FAQ

The VA has created a comprehensive benefits comparison tool to help you decide which benefit is best for you. Also, a step-by-step list of the process to apply for benefits can be found on the VA website. If you are considering Chapter 33/Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits, these VA tools will help you determine what your percentage of benefits and housing allowance(pays at the rate of E5 with dependents in a 14220 zip code) would look like.

Use the VONAPP website to review the necessary paperwork to file either online or download the paper applications. For those who wish to fill out a paper form, our Education Benefits Page (Benefits by Chapter) supplies printable forms for each benefit. Once completed the forms need to be mailed to:

VA Regional Processing Office
P. O. Box 4616
Buffalo, NY
14240-4616

Benefits are only paid during the months you are actively enrolled in school. We recommend that you notify Trocaire College’s Financial Aid office one month before classes begin each semester so that the college can send your information to the VA to begin payments. Benefit payments are distributed monthly directly to the students.

All benefits are paid directly to the individual receiving the benefits, with the exception of chapter 33 tuition and fees. Chapter 33 tuition and fees are paid directly to the school.

For students who are applying to the school and have never before received benefits: submit a copy of your high school, military, and/or college transcripts to the Admissions Office; a copy of your DD214 Discharge and a copy of your certificate of eligibility (issued by the VA upon successful completion of the application for benefits) to the Financial Aid office. Please schedule an appointment with our office to become familiar with us and ensure that your applications for benefits and to the school are going smoothly.

Chapter 30, 1606, and 1607 beneficiaries and anyone, including chapter 33, enrolled in a certification program (practical nursing certification, computer network administration certification, etc.) will need to verify their enrollment at Trocaire College at the end of every month using the WAVE website to receive benefits.

If you do not have a copy of your DD-214 and need one, submit a request online to the National Archives. A standard form 180 can be used in lieu of an online application, which can be faxed to 314.801.9195 or mailed to:

National Personnel Records Center
1 Archives Drive
St. Louis, MO 63138

Contact the VA’s Education Division by calling 1-888-GI BILL 1 (1.888.442.4551) or check online at eBenefits.

The money you receive depends on many factors, including what benefits you are eligible for, how many credits you’re taking, length of service, etc. They change every October to reflect the cost of living. The most recent pay chart for all benefits (with the exception of chapter 31) can be found here.

Please contact the VA at 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1.888.442.4551) to inquire about the status of your benefits.

Your benefits are not taxable.

When you register for classes and drop/add classes please notify the Financial Aid Office. We need to know what your rate of pursuit is so that we can help you get the correct amount of benefits. Chapter 30, 1606 and 1607 beneficiaries and anyone, including chapter 33, enrolled in a certification program (practical nursing certification, computer network administration certification, etc.) will need to verify their enrollment at Trocaire College at the end of every month using the WAVE website to receive benefits.

When the VA pays more money than you’re entitled to, you accrue a debt to the VA that needs to be paid back. For instance, if you begin the semester with a full time rate of pursuit (12 credits or more) but drop below full time your rate of pursuit will change. Subsequently, your benefits will decrease. If you do not let our office or the VA know you will begin to amass debt. In some instances, the school will owe money.

The VA accepts checks, credit cards, debit cards, electronic transfer of funds and money orders. Payments can be made online or by calling 1.800.827.0648.

If you’re unable to repay your debt, you can call the VA Debt Management Center at 1.800.827.0648 to work out a compromise. You can also email them at dmc.ops@va.gov