  • Charge late fees on the portion of tuition and fees billable to the VA while VA tuition and fees payment is pending;
  • Withdraw the student for non-payment of the portion of tuition and fees billable to the VA while VA tuition and fees payment is pending;
  • Restrict student access to college facilities for non-payment on the portion of tuition and fees billable to the VA while VA tuition and fees payment is pending;
  • Require the student to access student loans or other financial assistance for the purpose of paying the portion of tuition and fees billable to the VA while VA tuition and fees payment is pending;

To qualify, by or on the first day of the enrollment period a student may be required to:

  • Produce the VA Certificate of Eligibility (COED) by the first day of class;
  • Provide a written request to be certified (Benefits Request Form);
  • Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies.

Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014, as amended by Public Law 114-315 Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016, and Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020.

As amended 38 U.S.C 3679(c) requires the following individuals be charged a rate of tuition not to exceed the in-state rate for tuition and fee purposes:

A veteran using educational assistance under either Chapter 30 (Montgomery G.I. Bill ® - Active Duty Program), Chapter 31, or Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 G.I. Bill ®), of title 38, United States Code, who lives in the state in which the institution is located (regardless of his/her formal State of residence).

Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 G.I. Bill ® benefits (38 U.S.C. § 3319) who lives in the state in which the institution is located (regardless of their formal State of residence) and the transferor is a member of the uniformed service who is serving on active duty.

Anyone using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (38 U.S.C. § 3311(b)(9)) who lives in the state in which the institution is located (regardless of their formal State of residence).

Anyone using benefits under Chapter 30 (Montgomery G.I. Bill ®- Active Duty Program) who lives in the state in which the institution is located (regardless of their formal State of residence).

Anyone using benefits under Chapter 31 (Veteran Readiness and Employment) who lives in the state in which the institution is located (regardless of their formal State of residence).

Forms

CSM Forms

 

VA Forms

All students who have never used VA Education Benefits before must submit the Veterans Education Application via www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/. You must provide a copy of your application confirmation to the CSM Veterans Benefits Office.

Students who have previously used benefits at a prior institution (transfer students) and are using benefits for the first time at CSM must submit a new Veterans Education Application via www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/. You must provide a copy of your application confirmation to the CSM Veterans Benefits Office.

Confirmation of VA application can be emailed to CSM at veteransbenefits@csmd.edu or faxed to 301-539-4767. Ensure to include your CSM Student ID Number on your email or fax.

How to Use Your Benefits

Step 1: Apply to CSM (if you have not done so already).

Step 2: Submit a Tuition Assistance letter following the instructions listed here. Our direct email address for all tuition assistance related questions/concerns is tap@csmd.edu.

Upon receipt of employer payment authorization paperwork, a protection will be placed on the student’s account to avoid de-registration for non-payment. Please contact the Bursar’s Office to discuss if employer authorizations can be submitted after the CSM payment in full due date.

Step 1: Apply to CSM (if you have not done so already).

Step 2: Fill out VA form 22-1990, found online on the VA's website. Be sure to print it out prior to submitting it to the VA online. Fax the printed copy to the VA Coordinator at 301-539-4767. Also, fax your DD-214 member form 4 along with this. This step is a one-time requirement.

If you have been issued a VA Educational Certificate of Eligibility, please email, fax, or bring it in.

Step 3: Register and pay for classes. The VA will only reimburse you for classes that specifically are required of your program of study at CSM. If you have questions about which classes are required for your program of study, make an appointment with an academic advisor. Contact the Academic Advising Office at 301-934-7575.

Step 4: Fill out CSM's Benefits Request form. This form must be completed every semester you wish to use your VA Benefits at CSM. We will process your paperwork and submit an enrollment certification to the VA. Once the VA processes your enrollment certification (this could take 8-12 weeks), you will be reimbursed on a monthly basis based on the number of credits you are taking.

You have 10 years to use your GI Bill® from the time you are discharged. The VA will determine how many months you have eligible left to use. They will issue you a Certificate of Eligibility once they have processed your VA form 22-1990 and your DD-214 member form 4. You must submit a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility once you receive it from the VA.

