How to obtain a certificate of eligibility for gi bill

The steps involved in applying for education benefits from the Post 9/11 GI Bill®, also known as Chapter 33.

The Post 9/11 GI Bill® provides up to 36 months of assistance to veterans and active duty service members with 90 days aggregate active duty (excluding entry and skill training) after September 11th, 2001. It can also be transferred to dependents before the veteran leaves service.

When should you apply?

Apply for the Post 9/11 GI Bill® at the same time you apply to UW-Madison, or as soon as possible after applying.

It can take 45-60 days for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to issue a certificate of eligibility.

The certificate is one of the necessary steps in the process to complete before you receive any benefits.

Things to do first

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How eligibility works

What does the GI Bill cover?

The benefit pays the in-state cost of tuition, a monthly housing allowance, and a book stipend. Based on eligibility, benefit users can have 50-100% of costs covered.

The benefit can also be used to reimburse fees for tests like the SAT or ACT.

See how much you can get covered at UW-Madison using the GI Bill comparison tool.

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Applying and tuition costs

Applying

The application is made through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website.

In addition to the online application, you can also choose to apply by mail, in person, or with the help of a trained professional through the VA website.

• Apply for federal benefits

Tuition costs

Tuition rates are published for each semester. The cost of attendance is an estimate of tuition, fees, course materials, books, housing, and more.

• Tuition rates
• Cost of attendance

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Apply for financial aid too

You can use the federal Post 9/11 GI Bill®, Wisconsin GI Bill and receive federal financial aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in applying for and receiving other types of financial aid.

How to apply for FAFSA

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Complete the certification process

This step is after the applying, and before you receive your education benefits.  The courses you choose to take need to be “certified” in order to receive your full benefits.

The process includes:

1. Selecting your benefits in MyUW Student Center.
2. University Veterans Services verifying your courses meet degree requirements.
3. University Veterans Services certifying you to the VA.

After you apply

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Receiving your education benefits

After you apply, and successfully complete the certification process, you’ll receive your benefits. For returning students, you’ll need to confirm what benefits you want each semester.

Roles and responsibilities

Student responsibilities

• Applying for education benefits
• Confirming benefits each semester
• Enrolling in courses required for your program(s)
• Providing UW-Madison any relevant documentation

University Veteran Services responsibilities

• Advising on the proper use of benefits
• Certifying enrollment through VA policy
• Contacting you if we encounter any issues

Department of Veteran Affairs responsibilities

• Determining eligibility for benefits
• Processing certification
• Issuing payment to you, the school, or both

Contact

Monday - Friday
9:00am - 4:00pm

Appointments

Drop-ins are always welcome, but appointments are encouraged.

Please visit our About Us page to make an appointment with a member of our staff.