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Steps to receive U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits

First time using Veterans Affairs benefits? Visit the VA benefits How to Apply webpage before proceeding with these steps.

  • View the chapter benefit checklist (PDF).
    • Submit VA Education Benefit paperwork for each chapter, including from any prior institutions in which you have used VA benefits, using the contact information below.
  • Complete the Certification Request form (PDF).
    • Must be completed each semester.
    • Physical signatures are required. Typed/electronic signatures are not accepted.

Public Law 115-407

Pending Payment Compliance

In accordance with Title 38 U.S. Code 3679(e), SFA adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from VA. SFA will not:

  • prevent your enrollment.
  • assess a late penalty fee.
  • require you to secure alternative or additional funding.
  • or deny you access to any resources (including classes, libraries or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.

However, to qualify for this provision, you may be required to:

  • produce the VA Certificate of Eligibility by the first day of class.
  • and submit written intent to use Chapter 31 or Chapter 33 benefits by completing the Certification Request form (PDF).
    • Must be completed each semester.
    • Physical signatures are required. Typed/electronic signatures are not accepted.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Veteran Resources

Texas Veterans Commission

The Texas Veterans Commission was created in 1927 as the state service office to assist veterans of the Indian Wars, Spanish-American War and World War I. The commission’s purpose has always been to act as the state-appointed advocate of Texas veterans as they attempt to secure the benefits rightfully earned in exchange for their service in our nation's armed forces.

Learn more about the Texas Veterans Commission.

Texas Veterans Portal

The Texas Veterans Portal is a resource for veterans, their families and their survivors. We have compiled helpful information from many government agencies, where you can easily locate the assistance, services and benefits needed.

Learn more about the Texas Veterans Portal.

Veterans Crisis Line

If you're a veteran in crisis or concerned about one, responders at the Veterans Crisis Line online chat offer help that can make a difference. Caring, qualified VA professionals are standing by to provide free and confidential support.

Use the Veterans Chat to get online support anonymously, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, even if you're not registered with the VA or enrolled in VA health care:

The Veterans Crisis Line also is available by phone or text:

  • Call 1.800.273.8255 and press 1
  • Text 838255
  • Support for deaf and hard-of-hearing: 1.800.799.4889

Responders will work with you to help you get through any personal crisis, even if that crisis does not involve thoughts of suicide. You can decide how much you want to share.

Veterans of Foreign Wars

The Veterans of Foreign Wars strives to provide each individual service member with the support needed and deserved. The programs offered through VFW National Military Services aim to lessen the burden on men and women who have sacrificed to ensure our freedom. Helping military families weather long deployments through free phone time and military family activities, as well as providing emergency financial assistance to those experiencing a dire financial situation, are just a few of the ways VFW works to support our brave men and women.

Learn more about the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

VetJobs

VetJobs assists transitioning U.S. military, National Guard, reserve component members and veterans who have separated over the last several decades and are now productive members of the civilian workforce and their families. VetJobs is available to assist all members of the United States military family. This includes officer and enlisted, active duty, transitioning military, reservists, veterans, and retirees of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Merchant Marine, National Guard, Navy, NOAA and Public Health Service along with trailing spouses, eligible former spouses, widows, widowers, dependents and U.S. Department of Defense civilians.

VetJobs is a leading source for candidates with security clearances.

Learn more about VetJobs.

Questions about VA Benefits?

Stesha Colby-Lynch
Director of Veterans Services

vaservices@sfasu.edu

Contact

Veterans Resource Center
936.468.6494
sfasu.edu/vrc

Physical Address:
Baker Pattillo Student Center, Room 1.102