Veterans Services

ASU'S Veterans Services Office

The Veterans Services Office at Arizona State University is primarily responsible for administration of veterans educational benefits programs. The Veterans Services Office also provides resource information to students. We encourage veterans attending ASU to contact our office in person or by phone with any questions they may have pertaining to their education or any of their VA Educational Benefits.

Using the latest technology available, the Veterans Services Office processes claims electronically to the VA Regional Processing Center in Muskogee, Oklahoma, for payment of benefits.

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Locations and Contact Information

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
For more information please contact the appropriate campus office at:

Arizona State University-Tempe campus
Student Services Building, University Registrar Office
Veterans Services
P.O. Box 870312
Tempe AZ 85287-0312
480.965.7723
480.965.2295 Fax
VeteransServices@asu.edu

Arizona State University-West campus
University Center Building, Room 120
P.O. Box 37100, MC 0250
Phoenix AZ 85069-7100
602.543.8220
602.543.8312 Fax
w.westvso@asu.edu

Arizona State University-Polytechnic campus
Quad 3103A, 7001 E. Williams Field Road
Mesa AZ 85212
480.727.1632
480.727.1630 Fax

Arizona State University-Downtown campus
Enrollment Services
University Center 166
Phoenix AZ 85004
602.496.4372
602.496.0376 Fax

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Educational Benefit Programs

Chapter 33: Post- 9/11 G.I. Bill

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a new education benefit program for individuals who served on active duty for at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001 or were discharged with a service-related disability after 30 continuous days. Under the new chapter, effective August 1, 2009, eligible participants (veterans, service members, and dependents) pursuing a VA approved training program may receive the following benefits at a percentage based on the length of active duty service:

1. Cost of tuition and fees, not to exceed the most expensive in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher education (paid directly to the school);
2. Monthly housing allowance equal to the basic allowance for housing payable to a military E-5 with dependents, in the same zip code as the primary school (paid directly to the service member or veteran);
3. Yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1000 per year (paid directly to the service member or veteran); and
4. A one-time payment of $500 paid to certain individuals relocating from highly rural areas.

Specific questions about eligibility for VA benefits should be addressed to the VA. For additional information, see www.gibill.va.gov

* Note: If an individual’s tuition and fees exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition or fees, additional funding may be available for eligible students through a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill called the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Yellow Ribbon Program

The Post- 9/11 GI Bill pays up to the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition and fees. To assist students whose tuition and fees exceed that amount because they are enrolled as non-residents and/or in graduate programs, the Post-9/11 GI Bill has an additional provision called the Yellow Ribbon Program. Under this voluntary program, institutions can enter into an agreement with the VA to help fund the additional expenses for eligible students. The VA will match each additional dollar funded by the institution, and the combined amounts may not exceed the full cost of the institution’s charged tuition and fees for the VA approved programs.

ASU has elected to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program for the 2009-2010 academic years with funding for a maximum of 500 eligible applicants. Per VA requirements, eligible individuals must be 100% eligible for the Post- 9/11 GI Bill to apply for this funding and will receive funding on a first-come-first-served basis. Visit http://www.gibill.va.gov/ for additional information.

• Yellow Ribbon Program Application 

Chapter 30: Montgomery G.I. Bill

This is the most common VA education program. There are four eligibility categories with the most common being those individuals who 1) entered active duty on or after July 1, 1985 and 2) contributed $100.00 a month for 12 months and have an honorable discharge.

Chapter 35: Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program

This is the only VA educational benefit for individuals without military service. The program is for: 1) Dependents or spouses of veterans who have died or are totally and permanently disabled as the result of a service connected disability or died while evaluated as having a total and permanent disability, or 2) Dependents or spouse of a person who is listed as a POW or MIA.

Chapter 1606: Montgomery G.I. Bill- Selected Reserve

This program is for active members of components of the Selected Reserve and National Guard. Eligible participants require: 1) Enlistment or reenlistment in the selected reserve with an obligation to serve for a period of not less than 6 years following enlistment on or after July 1, 1985, 2) Completion of secondary school diploma requirements, or 3) Completion of IDAT (initial date active training).

Chapter 1607: Reserve Educational Assistance Program

REAP was established as a part of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005. It is a new Department of Defense education benefit program designed to provide educational assistance to members of the Reserve components called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency (contingency operation) as declared by the President or Congress. This new program makes certain reservists who were activated for at least 90 days after September 11, 2001, either eligible for education benefits or eligible for increased benefits.

Chapter 31: Vocational Rehabilitation

To qualify for this benefit the service member must have a service-connected disability. For more information regarding this benefit and the application process, contact the Department of Veteran Affairs at 1.800.827.1000 or visit www.va.gov.

Kickers & Additional Contributions

A kicker is part of an enlistment contract, often referred to as the Army College Fund. The kicker is a fixed dollar amount that will be disbursed in even installments over the course of the entitlement period for Chapter 30 and 1606 recipients. Service members also have the opportunity to pay additional contribution amounts that are generally matched 9 to 1 and added to the monthly benefit in even disbursements. The VA should automatically pay the higher benefit rate as an addition to the normal entitlement amount paid each month to the veteran. If not, the veteran should contact the VA Regional Office processing their claim.

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Other Educational Related Programs

Work-Study Program

This is a work program available to any educational benefit recipient who is attending college or university at three-quarter time (16 week term = 9 credits) or more. Students may obtain employment at the VA Medical Facility, VA Regional Office or at other approved state employment facilities. Students are paid at federal or state minimum wage which ever is higher and these payments are non-taxable. Interested individuals should contact ASU's Veterans Services Office or the Muskogee VA Office at 1-888-442-4551 and request the work-study desk.

Veterans Upward Bound

The Veterans Upward Bound Program provides instruction and advising to veterans beginning or returning to college or pursuing a GED. The program provides services to all low income or first generation college-bound veterans. The program offers day and evening classes and operates on an open entry system. To qualify a veteran must have served more than 180 consecutive days on active duty with at least a portion of this service falling after January 31, 1955. Discharge status can be anything but dishonorable in order to participate. Courses offered include English/Reading, Writing/Literature, Math, Basic Computers, Spanish, and Science. For more information please visit the program web site at http://www.asu.edu/studentaffairs/trio/vub.html.

Tuition Assistance

Tuition Assistance is a Department of Defense program. The program is not administered or monitored by the VA. Tuition Assistance rules vary by branch of service and even vary between different units within the same branch of service depending on whether the unit is active, reserve or National Guard. Questions regarding Tuition Assistance, as well as the obtaining of application forms, should be directed to the veteran student's unit Education Service Officer.

The ASU Veterans Services Office does not determine a veteran's eligibility for benefits. The office will assist in the completion of applications and communication of veteran student enrollment to the VA for the purposes of certification and receipt of benefits. For more information regarding individual eligibility for these and other educational benefits, please contact the Department of Veteran Affairs Regional Processing Center at 1.800.827.1000 or visit the web at www.gibill.va.gov.

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Tuition Deferments

The State of Arizona allows veterans who receive VA educational benefits to defer (interest free) the payment of tuition, fees, and charges for all necessary textbooks and supplies. This deferment will not cover student health insurance. Students interested in receiving a deferment need to request it at the appropriate Veterans Services Office prior to the fee payment deadline.

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Military Activation

Students with inquiries regarding military activation and the effect on their enrollment should contact the appropriate Veterans Services Office for their campus.
Military Activation Form 

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Application Process and Forms

Students applying for veterans educational benefits should allow eight to ten weeks for processing before receiving benefits. The amount of benefits awarded is determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs and is based on the number of credit hours or clock hours for which a student is enrolled.

• New Student Process
• Continuing/Transfer Students Process

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New Students

New students are those who have not used VA benefits before at any institution of higher education. To apply for benefits please complete the following steps:

Complete and submit the appropriate VA application and supporting document to Veteran Services, located in the Student Services Building, University Registrar's Office, at Arizona State University.

Applications can also be submitted to the VA directly on-line at VONAPP at www.gibill.va.gov.

Required Supporting Documentation

• DD-214 (Military Discharge Document) - Copy Member 4 (Ch 30 & 1606, only)
• DD-2384 (NOBE - Notice of Basic Eligibility) (Ch 1606, only)

Additional Forms required for ASU's Veterans Services Office

• Communications Log - Print the form and complete the top part.
• Veterans Standards Letter - Print the form, read, initial each section, sign and date the back.
• Graduate Plan of Study - For graduate students only. This form must be completed by your academic advisor.
• Activity Sheet - Print the form, complete and fax or mail to the Veteran Services Office for your campus. This enrollment information will be sent to the VA every semester.

