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• Post-9/11 GI Bill Guide
• Checklist for Getting Started
• Financial Programs
• VA and USF Policies
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Forms
• Links and Resources

Veterans Services is located within the USF

Counseling Center for Human Development.

It is a part of the Division of Student Affairs.

Veterans Services
University of South Florida
4202 E Fowler Ave, SVC 2127
Tampa, Florida 33620

(813) 974-2291
Fax (813) 974-7199
E-mail the Webmaster
E-mail Veterans’ Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

• I want to use my GI Bill. Where do I start?
  Start by visiting the Admissions website for undergraduate admissions or the Graduate website and apply for admission. Contact our office for the necessary forms to receive VA benefits.

 

Where is the Office of Veterans Services located?

In the Counseling Center, Student Services Building, SVC 2127.

 

Will my military credits be counted towards a degree?

You need to provide the Admissions Office with a copy of your military transcript. They will post the amount of credit recommended by the American Council on Education. It is ultimately up to your department advisor to grant any credit towards your major.

 

Attending Classes

• How do I know if I am a full-time, ½-time or ¾-time student?
  The answer to that question depends on whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student and if you are attending a fall/spring semester or a summer semester.

VA EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS TRAINING TIME
FALL/SPRING SEMSTERS

Undergraduate	Graduate
Full Time = 12 or more hours	9 or more hours
3/4 Time = 9-11 hours	7-8 hours
1/2 Time = 6-8 hours	5-6 hours

SUMMER SEMESTER

Undergraduate				Graduate
	Full Time	3/4 Time	1/2 Time	Full Time	3/4 Time	1/2 Time
Session A	4	3	2	3	N/A	2
Session B	4	3	2	3	N/A	2
Session C	7	5 or 6	4	5	4	3




• Do I have to certify my classes every semester? Do I have to be registered?
  You must complete and submit a Benefits Request Form for certification for future enrollment periods to the Office of Veterans Services twice a year: March 1st for summer semester and June 1st for fall semester. If you are a Chapter 33 (Post 9-11 GI Bill), student, you have to be registered, as we report your tuition and fees on your certification to the VA. The same rule applies to active duty and less than half-time students.

 

• Will I have to pay back the money if I drop a class or get a failing grade?
  If you drop a class and your status changes between full-time and part-time, yes you will. If you provide the VA with reasons for the withdrawal, you may be able to keep the money paid to you until the drop date. Failing grades are not reported to the VA.

   

• Does USF include health insurance in the tuition?
  You are charged a health fee in your tuition.

 

• Will the VA pay for a repeated course?
  Benefits will not be paid for a course in which you already earned a passing grade.

   

• Do I need to tell the Office of Veterans Services if I’m changing majors?
  The VA requires that you complete two forms and one requires your advisor’s signature. You can call us at 974-2291 or stop by our office to get these forms. Also, remember to change your major with your college.

   

• Do I have to certify my classes every semester? Do I have to be registered?
  You must complete and submit a Benefits Request Form for certification for future enrollment periods to the Office of Veterans Services twice a year: March 1st for summer semester and June 1st for fall semester. If you are a Chapter 33 (Post 9-11 GI Bill), student, you have to be registered, as we report your tuition and fees on your certification to the VA. The same rule applies to active duty and less than half-time students.

 

• What about adding a major or minor?
  A double major has to be approved by the State Approving Agency for Veterans Training. Once you complete the application and obtain the required school signatures, we will request the approval for you.

   

• Can I save my entitlement for later use?
  There are two ways to conserve entitlement. You may choose not to receive benefits over breaks, or you may use the benefits at a reduced rate. You can ask to do this when you request certification for the next semester.

   

• How do I change my address or direct deposit information with the VA?
  You can change your address or direct deposit information by calling (877) 838-2778; have your bank’s routing number and account number available.

   

• What is the number to the VA in Atlanta?
  1-888-442-4551

   

• Is there any way I can lose my benefits?
  Yes! To avoid that happening, remember to notify a Veterans Services advisor of the changes listed here:

  • Non-attendance in class (last date attended)
  • Non-attendance of the first day of class (beginning of term)
  • Dropping any classes (date you dropped)
  • Increase in credit hours (number and date)
  • Non-payment of fees
  • Classes not pertaining to your degree
  • Deployment (provide a copy of your orders)