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VA Education Benefits
Since 1944, the GI Bill® has helped qualifying veterans and their family members cover some or all of their education and training costs.
Scroll down to find out how to apply for and manage the education benefits you’ve earned. We use DocuSign for our intake forms, and we can send you the link to your UW email.
Please Note: Due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Federal Privacy Act, we cannot share student records with next-of-kin (such as veteran sponsors, spouses, parents, or guardians). All correspondence must be conducted directly with the student. However, next-of-kin can still access general information about veteran educational benefits.
After You’ve Applied
To maintain your benefits, you must request certification every quarter. Use your UWNetID at the following link: Quarterly Certification Request to enter your schedule and request certification.
Please Note: Students using Chapter 33, Chapter 33 TOE, or Chapter 31 benefits who are taking only online (distance learning) classes—regardless of being full-time—will see a reduction in their monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) payment. To receive the full MHA, you need to enroll in at least one hybrid or in-person course.
Types of VA Education Benefits
Use the GI Bill® Comparison Chart to decide which benefits are best for you. Simply click the button below.
Estimate Your Benefits
Use the GI Bill® Comparison Tool to estimate your benefits.
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How to Apply for Post-9/11 GI Bill®
also called Chapter 33 for Veterans & Active Duty
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Once you complete your application for VA benefits, the VA will mail you a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). You can find the application on the VA's website link is here. In the meantime, we can use a confirmation page or number from your application. Just take a screenshot of it and combine it with your DD214. Remember, you’ll still need to provide the COE once it arrives. - VA 22-1995 Change of Program
When filling out the VA Form 22-1995, only complete the following sections: 1A, 1B, 1D, 4B, 11A, and 11B.- 1D: Your VA file number is your Social Security number.
- 4B: Indicate the degree and major you’re pursuing. If you decide to change your program later, you can submit a new form. Just keep in mind that the VA only pays education benefits for classes related to your declared program, which must be on UW Tacoma’s list of approved programs.
- Application of Benefits
For Chapter 33 benefits, your VA file number is the same as your Social Security number. Make sure to complete both pages of the application. - Provide a copy of your DD214 Member 4 or Service Number 2
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How to Apply for Post-9/11 GI Bill®
also called Chapter 33 Transfer of Entitlement for Family Member
Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Once you complete your application on the VA's website link is here. They will mail you your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). If the benefits were transferred to you, you’ll need to apply using your own account. Keep in mind that it can take up to 30 days to receive your COE.To get started, we can use a confirmation page or number from your application along with proof of the benefits transfer from your sponsor (available on MilConnect) to open your file. Just remember, you’ll still need to provide your COE once it arrives.
- VA-5495 Change of Program
When filling out the VA Form 5495, please complete the following blocks: 1, 2, 3, 21A, 22, 23, 28A, and 28B.- Block 23: Even if you’re unsure, please enter a major you plan to pursue at UW Tacoma.
- Application of Benefits
For Chapter 33 TOE benefits, your VA file number is the same as your Social Security number. Make sure to complete both pages of the application.
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How to Apply for Dependents and Survivors
also called Chapter 35 benefits for Family Member
Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
After you complete your application on the VA's website, link is here. they will mail you your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Since the benefits were transferred to you, you’ll need to apply using your own account. If you haven't applied yet, be aware that it can take up to 30 days to receive your COE.To get started, we can use a confirmation page or number from your application, along with proof of your sponsor's 100% VA disability, to open your file. Just remember, you’ll still need to provide your COE once it arrives.
- VA-5495 Change of Program
When filling out the VA Form 5495, please complete the following blocks: 1, 2, 3, 21A, 22, 23, 28A, and 28B.- Block 23: Even if you’re unsure, please write down a major you plan to pursue at UW Tacoma.
- Application of Benefits
For Chapter 35 benefits, your VA file number will be your sponsor's Social Security number. Make sure to complete both pages of the application.
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How to Apply for Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve
also called Chapter 1606 for Military Members
Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Once you complete your application on the VA's website, link is here). They will mail you your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Since the benefits were transferred to you, you’ll need to apply using your own account. If you haven't applied yet, keep in mind that it can take up to 30 days to receive your COE.To open your file, we can temporarily use a confirmation page or number from your application, along with a Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE - DD Form 2384-1) from your unit. Just remember, you’ll still need to provide your COE once it arrives.
- VA 22-1995 Change of Program
When filling out the VA Form 22-1995, only complete sections 1A, 1B, 1D, 4B, 11A, and 11B.- 1D: Your VA file number is your Social Security number.
- 4B: Write down the degree you are working toward, including your major. If you decide to change your program later, you can submit a new form. Note that the VA only pays education benefits for classes required for your declared program, which must be on UW Tacoma’s list of approved programs.
- Application of Benefits
For Chapter 1606 benefits, your VA file number is the same as your Social Security number. Be sure to complete both pages of the application. - Please include a copy of your DD214 Member 4 or Service Number 2 with your application.
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How to Apply for Montgomery GI Bill®
also called Chapter 30 for Military Members
Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
The VA will mail you your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) after you complete their application, which you can find on their website, link is here. Since the benefits were transferred to you, you’ll need to apply using your own account. If you haven’t applied yet, be aware that it can take up to 30 days to receive your COE.To open your file in the meantime, we can use a confirmation page or number from your application. Just remember, you’ll still need to provide your COE once it arrives.
- VA 22-1995 Change of Program
When filling out the VA Form 22-1995, only complete sections 1A, 1B, 1D, 4B, 11A, and 11B.- 1D: Your VA file number is your Social Security number.
- 4B: Enter the degree and major you are pursuing. If you decide to change your program later, you can submit a new form. Keep in mind that the VA only pays education benefits for classes required for your declared program, which must be on UW Tacoma’s list of approved programs.
- Application of Benefits
For Chapter 30 benefits, your VA file number is the same as your Social Security number. Make sure to complete both pages of the application. - Please include a copy of your DD214 Member 4 or Service Number 2 with your application.
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How to Apply for Veteran Readiness and Employment
also called Chapter 31 for Veterans
- Submit Your Application
You can apply online through the VA's E-Benefits website or Vet.GOV under the Education link. - Meet with Your VR&E Case Manager
Schedule a meeting with your VR&E Case Manager to discuss your plans. - Authorization Submission
Your VR&E Case Manager will send the Tungsten PO Authorization to the VMRC’s School Certifying Officials (SCOs). - Certification and Vouchers
The VMRC will certify your enrollment and provide you with book and supply vouchers for the UW bookstore.
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How to Apply for Chapter 33 STEM
Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship for Veterans
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
After you complete your application on the VA's website, link is here. They will mail you your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). - Please provide a copy of your STEM Certificate of Eligibility.
- The VMRC School Certifying Official (SCO) will update your file with the new STEM COE.
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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 website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
