Apply for Benefits

VA Education Benefits

Since 1944, the GI Bill® has helped qualifying Veterans and their family members get money to cover all or some of the school or training costs.

Scroll down to learn how to apply for and manage the education and training benefits you've earned. We are using DocuSign for our intake items and can send you the link to your UW email. 

Please Note: Next-of-kin (Veteran-Sponsor, spouse, parent, guardian, etc.) will not be provided information regarding student records; due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Federal Privacy Act, our correspondence must be conducted directly with the student. Next-of-kin can still access general information about Veteran Educational benefits.

After You've Applied

You must request certification every quarter to maintain benefits. You must use your UWNetID at the following link: Quarterly Certification Request to input your quarterly schedule and request certification. 

Please Note: Chapter 33, Chapter 33 TOE, and Chapter 31 students Taking strictly online (distance learning) classes, regardless of being full-time, will reduce your monthly MHA payment. You must have a minimum of one course, either hybrid or in-person, to receive the full MHA.

Types of VA Education Benefits

Use the GI Bill® Comparison Chart to decide which benefits are best for you. Simply click the button below.

Types of VA GI Bills®

Estimate Your Benefits

Use the GI Bill® Comparison Tool to estimate your benefits.

Estimate Benefits
Dates to Know

How to Apply for Post-9/11 GI Bill®

also called Chapter 33 for Veterans & Active Duty

  1. Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
    Mailed to you by the VA once you complete their application (available on their website linked here). To open your file, we can temporarily use a confirmation page (or number) after applying for the benefit. Please screenshot and combine your DD214. Note you will still need to provide your COE once it arrives.
  2. VA 22-1995 Change of Program
    On the VA Form 22-1995, only sections: 1A, 1B, 1D, 4B, 11A, and 11B need to be filled out. 
    1D: The VA file number is your social security number.
    4B: Put the degree you are working toward (including the major) in block 4B. If you change your mind later, you can submit a new form with your new program. The VA will only pay education benefits for classes required for your declared program. Your declared program must be on the list of approved programs at UW Tacoma.
  3. Application of Benefits
    The VA file number for Ch 33 is the same as the student's social security number. Both pages of the application are required. 
  4. Provide a copy of your DD214 Member 4 or Service Number 2
Submit VMRC Documents

How to Apply for Post-9/11 GI Bill®

also called Chapter 33 Transfer of Entitlement for Family Member

  1. Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
    Mailed to you by the VA once you complete their application (available on their website linked here).  Since the benefit was transferred to you, you will have to do this on your own account.  If you have not already applied for this, receiving a COE can take up to 30 days.  To open your file, we can temporarily use a confirmation page (or number) after you have applied for the benefit, combined with a confirmation of the transfer of benefits from your sponsor (which is available on MilConnect).  If you use a confirmation to open your file, you will still need to provide your COE once it arrives.
  2. VA-5495 Change of Program 
    Please fill out blocks 1,2, 3, 21A, 22, 23, 28A, and 28B on the change of program form. 
    For block 23, even if you are undecided, please put a major you intend to pursue at UW Tacoma.
  3. Application of Benefits
    The VA file number for Ch 33 TOE is the same as the student's social security number. Both pages of the application are required. 
Submit VMRC Documents

How to Apply for Dependents and Survivors

also called Chapter 35 benefits for Family Member

  1. Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
    Mailed to you by the VA once you complete their application (available on their website linked here).  Since the benefit was transferred to you, you will have to do this on your own account.  If you have not already applied for this, receiving a COE can take up to 30 days.  To open your file, we can temporarily use a confirmation page (or number) after applying for the benefit, combined with Proof of VA 100% Disability (of the sponsoring Veteran).  If you use a confirmation to open your file, you will still need to provide your COE once it arrives.
  2. VA-5495 Change of Program 
    Please fill out blocks 1,2, 3, 21A, 22, 23, 28A, and 28B on the program form change. 
    For block 23, even if you are undecided, please put a major you intend to pursue at UW Tacoma.
  3. Application of Benefits
    The VA file number for Ch 35 is your sponsor's social security number. Both pages of the application are required.
Submit VMRC Documents

How to Apply for Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve

also called Chapter 1606 for Military Members

  1. Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
    Mailed to you by the VA once you complete their application (available on their website linked here).  Since the benefit was transferred to you, you will have to do this on your own account.  If you have not already applied for this, receiving a COE can take up to 30 days.  To open your file, we can temporarily use a confirmation page (or number) after you have applied for the benefit, combined with a NOBE - Notice of Basic Eligibility (DD Form 2384-1) from your unit. If you use a confirmation to open your file, you will still need to provide your COE once it arrives.
  2. VA 22-1995 Change of Program
    On the VA Form 22-1995, only sections: 1A, 1B, 1D, 4B, 11A, and 11B need to be filled out. 
    1D: The VA file number is your social security number.
    4B: Put the degree you are working toward (including the major) in block 4B.  If you change your mind later, you can submit a new form with your new program.  The VA will only pay education benefits for classes required for your declared program.  Your declared program must be on the list of approved programs at UW Tacoma.
  3. Application of Benefits
    The VA file number for Ch 1606 is the same as the student's social security number. Both pages of the application are required. 
  4. Provide a copy of your DD214 Member 4 or Service Number 2
Submit VMRC Documents

How to Apply for Montgomery GI Bill®

also called Chapter 30 for Military Members

  1. Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
    Mailed to you by the VA once you complete their application (available on their website linked here).  Since the benefit was transferred to you, you will have to do this on your own account.  If you have not already applied for this, receiving a COE can take up to 30 days.  To open your file, we can temporarily use a confirmation page (or number). If you use a confirmation to open your file, you will still need to provide your COE once it arrives.
  2. VA 22-1995 Change of Program
    On the VA Form 22-1995, only sections: 1A, 1B, 1D, 4B, 11A, and 11B need to be filled out. 
    1D: The VA file number is your social security number.
    4B: Put the degree you are working toward (including the major) in block 4B.  If you change your mind later, you can submit a new form with your new program.  The VA will only pay education benefits for classes required for your declared program.  Your declared program must be on the list of approved programs at UW Tacoma.
  3. Application of Benefits
    The VA file number for Ch 30 is the same as the student's social security number. Both pages of the application are required. 
  4. Provide a copy of your DD214 Member 4 or Service Number 2
Submit VMRC Documents

How to Apply for Veteran Readiness and Employment

also called Chapter 31 for Veterans

  1. You may submit an application request online via the VA's E-Benefits website or Vet.GOV under the Education link.
  2. After Meeting with your VR&E Case Manager
  3. VR&E Case Manager will send VRMC's SCOs your Tungsten PO Authorization
  4. The VMRC will certify and provide the student with book/supply vouchers for the UW bookstore

How to Apply for Chapter 33 STEM

Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship for Veterans

  1. Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
    Mailed to you by the VA once you complete their application (available on their website linked here)
  2. Provide a copy of the STEM Certificate of Eligibility.
  3. The VMRC SCO will update your file with the new STEM COE
Submit VMRC Documents

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.