Fast answers to common questions

How do I get paid for my VA-funded courses?
If you are a VA student, you will need to pay for the entire program or apply for financing. You are able to collect full time pay reimbursement from the VA if you complete your course in the allotted time. The amount of your reimbursement from the VA is based on the time you take to complete each course. Courses are certified when a final grade is awarded, and pay is based on the time for completion or training time.* The VA will pay you directly once the certification is submitted and processed.

*Training time
Training time is calculated according to IU policies and in conjunction with the VA standards for training time.

Specifically, a student who finishes a 3-credit course in 4 weeks will be considered full-time. A student who finishes a 3-credit course in 5 or 6 weeks will be considered three-quarter time. A student who finishes a course in 7, 8, or 9 weeks will be considered half-time.  A student who finishes a 3- credit course in 10 through 15 weeks will be considered less than half time, greater than one-quarter time.  And finally if a student finishes a 3-credit course in 17 or 18 weeks will be considered quarter-time or less. The VA will NOT pay for benefits if it takes longer than 18 weeks to complete a 3-credit course.  This policy applies to both undergraduate and graduate students, and the VA will pay based on this standard for training time.

**Remember, the VA will pay based on the actual time it took for course completion.  The date the VA will begin paying for your course is the FIRST activity in your course and the date the VA will stop paying is the day your final exam or final project is graded.**  

Click here for handy distribution table.

Note: There are a few exceptions to this policy that will vary by program and course. These exceptions will be addressed at the time of course enrollment. Speak with the IU military education department at 1-800-481-9440 if you have any questions or need additional information.

Does IU participate in advance payment with the VA?
No. IU does not participate in advance payment as we only certify enrollment upon course completion.

Where can I find military education forms for GI Bill and related benefits?
Most military education forms can be found at the GI Bill website under Education Forms http://www.gibill.va.gov/education/education_forms.htm

The GI Bill site is also an excellent source of information on updates and changes to GI Bill/VA education benefits.

Who do I contact if I have questions about my GI Bill/VA benefits eligibility or pay schedule?
Any questions you have about eligibility or your payment rates can be answered by calling the VA at 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551). Ask to speak with a Veterans Benefits Counselor. You may also visit this page to learn about eligibility requirements for the different benefits available including MGIB, Top Up, DEA, NCA and more. http://www.gibill.va.gov/education/benefits.htm.

How do I use the VA’s new Chapter 1607 benefits?
At this time, there is little information available on how Chapter 1607 benefits will work. Those who are now eligible and/or participating in chapter 1606 should visit the GI Bill website regularly at (http://www.gibill.va.gov) for updates and information on this new program.

How do I contact IU if I have questions or need help with my VA/GI Bill benefits?

Prospective Students and Applicants: If you have any questions about these programs at IU, please contact the military education department at 800-481-9440.

Current Students: If you are already enrolled as an IU student, simply Submit a Request through the online Help Desk at any time if you need assistance with your military benefits. Please be sure to indicate that you are submitting a military-related request so that your request can be routed to the staff member best able to help you.

How do I use my Military Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) benefits at IU?
First, you and your vocational rehabilitation counselor will need to select and agree on a program of study. Once a program has been selected, your Vocational Rehabilitation counselor will submit a 1905 form for each individual course in the program.

Individual Vocational Rehabilitation of counselors’ have different payment processes. For this reason, IU recommends that your VR counselor work directly with the college’s military department to set up a payment and invoicing schedule.

For more information on VR benefits, visit the VR website (www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre), speak with your VR counselor and contact the IU military education department at 1-800- 481-9440.

Where do I send my 1905 form?

Send your 1905 forms to:
E-mail: military@independence.edu
Fax: 801-606-7321

How do I contact IU if I have questions or need help with my Vocational Rehabilitation benefits?

Prospective Students and Applicants: If you have any questions about these programs at IU, please contact an Enrollment Advisor at 800-481-9440.

Current Students:. If you are already enrolled as an IU student, simply Submit a Request through the online Help Desk at any time if you need assistance with your military benefits. Please be sure to indicate that you are submitting a military -related question so that your request can be routed to the staff member best able to help you.

Let us help get you started—call 800-481-9440