Steps to Apply

  1. Apply for your benefits by visiting va.gov
    1. Complete and submit your application.
  2. Register for classes at Appalachian as soon as your class enrollment timeslot opens.
  3. Send a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility to studentveteranservices@appstate.edu.
    1. The VA will email or mail this once Step 1 is complete. Appalachian State University does not receive information directly from the VA about approvals or Certificates of Eligibility.
  4. Once we have received your Certificate of Eligibility, we will alert you to the opening of your Enrollment Verification form.
    1. You must complete the Enrollment Verification form as soon as possible once alerted. The Enrollment Verification form will need completed before the beginning of each semester.
    2. CH 35 DEA users must enter their complete nine digit file number. Typically this is the same as the veteran spouse/parent's full social security number. To ensure you have the correct file number, please call 888-442-4551.
  5. Sign up for a payment plan with Student Accounts.
  6. Complete your FAFSA. Even if your/your families' income doesn't qualify you for federal aid, a FAFSA opens opportunities for university- or state-specific grants. If you need assistance with filing a FAFSA, reach out to us or to the Office of Financial Aid.

NOTE: Any schedule change made after the term’s census date, resulting in reduced credit hours, may result in a VA or school debt.

Coverage and Payments

Monthly stipends are able to be applied to whatever university expenses that can be applied. This includes tuition, fees, housing, meal plans, etc. There are no direct payments made to the university. Monthly payments are always one month behind per the VA's schedule.

Monthly stipends are deposited directly to the bank account on file with the VA.

Monthly stipend amounts are dependent on distance education courses taken, part-time or full-time status. You can view payment rates at va.gov.

More Information

Survivors’ And Dependents’ Educational Assistance | Veterans Affairs

Chapter 35 VA Benefits | Veterans Guide

Chapter 35 Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I've been verified for benefits for the semester?

You will receive an automated email from the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) verifying that your enrollment has been certified to your AppState email. Please review your email inbox before reaching out to Student Veteran Services. If you have discrepancies or some classes cannot be certified, an Office of Financial Aid representative will alert you to these discrepancies.

How long does it take to process benefits to the VA?

Processing benefits is a multi-step process. Our office will start processing benefits for Fall semesters in August, in January for Spring semesters, and between May and June for Summer Sessions. Depending on the complexity of the certification (new student, multiple majors and minors, transfer credit from other institutions, being waitlisted on classes, etc.), it can take anywhere from 15 to 30 business days for your benefits to process to the VA from our office. If you submit your enrollment datasheets or certificate of eligibility late, it could be longer.

I’m getting emails from the Office of Financial Aid saying I will get late fees if I don’t pay. What do I do?

The Office of Financial Aid sends automated emails to all students with a balance on their account. If you file an enrollment datasheet, your schedule is automatically protected from late fees and schedule cancellation. Chapter 35 students MUST set up a payment plan before or right as the semester starts, but your benefits protect you from cancellation and fees.

How do I get in-state tuition with my benefits?

You can file for in-state tuition with the Office of the Registrar. While you may receive a non-residency number or denial letter, Appalachian State University commits to providing in-state tuition for all VA benefit types that we can. In-state tuition can only be considered if the student plans to relocate to North Carolina for their degree program or if the veteran enlisted out of North Carolina.

You can view documentation needed and where to send it on our main FAQs page.

How do I continue my enrollment for ChampVA health insurance?

Fill out a CHAMPVA School Enrollment Certification Letter and send to the Office of the Registrar at registrar@appstate.edu. Student Veteran Services as an office does not verify or enroll students for ChampVA.

What are the current rates for Chapter 35's monthly payments?

The VA will pay you up to the rate listed here based on how many courses you’re taking: 

  • Full-time enrollment: $1,574.00 for each full month
  • 3/4-time enrollment: $1,244.00 for each full month
  • If you’re enrolled 1/2 time or less, view Chapter 35 rates at va.gov. 

Rates are currently from October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026.

What happens when I withdraw from a class or school altogether?

You may need to pay the VA back the benefits they've paid directly to you. And your school will likely ask you to pay them back for any debt the VA charged to them. If you don’t submit mitigating circumstances or if we don’t accept them, you’ll owe us the full amount we paid starting from the first day of the term.