Emergency GI Bill Payment FAQs

The following Frequently Asked Questions reflect the latest information on the VA's emergency payment process. The program was developed in response to the hardships caused by GI Bill benefit delays.

Question:  Am I eligible for the education advance payments? 
Answer:  If you are a veteran who is eligible under one of VA’s education programs and currently enrolled in school, and you have not yet received your monthly benefit payment, you are eligible for an advance payment.  

Question:  How much money will VA give me?
Answer:  Payments of up to $3,000 will be made to Veterans who have applied for their education benefits but who have not yet received their monthly benefit payment.  The amount of your payment will be based upon the benefit payable under your educational program. 

Question:  How can I get an advance payment?
Answer:  Beginning October 2, you can apply on-line at advancepay.gibill.va.gov or you can go to your nearest VA regional office to receive an advance pay.  A list of VA regional offices is available at www.vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/offices.asp. 

Question:  If I request an advance payment online, when will I get a check?
Answer:  Advance payments through the on-line application process will be issued by the U. S. Treasury within 3 workdays (Monday through Friday) following submission of your request.  Payments will be in the form of a check sent through the U.S. mail.  You should therefore anticipate an additional 3 days (excluding Sundays) for the U.S. Postal Service to deliver your checks.

Question:  What hours will the regional offices be open?
Answer:  Starting on October 2, regional offices will be open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays for advance payments.  Regional offices will also be open on Saturday, October 3, from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon. 

Question:  If I go to a regional office to receive an advance payment, what do I need to bring with me?
Answer:  You need to provide a government-issued photo ID (Driver’s License, Military ID, etc.) and proof you are enrolled in school (class schedule, admission letter, enrollment verification letter, etc.).  You will be required to sign for the payment upon receipt.

Question:  If I can’t get to the regional office, can I send a family member on my behalf to get my check?
Answer:  No. You must appear in person.  If you are unable to get to the regional office, VA suggests you apply online at advancepay.gibill.va.gov on or after October 2, 2009.

Question:  How can I get transportation to a regional office?
Answer:  You can request free van service, provided by volunteers, to take you to the nearest regional office.  To obtain this service, call your nearest VA medical center and ask for the “Volunteer Transportation Coordinator.”  Transportation will be on a first-come, first-served, space-available basis.  A map and list of medical centers is available at http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/division_flsh.asp?dnum=1. 

Question:  If I received my October 1 education payment, am I still eligible for a $3000 advance payment?
Answer:  No, advance payments are only authorized for Veterans who have not yet received their monthly payments for the fall 2009 school term. 

Question:  Can I receive more than one advance payment?
Answer:  Only one payment is authorized per veteran, up to $3,000. Depending on which GI Bill program in which you are enrolled:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill $3,000
• Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty $3,000
• Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve $1,000
• Reserve Education Assistance Program $2,000
• Post Vietnam Era Educational Assistance Programs $1,000

Question:  Will I have to pay this advance payment back to VA?
Answer:  The payment will be recouped from your future VA payments.  However, if you stop attending school during the semester or reduce your course load to a level that affects your monthly benefit, full recoupment by VA may not be possible, and you will have to repay any remaining balance.

Question:  I receive VA education benefits as a dependent of a Veteran.  Am I eligible for an advance payment?
Answer:  No, advance payments are only available to Veterans. 

Question:  I live in a foreign country.  Can I receive advance payment?
Answer:  Advance payments can only be issued to US mailing addresses.