For receiving any kind of GI Bill benefit, the process starts with creating an account on the VA website. It’s going to be the usual pack drill:
• Enter your SSN
• Provide military history
• Fill in your educational history
• Provide direct deposit information for your bank
• Provide details about the college or training program you plan to attend
It shouldn’t take any more than 15 minutes to fill out your application. If you’re feeling particularly nostalgic for paperwork, you can also use VA Form 22-1990 and mail it in.
The VA processes most claims within 30 days. At the end of that period, you will get your all-important GI Bill Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in the mail. Or, if you were rejected, you’ll find a denial letter explaining why and how to appeal.