Other Forms, if applicable

• Concurrent Enrollment, 315 - This is necessary if ASU is your parent school and you are taking courses at another school (supplemental school). Your parent school advisor must complete this form verifying that the courses you are taking at the supplemental school are applicable to your degree program at ASU. Complete this form and turn it into the Veterans Services Office at ASU, which will fax it to the supplemental school's VA office.
• DARS Evaluation Form - This form is used if you are enrolled in a course that does not automatically appear on your Degree Audit Report. The form needs to be completed by your advisor, verifying that the course(s) will apply to the degree program.
• Veterans Deferment Request Form - A deferment is issued at the student's request after the student applies for educational benefits at ASU. A separate form is needed each semester. Please contact the ASU Veteran Services Office for the form.
• Tutorial Assistance - This is for students who are using educational benefits and need tutoring during the semester. Students can receive additional VA assistance to defer the expenses incurred for tutoring services. To utilize this, the student must obtain a letter from the instructor indicating the exact tutoring needed, select a tutor and submit the VA Tutorial Assistance form, 22-1990t, to the appropriate Veterans Services Office. The amount paid is at the rate of the monthly tutoring cost not to exceed $100.00 per calendar month. The maximum amount payable is $1200.00 with the first $600 coming from the VA and the last $600 being deducted from the student's remaining entitlement. Dependent students, Chapter 35, receive up to $1200 without entitlement being charged.

Monthly Verification

Ch. 30, 1606 and 1607 students are responsible for verifying their own enrollment at the end of each month. You must do this to get your benefit check for school attendance the previous month. Contact the VA Regional Processing Office each month by phone at 1.877.823.2378 or online at https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/.

Ch. 33 recipients will not be responsible to verify until further notice.

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Continuing or Transfer Students

This process is for students who are either using their benefits at the ASU and are changing their major or degree program or are transferring students from another college or university where they have already used VA educational benefits.

Complete and submit the appropriate VA form to the appropriate Arizona State University Veteran Services Office.

Additional Forms required for ASU's Veterans Services Office

• Communications Log - Print the form and complete the top part.
• Veterans Standards Letter - Print the form, read, initial each section, sign and date the back.
• Graduate Plan of Study - For graduate students only. This form must be completed by your academic advisor.
  Other Forms, if applicable
• Concurrent Enrollment, 315 Form - This is necessary if ASU is your parent school and you are taking courses at another school (supplemental school). Your parent school advisor must complete this form verifying that the courses you are taking at the supplemental school are applicable to your degree program at ASU. Complete this form and turn it into the Veterans Services Office at ASU, which will fax it to the supplemental school's VA office.
• DARS Evaluation Form - This form is used if you are enrolled in a course that does not automatically appear on your Degree Audit Report. The form needs to be completed by your advisor, verifying that the course(s) will apply to the degree program.
• Tutorial Assistance - This is for students who are using educational benefits and need tutoring during the semester. Students can receive additional VA assistance to defer the expenses incurred for tutoring services. To utilize this, the student must obtain a letter from the instructor indicating the exact tutoring needed, select a tutor and submit the VA Tutorial Assistance form, 22-1990t, to the appropriate Veteran Services Office. The amount paid is at the rate of the monthly tutoring cost not to exceed $100.00 per calendar month. The maximum amount payable is $1200.00 with the first $600 coming from the VA and the last $600 being deducted from the student's remaining entitlement. Dependent students, Chapter 35, receive up to $1200 without entitlement being charged.

Monthly Verification

Ch. 30, 1606 and 1607 students are responsible for verifying their own enrollment at the end of each month. You must do this to get your benefit check for school attendance the previous month. Contact the VA Regional Processing Office each month by phone at 1.877.823.2378 or on-line at https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/.

Ch. 33 recipients will not be responsible to verify until further notice.

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Vocational Rehabilitation, Chapter 31

Both transfer and continuing students using Chapter 31 benefits must submit or have their caseworker forward Form 28-1905 to ASU Veterans Services Office, each new term. The following information is required to complete a file for certification of benefits.

Once you have registered for the semester, you need to contact the appropriate ASU Veteran Services Office before the end of the work day to certify and hold courses for the semester. Failure to do so may result in you being enrolled in ASU's Tuition Installment Plan and responsible for the applicable administrative fee.

Any charges at the ASU Bookstore must be made two weeks prior to the beginning of the semester or within the first three weeks of the semester if the VA is to be billed for the purchases made through the bookstore. Once this purchase period has passed you are responsible for payment to the bookstore and must contact your case manager for reimbursement. Supply purchases that exceed the $75 limit must be approved by the case manager, and arrangement must be made with the bookstore in advance. You must pay for any item purchased through stores other than the ASU Bookstore and contact your case manager for reimbursement.

