Veterans Affairs

Savannah State University (SSU) is a military friendly university proud to support America’s armed forces. Our department of Military and Veteran Affairs (M&VA) is here to service our “Veterans” which we define as all Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, Merchant Marine ROTC and Prior Service Students. In addition, all Military Dependents using VA Education Benefits from a qualifying sponsor are included. Our purpose is to provide assistance to Veterans seeking to use benefits under the Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act.

Helpful Information:

VA Education Benefits

Using VA Education Benefits at SSU

Student Responsibilities

Tuition Assistance

Veteran Resource Center

FAQs

Quick Links

VA Education Benefits

How do I apply?

Service Member/Veteran VA Form 22-1990
Service Member/Veteran Requesting Change of Program or Place of Training VA Form 22-1995
Dependent of a Veteran who has transferred benefits to you VA Form 22-1990e
Dependent Spouse/Child VA Form 22-5490
Dependent Spouse/Child Requesting Change of Program or Place of Training VA Form 22-5495

How long does it take VA to determine eligibility?

It can take up to 30 days for the VA to process an application. VA will provide the student with a Certificate of Eligibility detailing the type of benefit awarded and the terms of eligibility.

Education Benefits

Savannah State University is not a Yellow Ribbon Program participant

Using VA Education Benefits at SSU

Get admitted to SSU.
If you have not done so, apply for VA education benefits.
Register for classes.
Submit the SSU VA Enrollment Certification Complete the form in its entirety and attach all supporting documentation (Certificate of Eligibility and semester schedule). Must be done every semester the student intends to use the education benefit.
- All students will be initially certified to the VA for $ 0.00. This will cause the VA to release MHA payments directly to the student at the earliest possible date (no earlier than a week prior to the semester start date). The closer to school start the package is submitted, the longer it will take for the VA to process the request and issue payment.
- Approximately three weeks into the semester, when all charges and credits have been applied to the student's bill, a second certification will be submitted to the VA for Chapter 33 students detailing the actual tuition and fees charges. This will cause the VA to issue payment directly to SSU for tuition and fees, and a payment directly to the student for a book stipend. Students should be prepared to pay for books initially and be reimbursed once the VA pays.
- Students who receive scholarship, grant or other outside money specifically intended to be used to pay for tuition and fees (HOPE, ROTC Scholarships, Tuition Assistance, SEIS Scholarship, Zell Miller Scholarship, Georgia Military Scholarship, Military Scholar, ACCEL, GO ARMY or Employment Tuition Assistance) will have their VA Education Benefit tuition and fees payment reduced by the combined amount of these funds. Any tuition and fees charges not covered by these funds will be paid by the VA to the limit of the veteran benefit award. MHA and book stipend payments will not be affected. This action was taken by the VA in 2011 to prevent duplication and overpayment of tuition and fees to the student from multiple sources.
Enrollment certifications will be processed as follows:
- Fall VA Enrollment Certification 1 May
- Spring VA Enrollment Certification 1 November
- Summer VA Enrollment Certification 1 April
Unsatisfactory Progress, Conduct, and Attendance
Students utilizing VA Educational Benefits must be making satisfactory academic progress towards degree completion. Failure to do so may result in discontinuance of benefits as outlined by the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Student Responsibilities

Students must submit a VA Enrollment Certification along with the certificate of eligibility/letter of remaining benefits every semester they intend to use VA education benefits.
Students must notify the VA Certifying Official of changes of degree program, address, and schedule (add/drop/withdraw courses). Students must also notify the VA certifying officer of complete withdrawals from the university or any incomplete “I” grades received.
Students using CH 33 (Post-9/11) who receive Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) and/or kicker payments are required to verify their enrollment at the end of each month by text message, email, or by calling 1-888-442-4551.
Students using CH 30 (MGIB), CH 1606 (MGIB-SR), and CH 1607 (REAP) education benefits must verify their attendance at the end of each month enrolled by calling 1-877-823-2378 or online at www.gibill.va.gov/wave/index.do
Students using CH 30 (MGIB), CH 1606 (MGIB-SR), and CH 35 (DEA) must pay all tuition and fees no later than the published payment deadline.
Students using CH 33 (Post 9/11) must pay any expenses not covered per entitlement listed on the Certificate of Eligibility letter from VA. (Ex: 60% eligibility, out of degree plan course, housing costs)
Students using CH 31 (VR&E) must verify with their VR&E Counselor that their authorization (for tuition/fees, book, and/or supplies) has been uploaded.

