CHAPTER 35 FOR HIGH SCHOOLERS

1. IS YOUR SCHOOL CERTIFIED?

Click here to search, type in your school's name, click on your school's name if/when it appears, and scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the name of the School Certification Officer (SCO).
Ask the SCO about the pros/cons, eligibility requirements, and necessary steps to complete this process. You most likely will need a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA (see Step 2 below).
If your school is not currently certified, please contact your State Approving Agency for more information or possible next steps. According to this page on the VA website, "State Approving Agencies (SAA) are generally responsible for the approval of education and training programs in their respective states. They are the pathway into VA for a program's recognition and identification as being eligible for the payment of VA education benefits. Colleges, universities, and other training establishments seeking to provide VA eligible training programs should begin by contacting their SAA."

2. Sign in on VA.GOV with a verified account

The student's account, if over 18 years old, or the parent's account
Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility. (This paper form can be used as well if the student is under 18 and cannot make an account on va.gov).
Receiving the COE will likely take several weeks.

3. For more information on the 5 extra months, see this link Section 4.12

4. Contact the VA Education Center with any questions

Each family has unique situations, and these extra months may not be best for everyone.
Contact the VA Education Center to determine how the veteran's monthly disability payments will be affected.