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If you have received Chapter 35 benefits at another college or university, you will need to complete the following steps to use it at James Madison University:

(Reference our Chapter 35 Brochure for more information and payment estimates)


Step 1: Provide copy of Chapter 35 Certificate of Eligibility (COE) 

Options to provide COE:

  • Provide original Certificate of Eligibility. Please confirm remaining entitlement with VA by calling 1-888-442-4551.
  • Complete VA Form 22-5495 Request for Change of Program or Place of Training online through va.gov to receive an updated Certificate of Eligibility.
    • VA will mail an updated copy to the home address in roughly 30 days
    • You can use this application to update address, phone number, bank account, etc. as well

The Certificate of Eligibility can be submitted via email to veteran@jmu.edu as a PDF attachment.


Step 2: Complete the JMU Student Agreement Form 

  • Complete and submit online. Must complete at one time; no save option
  • Requires student to login with their JMU credentials and Duo authentication
  • Complete after you have participated in orientation and finalized your upcoming semester schedule

Step 3: Complete JMU Veterans Education Benefits Request form

  • Complete and submit online. Must complete at one time; no save option
  • Requires student to login with their JMU credentials and Duo authentication. 
  • Complete after you have participated in orientation and finalized your upcoming semester schedule
    • For incoming JMU students - complete after you have participated in orientation and your class schedule is set and will not change. 
    • For current JMU students - complete once upcoming class schedule is set and will not change. 
  • Enrollment in courses must meet major, GenEd, elective, or degree requirements, or an approved certificate or teacher licensure program to qualify. All majors and minors must be declared on the transcript

Step 4: Research the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependent Education Program (VMSDEP).
  • If you are eligible, apply as soon as possible. Follow their Application Target Date (step 3 on their website) to make sure you apply in time.
  • JMU does not apply retroactive waivers once a semester is over.
  • It can be used in conjunction with Chapter 35 if you meet the eligibility requirements for both benefits. 
  • More information found on the JMU VMSDEP website.

Important:

  • In order for a course to be included in an enrollment to VA, it must meet major, minor, general education, degree, or allowed elective to reach 120 credits (after all required courses are factored in) for graduation, or an approved certificate or teacher licensure program to qualify. All majors (including tracks and concentrations) and minors must be declared on your transcript.
  • The JMU Veteran Education Benefits Request form is required every semester benefits are requested. 
  • After your 1st semester using your benefits, the JMU Request form will be emailed to you after registering for the upcoming semester.  It will require your major advisor to initial and sign for any course needed for your major.  No approval is needed for courses outside your major (general education, degree, minors, preps, etc).

What happens after submitting all required documents for the upcoming semester?

JMU's VA Certifying Official will process a student's request for benefits approximately one month prior to the start of the semester/term (once all required documents are received) and within 6-8 weeks, VA will generate and mail an active award benefit letter to the student. 

Monthly payments are mailed to the spouse or dependent's address or direct deposited to the provided bank account in the original application. Monthly payments are paid in arrears. 

All JMU charges must be paid upfront by the University deadline each semester. If also eligible for VMSDEP, that may be factored in to cover the tuition and comprehensive fee charges only (and any course fees, tuition differential fees and orientation fee). Room rent, meal plan and internet fee charges must be covered upfront each semester. 

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