After you apply for VA education benefits, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reviews your application and determines whether you are eligible for the education benefit you requested. If you are eligible, the VA issues a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which summarizes your eligibility for a specific benefit program. Although the COE confirms your eligibility, your actual benefit payments depend on your certified enrollment and other program requirements.
Certificate of Eligibility
A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is an official document issued by the VA that summarizes your eligibility for a specific VA education benefit. Depending on your benefit program, your COE may include:
- Your VA education benefit chapter.
- Your eligibility percentage, if applicable.
- Your remaining entitlement.
- Your delimiting date, if applicable.
- Your Yellow Ribbon Program eligibility, if applicable.
What a COE does and does not guarantee
Receiving a COE confirms that you are eligible for a specific VA education benefit, but it does not guarantee payment for a particular enrollment period.
Your benefit payments are determined based on factors such as:
- Your certified enrollment.
- Your approved program of study.
- Your training time.
- Applicable federal laws and regulations.
- Your remaining entitlement.
Processing times
The time required for the VA to make an eligibility decision varies based on application volume, the completeness of your application, and whether additional documentation is needed. Applying as early as possible before your enrollment period begins can help reduce delays.
If the VA requires additional information to process your application, it may contact you before issuing an eligibility decision.
Starting classes before receiving a decision
You may begin classes while your VA education benefit application is still pending. However, each school establishes its own procedures for enrollment certification and payment arrangements while your eligibility is being determined.
Work closely with your school's Veterans Services Office or School Certifying Official to understand your school's requirements during this process.
Understanding entitlement
Entitlement is the amount of education benefits available to you under a VA education benefit program. It is generally measured in months and days of available benefits, although the calculation method may vary by program.
Remaining entitlement is the portion of your education benefits that you have not yet used. You can review your remaining entitlement through VA resources or by contacting the VA directly.
Running out of entitlement
Yes. Once you have used all of your available entitlement, the VA generally cannot pay additional education benefits unless you qualify for another VA education benefit program or an authorized extension.
Next steps
After submitting your application, monitor your eligibility status with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and review your Certificate of Eligibility once it is issued. If you have questions about your COE, entitlement, or benefit payments, contact the VA. For questions about enrollment certification or your school's procedures while your application is pending, contact the ASU Pat Tillman Veterans Center.
