So, you’ve applied for your GI Bill benefits, but now you’re having second thoughts? Maybe your plans changed, you found another funding source, or you just realized a different path makes more sense for your education journey. Whatever the reason, if you’re thinking about how to cancel a GI Bill application, you’re in the right place. It’s totally possible to do, but getting it right means understanding the process, knowing who to talk to, and being aware of any potential financial implications or impact on future benefits.

Don’t sweat it too much, though. The VA understands that life happens, and sometimes you need to adjust your plans. The key is to act promptly and communicate clearly with the right people. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the moment you decide to cancel to understanding if you can get any money back, and even what to do if you change your mind later. Think of this as your friendly roadmap to navigating the VA system when you need to hit the brakes on your education benefits application.

Table of Contents

Why You Might Want to Cancel Your GI Bill Application

Life rarely goes exactly as planned, and your educational goals are no exception. There are a bunch of reasons why someone might decide to put their GI Bill application on hold or cancel it entirely. Understanding these common scenarios might help you feel less alone in your decision.

Change of Plans: This is a big one. Maybe you applied for a specific program or school, but then a better opportunity popped up, or you just realized that path isn’t for you anymore. It could be a new career goal, a different major, or even deciding to take a gap year before hitting the books.
Alternative Funding: Sometimes, folks find other ways to pay for their education after applying for the GI Bill. This could be a scholarship you didn’t expect, an employer tuition assistance program like in one case where a veteran’s daughter received 100% tuition coverage from her employer, making her Post-9/11 GI Bill less immediately necessary, or even a spouse’s education benefits. If you have another funding source that covers tuition and fees, or even provides a better overall package, it might make sense to save your GI Bill benefits for a later time or for a different family member.
Switching GI Bill Chapters: You might be eligible for more than one GI Bill program, like the Montgomery GI Bill MGIB and the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Sometimes, after applying for one, you realize the other is a better fit for your situation, especially considering the different benefits like tuition coverage, housing allowances, and book stipends. If you choose to use Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, you generally give up the right to use MGIB-AD or MGIB-SR, but you can switch from MGIB to Post-9/11 GI Bill if you have remaining entitlement. This often involves filling out VA Form 22-1990 and carefully understanding the implications of the switch.
Not Starting School: Maybe you applied for benefits in anticipation of starting school, but then life got in the way, and you never actually enrolled or attended classes. In this situation, cancelling the application ensures that your benefits aren’t unnecessarily tied up or potentially misallocated.
Transferring Benefits to a Dependent: For service members who transferred their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a dependent, there might be a need to cancel or modify that transfer, especially if circumstances change for the dependent or the service member themselves. For instance, a service member can cancel or modify the transfer of benefits as long as the funds haven’t been disbursed yet.
Concerns About a School: Sometimes, after applying, you do more research or hear reviews that make you reconsider attending a particular institution. If you’ve already signed up but haven’t started classes or received payments, cancelling the school certification might be your best bet.

Whatever your personal situation, deciding to cancel is a valid choice. The important part is knowing the proper steps to take so you can manage your benefits effectively.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Cancelling Your GI Bill Application

Alright, let’s get down to the practical stuff. If you’ve decided to cancel your GI Bill application, the process usually involves contacting the Department of Veterans Affairs VA or your school’s certifying official. It’s often pretty straightforward, but timing and clear communication are key.

Option 1: Contacting the VA Directly

The most direct way to handle this is to go straight to the source: the VA. They have a few different channels you can use. Ditching Lumosity? Here’s How to Cancel Your Subscription, Especially If You Used Google!

Phone

Honestly, sometimes a good old-fashioned phone call is the quickest way to get things sorted, especially if you have specific questions. The VA has a dedicated GI Bill Hotline that’s super helpful.

GI Bill Hotline: You can reach them at 1-888-GIBILL-1 1-888-442-4551. They’re usually available Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Central Time. If you’re calling from outside the U.S., the number is +1-918-781-5678 though this isn’t toll-free. When you call, be ready to explain that you wish to cancel an existing application for education benefits. Have your personal information like your Social Security number and VA file number handy, as they’ll need it to identify your application.

Online Portal VA.gov

The VA’s online portal is constantly improving, and it’s a great resource for managing your benefits.

