Frequently Asked Questions

Students receiving veterans education benefits, such as the Montgomery GI Bill or Post 9/11 benefits, will need to contact the Veterans Certifying Official in the Registrar's Office, located in Campus Center B-52. The office telephone number is (518) 442-5540 and the website is http://www.albany.edu/registrar/other_services.html. There is paperwork that needs to be filled out each term the student would like to claim their education benefits.

The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that continuing students will take roughly 6 to 8 weeks for processing, while new students or continuing students who have changed schools will take 8 to 10 weeks for processing. These ranges are increased during peak processing time (from 6 to 8 weeks to 8 to 10 weeks, and from 8 to 10 weeks to 10 to 12 weeks respectively).

To check on the status of benefits, call the Department of Veterans Affairs call center at 1-888-442-4551.

Education rates vary based on the education benefits the student receives. Rate based on programs can be found at the following link: http://gibill.va.gov/resources/benefits_resources/rate_tables.html.

Your entitlement period varies based on the educational program you are using. Students initially applying for education benefits typically can receive up to 36 months of benefits. This number varies based on service and whether or not the student is eligible for multiple programs. Specific information can be found at the following website: http://www.gibill.va.gov/post-911/.

Students looking for specific details about their records should call the Department of Veterans Affairs call center at 1-888-442-4551.

The Financial Aid Office might need a copy of your most up to date DD214 to help determine your financial aid package. Upon admission to the University at Albany, you will need to contact the Veterans Certifying Official in the Registrar's Office, Campus Center B-52. This person will assist you in receiving your GI Bill benefits, and can also be reached at (518) 442-5540.

The following websites will also assist you:

• http://www.albany.edu/registrar/other_services.html
• http://www.albany.edu/studentservices/va.shtml

You will need to contact the Veterans Certifying Official in the Registrar's Office each term you would like to use your benefits. There is a Veterans Information Form you will need to fill out each semester in order to have your enrollment information electronically transferred to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Registrar's Office is located in Campus Center B-52 and can be reached at (518) 442-5540. Please visit their website for more information: http://www.albany.edu/registrar/other_services.html.

Please note effective August 1, 2011, the Department of Veterans Affairs will be changing the policy regarding break (interval) pay to the following:

"Break or interval pay is no longer payable under any VA education benefit program unless under an Executive Order of the President or due to an emergency, such as a natural disaster or strike. This means that when your semester ends (e.g. December 15th), your housing allowance is paid for the first 15 days of December only and begins again when your next semester begins (e.g. January 10th) and is paid for the remaining days of January.

Students using other VA education programs are included in this change. Monthly benefits will be pro-rated in the same manner. Entitlement that previously would have been used for break pay will be available for use during a future enrollment."

For small breaks that fall within the term (i.e. Spring Break, Thanksgiving Break), payment will be given, but for breaks between terms payments will not be given effective August 1, 2011.

You should contact the Veterans Certifying Official in the Registrar's Office immediately. He or she will need to update your enrollment information with the Department of Veterans Affairs to prevent overpayment and subsequent debt on the veteran's behalf. The Veterans Certifying Official can also indicate mitigating circumstances when submitting your enrollment adjustment to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Veterans Certifying Official is located in Campus Center B-52, or at (518) 442-5540.

You can set up direct deposit with the Department of Veterans Affairs. You can supply this information when filling out the initial application for education benefits, or you can call the Department of Veterans Affairs 1-877-838-2778.

You will need to notify the Department of Veterans Affairs that you are changing institutions. If you are the veteran, you will fill out form 22-1995 Change of Place/Program of Training. If you are a dependent/spouse of a veteran you will fill out form 22-5495 Dependent Request for Change of Program or Place of Training. These forms can be found at the Department of Veterans Affairs online application system:

http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp (choose "Start VONAPP").

The Department of Veterans Affairs has provided the following website regarding "Buy Up" payments:

http://www.gibill.va.gov/resources/benefits_resources/rates/600_buyup.html

Please note that students using the Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits are not eligible to receive the additional "buy up" amount.

The Vocational Rehabilitation Program is separate from the GI Bill. Eligibility is based on a service connected disability. Veterans who are looking to receive Vocational Rehabilitation benefits should view the webpage below:

http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/index.htm

The Department of Veterans Affairs typically increases their payment rates for each program every October. This webpage indicates current and past rates: http://gibill.va.gov/resources/benefits_resources/rate_tables.html.

Students can use their GI Bill during the summer term. Enrollment is reported based on the actual dates of the courses you are attending instead of the standard summer term (May through August). This means your status (full-time, part-time, etc.) will vary based on the length of the course you are taking. A course worth 3 credits that is being taught for 4 weeks will be considered full-time enrollment. A course worth 4 credits that is being taught for 6 weeks will be considered full-time enrollment. You can contact your Veterans Certifying Official in the Registrar's Office to determine your exact status during the summer term.