FAQs for Veteran Students

Am I eligible to receive the Montgomery GI Bill®? Post 9/11 GI Bill®?

To find out if you are eligible for the Montgomery or Post 9/11 GI Bill® you may call 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) to speak with a Veterans Benefits Counselor.

How soon should I start the application process to receive my benefits?

It is recommended that you begin the application process early, since it can take some time to finish. Please contact the VA at 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) or visit the VA Benefits Website at https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/ to begin the application process.

I am eligible for the GI Bill®. What do I do next?

If you are eligible for the GI Bill® please visit the VA/Financial Aid Office at SENMC in Room 107, or contact us at (575) 234-9226. You will be asked to submit a Certificate of Eligibility (from the VA) to determine which benefit you are eligible to receive. I have used my GI Bill® at another school, but I want to start taking classes at SENMC.

Do I still need to visit the VA/Financial Aid office?

If you wish to utilize your VA benefits at SENMC, you will need to contact the VA and complete VA Form 22-1995, Request for Change of Program or Place of Training, and provide an updated Certificate of Eligibility to the VA/Financial Aid Office at SENMC. We ask that you come in, as additional paperwork may need to be completed.

If I drop a class will it affect my VA Benefits?

Dropping a class can affect each student differently. It is important that every student contact the VA/Financial Aid Office prior to changing your schedule. I am currently getting funding from the GI Bill®.

Can I also receive financial aid at the same time?

You may apply for financial aid while receiving GI Bill® benefits. To apply for grants and loans visit the FAFSA website at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa and then follow up with the Financial Aid Office within 5 – 10 business days.

I have been attending class for two months, why haven’t I received any money?

If at any time you think you are not receiving the proper amount of money or you find you are not receiving any money at all, please contact us immediately so that we may research the issue for you.

Is it true that I have to contact the VA every month in order to keep receiving my payments for the semester?

As of August 1, 2021, Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill®) students must verify their enrollment status each month to continue receiving their monthly housing allowance (MHA) and/or kicker payments. Students can verify their enrollment status on one of two ways:

• Text message- Students who choose VA's "Opt-In" feature will receive a text message each month prompting them to verify their enrollment status.
• Telephone- Students may call the Education Call Center (ECC) at 1-888-442-4551 to verify their enrollment status. I applied for the GI Bill® and have started taking classes.

How and when should I expect my first payment?

Usually, the VA pays every month for the previous month attended and usually students choose what type of payment (either check or automatic deposit) they want during the application process. Expect a payment by the middle of the month.

I am in the Guard. Can I receive my Tuition Assistance and my GI Bill® at the same time?

Yes, but make sure to research this before you do it because in some cases it may be better to use them separately.

Can I apply for the GI Bill® as a non-degree-seeking student?

“VA educational benefits cannot be paid to non-matriculated (non-degree seeking) college or university students unless they are pending admission to your school. In that case they can be certified for two quarters or semesters.” (Source: VA SCO Certifying Handbook, Non-matriculated Students (38 CFR 21.4252 (L) (2) and (3))

In other words, if you are fully admitted to SENMC, you must be degree seeking to receive VA benefits. For questions on changing to degree-seeking, contact the Student Services Office at (575) 234-9221 or (575) 234-9222.

I’m still Active Duty but I will be getting out soon. How soon should I start applying for my GI Bill® benefits?

It is okay to apply early however we recommend that you wait to use your benefits until you separate from the military.

Is there a certain number of credits that I need to take each semester in order to receive my GI Bill® benefits?

There is no minimum requirement for the number of classes you take; however, the amount of funding you receive does depend on how many classes you take.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. Government Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill