VA Educational Benefits

The world of VA Educational Benefits can sometimes be confusing.  Here are some tips to help you with receiving your benefits, along with important contact information.

Certification:  The initial and most important step in applying for VA benefits is apply for admission to Grace College of Divinity.  After you have been accepted by the college, you need to provide a copy of your VA Certificate of Eligibility and your DD Form 214 to the financial aid office.

The second step is to register for classes.  As soon as you are registered, the VA Office will certify your program and hours signed up to take during the term.  It is strongly recommended that you register early so we can get your schedule approved and certification sent to the VA office in Atlanta.

The third step is to insure that you keep the VA office up to date on ANY schedule changes:  Students receiving VA Educational Benefits are required to report any and all changes of their enrollment status, including drops, adds, class changes, or non-attendance to the VA and GCD Certifying Official within three (3) days of the change.  Failure to report any change may result in your owing money back to the VA.  You are also reminded that you are not authorized to be absent from any class more than three (3) times – nine credit hours.   You are receiving benefits and that means you must be in attendance.

Classes in Curriculum:  All class schedules must be reviewed by your advisor to insure that classes are within your degree program.  It is possible to receive benefits under dual majors (VA benefits only, does not include Pell Grants) if you have completed at least 50% of your first major.  In order to receive benefits under two majors at the same time you must take at least six (6) credit hours in your first major.  If your schedule is reviewed and you are taking classes that do not apply towards graduation in your major, your certification will be revised or terminated.  You may not receive VA benefits for audit, non-credit courses, or repeating a class for a higher grade.

Monthly Verification of Enrollment   All students who are receiving benefits must verify their enrollment monthly  with the VA by either using the VA toll free system or the Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) system via the internet or by telephone (1-800-823-2378) and follow the prompts. The earliest you can certify is on the last calendar day of the month.

Important phone Numbers:

When you have a question regarding your VA educational benefits, please do not hesitate to call one of the offices listed below:

VA Regional Office – Atlanta   1-888-442-4551

GCD VA Certifying Official 910-221-2224