Using VA Benefits At The Florida State University

VADEBD Florida State University Veteran and Dependent Educational Benefits Department Located A3911 University Center Building A, third floor inside the Registrar’s Office Certifying Officer Cheryl Goodson Assistant Certifying Official Betty Lanese Support Staff of Qualified Work-study Veterans Contact Information (850) Website:

Who are you? VETERANS: Chapter 30 - Montgomery GI Bill - veterans who served on active duty Chapter 31 - Vocational Rehabilitation - veterans with a service-connected disability Chapter 33 - Post 9/11 GI Bill - individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001 Chapter Reservist/Guard Benefit - currently serving in the Selected Reserves Chapter REAP-Reserve Educational Assistance Program - Guard/Reservist and Coast Guard who served on active duty on or after 9/11/2001 under title 10 U.S. Code (Reserves), section 502(f) (National Guard) or title 32 U.S.C.(Coast Guard) for a contingency operation and who served at least 90 consecutive days or more

DEPENDENTS: Chapter 35 - Survivor's and Dependent's Educational Assistance - surviving spouses and children of veterans who died in the line of duty while a service member, surviving spouses and children of veterans who died while totally and permanently service-connected disabled, or for surviving spouses and children of a veteran permanent and totally service-connected disabled TOE – Transfer of Entitlement – dependent children and spouses of veterans who are eligible to transfer Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits and have transferred those benefits to them

What do you need to do to get started? Get registered for classes Be sure your schedule is complete especially using Post 9/11 For future semesters you will have priority registration Priority registration means you can register on the first day windows open. Only courses required for your degree program can be certified for benefits This will included any liberal studies work as well If you have a question see Undergraduate Academic Program Guide Complete the necessary paperwork FSU Request for Benefits form Complete and provide any VA forms required (see FSU Handbook and Post 9/11 handout) Turn all required forms in to the VADEBD as quickly as possible

What do I do if I need to drop a class or change my major? Follow all necessary steps the university requires and bring the drop/add slip or major change form to the VADEBD office in a sealed envelope Only the VADEBD can process changes to your schedule or your major and only after you have obtained proper authorization from academic deans and advisors to do so

What if my tuition/fees will not be paid by the deadline? Using VA benefits at Florida State University you have the use of a veteran’s deferment This is a process that requires a form completed in the VADEBD on or before the 5 th day of classes every semester This process will notify the system that you are awaiting VA funding to pay your tuition/fees Expiration date is usually the Friday before the semester ends Post 9/11 recipients should monitor if the VA has paid their tuition/fees through their Blackboard, Secure Apps, My Account Statement area All others are responsible for paying tuition/fees. If you need Financial Aid to pay your tuition/fees DO NOT get a VA deferment as your aid will be disbursed to you and not to your account

I want to use FTA or EDD, what do I need to do? FTA – Take copy of approved form to Ola Sawyer – Agency Billing Student Financial Services University Center Bldg A, 1 st floor EDD – Do all necessary paperwork through military unit Name will appear on a list St. Augustine sends to Ola Sawyer Complete Agency/Third Party Billing form w/SFS Submit all necessary paperwork to SFS by deadline each semester. Generally this is the fifth day of classes

What do I do if I am called to active duty during a semester? Bring a copy of your military orders to the VADEBD as soon as possible Will the VA pay for FSU health insurance? Post 9/11 Chapter 33 does pay for FSU health insurance Where can I find a place to live? FSU Housing has a month to month lease plan in Alumni Village for veterans to use while they search for a more permanent home. (see brochure)

READ YOUR S! We use FSU to communicate – it is secure Please sign up for Third Party/Parent Access on Secure Apps in Blackboard This will allow us the ability to talk to parents/spouses about any problems with VA billings or payments VA Work-Study Pays Florida minimum wage Works around your school schedule Six area locations including VADEBD Apply at desired location Must be using VA educational benefits 75% or more in order to work

CVA – Collegiate Veterans Association When:Meet every 2 nd & 4 th Wednesday of each month Where: Pearl Tyner House (next to President’s house on Tennessee St) Time:7:00 pm Not just for veterans – we welcome all veteran supporters. FSU Veterans Center Temporarily located in the Pearl Tyner House Director – Col. William Francis, USAF website – –