Checklist for Veterans who are New Students and Apply for the Benefit of “Tuition Assistance”

I. Before the "Discharge"

1. Get a copy of:

• High school diploma
• Medical and dental history (can be requested through the National Archive)
• DD-214, (can be requested through the National Archive)
• Acknowledgments and letters of recommendation
• College Education Transcripts (Military Joint Service Transcripts)
• Certificate of Eligibility (you can apply online through the Veterans Affairs (VA) eBenefits account)
• Copy of the "GI Bill® Comparison Tool Quote *"

2. Obtain a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

• Create your MyPay, GI-Bill® and eBenefits account (write down your usernames and passwords in a safe place).
• To activate your GI-Bill®, you must submit your application for educational benefits using VA form 22-1990 on the eBenefits website. If you have any questions, eBenefits can guide you through the application form by calling 1-800-983-0937. Begin your application at least three months before your studies start date for VA to process your application.
• Be sure to select the Post 9/11 GI-Bill® (Chapter 33), on your application. You can use the Montgomery GI-Bill® (Chapter 30), but it will not pay the tuition in full and you will not be eligible for Post 9/11 GI-Bill® Basic Housing Assistance (BAH).

3. Once VA has processed your application, VA will send you a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in the mail. (It may take four to five weeks for shipping.)

When you receive your COE, be sure to send a copy of your COE and DD-214 to the contact person in Sagrado by email so that they can create your student / VA profile and obtain your certified credits. (You must do this to start your VA benefits on time.)

4. Upon completion of active duty (EAS), you should immediately call the VA Department of Education, Benefits and Training at (1-888-442-4551) and ask the following questions to prepare:

• Am I registered as a veteran in the system? (You must be registered as a veteran in the system to receive BAH). Don't assume this happens automatically. You may need to send VA a copy of your DD-214 to confirm your eligibility.
• Make sure your mailing address and pertinent information are up to date with VA, as they send out important emails periodically.
• Make arrangements to set up your direct deposit information in the system. You must provide VA with your personal routing number and account number. Otherwise, wait for a check in the mail that could delay your receipt of benefits.

II. When you get to Sagrado

1. Participate in the Open House in which the offerings of the programs are presented
2. Request a tour from the contact person to familiarize yourself with the campus.
3. Puerto Rico and federal law require that all students have their immunizations up to date unless there is a reason allowed by law to exempt you from this requirement. You must bring a copy of your immunization certificate to the Admissions office or you can email it to admisiones@sagrado.edu . Make sure the Admissions office confirms that they received the immunization certificate; otherwise the enrollment will be canceled which means that you will not receive your benefit.
4. Visit your academic advisor and register for your classes.
5. Send an email to one of Sagrado's contact persons and notify them of the classes you are enrolled in and the number of credits you are taking each semester. In addition, you must complete the Veterans Responsibility Sheet ( Responsibilities for VA Beneficiaries ).
6. The Sagrado contact person will send you an email informing you that your credits have been certified and that they have been sent to VA.
7. Be diligent and confirm with VA that they have received certification. (Please note that it can take up to a week or more to receive certification.)
8. Processing these requests can take some time and may cause a delay in the receipt of your benefits. You should be prepared to buy books and supplies, rent or housing deposits, and other out-of-pocket expenses until you receive your BAH. Stay in touch with your Veteran Certifying Officer to make sure all required documentation is in order.

III. Veterans Health and Medical Insurance

If you haven't already, be sure to enroll in the VA health network. If you need help enrolling in the VA health network, you should contact the Veteran's Administration Center.