Military Educational Benefits & Certification​

Chapter 1606 is for National Guard and Reservists who have not been on active duty or deployed (entry-level training is not considered active duty for the purposes of GI Bill eligibility – regardless of length of entry-level training).​

For all Chapter 1606 (MGIB Selected Reserve) recipients:​

• You will not receive payment until you verify your attendance at the end of every month you are in classes. You can verify your attendance starting on the last calendar day of the month by using the Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) or by calling the toll free Interactive Voice Response (IVR) telephone line at 1-877-823-2378.​

This chapter is for veterans with service-connected disabilities. Eligible veterans should contact Matthew Dragwa, at the Department of Veterans Affairs, 1123 East End Blvd. Wilkes Barre, PA 18702, 570-821-2501.​

The VR&E will approve your eligibility and forward the necessary paperwork to the Military Resources Center at Commonwealth University. For more information on Chapter 31 please see the VA webpage. ​

After eligibility determination, ensure you fill out the proper application.​

Chapter 33 is for current or former active duty service members, who have served after September 11, 2001 (National Guard and Reservists who have been deployed or on active duty orders, other than entry level training, qualify for this chapter as well). This chapter is also for spouses and dependents who have had benefits transferred to them.

The maximum basic benefit under Post 9/11 (Chapter 33) provides the following:​

• Cost of tuition and fees, percentage of eligibility will be based on an individual’s aggregate period of active duty after Sept. 11, 2001 and will not exceed the most expensive in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher learning in Pennsylvania;​
• Monthly housing allowance equal to the basic allowance for housing payable to an E-5 with dependents, in the same zip code as the school;​
• Yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 per year.​

Benefits are prorated based on the percentage of your eligibility. Each service member will be different based on their length and type of service.​

This chapter is for qualified spouses / dependents of deceased, disabled, or MIA veterans. Students need a copy of their birth certificate listing the names of both parents and documentation listing the veterans Social Security Number, percentage of disability and entitlement in order to apply for benefits. ​

The VA requires that the veteran be 100% disabled for dependents to receive benefits under Chapter 35. VA-22-5490 must be completed to apply for chapter 35 benefits.​

Note: Students can hear an automated message confirming the processing of their latest payment by calling 1-888-442-4551. Choose option 1 for information on your educational benefits and enter the requested information.​

If you hear a recorded message stating there is no information available the VA has not completed the processing of your certification. You may also press 0 to be connected to a VA representative.​

At the beginning of each Fall and Spring semester, the number of credits scheduled for students currently receiving benefits will be verified for automatic enrollment. If there are no changes to your status and you will continue to attend Commonwealth University there is nothing you need to do. Schedules are routinely checked each semester to ensure military students are receiving the proper amount of benefits.​

After the start of each semester please contact the Military Resources Center if you drop, add, or withdraw from classes, withdraw from the University, or are deployed / activated.​

Winter / Summer Semesters: Any benefit recipient who will be taking classes during a Winter / Summer semester and wishes to continue to receive their benefits over the semester must notify the Military Resources Center. Otherwise, your credits will be certified for the Fall and Spring Semesters only.​

For many incoming military students, their current financial status could be inaccurately portrayed by their previous year’s tax return. Considering that financial aid awards are based off the FASFA (which pulls its information from the IRS), this can become a point of friction. If this is the case for you, contact the Commonwealth University Financial Aid Office to fill out a special conditions form so your needs are adequately addressed.​