GI Bill® Benefits Checklist
Use the GI Bill® Benefits checklist to learn more about the process of applying for VA education benefits and how to use them at Baylor. There are three main steps to utilizing your benefits:
- Upload COE
- Submit RFC each term
- Verify enrollment
For more detailed information on the process, see below.
Step 1:
Students must apply for their VA education benefit to receive a VA issued Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The COE should be addressed and mailed to the student. In some instances, representatives at the VA GI Bill® Hotline can email certificates to applicants. Contact the Hotline if you have questions about the application or eligibility at 1-888-442-4551.
The student must complete the online VA Form 22-1990e. After submitting the application, the VA will mail the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or award letter to the mailing address entered on the application.
- Apply to use transferred benefits
The student must complete the online VA Form 22-5490. After submitting the application, the VA will mail the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or award letter to the mailing address entered on the application.
- Apply for John David Fry Scholarship
Student veteran completes the online VA Form 22-1990. After submitting the application, the VA will mail the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or award letter to the mailing address entered on the application.
- Apply to Ch 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill® , Ch 30 MGIB, or Ch 1006 MGIB -SR
- Ch 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill®, Ch 30 & Ch 1606 details
Apply for Chapter 31 Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
After applying for the Post 9/11 GI Bill®, the student veteran can access their online Statement of Benefits on the VA website.
- Students must complete the online VA Form 22-5490. After submitting the application, the VA will mail the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or award letter to the mailing address entered on the application.
- Apply for Ch 35 DEA
- Ch 35 DEA details
The student must complete one of the forms below. After submitting your application, the VA will mail the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or award letter to the mailing address entered on the application.
Ch 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill®, Ch 30 MGIB-AD, Ch 1606 MGIB-SR Change Benefits
Questions concerning eligibility requirements should be directed to the GI Bill® Hotline at 1-888-442-4551. Baylor University’s list of approved veteran education benefits can be found by visiting:
See our Veteran Education Benefit Types webpage for more information and links concerning eligibility.
Step 2: Upload Certificate of Eligibility
Once students receive their VA issued Certificate of Eligibility (COE), they are required to submit it to Baylor. Student veterans may upload their Statement of Benefits instead. Students will receive a confirmation email from VA_Benefits@Baylor.edu that the COE has been received and reviewed. This is not applicable to Ch 31 VR&E students.
Step 3: Submit Request for Certification (RFC) Each Semester
Once registered for classes, students must submit Baylor University’s Request for Certification (RFC) to receive VA benefit payments. This is required each term to receive benefit payments.
Step 4: Receive Confirmation from VA
Once the Baylor VA Education Benefits office has received the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and Request for Certification (RFC) nothing additional is needed from the student. From here, we will submit the student’s enrollment to the VA. The student should receive a confirmation email from the VA, stipends are generated, and the student’s award letter is mailed from the VA to the student’s address. Please note, the VA’s confirmation will be sent to the email address the student has on file with the VA, so be sure to monitor all associated email accounts.
Step 5: Confirm Credit to E-Bill (For Post 9/11 GI Bill® and Chapter 31 VR&E)
For Post 9/11 GI Bill® and Chapter 31 VR&E students, an anticipated VA tuition and fee memo/credit will post to their e-bill. The anticipated payment could reflect a tuition specific scholarship.
- For questions concerning how scholarships apply to VA Accounts, email scholarships@baylor.edu and include your Baylor ID number.
- The VA mandates Baylor University delay requesting tuition and fee payments until after the add-drop period. This is called "dual certification." Our office will initially certify your degree-applicable hours only. Submission of hours only will allow the VA to begin processing your housing allowance and book stipend. No tuition and fees are reported to the VA during the first certification. Please note, you will receive an initial mailed award letter from the VA saying no tuition and fees were charged by Baylor University.
Step 6: Verify Enrollment
Students using Post 9/11 GI Bill®, Chapter 30 (MGIB – AD), and Chapter 1606 (MGIB – SR) must verify enrollment monthly with the VA.
Step 7: Receive Stipend from VA
Students should receive monthly stipends via direct deposit from the VA on or around the first day of the following month. For example, August stipends should be received on or around September 1st. For questions concerning stipends, refer to your mailed VA award letter or contact the VA's GI Bill® Hotline at 1-888-442-4551.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.