Ask VA AVA: You can submit a question online through the “Ask VA” tool ask.va.gov. When you’re filling out the form, make sure to select “GI Bill” as the category for your question. Clearly state that you want to cancel your application. This creates a digital record of your request, which can be useful.
Changing Your Benefits/School: If you’ve already received a Certificate of Eligibility COE and want to change your school or program rather than outright cancel an application that hasn’t been processed, you’d typically use VA Form 22-1995, Request for Change of Program or Place of Training. While this isn’t strictly “cancelling an application,” it’s how you modify where and how you use your benefits. You can submit this form online via VA.gov or by mail.

Mail

While slower, sending a written request via mail is always an option, and it provides a physical record.

Written Request: You can write a letter to the VA explaining that you want to cancel your GI Bill application. Include all your identifying information: full name, Social Security number, VA file number, and contact details. Clearly state your intent to cancel and the effective date if you have one.
Regional Processing Office: Mail your letter to the appropriate VA regional processing office. You can usually find the address for your specific region on the VA.gov website.

Option 2: Contacting Your School’s Certifying Official

If you’ve already submitted your Certificate of Eligibility COE or otherwise informed your school that you’ll be using GI Bill benefits, it’s also crucial to communicate with them.

School Certifying Official SCO: Every school that accepts GI Bill benefits has a School Certifying Official SCO or a Veterans Affairs office. This person is your direct link to the VA through the school. You should contact them immediately and let them know you want to cancel your enrollment certification for GI Bill benefits. They can often prevent payments from being sent or help you navigate any necessary adjustments. This is especially important if payments haven’t been disbursed yet.
Withdrawal Deadlines: Be aware of your school’s withdrawal deadlines. If you withdraw before the first day of class or within the drop/add period, you might avoid any charges or overpayments. If you withdraw after classes have started, things get a bit more complicated regarding potential overpayments, which we’ll cover next.

What Information You’ll Need

When you contact the VA or your school, having the right information ready will make the process much smoother: Cancel gb3 membership

Your Full Name
Social Security Number SSN
VA File Number if you have one
Date of Birth
Contact Information phone, email, mailing address
The specific GI Bill chapter you applied for e.g., Post-9/11 GI Bill Chapter 33, Montgomery GI Bill Chapter 30
The date you submitted your application if you remember
Name of the school/program you intended to use benefits for if applicable

Having all this ready will save you a lot of back-and-forth!

Understanding GI Bill Refunds: Can You Get Your Money Back?

“Can I get my GI Bill money back?” This is a super common question, and the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. it really depends on a few factors, especially which GI Bill program you’re talking about and what kind of payments were made.

When Refunds Are Possible

Generally, when people talk about “getting GI Bill money back,” they’re often referring to the Montgomery GI Bill MGIB contribution. If you opted into the MGIB program while on active duty, you likely contributed $1,200 or $100 per month for 12 months.

Here’s the good news: if you paid that $1,200 into the MGIB and later choose to use your Post-9/11 GI Bill Chapter 33 benefits instead, you may be eligible for a refund of that MGIB contribution. How to Cancel GCI Service: A Complete Guide to Disconnecting Your Internet, Mobile, or TV in Alaska

But there are some specific conditions you usually need to meet to get that refund:

You paid the $1,200 MGIB buy-in when you joined the military.
You chose to use your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits instead of your MGIB benefits. This usually means making an “irrevocable election” to use Chapter 33 by relinquishing your Chapter 30 benefits.
You had unused MGIB benefits when you started using Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.
You’ve used all of your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits meaning all 36 months of entitlement.
You were receiving a Post-9/11 GI Bill monthly housing allowance on the day your entitlement ended.

If you meet all these requirements, the VA will generally include the refund in your last monthly housing allowance payment. You usually don’t need to apply separately for this refund. it’s often automatic. The maximum refund you can receive is $1,200.

What if you didn’t use any of your MGIB benefits before switching to Post-9/11? Then you may receive the full $1,200 refund. If you used part of your MGIB benefits, the refund is calculated based on the number of months of remaining MGIB benefits.

Important Note: If you transferred your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a dependent and they used up all the entitlement, you typically won’t qualify for the MGIB refund. However, if your dependent used only some of the entitlement and you were the last one to use the benefit, you might still be eligible.

For other GI Bill chapters, like the Veteran Education Assistance Program VEAP Chapter 32, you might be eligible for a refund of unused contributions by completing a VA Form 22-5281, Application For Refund of Education Contributions VEAP. How to Cancel NordVPN and Get a Refund (The Easy Way!)

How Refunds Work Tuition, Housing, Stipends

Beyond the MGIB buy-in, refunds for tuition, housing, or book stipends are usually handled a bit differently. These aren’t typically “refunds to you” in the same way as the MGIB contribution.

Tuition and Fees: If the VA has already paid tuition and fees to your school, and you then drop classes or withdraw, the VA’s policy states that “if the student enrolls and never attends, the school must refund to the VA the full amount of the payments received on behalf of the student”. This means the school will owe the money back to the VA, not directly to you. If you withdraw after a certain point in the semester, you might still incur a debt to the VA for payments made on your behalf.
Monthly Housing Allowance MHA and Book Stipends: If you receive MHA or a book stipend and then withdraw from courses, you might face an overpayment situation. The VA may reduce your training time and adjust your pay effectively from the date of withdrawal, or even back to the beginning of the term if you withdraw after the drop/add period. If you have “mitigating circumstances” reasons beyond your control like an illness, death in the family, or unavoidable job change, the VA might waive the debt for payments up to the withdrawal date, but you’ll still owe for the period after you stopped attending. Otherwise, you’ll be responsible for repaying any overpayments. The VA typically allows for a “six credit hour exclusion” for your first withdrawal up to six credit hours, which means they’ll adjust your training time on the date of withdrawal, not retroactively. But this is a one-time thing!

How to Request a Refund If Applicable

Montgomery GI Bill Chapter 30 Buy-in: As mentioned, if you meet the Post-9/11 GI Bill exhaustion requirements, this refund is generally automatic. If you believe you should have received one but didn’t, contact the VA at 888-442-4551 or through Ask VA, selecting “GI Bill” as the category.
VEAP Chapter 32 Contributions: For VEAP, you’ll need to fill out VA Form 22-5281 and mail it to your nearest VA Regional Office.
Overpayments for Tuition/Stipends: If you’ve received an overpayment due to withdrawal, the VA will usually send you a letter explaining the debt and how to repay it. If you believe there were mitigating circumstances, you’ll need to report them to the VA. This can be done by mail or potentially through your school’s Veterans Educational Benefits & Certification office.

The bottom line here is that “getting your money back” with the GI Bill is usually about your initial MGIB contribution if you switch to Post-9/11 benefits. For other payments, it’s more about preventing or resolving overpayments if your enrollment changes. Always communicate with the VA and your school’s SCO to understand your specific situation.

Does the GI Bill Cover Application Fees? And Other Common Fees

It’s natural to wonder about all the costs associated with higher education, especially application fees. When it comes to the GI Bill, the short answer is no, the VA typically doesn’t cover application fees for colleges or universities. This is a common point of confusion for many student veterans.

Think of it this way: the GI Bill is primarily designed to cover the costs of attending school, not the initial administrative hurdles to get into school. So, while it’s a huge help with tuition, housing, and books, you’ll generally need to budget for those application fees yourself. Many schools, however, will waive application fees for veterans, so it’s always worth asking the admissions office! How to Cancel Your Furbo Subscription or Delete Your Account – A Super Easy Guide!

What Fees Does the GI Bill Actually Cover?

The GI Bill, especially the Post-9/11 GI Bill Chapter 33, is incredibly generous with what it does cover. If you qualify for the maximum benefit, it covers a significant portion of your educational expenses. Here’s a rundown of what’s typically included:

Tuition and Fees: This is the big one. For public, in-state institutions, the Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover the full cost of tuition and fees. For private or foreign schools, there’s usually a national maximum rate that the VA will pay, which is updated annually. Any costs above that cap, including out-of-state tuition fees unless covered by a Yellow Ribbon Program agreement with your school, would be your responsibility.
Monthly Housing Allowance MHA: If you’re attending school more than half-time, you’ll typically receive a monthly housing allowance, often referred to as BAH Basic Allowance for Housing. This amount is based on the cost of living where your school is located. Active-duty service members using the Post-9/11 GI Bill, or spouses of active-duty members using transferred benefits, generally don’t receive MHA.
Books and Supplies Stipend: You can receive an annual stipend for books and supplies, up to a maximum amount for example, $1,000 per school year for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This money is usually paid directly to you.
National Exam Fees: This is a cool benefit that sometimes gets overlooked! The VA can reimburse you for mandatory fees charged for national admission tests like the SAT, ACT, GMAT, etc. and national tests for college credit like AP, CLEP, DSST exams.
Licensing and Certification Tests: If your program or job requires specific licensing or certification tests, the VA can reimburse you for those fees. This is a really valuable benefit for many career paths.
Tutorial Assistance: If you need extra help with your studies, the GI Bill can also cover tutorial assistance.
Rural Relocation Benefit: For those living in rural areas who need to move to attend school, there might be a one-time relocation stipend available.

What the GI Bill Doesn’t Typically Cover Beyond Application Fees

Just as important as knowing what’s covered is understanding what isn’t. Besides application fees, here are a few other things the GI Bill generally won’t pay for:

Late Registration Fees: If you miss deadlines, those late fees are usually on you.
Audited Classes: If a class isn’t required for your program or doesn’t fulfill a requirement, the VA likely won’t pay for it, including audited classes.
Food or Lodging: While you get a housing allowance, the GI Bill doesn’t directly cover your daily food expenses or specific lodging costs beyond the MHA. The MHA is intended to cover your living expenses, and you manage it as you see fit.
Transportation Fees: Unless specific transportation fees are mandatory for every student, they’re typically not covered.

So, while the GI Bill is a fantastic resource, it’s always smart to check with your school’s VA certifying official and the VA itself or the GI Bill Hotline at 1-888-GIBILL-1 to confirm exactly what will and won’t be covered for your specific program and situation.

Reapplying for the GI Bill After Cancellation

Let’s say you cancelled your GI Bill application, life took another turn, and now you’re thinking, “Hmm, maybe I do want to use those benefits after all!” Good news: you absolutely can reapply for the GI Bill after cancelling an initial application. How to cancel subscription for turbo vpn

Here’s how it generally works:

You Only Apply for Eligibility Once: When you first apply for the GI Bill using VA Form 22-1990, Application for VA Education Benefits, you’re essentially applying to establish your eligibility for the benefit itself. Once the VA determines you’re eligible and issues you a Certificate of Eligibility COE, that eligibility generally sticks with you for the duration of your benefits, unless something major changes with your service record. You don’t usually need to re-apply for eligibility itself.
Applying for a New School or Program: If you cancelled your application because you decided not to attend a particular school, and now you want to go to a different one, you typically don’t need to fill out a brand new VA Form 22-1990 to re-establish eligibility. Instead, you’ll submit VA Form 22-1995, Request for Change of Program or Place of Training. This form tells the VA that you’re changing where you’re going to school or what you’re studying. You can submit this form online through VA.gov.
What if I never used the benefits at all? If you applied for benefits, got your COE, but never actually started school or had any payments disbursed, and then cancelled your application, you’re pretty much in the clear. Your eligibility remains, and when you’re ready, you’ll just use the appropriate form likely VA Form 22-1995 to inform the VA of your new school or program.
Contact Your School’s SCO: When you’re ready to restart using your benefits at a new school, your first step should always be to connect with that school’s Veteran Certifying Official SCO. They are the experts on campus who can guide you through the process of getting your enrollment certified with the VA and ensure your benefits are activated for your new program.
Verifying Enrollment: Once you’re enrolled and your school has certified your attendance, remember that for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, you’ll need to verify your enrollment every month to keep getting your monthly housing allowance or kicker payments.

So, don’t worry that cancelling means you’ve permanently lost your chance. The system is designed to allow flexibility. Just be mindful of deadlines and communicate clearly with the VA and your school’s veteran’s office.

Important Considerations Before You Cancel

Before you pull the trigger on cancelling your GI Bill application, take a moment to really think things through. This isn’t usually a permanent, irreversible decision, but there are some ripple effects you should understand.

Eligibility Impact

Your Overall Entitlement: Cancelling an application especially before benefits are disbursed or used generally doesn’t “cost” you months of your GI Bill entitlement. Your total eligibility e.g., 36 months for most programs remains intact. The clock on your eligibility generally starts when you begin using the benefits, and there are delimiting dates expiration dates depending on when you served and which GI Bill you’re using. For example, Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits expire 15 years from your last date of separation if you left military service before January 1, 2013. If you left after that date, your benefits generally won’t expire this is part of the “Forever GI Bill”. Montgomery GI Bill benefits typically expire 10 years after separation.
Rudisill Decision: If you’re eligible for both the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty MGIB-AD due to two or more qualifying periods of active duty, you might qualify for up to 48 months of benefits under the Rudisill decision. If your last education claim decision was on or after August 15, 2018, the VA should automatically review your entitlement. If it was before that date, you might need to submit VA Form 22-1995 and specifically mention the Rudisill review. This is a complex area, so it’s worth checking if it applies to you.
Transferred Benefits: If you transferred your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a dependent, you can cancel or modify that transfer, but only if the funds haven’t been awarded yet. Once the benefits have been used by your dependent, you can’t revoke them. This is a big deal, so if you’re thinking of revoking transferred benefits, make sure to act before your dependent starts using them.

Future Plans

Saving Benefits for Later: One of the main reasons people cancel an application is to save their benefits for a different time or purpose. Perhaps you want to pursue a more expensive degree later, or you’re holding them for a child. This is a smart move if your current needs are met through other means.
Considering Other Programs: Are you cancelling because you found a non-GI Bill scholarship or tuition assistance program? Or are you looking at a different VA education benefit, like Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Chapter 31? Make sure you’ve thoroughly researched all your options before making a final decision. Sometimes, other programs might be a better fit for your specific goals or disability status.

Other VA Benefits

Impact on Other Benefits: Generally, cancelling your education benefit application won’t affect other VA benefits you might be receiving, such as disability compensation or healthcare. These are typically separate benefit programs. However, it’s always wise to ensure you understand the specific implications of any changes you make to your VA records. When in doubt, call the general VA benefits hotline at 1-800-827-1000.

Taking a moment to weigh these factors will help ensure that cancelling your GI Bill application is the right move for your unique situation. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a VA representative 888-GIBILL-1 or a trusted Veterans Services Organization VSO for personalized advice. Your Go-To Guide: How to Cancel Your Turbo VPN Free Trial and Subscriptions

Different GI Bill Chapters & How Cancellation Might Vary

The “GI Bill” isn’t just one program. it’s a collection of different education benefits, each with its own rules. The most common ones you’ll hear about are the Post-9/11 GI Bill Chapter 33 and the Montgomery GI Bill MGIB-AD, Chapter 30, and MGIB-SR, Chapter 1606. While the general idea of cancelling an application is similar across the board, some nuances are worth noting.

Post-9/11 GI Bill Chapter 33

This is probably the most widely used and most comprehensive benefit for those who served after September 10, 2001.

Application Cancellation: If you’ve applied but haven’t started using benefits, cancelling is usually straightforward. You’ll contact the VA directly by phone 1-888-GIBILL-1, through Ask VA, or by letting your school’s certifying official know if they’ve already certified your enrollment. The goal is to stop any potential payments before they happen.
Overpayments: If payments for tuition, fees, or the Monthly Housing Allowance MHA have already been made by the VA to your school or directly to you, and you then withdraw, you could face an overpayment situation. The school might have to refund the VA for tuition, and you might owe back MHA or book stipends. Remember the “mitigating circumstances” rule: if you have a valid reason for withdrawing like illness or a job change, report it to the VA. They might excuse some or all of the debt. Also, the “six credit hour exclusion” might apply to your first withdrawal.
Transferred Benefits: A significant aspect of the Post-9/11 GI Bill is the ability to transfer unused benefits to dependents. If you, as the service member, want to cancel or modify these transferred benefits, you can do so as long as the funds haven’t been disbursed or used by the dependent. Once a dependent starts using the benefits, they cannot be revoked. This requires a formal process and often involves contacting the VA.

Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty MGIB-AD, Chapter 30

This program requires service members to “buy in” with a $1,200 contribution during their initial service period.

Application Cancellation: Similar to Post-9/11, if you applied for MGIB-AD and then changed your mind before using benefits, you’d contact the VA to cancel.
Refund of Buy-in: This is where MGIB-AD is unique. If you paid the $1,200 buy-in and later switch to and exhaust your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, you’re usually eligible for a refund of that $1,200. This refund is often automatically included in your last Post-9/11 MHA payment. If you paid into the MGIB-AD but never used it and don’t switch to Post-9/11, getting a refund for your contributions can be more complex, but it’s generally not possible just because you didn’t use it within the 10-year delimiting period. The refund is specifically tied to exhausting Post-9/11 benefits after making the MGIB contribution.
Switching to Post-9/11: Many veterans find the Post-9/11 GI Bill offers more comprehensive benefits. You can switch from MGIB-AD to Post-9/11 GI Bill, but you can’t switch the other way around. If you make this switch, your Post-9/11 entitlement will be limited to the number of months you had remaining under MGIB-AD at the time of the switch. This is often done by filling out VA Form 22-1990 and selecting Chapter 33.

Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve MGIB-SR, Chapter 1606

This benefit is for members of the Selected Reserve and National Guard. Canceling Your “Fi” Services: A Friendly Guide to Breaking Up with Your Subscriptions

Cancellation: As with other chapters, if you’ve applied but haven’t received payments or started school, contact the VA to cancel. If your unit or command certifies your eligibility, you may need to speak with your unit’s education officer as well.
Refunds: Unlike MGIB-AD, there isn’t a “buy-in” for MGIB-SR, so the concept of getting a refund for contributions doesn’t apply here. Payments are based on active service and continued participation in the Selected Reserve.

Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance DEA, Chapter 35

This benefit is for dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled or who died in service or as a result of a service-connected disability.

Cancellation: Dependents who applied for DEA can cancel their application by contacting the VA.
Veteran’s Control: Here’s a key difference: A veteran cannot unilaterally cancel or control their child’s use of DEA benefits once they are granted to the child. Congress gives these benefits directly to the dependent, not through the veteran. So, if you’re a veteran hoping to revoke your estranged child’s DEA benefits, you likely won’t be able to.

No matter which chapter applies to you, open communication with the VA is your best tool. Their contact numbers like 1-888-GIBILL-1 and online resources Ask VA are there to help you understand your specific situation and navigate any changes.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Even with the best intentions, navigating VA benefits can have its tricky spots. Here are some common pitfalls when dealing with GI Bill applications and how you can steer clear of them:

Assuming Cancellation is Automatic: Just because your plans changed doesn’t mean the VA or your school automatically knows. If you decide not to attend school after applying for benefits, you must actively notify the VA and your school’s certifying official. Don’t just ghost them, especially if you’ve already filled out certification forms with your school. If you don’t, payments could be made on your behalf, leading to an overpayment and a debt you’d have to repay.
- How to Avoid: Be proactive! Call the VA 1-888-GIBILL-1 and email your school’s SCO as soon as your plans change. Get confirmation in writing that your application or certification has been cancelled.
Ignoring Overpayment Notices: If you withdraw from a class or school after payments have been made, you might receive an overpayment notice from the VA. It can be tempting to ignore these, but that’s a bad idea. Unpaid debts can lead to serious consequences, including collection actions.
- How to Avoid: Open and read all correspondence from the VA. If you receive an overpayment notice, understand why you owe the money. If you believe there were “mitigating circumstances” reasons beyond your control like an illness or a job transfer, report them to the VA immediately. They might waive part or all of the debt. If you simply made a mistake, work with the VA to set up a repayment plan.
Not Understanding the “Six Credit Hour Exclusion”: The VA has a policy that often forgives your first withdrawal of up to six credit hours without creating an overpayment for tuition or MHA. This is a one-time exclusion. However, some people mistakenly think this applies to all withdrawals or can be combined for multiple smaller withdrawals.
- How to Avoid: Use this exclusion wisely, knowing it’s a one-time safety net. Always try to avoid dropping classes unless absolutely necessary. If you must drop, talk to your SCO to understand the financial implications before you act.
Misunderstanding Refund Eligibility: As we discussed, a refund for your Montgomery GI Bill $1,200 buy-in is specific and usually tied to exhausting your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. Don’t assume you’ll automatically get this money back just by cancelling your application or not using your MGIB.
- How to Avoid: Review the eligibility requirements for MGIB refunds carefully. If you have questions, call the GI Bill Hotline 1-888-GIBILL-1.
Not Contacting the School’s Veteran’s Office: Your School Certifying Official SCO is an invaluable resource. They are trained by the VA to assist you and certify your enrollment. They can provide guidance specific to your school and help you avoid administrative headaches.
- How to Avoid: Make your school’s veteran’s office your first stop for any questions or changes related to your GI Bill benefits once you’re enrolled. Build a good relationship with your SCO.
Failing to Keep Records: It’s a good habit to keep copies of all applications, correspondence emails and letters, and confirmations related to your VA benefits. This includes dates of calls, who you spoke with, and what was discussed.
- How to Avoid: Create a dedicated folder digital or physical for all your VA education benefit documents. Send emails to confirm phone conversations for a written record.

By being informed and proactive, you can navigate the GI Bill system smoothly and make the best decisions for your educational journey. Oops! Forgot to Cancel Your NordVPN? Here’s How to Fix It (and Maybe Get Your Money Back!)

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I apply for the GI Bill but don’t use it?

If you apply for the GI Bill, are found eligible, and receive your Certificate of Eligibility COE but then never actually enroll in school or have your enrollment certified by a school, your entitlement typically remains unused. You won’t lose benefits for simply applying. When you’re ready to use them, you’ll work with your chosen school’s certifying official, or if you’re changing schools after having applied, you’ll submit VA Form 22-1995 to update your information. Your eligibility period delimiting date will start when you begin using the benefits, but remember those expiration dates depending on your service period 15 years for Post-9/11 if service ended before 2013, otherwise no expiration. 10 years for Montgomery GI Bill.

How do I get my GI Bill refund if I withdraw from school?

If you withdraw from school, any “refund” typically refers to two main scenarios. First, if you contributed $1,200 to the Montgomery GI Bill MGIB and then chose to use and fully exhausted your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, you’ll generally receive an automatic refund of that $1,200 in your final housing allowance payment. Second, if the VA paid tuition or housing allowances and you withdrew, it’s usually an overpayment situation. The school might have to refund the VA, and you might owe the VA back for housing or book stipends paid to you. If you have valid “mitigating circumstances” for withdrawing like an illness or job transfer, you should report them to the VA, which may reduce or waive the debt.

Does the GI Bill cover application fees for colleges?

No, the GI Bill generally does not cover application fees for colleges or universities. These are considered administrative costs associated with applying rather than attending. However, many institutions offer application fee waivers for veterans, so it’s always a good idea to inquire with the admissions office of the schools you’re interested in. The GI Bill does cover other fees, such as tuition, mandatory school fees, and sometimes even national exam fees or licensing/certification test fees.

Can I cancel GI Bill transfer to dependent?

Yes, you can cancel or modify the transfer of your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a dependent, but there’s a crucial condition: you can only do so if the benefits haven’t been awarded or used yet by the dependent. Once your dependent has started using the transferred benefits, you generally cannot revoke them. If you need to cancel or modify a transfer, you’ll need to contact the VA directly, often through VA.gov or by calling the GI Bill Hotline 1-888-GIBILL-1. How to Cancel Fn Lock: Take Back Control of Your Keyboard!

What happens if I drop a class using the GI Bill?

If you drop a class while using your GI Bill benefits, it can affect your payments and potentially create a debt with the VA. If you drop a class during the school’s “drop/add” period usually early in the term, the VA will adjust your training time, and you might not incur a debt. However, if you drop after this period, the VA might reduce your training time retroactively to the start of the term, leading to an overpayment that you’d have to repay. The good news is that the VA usually offers a “six credit hour exclusion” for your first withdrawal, meaning they’ll forgive up to six credit hours without a retroactive debt. Always notify your school’s certifying official immediately if you drop a class.

Can I change my GI Bill program from Montgomery to Post-9/11?

Yes, you can switch from the Montgomery GI Bill MGIB-AD or MGIB-SR to the Post-9/11 GI Bill Chapter 33. Many veterans choose to do this because the Post-9/11 GI Bill often offers more comprehensive benefits, including full tuition and fees for public in-state schools, a monthly housing allowance, and a book stipend. To make the switch, you’ll typically need to fill out VA Form 22-1990, Application for VA Education Benefits, and select Chapter 33. When you switch, you give up your right to use the original MGIB benefits, and your Post-9/11 entitlement will be limited to the number of months you had remaining under your MGIB program at the time of the election.

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Cancelling Your GI Bill Application: A Straightforward Guide