If you are a veteran who is presently enrolled in school and eligible under one of the VA’s education programs, you qualify for education advance payments as long has you haven’t yet received your monthly payment benefit. Those who have applied for their education benefits but have not yet received their monthly installment can receive payments of up to $3,000. The amount allotted to you is based upon the benefit payable under your educational program.

To apply for an advance payment, you can now complete the process online at advancepay.gibill.va.gov. Or, you can go to the VA regional office closest to you in person to receive an advance pay. Regional offices are now open between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm on weekdays for advance payments. (To view a list of regional offices with their locations, log on to vba.va.gov/VBA/beneifts/offices.asp.) If you need transportation, you can request the free van service provided by volunteers, which is on a first-come, first-served, space availability basis.

If you make your request online, the advance payment will be issued by the U.S. Treasury within three workdays after submission. Payments will be made in the form of a check and delivered by US Mail. However, if you elect to go to the regional office to pick up an advance payment, you will need to provide a government-issued photo ID and poof that you are enrolled in school (i.e. class schedule, letter from the school admissions office). Also, it’s important to note that you must appear in person to pick up your check. You cannot send someone in your place. If you are unable to get there, the VA recommends that you apply online.

Some Veterans have asked if they are still eligible for a $3000 advance payment if they received their October 1st education payment. The answer to this question is NO. Advance payments are only approved for those Veterans who haven’t yet received their monthly installments for the fall 2009 school term.

Only one payment is authorized per Veteran, based on which GI Bill program you are enrolled in:

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 $1000

Another question often asked is if a Veteran has to pay this advance payment back. The answer is that the payment will be recouped from your future VA payments. However, if you stop attending class during the semester to reduce your coarse load to a level that affects your monthly benefit, full recoupment by the VA may not be possible, and you will be responsible for repaying any remaining balance.

Also, advance payments can only be issued to U.S. mailing addresses and are not available to dependents, only to Veterans.

For the latest information concerning Military education benefits and procedures, please visit your education counseling office.

This article is based on publicly-accessible information and has not been reviewed or approved by any military branch.

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