If you have never applied for or received VA educational benefits, you must first apply to the Department of Veterans Affairs. You can apply online with VONAPP.
If you are eligible, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility indicating your length of eligibility and how many months of benefits you can receive.
Every semester you want to receive benefits, you must complete a Request to Be Certified with the Veterans Educational Assistance Program (R-471). This is a McNeese form that can be downloaded or obtained from the Veterans Affairs office. Once you have registered for courses, complete the form, have your academic advisor or department head complete the bottom of the form, and submit the form to the Registrar’s office window. McNeese will submit your enrollment electronically to the Department of Veterans Affairs, which will then determine your eligibility for payment and the payment amount.
If you will be receiving benefits under Chapters 30, 1606, or 1607 you must verify your attendance with VA every month. You can do this by accessing VA’s Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) or by calling 1-877-823-2378. You will not receive payment until VA receives your verification.
