Using My GI Bill ®
We understand that using educational benefits at South is an important part of being a JagVet. Although this may be a new experience, these steps can simplify the process.
Remember to check your JagMail. This is the University's official means of communicating with you. We will send notifications to you through your JagMail, so check it early and often.
*Veterans and all servicemembers must submit their Military transcripts to use their GI Bill.
Based on your military experiences and training, you may have college credit recommendations to apply toward a degree requirement or program of study. This guide is designed to help you obtain college credit for your military training and experience, whether you are an active duty service member or a veteran.
The first step in the process is to get a copy of your military transcript. Click to get started!
We encourage you to research educational benefits you may qualify.
Complete the application for VA Educational benefits at Vets.gov.
Shortly after submitting the application, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility from the Veterans Administration. You must be an admitted student to use VA educational benefits at South.
You must be an admitted student to use VA educational benefits at South.
A. Provide the Office of Veterans Affairs a copy of your Certification of Eligibility
B. Create a file in the Office of Veterans Affairs by completing the Veterans Affairs Database Entry Form at https://jagaspx2.southalabama.edu/onestop/Forms/VABenefits.
Students who plan to use Chapter 35 - Dependents Educational Assistance Program will need to be ready to share the servicemember's VA File number (most commonly the service member's social security number) during your follow up phone call that you will schedule.
All federal Veterans Affairs students should read and retain the following Statement of Understanding. This is the first document you will read and agree that you understand when agreeing to use VA educational benefits at South. A record of this document is kept in each student file for records purposes.
**Please note, all veterans and servicemembers must submit their military transcripts during the application process. You can not receive benefits for courses that you have successfully completed at another school. To learn how to submit your military transcript, visit https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/veteransaffairs/militarytransfercredittable.html.
C. If you have used your veterans benefits prior using them at South, go to vets.gov and complete the VA Form 22-1995 (veterans) or VA Form 22-5495 (dependents), Request for Change of Program or Place of Training. Provide a copy of the confirmation page to the Office of Veterans Affairs.
This depends on the chapter of your benefit (see "Benefits" for details).
Undergraduate Students
A. For students using Chapter 33 Post 9/11, you must submit a Request for Certification. Your Request for Certification must be signed by your academic advisor every semester verifying the courses enrolled in are in accordance with your degree plan. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that your Request for Certification is submitted before the start of the academic term. The Office of Veterans Affairs will process your certification request. You may email Vets@southalabama.edu for quicker processing results. Your tuition and fees will be paid directly to the University from the Veterans Administration, while your Monthly Housing Allowance and books Stipend will be paid directly to the student.
B. Students using Chapter 30, Chapter 1606 will need to submit their Request for Certification and complete their monthly verification by telephone at (877) 823-2378 or by using the Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (W.A.V.E) system (https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/index.do).
C. If using Chapter 35, please submit a request for certification. Your stipend will be provided to the student from the Veterans Administration.
D. Students who are using Chapter 31 will need to provide a copy of your 22-1905 once received from your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. The Veterans Administration will send payment for tuition and fees (as indicated on the student's 22-1905) directly to the University. You will also submit a Request for Certification, then the Office of Veterans Affairs will email USA Bookstore, where you will pick up your textbooks from the Scholarship Desk.
Graduate Students
A. Graduate students may submit a degree plan that outlines the courses required to meet their degree requirements. Once the Office of Veterans Affairs has received your degree plan, please email us at Vets@southalabama.edu and let us know the number of credit hours you plan on taking for the semester.
B. Graduate students also have the option to email your signed Request for Certification to Vets@southalabama.edu for quicker processing results.
C. Once you have been certified, your benefits will be disbursed in a similar fashion as undergraduate students. Please see the undergraduate section above for details.