New GI Bill delays
As reported in this paper, veterans and schools could see substantial delays in getting paid as the Veterans Affairs Departments processes benefits for the new Post-9/11 GI Bill that took effect Aug. 1. The Web site Inside Higher Ed has a thorough article presenting the realities, rumors and fears surrounding the enactment of the landmark legislation.
Processing delays aside, many vets fear a cash crunch after being caught unawares by rules such as that for the monthly housing allowance, which is paid at the end of the month rather than the beginning. It all makes for a great deal of stress during what already is a highly stressful time the start of the school year.
The good news is, many schools are willing to take the hit for their student veterans, promising to do all they can to ease financial burdens caused by any GI Bill payment problems. Two big things you can do to help:
1. Get your certificate of eligibility. Having that piece of paper in hand assures you and your school that you are eligible for the benefits for which you applied. Any delays in payment are just that delays. You can be confident that the money is coming. Without that piece of paper, most schools likely will act on good faith and let you enroll anyway, but you’ll be the one left holding the bill if you ultimately are found ineligible.
2. Talk to someone at your school the VA certifying official, military veteran coordinator, or even someone in financial aid. Perhaps your school has a plan in place to waive late fees, or has emergency resources to help short-term with financial assistance, said Ann Ingala, military veteran coordinator at Colorado State University.
Remember: Others rarely know you need help unless you ask for it.
