Apply for GI Bill® Benefits

Veterans: How to Apply for GI Bill® Benefits

Spouses & Dependents of Veterans: How to Apply for GI Benefits

Digital Copies of the Certificate of Eligibility from the VA

If you are trying to get a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, you can request a digital copy.

In your request, let the VA know you would like to update your account.

PA In-State Tuition Benefits (PA Act 14(2023) and HB804)

Effective December 23, 2023, PA Act 14 (2023) and HB804 amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Choice Act) and extends the benefit of in-state tuition rates to the following populations:

  1. All US Veterans (including spouses and dependents) regardless of state of residency,
  2. Active-duty military (including spouses and dependents) who are stationed in Pennsylvania and lives in Pennsylvania, and
  3. Any civilian who works on at Department of Defense facility stationed in Pennsylvania and live in Pennsylvania (including spouses and dependents).

According to WCU policy, your residency status may require you to supply extra documentation to ensure you receive the proper, in-state tuition benefits. All required documentation must be submitted to Mrs. June Thompson. If the necessary documentation is not provided by the end of the add/drop period for the term, you will be charged out-of-state tuition.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility for In-State Tuition Benefits

The following populations are eligible for in-state tuition after verifying supporting documentation, regardless of VA educational benefits eligibility.

  1. All US Veterans (including spouses and dependents) regardless of state of residency,
  2. Active-duty military (including spouses and dependents) who are stationed in Pennsylvania and lives in Pennsylvania, and
  3. Any civilian who works on at Department of Defense facility stationed in Pennsylvania and lives in Pennsylvania (including spouses and dependents).

Step 2: Provide PA Residency Documentation for In-State Tuition Benefits

If you intend to request a residency reclassification based on your veteran status, please contact the Greg and Sandra Weisenstein Veterans Center before the end of the drop/add period for the term you are requesting reclassification.

If the necessary documentation is not provided, you will be charged out-of-state tuition.

Required Documents for Veterans (including Spouses & Dependents of Veterans)

  1. A Member 4 copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214 (DD214) in order to establish the veteran’s discharge date and a period of honorable active duty of 90 days or more (multiples of the veteran’s DD214 may be used to establish qualifying time period and service status)
  2. If the student is the spouse or dependent child of a veteran, proof of Relationship, copy of:
    • Marriage Certificate, or
    • Birth Certificate, or
    • Military ID card, or
    • DEERS record showing relationship to Veteran.
  3. WCU Act 14 Form

Required Documents for Active Military (including spouses and children)

  1. Statement of Service showing active-duty status
  2. Evidence (e.g., lease or utility bill with name and PA address) that the active-duty member lives in Pennsylvania; however, there is no requirement that the covered individual live in Pennsylvania for a specific amount of time in order to be eligible for in-state tuition and fees.
  3. If the student is a spouse or dependent child of an active military member, proof of relationship, copy of:
    • Marriage Certificate, or
    • Birth Certificate, or
    • Military ID card, or
    • DEERS record showing relationship to service member
  4. WCU Act 14 Form

Required Documents for Civilians employed on a Department of Defense facility located in Pennsylvania) (including spouses and children)

  1. Proof of employment at a Pennsylvania Department of Defense facility
  2. Evidence (e.g., lease or utility bill with name and PA address) that the DoD employed civilian lives in Pennsylvania; however, there is no requirement that the covered individual live in Pennsylvania for a specific amount of time to be eligible for in-state tuition and fees.
  3. If the student is a spouse or dependent child of an active military member, proof of relationship, copy of:
    • Marriage Certificate, or
    • Birth Certificate, or
    • Military ID card, or
    • DEERS record showing relationship to service member
  4. WCU Act 14 Form

Additional Resources & FAQS About VA Benefits

Links for GI Benefits

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)

Transferring your GI Bill® to your Dependents (TEB)

Questions or Concerns?

If you have questions regarding your VA Education benefits, the process, or your experience as a student veteran please contact one of the university’s VA Certifying Officials:

June Thompson
Administrative Assistant
Greg & Sandra Weisenstein Veterans Center
624 South High Street
610-430-5866
Jthompson2@wcupa.edu

Vincent DeMarro
School Certifying Official (SCO)
Greg & Sandra Weisenstein Veterans Center
624 South High Street
610-430-5866
Vdemarro@wcupa.edu

To share concerns or make a formal complaint, please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance at 114 W. Rosedale, Avenue or by phone at 610.436.2433

"GI Bill®” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.