Since the University and VA systems are not in sync, there is a Post 9/11 payment gap because these certifications are done in two steps. They are initially submitted to the VA showing $0.00 tuition and fees. This allows the VA to process book and housing stipends, which are paid directly to students.
Changes to classes or adjustment of tuition and fees can have a significant impact on VA covered charges. They can also result in a debt to the VA, which is not in anyone's best interest. Because such changes are unusual after the Add/Drop period, specifying tuition and fees (the second step) occurs shortly after the drop deadline.
This greatly reduces VA overpayments, subsequent debts and returning money to the VA. However, it also delays VA tuition and fee payments to the University. The delay can result in accounts being tagged as "unpaid" and students receiving notices regarding late fees.
Students with any charges beyond the VA covered tuition and fees are responsible for and should pay those charges when they are due. Any Post 9/11 student notified of or assessed a late fee, and the only outstanding payment is for VA covered tuition and fees, should immediately contact the Veteran and Military Services Office. The matter can be addressed, but it's imperative not to delay providing the notification.
The concern regarding unpaid bill notices is real, recognized and understood. While the above-described process can be disconcerting, it does work as long as we all do our part.
VA Student Payments
The following chart generally represents when VA makes student payments. This information is merely a guide since the VA is solely responsible for processing and making payments to students.
Reminder, the date you complete the Enrollment Certification process and the volume of claims received by the VA can lengthen the VA's processing time.
| Benefit Chapter |
Benefit Name |
Housing |
Tuition & Fee Declaration |
Tuition & Fee Payment |
Book Stipend Payment |
|
| Ch 30 | Montgomery GI Bill® (MGIB-AD) | Directly to students starting the month following your first month of class and then every month thereafter. Payments are considered "in arrears," payments are made at the end of the month for the month that just finished. | When certification is submitted to the VA. | Directly to students. Students are responsible for making payment by the due date. | Directly to students at the beginning of term. | |
| Ch 31 | Veteran Readiness and Employment |
|
When certification bill is submitted to the VR&E. | Directly to Binghamton University. Students are responsible for paying any amount Not Covered by VR&E by the due date. | Directly to students at the beginning of term. | |
| Ch 33 | Post-9/11 GI Bill® | Directly to students starting the beginning of each month for the month that was just completed. | 2-step certification. | Directly to Binghamton University. Students are responsible for paying any amount Not Covered by the VA by the due date. | Directly to students at the beginning of term. | |
| Ch 35 | Dependents' Educational Assistance | Directly to students starting the month following your first month of class and then every month thereafter. Payments are considered "in arrears," payments are made at the end of the month for the month that just finished | When certification is submitted to the VA. | Directly to students. Students are responsible for making payment by the due date. | Directly to students at the beginning of term. | |
| Ch 1606 | Montgomery GI Bill® (MGIB-SR) | Directly to students starting the month following your first month of class and then every month thereafter. Payments are considered "in arrears," payments are made at the end of the month for the month that just finished | When certification is submitted to the VA. | Directly to students. Students are responsible for making payment by the due date. | Directly to students at the beginning of term. |
