Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I contact the Texas A&M University - Central Texas VA Assistance office?
- Where can I find out more information about the Post 911 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill or Chapter 31 Benefits?
- What is the purpose of the certification form?
- When is the TAMUCT/VA FORM 1 collected?
- What VA chapter do I fall under?
- Do I Qualify for VA Education Benefits?
- How Do I Apply for VA Education Benefits?
- What are the VA payment rates?
- How does VA calculate payments?
- Will I be paid during the semester breaks?
- How do I claim courses at another institution?
- How long do I have to claim past semesters?
- Who pays the tuition and fees?
- Why do I have a hold on my records?
- Military Credit Evaluation
- Can I use the Hazlewood Act along with the Montgomery G.I. Bill?
How do I contact the Texas A&M - Central Texas VA Assistance office?
The VA Assistance office is located in room 146 (across from Admissions & Records Office), and is open Monday through Thursday from 8am until 5pm and Friday from 8-12pm. The Office telephone is 254-519-5423
Where can I find out more information about the Post 911 GI Bill, the Montgomery G.I. Bill or Vocational Rehabilitation Program Benefits?
For additional information on VA Education Benefits for all chapters, logon to the following website: www.gibill.va.gov.
For additional information on Education Benefits for Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment logon to the following website www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/.
What is the purpose of the certification form (TAMUCT/VA FORM 1)?
The (TAMUCT/VA Form 1) serves as a permission slip from the student to the VA Certifying Official to certify their enrollment for the semester. Once the classes are compared to the degree plan, the certification data is submitted to the VA Regional Processing Center (RPO) in Muskogee, Oklahoma via internet; the student will then receive notice from the VA RPO on their enrollment and pay schedule for the semester. Information listed on the form 1 need to be accurate as this will prevent delays in certification and monthly payments. Copies of the form 1 may be obtained outside the VA Office (room 146) or on our website under Veterans Affairs.
(The VA Office will not process certifications without a completed Form 1)
When is TAMUCT/VA FORM 1 collected?
The form 1 is collected each semester during registration.
What VA chapter do I fall under?
- Chapter 30- Montgomery G.I. Bill – Active Duty (MGIB)
- Chapter 32 -Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
- Chapter 33 – Post 911 GI Bill
- Chapter 34 - Vietnam-Era GI Bill Program
- Chapter 31 - Vocational Rehabilitation
- Chapter 35 - Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA)
- Chapter 1606 - Montgomery G.I. Bill – Selected Reserve
- Chapter 1607 - Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
Do I qualify for VA Education Benefits?
The VA will determine which education benefit you qualify for. VA also determines the monthly entitlement depending on the certification submitted by the school. For questions and inquiries regarding VA Education Benefits, students may call 1-888-GIBILL1 (1-888-442-4551) or visit www.gibill.va.gov/.
How do I apply for VA Education Benefits?
You can apply for VA Education Benefits by completing the VA Form 22-1990 (Application for VA Education Benefits for Chapters 30, 32, 33, 34, 1606 and 1607) or the VA Form 22-5490 (Application for Survivors’ and Dependents; Educational Assistance for Chapter 35). Forms are available at the Veterans’ Affairs Office Texas A&M University - Central Texas or at any VA Office. You may also apply on-line at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp (save a copy for the schools VA file). For those using the Transfer of Entitlement under chapter 33 the VA Form 22-1990e will need to be completed.
What are the VA payment rates?
A listing of Education Benefit Payment Rates can be found at www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/rates.htm
How does VA calculate payments?
The monthly benefit paid is based on the type of training, length of service, VA chapter, and added kickers from DOD (Department of Defense) or College fund moneys.
Students are certified using the beginning and ending dates of the terms enrolled. VA determines the monthly benefits once the certification has been received and processed. The semester course load certified determines the allotted monthly benefit deducted from the students entitlement. For Example: A full-time undergraduate student will be eligible to receive full VA benefits (12 credit hours minimum for 16 week term or 6 credit hours minimum each 8 week term). A full-time graduate student will also be eligible to receive full VA benefits when enrolled in 9 hours for 16 week term or 6 hour for an 8 week term. A student who enrolls for less than full-time will have the amount he/she can receive in benefits prorated.
Only courses required for the degree plan will be certified by VA. It is the students’ responsibility to inform the VA Office of any changes in status, such as dropping/adding courses, course substitutions, program or degree changes or withdrawal from the school after a semester or term has begun. Failure to do so may result in over payments or incorrect monthly payments.
Will I be paid during the semester breaks?
Students will automatically be paid for breaks between terms of less than 30 days. If you do not want to be paid for these breaks, you must notify the VA Office prior to being certified for the semester.
How do I claim courses at another institution?
Students taking classes at another institution with the purpose of transferring credit back to Texas A&M University - CT must inform the VA Office. The VA Office will then generate a Parent Institution Letter used by the other school to process a certification. The student will be flagged as a guest student by the other institution.
How long do I have to claim past semesters?
The VA Office can process certifications for past semesters up to one year. Anything over a year will be certified as requested by the student and VA will determine eligibility.
Who pays the tuition and fees?
All VA students (with the exception of Chapter 31 – Vocational Rehabilitation and chapter 33 Post 911 GI Bill) are responsible for tuition, fees, and books. Student needs to be prepared to pay out of pocket expenses when starting at Texas A&M University - CT. It takes approximately 45-60 days to start receiving your education benefit payments once certified by the school. You may contact Student Services/Financial Aid Office to inquire about payment plan options.
Why do I have a hold on my record?
A hold is placed on ALL VA students attending and certified by the VA Office at Texas A&M-CT. This hold ensures that the students are in compliance with the Department of Veterans Affairs requirements. If you are attempting to add or drop courses, you must contact the Texas A&M University - CT VA Office by calling 254-519-5423 for the hold to be removed for 24 hours. Once the schedule changes are complete, please contact the VA Office and submit the proper paperwork for any adjustments in enrollment. Please Note: It is not necessary to see the VA Representative to have the hold removed for registration.
Military Credit Evaluation
To request your official military transcript, logon to the website of your military affiliation:
Army: https://aartstranscript.army.mil
Navy/Marine: https://smart.navy.mil or https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/
Air Force: http://www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf/transcripts.asp
Request official copies are sent to the Admission Office at Texas A&M University – Central Texas.
Can I use the Hazlewood Act along with Montgomery G.I. Bill?
No. You cannot use the Hazelwood Act until all your Montgomery GI Bill benefits have been exhausted. And Yes you can use your 911 GI Bill and the Hazelwood together only if you are rated 90% or less (VA will pay 90% of your tuition and fees and Hazelwood will pay the other 10%) For information on the Hazelwood Act contact our Financial Aid Office at 254-519- 5442.