Applying for Initial and Continuing VA Benefits at SMU

NOTE: At this time, SMU certifies VA students for academic programs only.

Documents required to apply for initial VA educational benefits can be printed from this page.

• VA forms must be submitted online to VA.
• Copies of VA forms (and other documents listed below) must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office

Four ways to submit documents to Registrar’s Office:

• Fax ALL documents to 214-768-2507 (Attn: VA Certifying Official)
• Email to vdecena@smu.edu or mgoff@smu.edu
• Deliver to Registrar’s Office
         Laura Lee Blanton Building, Room 101
         6185 Airline Road
         Dallas, TX 75205
• Mail to Southern Methodist University
         Registrar’s Office
         PO Box 750181
         Dallas, TX 75275-0181

What documents do I need to submit?

Using VA Benefits for the First Time

Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill), Chapter 1606, 1607, VEAP, and Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill)

Submit online to VA

• Submit an Application for VA Education Benefits (22-1990)

Submit to Registrar’s Office

• Copy of Certificate of Eligibility from VA
• Copies of all DD-214 forms
  (May be requested at http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/)
• Information Sheet for Claiming Veterans
• Veterans Benefit Form
• Yellow Ribbon Application
• Military Transcripts (Required of ALL students requesting to be certified for VA benefits)
  Army – AARTS transcript
  Navy & Marine Corps – SMARTS transcript
     (Click on Proceed or Continue if certificate security warning comes up on your browser)
  Airforce – CCAF transcript
  Coast Guard – CGI transcript
• Undergrad - Copies of all official transcripts (if transferring)
• If pursuing a master’s degree, provide copy of transcript showing bachelor’s degree (if other coursework is listed on transcript, then copies of those transcripts are also required)

Chapter 35 (Survivors and Dependents)

Submit online to VA

• Submit an Application for Survivors & Dependents Educational Assistance (22-5490)

Submit to Registrar’s Office

• Copy of Certificate/Letter of Eligibility from VA
• Information Sheet for Claiming Veterans
• Veterans Benefit Form
• Undergrad - Copies of all official transcripts (if transferring)
• If pursuing a master’s degree, provide copy of transcript showing bachelor’s degree (if other coursework is listed on transcript, then copies of those transcripts are also required)

Using VA Benefits for the First Time at SMU
(If you previously used VA benefits at another school)

Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill), Chapter 1606, 1607, VEAP, Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill)

Submit online to VA

• Submit a Change of Program or Place of Training form (22-1995) if transferring from another institution and not changing VA benefits
• If you wish to apply for different VA benefits, you must submit a new Application for VA Education Benefits (22-1990)

Submit to Registrar’s Office

• Copy of 22-1995 or 22-1990 (see above) AND copy of Certificate of Eligibility from VA
• Copies of all DD-214 forms
  (May be requested at http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/)
• Information Sheet for Claiming Veterans
• Veterans Benefit Form
• Yellow Ribbon Application
• Military Transcripts (Required of ALL students requesting to be certified for VA benefits)
  Army – AARTS transcript
  Navy & Marine Corps – SMARTS transcript
     (Choose Proceed or Continue if certificate security warning comes up on your browser)
  Airforce – CCAF transcript
  Coast Guard – CGI transcript
• Undergrad - Copies of all official transcripts (if transferring)
• If pursuing a master’s degree, provide copy of transcript showing bachelor’s degree (if other coursework is listed on transcript, then copies of those transcripts are also required)

Chapter 35 (Survivors and Dependents)

Submit online to VA

• Complete a Change of Program or Place of Training form (22-5495)

Submit to Registrar’s Office

• Copy of 22-5495 AND Certificate/Letter of Eligibility from VA
• Information Sheet for Claiming Veterans
• Veterans Benefit Form
• Undergrad - Copies of all official transcripts (if transferring)
• If pursuing a master’s degree, provide copy of transcript showing bachelor’s degree (if other coursework is listed on transcript, then copies of those transcripts are also required)

Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation)

Contact local VA office at 214-857-4210 for application procedures.

Submit to Registrar’s Office

• Information Sheet for Claiming Veterans
• Veterans Benefit Form
• Valid VA Form 28-1905
• Copies of all DD-214 forms
  (May be requested at http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/)

Continuing SMU VA Students

• Inform VA Certifying Official EACH TERM that you wish to be certified with VA
• Veterans are responsible for knowing when their VA benefits are exhausted