Question:   How do I qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill?

Answer:     You must have participated in the MGIB program while on active duty, have served at least two years and be honorably discharged.

Question:  How long are my benefits good for?

Answer:     Your eligibility for the MGIB (including the College Fund, if you qualify for the College Fund), generally ends 10 years from the date of your last separation from active duty, or when you use all your months of entitlement, whichever is earlier.

Question:  How many months of benefits can I receive?

Answer: You may receive up to 36 months of benefits under MGIB (including the College Fund).

Your entitlement will be 36 months if

• You meet the requirements for length of service shown under the Category Requirements section above that applies to you, or
• You separate early, and the separation reason is coded as Convenience of the Government, and
• You’ve served at least 30 continuous months for an obligation of three years or more, or
• You’ve served at least 20 continuous months for an obligation of less than three years, or
• You’re eligible under Category 2, and you served at least 30 continuous months of active duty after June 30, 1985, or
• You’re eligible under Category 2 based on two years of active duty after June 30, 1985, and four years of Selected Reserve service, and you served at least 20 continuous months of active duty after June 30, 1985.

Question:  How do I apply for my benefits?

Answer:     Access the forms from the Western International University website at: www.wintu.edu. You’ll need to know if you’ve used your benefits before so you can fill out the correct application.  It also helps to know what benefit you wish to use, such as survivors benefits or Montgomery GI Bill.  Once you’ve filled out the correct paperwork, you’ll turn it in directly to the WIU VA department. 

Question:  Once I’ve enrolled at WIU and applied for my VA Education Benefits, how do you certify my classes for payment?

Answer:    For each class you register for, you will need to fill out and submit a WIU Request for Certification Form (available from www.wintu.edu).  This internal form is the conduit between you and the WIU VA department, and alerts us to certify your class.  After your form is received, registration will be verified and a certification form will be submitted to the VA via secure internet server.

Question:  Is my VA Education Benefit a valid payment option at WIU?

Answer:     No.  As WIU does not participate in advance pay through the VA, the MGIB is not a valid form of payment – the payment will go directly to you, the veteran.  It is advised to select a form of payment on the Student Finance Agreement (available from your enrollment representative) such as Financial Aid, or Corporate Reimbursement. 

Question:  What must I do if I change my enrollment?

Answer:    This is very important…you must contact the WIU VA Department immediately if your enrollment has changed.  If you drop, add or change the course your are in after submittal, please notify the WIU VA Department

Question:  Where can I go for more information on the VA?

Answer:    You can access the VA website at www.gibill.va.gov or call them directly at 1-800-GIBILL-1