GI Bill® Benefits

Chapter 35 Monthly Enrollment Verification (Effective January 2026)

Beginning at the end of January 2026, Chapter 35 (DEA) beneficiaries must verify their enrollment each month for the VA to process benefit payments. After verification, payments typically process within 5–7 calendar days (timing may vary by bank).

December 2025 enrollments have already been verified, with payments expected by early January.

How to verify enrollment (fastest to slowest):

• Text: Opt in to receive a monthly text from the VA (recommended).
• Email: Monthly verification via email if text is not selected.
• Online: Verify through the VA’s online enrollment tool.
• Ask VA: Submit enrollment dates via message (manual review; processing begins after review).

To change your verification method or update contact information, visit VA.gov, use Ask VA, or call the Education Call Center (888-442-4551, Mon–Fri, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. CT).

• The Veterans Resouce Center offers assistance and information to Veterans and eligible dependents regarding VA Educational Benefits.
• The School Certifying Officials (SCO) in the Veterans Resouce Center & Admissions & Records Office certify veterans registration to the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
  • All certification guidelines can be found in the US Department of Veterans Affairs School Certifying Official Handbook.
• Upon receiving certification, VA pays the school and student as appropriate.

• School Certifying Officials (SCOs) are classified professionals responsible for certifying veterans' initial enrollment for GI Bill_® Benefits and reporting any changes in enrollment throughout the semester.
  • The certification submitted by the SCOs is evaluated by VA to determine payment.

• When the SCO certifies a student an automatic email is generated by VA confirming
  • the number of units certified,
  • type of certification (residence or distance),
  • dates of instruction,
  • date certification was submitted to VA.
• All email confirmations will go to the students email

VA determines payment amount based on the certification submitted by the SCO.

• If you believe your certification is inaccurate please contact us at vcgibill@vcccd.edu.
• If you have questions about the payment amount or determination, please contact VA.
  • 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551)