| The Department of Veterans Affairs maintains a database of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). We suggest you check these FAQ's by logging on to www.gibill.va.gov and selecting "Ask a Question and FAQ's" in the left column. |
| How do I start my G. I. Bill benefits? |
| Visit the Military and Veterans Affairs Office (MVAO) located on all campuses of Harrisburg Area Community College. MVAOs are staffed with Work-Study students who are veterans just like you. They will provide information and forms to get your benefits started. If you are a first-time student to HACC we will ask that you receive a 15-20 minute briefing on your veterans education benefits and other important information. |
| How long will it take for me to receive my benefits? |
| Initial processing of your Application for Benefits usually takes 8-10 weeks at the VA. Once you are in the system and you verify enrollment monthly, you will receive your payment on a regular monthly basis. |
| I turned in my forms to the MVAO 8-10 weeks ago and did not receive my Letter of Eligibility. What should I do? |
| Go to the GI Bill web site and “Ask a Question” or call the VA at 1-888-442-4551. |
| I received my Letter of Eligibility but I have not received my payment. |
| Chapters 30, 1606 and 1607 and must verify enrollment each month to receive payment for that month. Your enrollment can be verified on the last calendar day of the month by using the VA Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) at https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave or by calling the VA toll free Interactive Voice Response (IVR) telephone at 1-877-823-2378. If you verified your enrollment and still have not received a payment, call the VA at 1-888-442-4551. |
| Will the G. I. Bill pay my tuition? |
| G. I. Bill benefits are paid directly to the veteran to assist the veteran with education expenses. It is your responsibility to pay tuition, fees, books, and other costs associated with your college education. Wise use of your G. I. Bill benefits will help you meet your college expenses. |
| What are the MVAO hours? |
| The Harrisburg office is open Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hours at the other campuses are posted and vary each semester. Please call the specific campus' MVAO to schedule an appointment. Click Contacts (on the left of your screen) to view that campus' MVAO phone number. |
| Do I need to complete enrollment forms each semester? |
| Yes. You must complete a Veteran's Benefits Request Form (yellow sheet) each semester. We recommend you complete the form the same day you register for classes for the next semester. After the form is complete and signed by an advisor, turn it in to the MVAO on your campus and your request will be processed. Once you have completed your initial Application for Benefits, the yellow sheet is the only form you need to complete each semester. |
| I am Chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation. Do I have to complete the yellow sheet? |
| Yes. The MVAO provides information on your enrollment to your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. You must complete the yellow sheet each semester. |
| How much will my benefit be? |
| Logon to www.gibill.va.gov and click on "Education Benefits" then "Payment Rates" in the left column. |
| I am planning on transferring to another college. Do I need to complete any forms? |
| Yes. You must complete Change of Place of Training form, VA Form 22-1995(for veterans) or VA Form 22-5495(for dependents). You can obtain the form at any MVAO. Take the VA form to your new college and they will process it for you. |
| Can I get an Advance payment before the semester starts? |
| Yes, but only if you have had a break between semesters that exceeds 30 days and you complete the Advance Pay request 60 days before the semester begins. You may complete an Advance Pay request 60 to 120 days before the semester starts. |
| How does Advance Pay work? |
| Your Advance Pay check is mailed to the college. You will be notified when it arrives. It will be held at the Cashier's Window where you must endorse it for deposit into your student account. Advance Pay is to help you make payment against your student account, not for personal expenses. If you have a positive balance in your student account after the Advance Pay is deposited, you will receive a refund of the balance. |
| What if I drop a course? |
| You should notify the MVAO on your campus immediately. The VA will be notified and your benefit will be adjusted accordingly. We recommend that you do not drop a course until you talk to the MVAO. If you drop more than 6 credits while receiving the GI Bill, you may be required to pay back your benefit when you drop a course. |
| I received an "F" in a course. If I take it over will the VA give me my benefit? |
| Yes. If you receive an "F" in a course, and the course is required for your major, the VA will give you your benefits to take it again. |
| I received a "D" in a course. If I take it over will the VA give me my benefit? |
| Yes, but only if your requires a "C" or better to continue in the program. |
| I am in the PA National Guard and getting Education Assistance Program (EAP). What happens if I drop a course? |
| If you drop a course during the drop/add period, EAP will not pay for the course and you will be responsible for any tuition charges. If you drop or withdraw from a class after the end of the drop/add period, EAP will pay your tuition but you will not be refunded any money. We recommend you do not drop or withdraw from a course until you talk to the MVAO. |
| I was on active duty and I am now in the National Guard (or Reserves). Should I use Chapter 30 or Chapter 1606 benefits? |
| You should use your Chapter 30 benefits first because they pay the most. After you have exhausted your 36 months of Chapter 30 benefits, you can then use up to 12 months of Chapter 1606 or 1607 benefits. |
| I have eligibility for both Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606 or 1607 benefits. How many months of benefit may I use? |
| You may use up to 36 months of one benefit and 12 months of another not to exceed a total of 48 months. If you have questions of which benefit to use, we recommend you go to the GI Bill web site and “Ask a Question” or call the VA at 1-888-442-4551. |
| If I am separated from the National Guard or Reserves, can I use my GI Bill benefits? |
| You may be eligible to continue using your benefits after you are discharged if you had established Chapter 1607 benefits before you are separated. You may be eligible to revert back to remaining Chapter 1606 benefits for the number of months you were deployed plus four months. In all cases the VA determines eligibility. We recommend you contact the VA before making separation decisions. |
| I want to take a course that is not in my curriculum. Will the VA pay me benefits? |
| No. The VA only pays benefits for courses that are required by your curriculum for completion of your degree, certificate, or diploma. |
| Must I report my veterans education benefits to the financial aid office? |
| Yes. You must report your estimated benefit on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and on the HACC Financial Aid Application. You must report the number of months you will be receiving a benefit and the amount of the benefit based on the number of credits you are taking. For example, if you are a half-time student, report your half-time benefit. Contact the MVAO on your campus for estimated benefit rates. |
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