Applying for Benefits or Changing Benefits
Applying for VA Benefits for the First Time
Step 1: Refer to Admissions or Graduate Admissions regarding the programs that Southern Polytechnic State University offers and enrollment
into the university.
Step 2: Once you have applied for Southern Polytechnic State University and began the admissions process, select the type of Veteran Educational Benefit you will be using. Unsure of what you may be eligible for? Click here.
IMPORTANT If you are eligible for two programs such as Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30) and
the Post 9/11 Bill (Chapter 33) careful consideration should be made before selecting
which benefit you are going to use. If you are eligible for the Hope Scholarship,
you will not be able to receive tuition payments from both Ch33 and the Hope Scholarship.
Please see a Veterans Counselor in the Financial Aid Office before applying for benefits
if you are unsure which benefit is for you.
Step 3: Apply for Veterans Affairs Educational Benefits (print a copy) For Chapter’s 1606, 1607 and 30 complete Form 22-1990. For Chapter
35 complete Form 22-5490
*Allow Department of Veterans Affairs approximately six to eight weeks processing
time for new educational claims.
Step 4: Submit appropriate documentation to Southern Polytechnic State University Office
of Scholarships and Financial Aid.
• Submit a copy of the completed application and
• Submit a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility (approval of benefits) and
• Submit a copy of your Educational Kicker (if applicable) and
• Submit a copy of your DD-2384 (Chapter 1606 only) and DD-214 for all other chapters.
Changing Schools or Programs
• GI Bill, REAP, or Post 911 only submit a VA form 22-1995 (Print a copy) or
• CH 35: Survivors’ and Dependents Submit a VA Form 22-5495 (Print a copy)
• Submit a copy of application and Certificate of Eligibility (approval of benefits)
• For CH 31: Submit a VA Form 28-1905 **This comes from your vocational rehabilitation
counselor.
Changing Benefit Types
• Compare Benefits **If you are changing from CH1607 or CH30 to CH33 careful consideration should be
made before making this type of change especially if you are eligible for the Hope
Scholarship.
• Apply for Veterans Affairs Educational Benefits (save a copy)
• Submit a copy of the completed application and
• Submit a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility (approval of benefits)
Georgia National Guard and Resident Reservists
If you are a member of the Georgia National Guard or a Reservists and a resident of Georgia, and you were called up on active duty in support of the Iraq or Afghanistan wars you may be eligible for the following programs:
Combat Fee Waiver- Waives the fees associated with registration. To apply, click here, fill out the form and submit it to Records Section of
the Office of the Registrar in the Admissions Office.
Georgia HERO Scholarship- Provides $1000/semester up to 8 semesters for fulltime enrollment. If enrollment is less than fulltime: pays out a prorated amount. Click here to apply. Log in or create an account, fill out the HERO Scholarship form and submit it to the SPSU financial aid office.
To Contact the SPSU VA Office
• Telephone: (678)915-7299
• Fax: (678)915-4227
• Email: va@spsu.edu
• Located in the Financial Aid Office within Norton Hall (Bldg. R2)
VA benefits
If you are a United States veteran with VA benefits and are enrolled in a degree program
at SPSU, you may be eligible to receive payment from the VA for tuition. Here are
some notes you should make if you wish to apply for VA benefits: