How to Find the Office of Veterans Affairs
The Lee University Office of Veterans Affairs is located in the Admissions buildig at 890 North Ocoee Street, Cleveland, Tennessee 37320-3450.
How to Apply for Benefits
New students to the Lee University who have not used any VA educational assistance programs should apply in person at the University's Office of Veterans Affairs. Veterans who have not used any of their Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty Educational Assistance (Chapter 30) benefits, will need an original or certified copy of their Member 4 of their DD Form 214 to send to the VA. Reservists who have not used any of their Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve Educational Assistance (Chapter 1606) benefits, will need the original DD Form 2384, or Notice of Basic Eligibility, from their Reserve Unit. New Chapter 30, 33, 1606, 1607 recipients will need to complete a VA Form 22-1990. Dependent's who have not received Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) benefits, will need to apply using VA Form 22-5490 or provide a Certificate of Eligibility.
Transfer students who have received VA educational assistance benefits at other institutions of higher education should also apply in person. Transfers students would only need to complete a Change in Place of Training form. Military members transferring a VA Form 22-1995 and for dependents transferring a VA Form 5495.
Continuing students can be certified for benefits as soon as they have pre-registered for the semester. Continuing students need to complete the green Veterans' Coordinators Card prior to the beginning, or at the beginning, of each semester.
Disabled veterans can apply for Vocational Rehabilitation at here.
Dropping or Withdrawing from Classes
The law prohibits payment of VA benefits for a course from which the student drops or withdraws for a course that the student completes, but receives a grade which will not be used in computing requirements for graduation. The University is required to promptly report any change in enrollment, or receipt of a non-punitive grade, that affects the receipt of VA educational benefits. Students are thus required to promptly report any change in enrollment or the receipt of a non-punitive grade to our office to avoid an overpayment.
Reporting Change of Enrollment
If you drop or add a course, even if you withdraw from a class after the semester is completed, please inform us immediately by phone so a VA Form 22-1999b can be submitted. This is can only be filled out in our office.
Chapter 30 Monthly Verification
Veterans receiving benefits under Chapter 30 or Chapter 1606 must verify their enrollment each month to the VA in order to receive payment for that month. This monthly verification can be done by one of two systems:
Once either system tells you that you are certified for the month, payment can be expected within 10-14 days, or 3-5 days if direct deposited. Chapter 30 veterans and Chapter 1606 reservists must still notify the UB Veterans Affairs Office when their enrollment changes, even though the change has been reported to the VA on WAVE.
Advance Payment
Veterans may request an Advance Payment for the first two months prior to being certified, if they are eligible. Advance payment must be requested no sooner than 120 days and no later than 45 days before the new semester begins. Advance payment checks are mailed directly to our office and can be picked up at the office during usual office hours. Students should be aware, however, that after receiving an advance check they will not receive another check for several months.
The VA Work-Study Program
The VA has a Work-Study Program which offers employment to those attending school at least three-quarter time and receiving educational benefits. If positions openings allow, you may apply to work at the Office of Veterans Affairs on campus, as well as any VA facility, including the VA Hospital or VA Regional Office. Payment is hourly at the minimum wage. An advance check for the first 50 hours can be sent to the student who is accepted, if requested. After the advance is worked off, a check is generated for each additional 50 hours worked.
Veterans under Chapters 30, 31, 32, 33, 1606 and 1607 can apply, as can children and spouses of veterans under Chapter 35. For more information, stop by the office or give us a call.
Direct Deposit
Veterans receiving Chapter 30 benefits and reservists receiving Chapter 1606 or 1607 benefits have the option of having their Montgomery GI Bill educational benefit check deposited directly into their designated financial institution. To sign up for direct deposit if it has not already been arranged, both Chapters can call the VA Regional Office in Muskogee, Oklahoma, at 1-877-838-2778. You will need the following information:
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Your VA File Number (which is usually your SSN);
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Your Account Number, and type of account;
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Your financial institution's 9-digit Routing Transit Number (which is obtained from your financial institution)
Credit for Military Experience (CME)
The University will consider granting for experiences gained while in the military, including military training. For more information to see if you qualify you may contact the Director of Academic Services, Suzy Deaton.
Additional Veterans Resources
Veteran Affairs Department
Information on the Department of Veteran Affairs.
Federal Benefits
Information on benefits for Federal Dependents and Veterans.
WAVE, (Web Automated Verification of Enrollment)
Contact Us
Contact information for our department.