Additional Forms required for ASU's Veterans Services Office

• Communications Log - Print the form and complete the top part.
• Veterans Standards Letter - Print the form, read, initial each section, sign and date the back.
• Graduate Plan of Study - For graduate students only. This form must be completed by your academic advisor.
• Activity Sheet - Print the form, complete and fax or mail to the Veteran Services Office for your campus. This enrollment information will be sent to the VA every semester.

Other Forms, if applicable

• Concurrent Enrollment, 315 Form - This is necessary if ASU is your parent school and you are taking courses at another school (supplemental school). Your parent school advisor must complete this form verifying that the courses you are taking at the supplemental school are applicable to your degree program at ASU. Complete this form and turn it into the Veterans Services Office at ASU, which will fax it to the supplemental school's VA office.
• DARS Evaluation Form - This form is used if you are enrolled in a course that does not automatically appear on your Degree Audit Report. The form needs to be completed by your advisor, verifying that the course(s) will apply to the degree program.
• Tutorial Assistance - Tutorial assistance for students attending under Vocational Rehabilitation must be approved by their case managers prior to signing up.

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General Guidelines

Academic Progress

Department of Veterans Affairs regulations require that all persons using any type of veteran educational assistance programs be making satisfactory academic progress toward achievement of their educational objective (degree plan) as defined in the ASU catalog. A student who fails to meet the minimum standards will be placed on probation or disqualification. If satisfactory academic progress has not been demonstrated, veteran educational benefits will be terminated until such progress can be demonstrated. Benefits may be resumed when the veteran student raises his/her cumulative grade point average (GPA) to the required minimum standards or demonstrates the ability to meet these standards.

Changes in Student Status

It is the veteran student's responsibility to notify the appropriate ASU Veteran Services Office, regarding any change in enrollment, address, degree plan, enrollment at another institution, or any other change that may impact his/her veteran educational benefits. Failure to report such changes can result in an overpayment requiring debt collection action from the VA.

Credit for Prior Training/Training

Veteran students are required to request and have evaluated all prior college and university credit received prior to, during and after military service. This is to ensure that the VA does not pay for coursework twice and that students receive the most from their benefits.

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Definitions

Advance Pay

Advance payment provides funds at the beginning of a school term to help the student meet expenses such as tuition, fees and books. Veteran students interested in advance pay must be enrolled at least half-time and must request such payment no more than 120 and no less than 30 days from the start of the enrollment period (start day of first class). Advance payment will be for the amount of benefits payable for the initial and following month of the semester. No other benefits will be received until the third month after the start of class.

Break Pay

Break pay refers to benefit amounts paid between two semesters, quarters or terms. Veteran students do not need to request break pay. The VA will pay automatically unless directed not to by the student. Students are not guaranteed break pay. Payment for breaks will be determined by VA rules and regulations.

Certification

Certification is the process by which the school notifies the VA of a veteran student's enrollment that may be eligible for VA educational benefit payment. Students must request certification each enrollment period.

Concurrent Enrollment

Veteran students may be eligible to enroll and receive benefits for attending more than one college or university. The student must establish a parent school (generally the school where they intend to complete their Degree Plan). The student must then inform Veteran Services at the parent school of his/her intention to enroll at another college (supplemental school) either on a part-time basis or for a full semester. The parent school will then direct the student and supplemental school on the process for benefit certification.

Degree Audit Report (DARS)

Veteran students who wish to receive VA educational benefits must follow their DARS to receive benefits for the semester. If a course does not meet a requirement on the DARS report, the student must pick up a DARS Approval form from the appropriate ASU Veterans Services Office and take to the advisor. Only those courses the advisor has authorized can be claimed for benefits. DARS Form.

Direct Deposit

Veterans may choose to receive their educational benefit payments via direct deposit to their bank checking accounts. This service may be requested at the time of application or may be established via phone at 1.877.838.2778. Forms are also available at the Veteran Services Office, located in the Student Services Building.

Enrollment Verifications-VA Monthly

The VA Regional Processing Office requires that veterans receiving educational benefits (Ch 30, 1606 & 1607) verify enrollment each month via the internet or phone. This is to ensure that the veteran is being paid properly and to avoid over/under payment of benefits. If required, verify enrollment by phone at 1.877.823.2378 or online at https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/. Please note that veteran students receiving Ch 31 & 35 benefits do not need to verify monthly enrollment. Ch 33 recipients will not be responsible to briefly until further notice.

Remedial & Deficiency Courses

Remedial or deficiency courses which are specifically required for pursuit of a post-secondary program of education or to overcome a deficiency in a particular area of study may be certified for purposes of VA educational benefits.

