GI Bill - Frequently Asked Questions

How do I certify my classes and verify my enrollment ?
How do I start my GI Bill since I have never used it before ?
How do I start the GI Bill at Western if I have used it at another university ?
Do I have to certify my classes every semester?
Do I have to verify my attendance each month ?
Will the VA pay if I want to repeat a course ?
Does the GI Bill pay my tuition and fees?
How much money will I receive ?
If I am taking independent study courses, can I use the GI Bill ?
What is considered full time for summer semester?
Can I get my GI Bill check directly deposited ?
How do I know what chapter I am under ?
I lost my DD214. How can I replace it ?

1. How do I certify my classes and verify my enrollment?

To certify your classes, log into STARS and complete Billing and Receivables GI Bill Information. This must be done each semester you want to use your GI Bill at WIU.

Once classes have begun, you must verify your attendance each month with the St. Louis VA. Your enrollment can be verified on the last calendar day of the month by using WAVE (Web Automated Verification of Enrollment) or by calling 1.877.823.2378.

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2. How do I start my GI Bill since I have never used it before?

All students who want to use the GI Bill must fill out DD Form 22-1990 (Application for Educational Benefits). This form may be obtained from the VA Web Site or from the Billing and Receivables office, Sherman Hall 106.

When completed this form should be submitted to the St. Louis VA Regional Office. Once the Department of Veterans Affairs has processed the application, a Certificate of Eligibility will be issued indicating Chapter, file number, number of months of entitlement and the date eligibility expires.

You must certify your classes each semester you want to receive the GI Bill by accessing Billing and Receivables GI Bill Information on STARS. You must also verify your attendance each month with the St. Louis VA. Your enrollment can be verified on the last calendar day of the month by using WAVE (Web Automated Verification of Enrollment) or by calling 1.877.823.2378.

If you have any questions, contact the WIU Billing and Receivables Office at 309.298.3147 or email billings@wiu.edu.

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3. How do I start the GI Bill at Western if I have used it at another university?

To certify classes, log into STARS and complete Billing and Receivables GI Bill Information. This must be done each semester you want to use your GI Bill at WIU.

Once classes have begun, you must also verify your attendance each month with the St. Louis VA. Your enrollment can be verified on the last calendar day of the month by using WAVE (Web Automated Verification of Enrollment ) or by calling 1.877.823.2378.

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4. Do I have to certify my classes every semester?: Yes. You must certify your classes through Billing and Receivables GI Bill Information on STARS each semester before you will be certified with the VA.

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5. Do I have to verify my attendance each month?: Yes. Chapter 30, 1606 and 1607 recipients must verify attendance each month with the St. Louis VA. Your enrollment can be verified on the last calendar day of the month by using WAVE (Web Automated Verification of Enrollment ) or by calling 1.877.823.2378.

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6. Will the VA pay if I want to repeat a course?: Benefits will not be paid for courses in which a passing grade has previously been awarded.

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7. Does the GI Bill pay my tuition and fees?: No. The GI Bill is a monthly benefit issued directly to the student. It is the student's responsibility to pay their university bill. If you are eligible for the Illinois Veterans Grant or the Illinois National Guard Grant, please contact the Western Illinois University Financial Aid Office at 309.298.2446.

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8. How much money will I receive?

Please consult the following Department of Veterans Affairs website for the pay charts:

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9. If I am taking independent study courses can I use the GI Bill?: Yes. You must certify your classes each semester you want to receive the GI Bill by accessing Billing & Receivables GI Bill Information on STARS. You must also verify your attendance each month with the St. Louis VA. Your enrollment can be verified on the last calendar day of the month by using WAVE (Web Automated Verification of Enrollment) or by calling 1.877.823.2378.

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10. What is considered ful time for summer semester?: Six hours is full time for the entire eight weeks.

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11. Can I get my Gi Bill check directly deposited?: Chapter 30, 1606 & 1607 students currently have the option of Direct Deposit. Contact the VA at 877.838.2778 with your bank routing number and account number.

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