Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on which benefit you are using. Federal VA education benefits generally cover tuition and fees, and some include a monthly housing allowance and book stipend paid directly to you. Visit our Federal VA Benefits page for a full breakdown of each chapter benefit, what it covers, and how payments are delivered.

Yes. Receiving VA education benefits does not prevent you from applying for federal financial aid. Visit UAB Financial Aid for more information:

UAB Financial AidOpens an external link.

No. VA education benefits are not considered taxable income and should not be reported to the IRS. You will not receive a W-2 from the VA.

Under Chapter 33, you may be reimbursed for certain national exams required for admissions, including the SAT, ACT, GMAT, and LSAT.

Yes, as long as the program is listed as approved for UAB on the VA's program approval database. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are unsure whether your program qualifies.

For Chapter 33 recipients, the VA will submit payment to UAB for the graduation fee up to your eligibility percentage. This does not include cap and gown purchase or rental.

No. VA education benefits do not cover orientation fees or parking. However, there are exceptions for recipients of Chapter 31 (VR&E).

Log in to VA.gov Link opens in new window to check your remaining entitlement, or call the VA Education Benefits helpline at 1-888-442-4551.

The VA typically takes approximately four weeks to process a certification. If you have not received payment or a notice from the VA after that time, contact them directly at 1-888-442-4551.

The VA does not pay UAB the housing allowance. Under Chapter 33, both the monthly housing allowance and book stipend are paid directly to you — it is your responsibility to pay UAB for housing charges.

Contact the VA directly at 1-888-442-4551 to confirm your records are accurate. If your benefits are truly exhausted, you remain responsible for your student account balance. Contact our office to discuss your options, which may include state benefits, scholarships, or the Veterans Relief Fund.

The VA may process back pay for up to one year or more depending on your benefit type and eligibility date. Contact our office for assistance processing back pay.

Log in to VA.gov to update your direct deposit information or mailing address. You can also call the VA helpline at 1-888-442-4551.

Yes. Certification is not automatic. You must submit a Veteran Benefit Request Form each semester after registering for classes. Visit our Request Semester Certification page for instructions.

Dropping a course or withdrawing after the drop period may result in a reduction or repayment of VA benefits. If the withdrawal was due to circumstances beyond your control, such as illness, a family emergency, deployment, or an unavoidable change in employment, you may be able to submit a mitigating circumstances explanation to the VA. Contact our office immediately if your enrollment changes.

Yes, in some cases. If UAB is your primary institution, you may be able to have classes at another school certified through our office. See our Transient Students page for details.

No. The VA will not pay for courses that do not count toward your declared degree program, courses repeated after an acceptable grade was already earned, or courses already covered by Tuition Assistance or scholarships.

Contact UAB Veteran Services immediately. You may be eligible for a Military Leave of Absence, which protects your academic standing and may include a full tuition refund depending on your situation and timing. See our Military Leave of Absence page for full details.

Yes. Contact our office even if you are not currently enrolled. Notifying us of your orders allows us to document your absence and support your return to UAB.