Advance payment of benefits is available for all GI Bill programs EXCEPT the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
If your school agrees to handle advance payments, you may receive an advance payment. (You can check with the office at your school that handles veterans’ benefits. This is usually the Registrar’s or Financial Aid Office.)
For you to receive an advance payment:
- You must have an advance payment request on file at your school,
- You must be attending school at least half time,
- You must have a break of at least 30 days before the start of the term, and
- VA must receive your enrollment certification at least 30 days before classes start.
If you’re eligible, you'll receive an advance payment for the first partial month plus the first full month of your enrollment. VA will send the advance payment check to your school for you to pick up.
For example, if your enrollment starts on August 25th, your first payment will be for the period August 25th through September 30th. VA will mail the advance payment to your school for you to pick up.
Since GI Bill benefits are paid at the end of the month, your next payment for October 1 - October 31 will be issued in early November. In this example you don’t need to verify attendance until October 31.
If you reduce your enrollment or withdraw from all courses during the period covered by an advance payment, you will have an overpayment that VA is required to collect. If you think the amount of a VA check is incorrect, contact VA before cashing the check.
See our debt information web page.