I'm using the GI Bill benefits for community college right now. Does anyone know if it's possible to transfer those benefits to a university when I decide to move on? Any tips on how this process works would be super helpful!
The good news is, yes, you can transfer your GI Bill benefits from a community college to a university – the benefits are tied to you, the beneficiary, rather than the educational institution itself.
To do this, you would go through a similar process as when you first applied for the benefits. You'll need to submit another Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or your "Statement of Benefits" you received when you first applied for your benefits.
Next, you'll want to make sure the university you're transferring to is eligible to accept GI Bill benefits. Most accredited universities are, but it's still good to double-check.
Once you're accepted into the university, you will complete VA Form 22-1995, or the "Request for Change of Program or Place of Training form." This notifies the VA that you are changing schools and wish to use your benefits at the new institution.
This form can be completed and submitted online through the VA website. You just have to make sure to fill out the necessary details, which include your personal information, education history, and what you plan to study at the university.
Finally, you'll need to provide your new school with a copy of your new COE once the VA processes your change request.
To ensure things run smoothly, try to begin this process a few months prior to transferring to avoid any processing delays. Lastly, remember to keep track of how many months of benefits you've used, because there's a limit to how long you can receive the benefits. Typically, benefits last 36 months, but this can vary depending on your specific situation.
If you ever have any concerns about the process, your institution's veterans’ services office will likely be able to assist you. I hope this information helps, best of luck with your education journey!
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