Getting Paid

Chapter 30 Monthly Verification

Veterans receiving benefits under Chapter 30 or Chapter 1606 must verify their enrollment each month to the VA in order to receive payment for that month. This monthly verification can be done by one of two systems:

A telephone system using Interactive Voice Response (IVR), by dialing 1-877-823-2378 and following the instructions provided, or
An Internet program called WAVE, Web Automated Verification of Enrollment), by logging onto the WAVE link and follow instructions.

Once either system tells you that you are certified for the month, payment can be expected within 10-14 days, or 3-5 days if direct deposited. Chapter 30 veterans and Chapter 1606 reservists must still notify the SUNY Fredonia Veterans Affairs Office when their enrollment changes, even though the change has been reported to the VA on WAVE.

Currently, Chapter 31 students must verify their enrollment with their Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.

Withdrawing or Resigning from classes
The law prohibits payment of VA benefits for a course from which the student withdraws or resigns, or for a course that the student completes, but receives a grade which will not be used in computing requirements for graduation. SUNY Fredonia is required to promptly report any change in enrollment, or receipt of a non-punitive grade, that affects the receipt of VA educational benefits. Students are thus required to promptly report any change in enrollment or the receipt of a non-punitive grade to our office to avoid an overpayment.

Reporting Change of Enrollment
If you drop or add a course, even if you resign from a class after the semester is completed, please inform us immediately by phone or by completing a Change in Credit Hour form. The yellow Change of Credit Hour forms are available at the Office of Veterans Affairs.

Advance Payment
Veterans may request an Advance Payment for the first two months prior to being certified, if they are eligible. Advance payment must be requested no sooner than 120 days and no later than 45 days before the new semester begins. Advance payment checks are mailed directly to our office and can be picked up at the office during usual office hours. Students should be aware, however, that after receiving an advance check they will not receive another check for several months.

Direct Deposit
Veterans receiving Chapter 30 benefits and reservists receiving Chapter 1606 benefits have the option of having their Montgomery GI Bill educational benefit check deposited directly into their designated financial institution. To sign up for direct deposit if it has not already been arranged, both Chapters can call the VA Regional Office in Muskogee, Oklahoma, at 1-877-838-2778. You will need the following information:

Your VA File Number (which is usually your SSN);
Your Account Number, and type of account;
Your financial institution's 9-digit Routing Transit Number (which is obtained from your financial institution)

Deferred Payments
By agreement with the Office of Student Accounts, students receiving VA educational assistance benefits are allowed to make three deferred payments per semester without penalty. If you wish to take advantage of this deferred payment opportunity, you need to indicate your desire on the green Veterans Coordinator's Card, which is completed before each semester when you apply for benefits. The Office of Veterans Affairs then notifies the Office of Student Accounts of those students who requested this option. Please remember that you must make your payments on or before the dates specified to avoid any late charges.