Tuition Assistance

All four service branches and the U.S. Coast Guard offer financial assistance for voluntary, off-duty education programs in support of service members’ personal and professional goals. The program is open to officers, warrant officers and enlisted active-duty service personnel. In addition, members of the National Guard and Reserve Components may be eligible for TA based on their service eligibility. Prior to enrolling, eligible Service members must receive approval from an Education Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within the Military Service.

The Tuition Assistance Program may fund up to 100% of your college tuition and certain fees with the following limits:

Not to exceed $250 per semester credit hour or $166 per quarter credit hour
Not to exceed $4,500 per fiscal year, Oct. 1 through Sept. 30
Maximum of 16 credit hours may be covered per fiscal year

Each military branch has its own TA application form and procedures. Contact your Education Counselor for assistance. Be sure to provide a copy of approved Tuition Assistance authorization/voucher to the SSU Veteran Affairs and Bursar’s offices prior to the established payment deadline.

Military Outreach Center

The Military Outreach Center is located in King Frazier Room 244, which provides a dedicated space and comprehensive support services to enhance and complement the academic experience. Veterans, active duty members and dependents can study, relax and decompress in an environment of their peers. In the center there is audio/video equipment, tables, chairs, couches and computer/printer work stations for the veteran’s use. Additional items or services such as computer programs or recreational equipment can be obtained on request.

FAQs

-How many courses are considered full time, part time etc.?

The VA calculates the amount of monetary entitlement based on the amount of credits taken during a standard semester, defined by the VA as 15–18 weeks in length.

Standard semester calculation (15–18 weeks):

Undergraduate

1-3 credits per semester is ¼ time or less

4-5 credits per semester is less than half-time
6-8 credits per semester is half-time
9-11 credits per semester is ¾ time
12 credits per semester is full-time

Graduate

9 credits per semester is full-time

- What if I need to Drop or Withdraw from a course?

If you drop or withdraw from courses, you must notify the Military and Veteran Affairs Office. The law prohibits payment of veterans’ benefits for a course from which a student withdraws.

PLEASE NOTE: For students using Chapter 33 Post 9/11 VA education benefits, withdrawing from a course could cause a recoupment of your housing allowance (BAH)

- How do I apply for graduation as a veteran?

Students who are registered for, or progressing through, their final credits towards degree completion may submit the Request for Graduation form. Learn more about graduation. Please note that the graduation fee is only covered under Chapter 33, Post-9/11or Chapter 31, Veteran's Vocational Rehabilitation. All students under any other chapter are responsible for ensuring the appropriate fees are paid.

Although the graduation fee is covered for students using Chapter 31 and 33 benefits it is highly recommended that students pay the graduation fee at the time of application to avoid potential delays with processing. Students will be reimbursed after the University receives the graduation fees from the VA.

-When will I receive payment or MHA (Chapter 33 only) from the VA?

The VA will send your benefits to you after receipt of your enrollment certification and your eligibility has been established. Tuition and fees for all courses must be paid at the time of registration (with the exception of individuals in the Chapter 33 full benefit/100% eligibility tier).

-What happens if I am using CH 33 Post 9/11 and I fail to verify my enrollment?

If you fail to verify enrollment for two consecutive months, your MHA/kicker payments will be placed on hold. In order to have your payments released, you will need to call the ECC to verify your enrollment. When you call the ECC to release your payments, you may also enroll in text message verification at that time.