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Forms

VA Education Benefit Forms:

• 22-1990 Application for VA Educational Benefits Ch 30, 33 & 1606
• 22-5490 Application for Survivors' and Dependents Educational Assistance, Ch 35
• 22-1995 Request for Change of VA Education Program Place of Training, Ch 30, 33 & 1606
• 22-5495 Request for Change of VA Education Program Place of Training, Ch 35
• 22-1990t Application and Enrollment Certification for Individualized Tutorial Assistance
• VONAPP Electronic Application for VA Benefits

Arizona State University, Veterans Service Office Forms:

Communications Log - A record of information and services provided for your file.

Veterans Standards Letter - Required for every file before certification can be completed. This form ensures that students understand their responsibilities as well as the ASU Veterans Services Office's.

Graduate Program of Study - For graduate students only. This form must be completed by your academic advisor.

Concurrent Enrollment, 315 Form - This is necessary if ASU is your parent school and you are taking courses at another school (supplemental school). Your parent school advisor must complete this form verifying that the courses you are taking at the supplemental school are applicable to your degree program at ASU. Complete this form and turn it into the Veteran Services Office at ASU which will fax it to the supplemental school's VA office.

DARS Evaluation - This form is used if you are enrolled for a course that does not automatically appear on your Degree Audit Report. The form needs to be completed by your advisor, verifying that the course(s) will apply to the degree program.

Activity Sheet - Print the form, complete and fax or mail to the Veteran Services Office for your campus. This enrollment information will be sent to the VA every semester.

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Other Related Information

Department of Veterans Affairs:

Muskogee Regional Processing Office
This site is great for locating information regarding your VA educational benefits, eligibility and payment information.
Address: P.O. Box 8888
Muskogee, OK 74402-8888
Phone: 1.888.442.4551
Enrollment Verification: 1.877.823.2378 or WAVE online

Arizona Department of Veteran Services - Phoenix Office
This site provides general VA benefit information for Arizona veterans.
Address: 4141 N 3rd St.
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: 602.248.1554

Federal Department of Veterans Affairs
Health, Compensation, Home Loan, Education, Appeals, Life Insurance, Vocational Rehabilitation & Burial Benefit Information
Address: 3333 N Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: 1.800.827.1000

Web Information
muskrpo@vba.va.gov - Muskogee Regional Processing Center, e-mail inquiries
www.gibill.va.gov/ - VA Homepage
www.todaysgibill.org/ - Benefit Information
www.gibill.va.gov/wave - CH. 30 & CH. 1606 & 1607 web site for monthly verification

Important Phone Numbers

Department of Defense/Service Branches:

These sites contain general information regarding each military branch and service.

• Department of Defense
• US Air Force
• US Army
• US Coast Guard
• US Marine Corps
• US Navy

House Committee on Veteran Affairs
This sites provides up-to-date news and information on legislation and legislators working for veterans and veteran's benefits issues.

National Archives and Records Administration
This site can assist students looking for past military service records.

Lost DD214
This is a resource for obtaining misplaced DD214 (Military Discharge) records.

The Vet Center - Phoenix
The Vet Center in Phoenix, provides a variety of counseling services to veterans and their families, including post-war adjustment assistance. Vet Center 602) 379-4769.

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Frequently Asked Questions

I may be eligible to attend ASU using VA Benefits. Who do I contact for this information?

The Veteran Services Office has been tasked by ASU to serve veterans who are using Veterans Administration (VA) Educational Benefits to pursue college degrees.

What do I need to do to get my educational benefits started at ASU?

The first step would be to apply for admissions to the University. Once you are accepted you would need to contact the appropriate ASU Veterans Services Office to get the paperwork to start a file.

How do I start a file in the Veterans Services Office?

An eligible person needs to stop by the ASU Veterans Services Office and pick up an Information Packet, an application for benefits and a Standards Letter.

Do I need to bring any paperwork with me to the office?

If a student is a veteran and eligible for Ch. 30, Montgomery G.I. Bill, they would bring their member 4 copy of the DD-214. If a student is eligible for Ch. 33, Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, they would need to bring a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility to the Veterans Services Office. If they are eligible for Ch. 1606, Montgomery G. I. Bill - Reservists/National Guardsmen, they would need a Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE), DD-2384 form. This form may be picked up from their units Educational Officer. If they are eligible for 1607: Reserve Educational Assistance Program, they would need their orders calling them to active duty and their DD214 (member 4 copy) when released from active duty.

How do I find out if I have any benefits left?

Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs at 1.800.827.1000.

Page last updated: 11/20/09