OVS FAQ

We know navigating VA education benefits and university resources can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re balancing academics with everything else. Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions we hear from student veterans. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team directly at veterans@syr.edu. We’re here to help make your time at Syracuse University as smooth as possible.

At Syracuse University, the Office of Veteran Success (OVS) provides dedicated School Certifying Officials (SCOs) who are assigned by degree program to help students navigate VA education benefits.  If you are interested in using VA education benefits, please contact the Office of Veteran Success to connect with your primary School Certifying Official (SCO).  The Office of Veteran Success (OVS) can be reached by email: veterans@syr.edu or by phone: (315) 443-0358.

Yes, the University will not certify your enrollment to the VA unless we receive your RFC for an upcoming term.  The RFC notifies the Office of Veteran Success (OVS) that you would like to use your benefit and gives your consent to OVS to certify your enrollment to the VA.

Your enrollment will not be certified to the VA without action from you. If you’re using VA education benefits, you must submit a Request for Certification (RFC) each term you want to use your benefit.

*Important for Post-9/11 GI Bill® recipients: If you don’t submit an RFC, the Office of Veteran Success cannot place a payment estimate on your Bursar account.  This may result in account holds or registration restrictions.

Do not submit an RFC for that semester.  If you do not submit an RFC, the Office of Veteran Success (OVS) will not certify your enrollment to the VA.

Yes, once Syracuse University has certified your enrollment to the VA, you must verify your enrollment to the VA on a monthly basis (excluding CH31 VR&E recipients).  For more information about how to verify your enrollment to the VA please visit the VA’s website.

A Syracuse University School Certifying Official (SCOs) will certify your enrollment to the VA for payment.  Once we certify your enrollment, the VA will send you a confirmation email.  The VA will issue payment based on your benefit type and enrollment status.  Your housing allowance or monthly stipend will be sent directly to you via direct deposit.  If you have questions, please contact the Office of Veteran Success (OVS) at veterans@syr.edu.

If you’re using a benefit that covers tuition and fees, the VA sends payment directly to Syracuse University.  Your housing allowance (CH33 & CH31) or stipend (CH30, 35, 1606) will be sent via direct deposit to the bank account you have on file with the VA.

You can change your direct deposit information with the VA through the VA portal or you can call the GI Bill® hotline at 1-888-442-4551.

No, the VA requires the University to itemize what is included in mandatory fees. Only certain items can be billed to the VA when using education benefits. Please contact the Office of Veteran Success.

Students should expect additional out-of-pocket costs for courses with these fees.

Note for Chapter 31 (VR&E) students: Your VR&E counselor may approve coverage for these fees and expenses. Contact your counselor to discuss:

  • The specific fee breakdown
  • Associated expenses for the course
  • What they will approve for funding

If you have questions as to whether or not you may have out-of-pocket costs please contact the Office of Veteran Success: veterans@syr.edu or 315-443-0358.

Syracuse University is a full Yellow Ribbon university partner with the VA. Students are eligible for the Yellow Ribbon program if you’re at the 100% tier of the Post 9/11 GI Bill®.

    • For VA Yellow Ribbon eligibility requirements, please visit the VA’s Yellow Ribbon website.
    • For information about Syracuse University’s Yellow Ribbon Program, please click here.

If you are using Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®) or Chapter 31 (VR&E) benefits, your housing allowance is paid directly to you by the VA based on your enrollment status. The VA issues housing allowance payments during the first week of each month for the previous month’s attendance. For example, you will receive your September payment in early October. Payments are calculated only for the days you are enrolled during each month.  If you are not enrolled for the full month, your payment will be prorated based on the actual number of days you attended.

Important: Active-duty service members and spouses of active-duty service members are not eligible for the housing allowance.

Per VA policy, these are not considered mandatory fees and cannot be billed to the VA as part of your tuition and fees.

If you are using Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits, you receive a monthly housing allowance that can help cover these costs.  The amount depends on:

  • Your benefit eligibility percentage
  • Your enrollment status (full-time, part-time, etc.)

For current Post-9/11 GI Bill® pay rates, visit the VA’s website or contact the Office of Veteran Success at veterans@syr.edu or (315) 443-0358.

Yes, if you’re considering making a schedule change, we recommend contacting the Office of Veteran Success (OVS) first to discuss:

  • Potential impacts on your VA entitlement.
  • Any financial liability you may incur with the VA or University.

This information will help you make an informed decision.

Yes! If you’re considering taking a leave of absence (LOA), contact the Office of Veteran Success (OVS) before hand, so we can explain how it may affect your VA benefits.

Contact OVS: