Dependents Educational Assistance
This is an education benefit for any eligible spouse or child whose parent has a 100% rating, P/T, or Deceased P/T rating by the VA. This benefit is a flat rate amount and is paid after the semester has begun, directly to the recipient on the 30th or the 31st of each month. All Ch. 35 students must verify their monthly enrollment by calling 1-888-442-4551 or verifying enrollment at AskVA- https://www.va.gov/contact-us/ask-va/introduction
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Documents Needed - New Students
Toggle More InfoStudents initially apply online on the VA website and submit the VA Form 22-5490. The VA’s process time is 10-20 business days; if eligible the VA mails the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) letter. A copy of the COE letter is required to be submitted to the institution’s VA School Certifying Official.
- Copy of the Certificate of Eligibility or a previous VA award letter or E-Benefits statement
- FGCU 60-Day Tuition Deferment form
- FGCU Request for Benefits form
- Veteran/Dep Non-Resident Tuition Waiver application
- (can apply if a student is classified as non-res by admissions).
- MUST have qualifying documents to implement Choice Act
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Documents Needed- Transfer Students
Toggle More Info- VA Form 22-5495
- (Students can complete the PDF or submit If submitted online, the student must provide a copy to the VA School Certifying official, along with additional documents.
- Copy of the Certificate of Eligibility or a previous VA award letter or E-Benefits statement
- FGCU 60-Day Tuition Deferment form
- FGCU Request for Benefits form
- Veteran/Dep Non-Resident Tuition Waiver application
- (can apply if a student is classified as non-res by admissions).
- MUST have qualifying documents to implement Choice Act
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Student Responsibilities when utilizing VA Benefits
Toggle More Info- For incoming new or transfer students, contact the VA School Certifying Official (SCO) at va-sco@fgcu.edu to self-identify to discuss your VA Education eligibility and obtain the required documentation and forms for enrollment certification of VA Education Benefits.
- All students must be degree-seeking and ONLY take the required courses for their major to receive VA Education Benefits. Note: access your Degree Works for required courses.
- Register and finalize your schedule by the semester’s add/drop period published on the FGCU Academic Calendar.
- Notify your VA SCO of your intent to use benefits each semester by submitting the required forms and documents. Note: enrollment is not automatically reported to the VA on the students' behalf. It is the student's responsibility to notify the VA SCO.
- Submit forms by the published add/drop deadline on the FGCU Academic Calendar. Note: it is the student's responsibility to be aware of deadlines.
- Notify your VA SCO of any changes to your schedule during or after the add/drop period. This may affect your monthly payment for VA Education Benefits.
- Check your email regularly, as this is how the university officially communicates with all students.
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Standards of Progress
Toggle More InfoThe law requires that educational assistance benefits to veterans and other eligible persons be discontinued when the student ceases to make satisfactory progress toward completing his or her training objective.
Satisfactory progress is considered to maintain an institutional 2.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). When a veteran's CGPA falls below 2.0, the veteran will be given two probationary semesters in which to raise his or her CGPA to 2.0 or better. If the student fails to achieve a 2.0 CGPA at the end of the probationary period, future VA educational benefits will be terminated. Benefits may be reinstated after the student achieves a 2.0 CGPA or above. The student will be required to submit VA FORM 22-1995 or VA Form 22-5495 to the Military & Veteran Success (MVS) office for inclusion with the next enrollment certification to the VA Regional Office.
Changes That Affect Benefits
- A non-punitive grade of "W" or "I" may reduce benefits effective at the beginning of the semester, depending on the student's course load. If a veteran takes an "I" grade and then re-registers for the same course, the "I" grade becomes punitive, and the course must be decertified for the period that it was previously taken. This means the VA education recipient may then be in an overpayment status.
- Reduction of a course load after the add/drop period may result in a reduction of your benefits effective at the beginning of the semester. Students must inform the Military & Veterans Success office of any withdrawal and the reasons such action is necessary. Mitigating circumstances can be submitted and may be given special consideration.
- Report a change of address immediately to the Veterans Administration at 1-888-442-4551 and complete a change of address form online at the Records & Registration (forms)
- Report changes in marital status, number of dependents, etc., to the IRSC Military & Veterans Services Department. Proper documents verifying these changes are necessary, such as a certified marriage certificate, certified birth certificate, certified divorce decree, etc.
Notification
The VA education recipients are responsible for informing the FGCU Military & Veterans Success office of any changes to their enrollment, changes to their major.
