Frequently Asked Questions
Is priority registration available to military members or Veterans?
Yes, priority registration is offered to students utilizing Veteran education benefits. First-year students must still attend new student orientation before they can enroll in classes. Extended Studies Military Program also offers veterans, service members and their dependents priority registration. Contact a site coordinator at either Gowen Field or Mountain Home Air Force Base (MHAFB) for assistance with course registration.
Do I have to be a full-time student to receive the full basic allowance for housing (BAH) payment?
Yes, you need to be a full-time student for that session to receive the full amount of your BAH. See the Academic Calendar. Your rate of pursuit must be at least 51% (7 credits for a regular semester) to receive 1/2 of the normal BAH rate.
How do I use my benefits?
To use your GI Bill® benefits, you must fill out the Declaration form and provide an updated COE (Certificate of Eligibility) every semester.
If I drop after the 10th day of the semester, will I still owe the VA money?
Chapter 33 (Post/911)
If you drop after the deadline to receive a refund back from Boise State then you will be required to return any monies back to the VA if there was a change from full time to part-time.
All other chapters
You will be paid by the VA up until the date you drop the class. If the drop changes your full-time status, your pay will reflect the change in status. You will still be required to pay the university for any tuition incurred.
I am failing a class and it is after the drop deadline, what should I do?
You can continue to attend the remaining classes and take the final exam even if you think you will get an “F”, if the class is required for your major you will be able to use your VA benefits to pay for that class again. You need to attend through the last day of class in order to not be required to repay tuition to the VA.
Where’s my money?
The first time you file your initial application for VA educational benefits the processing by the VA can take up to 8 to 10 weeks. Once the VA processes the application and establishes a file for you subsequent processing of paperwork usually takes approximately 6 weeks. After completing the declaration form and providing a current COE (Certificate of Eligibility), we will send the enrollment certification to the appropriate VA Regional Processing Office. If you have basic eligibility for benefits, and your program or course is approved, VA will process your enrollment based the dates and number of hours we submit. If you are using Chapter 30, 1606 or 1607, you need to verify your attendance each month to receive payment. Verify your attendance on the last calendar day of the month using the Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) or by calling the toll-free Interactive Voice Response (IVR) telephone line at 1-877-823-2378. You can sign up to receive reminders, by texting @verify to 81010.
I am a National Guard member, what happens if I am called up to active duty?
You must bring a copy of your orders to the Registrar’s Office as soon as you are notified.
I have returned from deployment, do I need a copy of my DD214 from my most recent deployment?
Welcome back! Whenever you generate more active duty time, it is always a good idea to bring in an updated DD214 so that we can supply it to the VA.
What if I drop a class?
Chapter 33 (Post 9/11)
If you dropped below full-time status for that session, your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) will be affected. If the VA paid you before the change was submitted, you may owe money back to the VA. They will be in contact with you regarding your debt.
All other chapters
You will be paid by the VA up until the date you dropped the class. If the drop changed your rate of pursuit, your pay will reflect the change in status.
Will the VA pay drop fees?
No. You are obligated to pay the drop fee to Boise State University.
Why should I request my military transcripts?
You may receive Boise State elective credits for your military training, however, it may restrict your financial aid in the future. Talk with us before requesting military transcripts.
I am a National Guard member and have deployed, do I qualify for Chapter 33?
If you were on Title 32F or Title 10 orders in support of a contingency, you qualify.
I am running out of Chapter 30 benefits, what are my options?
If you have active duty time after 9/11 you may qualify for Chapter 33. Come into our office to find out if this is an option for you.
I don’t want to live on campus, will I still get my basic allowance for housing (BAH)?
Yes, as long as you meet the VA rate of pursuit eligibility requirements.
I don’t want to use my benefits this semester, what should I do?
Don’t fill out a declaration for that time period. When you are ready to use your benefits again, please fill out the declaration.