Note: Veterans with a service connected disability may qualify for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)

Step 1: Apply to CSM (if you have not done so already).

Step 2: Once you have applied for CH. 31 VA Benefits and been approved, the VA will issue you a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor/Case Manager. Set up an appointment with your VA Case Manager before seeking benefits at CSM. Your VA Case Manager will lay out an education plan with you and then approve specific courses at CSM based on this program. Your VA Case Manager will then forward VA Form 22-1905 to CSM. If your VA Case Manager doesn’t do this, it is your responsibility to get this form to CSM prior to registration.

Step 3: Once the VA Form 22-1905 form is on file, register for the approved courses. The 1905 will include the specific courses that have been approved by your VA Case Manager. You may not take any courses other than those that have been specifically approved by your VA Case Manager.

Step 4: Fill out CSM's Benefits Request form. This form must be completed every semester you wish to use your VA Benefits at CSM. Your paperwork will then be processed and an enrollment certification will be submitted to the VA/your VA Case Manager. Once the VA processes your enrollment certification, you will be reimbursed on a monthly basis based on the CH. 31 guidelines (see CSM's Guide to Using VA Benefits for this breakdown - it is also on the VA's web site). The VA will also then be billed by the college.

Step 1: Apply to CSM (if you have not done so already).

Step 2: Fill out VA form 22-1990 on the VA's website. Print it out prior to submitting it to the VA online. Fax the printed copy along with a copy of your DD-214 member form 4 or NOBE to the VA Coordinator at 301-539-4767. This step is a one-time requirement.

*If you have been issued a VA Educational Certificate of Eligibility, please email, fax, or bring it in.

You are responsible for any difference between what the VA pays and what you owe. If you register for classes before you receive the Certificate of Eligibility from the VA, the only way to be held in classes is if you meet the following requirements and have your paperwork faxed at least two business days prior to registering for classes:

  • VA form 22-1990 (Initial Application for CH. 33 VA Benefits)
  • DD-214 member form 4 (which must show that service members served AT LEAST 3 years after 9/11/01. If the DD-214 does not show that the student served at least three years, CSM will have to wait on the Certificate of Eligibility to be sent in).
  • CSM’s Ch. 33 Promissory Note (Submit directly to the VA Advisor’s email).

If you don’t meet the requirements, you are responsible for paying for tuition and fees out of pocket, or you’ll be dropped from classes for nonpayment. You will be reimbursed after the add/drop period by our Student Account Services Office if you paid for classes in advance and have recently submitted a Certificate of Eligibility. The reimbursement will be dependent on what percentage of Ch. 33 the student is eligible for (as per the student’s Certificate of Eligibility).

Step 3: Fill out CSM’s Benefits Request form and submit it directly to CSM’s VA Advisor’s email – veteransbenefits@csmd.edu.

  • Once we have received and processed your Certificate of Eligibility and CSM’s Benefits Request form, an enrollment certification will be submitted to the VA via their online system – VAONCE.
  • You will receive an email from the VA once your enrollment certification has been submitted. You can also view VA paperwork by logging into myCSMD – Online Services, clicking on Current Students and then on Registration’s “My Documents” folder.
  • From there, students who are eligible will receive a Basic Housing Allowance (BAH) and a book stipend per semester. The VA's monthly housing allowance benefits are prorated based on the rate of pursuit rounded to the nearest multiple of 10. Starting Fall 2018, the housing allowance is based on E-5 married BAH rate for the location (zip code) of where the student attends the majority of classes. In order to receive the full BAH amount, you must be registered full-time with 12 credits for the semester.
  • CSM will then receive payment from the VA.
  • You must notify CSM’s VA Coordinator immediately if you change your schedule in any way. Either email veteransbenefits@csmd.edu or call 301-934-7656.

Step 1: Apply to CSM (if you have not done so already).

Step 2: Fill out the online VA form 22-1990e on the VA's website and print it out.

Step 3: Fax the printed copy of the 22-1990e along with a copy of the DoD TEB email - listing the dependent's name and that the transfer has been approved to the VA Coordinator at 301-539-4767 and complete CSM's CH. 33 Promissory Note.

The VA will then determine eligibility. Fax your Certificate of Eligibility to the VA Coordinator at 301-539-4767.The certificate must be on file with the VA Coordinator for you to register for classes without paying all of the tuition and fees up front.

You are responsible for any difference between what the VA pays and what you owe. If you register for classes before you receive the Certificate of Eligibility from the VA, the only way to be held in classes is if you meet the following requirements and have your paperwork faxed into the VA Coordinator at least two business days prior to registering for classes:

  • VA form 22-1990E (Initial Application for CH. 33 TOE VA Benefits)
  • A copy of the DoD TEB screen shot - listing the dependent's name and that the transfer has been approved
  • DD-214 member form 4 (which must show that service members served at least 3 years after 9/11/01).
  • CSM’s Ch. 33 Promissory Note

If you do not meet these requirements, your are responsible for paying for tuition and fees out of pocket. If payment is not received, you’ll be dropped from your classes for nonpayment. You will be reimbursed after the add/drop period by our Student Account Services Office if you paid in advance and have recently submitted your Certificate of Eligibility to the VA Coordinator. The reimbursement will be dependent on what percentage of Ch. 33 you are eligible for.

Step 4: Fill out a CSM’s Benefits Request form on our website.

Once we have received and processed your Certificate of Eligibility and CSM’s Benefits Request form, an enrollment certification will be submitted to the VA via their online system – VAONCE.

You will receive an email from the VA once your enrollment certification has been submitted. You can also view VA paperwork by logging into myCSMD – Online Services, clicking on Current Students and then on Registration’s “My Documents” folder.

Eligible students will receive a Basic Housing Allowance and book stipend. Starting Fall 2018, the housing allowance is based on E-5 married BAH rate for the location (zip code) of where the student attends the majority of classes. To be eligible for BAH, you must be registered for at least 7 credits; to receive the full amount, you must be registered for 12 credits.

If you change your schedule, you must immediately notify CSM's VA Coordinator by email at veteransbenefits@csmd.edu or by phone at 301-934-7656.

Step 1: Apply to CSM (if you have not done so already).

Step 2: Fill out VA form 22-5490, the initial application for VA Benefits for dependents/survivors of 100 percent disabled or deceased veterans. This form is on the VA's website. Be sure to print it and fax to the VA Coordinator at CSM at 301-539-4767.

You must also fax the veteran's DD-214 member form 4 along with VA form 22-5490.

*** If you have already applied through the VA for CH. 35 Benefits, you would need to submit your Certificate of Eligibility. We will also need to know the veteran’s full SSN, as well as which dependent (i.e. spouse, first child, second child, etc.) of the veteran you are. ***

Step 3: Register and pay for your classes.

Step 4: Fill out CSM's Benefits Request Form. This form must be completed every semester you wish to use your VA Benefits at CSM. Once the VA processes your enrollment certification (this could take 8-12 weeks), you will be reimbursed on a monthly basis based on the amount of credits you are taking.

Step 1: Apply to CSM (if you have not done so already).

Step 2: Fill out VA form 22-1990 on the VA's website and print it out. If you can't complete an online application, you may use the paper application. Fax the printed copy to the VA Coordinator at CSM at 301-539-4767. You must also fax your NOBE (Notice of Basic Eligibility form - which you must obtain from your command). This step is a one-time requirement.

*If you have been issued a VA Educational Certificate of Eligibility, please email, fax, or bring it in.

Step 3: Register and pay for classes.

Step 4: Fill out CSM's Benefits Request Form online. This form must be completed every semester you wish to use your VA Benefits at CSM. Once the VA processes your enrollment certification (this could take 8-12 weeks), you will be reimbursed on a monthly basis based on the amount of credits you are taking.

The VA will determine how many months you have eligible to use under CH. 1606/1607. They will issue you a Certificate of Eligibility once they have processed your VA form 22-1990 and your NOBE. Submit a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility once you receive it from the VA.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government Website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Contact Us

veteransbenefits@csmd.edu
301-934-7656
Click here to schedule an online appointment.

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