How to Use Your
GI Bill® Benefit.
Five Steps to Put
Your Benefit to Work.
Each step below is general guidance. Your specific situation and timing are determined by the VA and your chosen program.
- 01
Verify Your Entitlement at VA.gov
Log in at va.gov to review which benefit you have (for example, Post-9/11 GI Bill® Chapter 33) and how much entitlement remains. This is your foundation for everything that follows.
- 02
Request Your Certificate of Eligibility
Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) confirms your benefit to a school. You can request it through va.gov; keep a copy for your admissions conversation.
- 03
Confirm the Program Is Approved
Use the VA GI Bill® Comparison Tool to review a program’s approval information, and confirm current status with the VA before enrolling.
- 04
Talk With School Admissions
Share your goals with the school’s admissions team. At Veteran Trade School, we can walk you through the reconditioning program and the information you’ll want on hand.
- 05
Enroll and Coordinate Certification
Once enrolled in an approved program, the school’s certifying official typically reports your enrollment to the VA so your benefits can be processed.
This guide is informational and is not benefits or legal advice. Confirm your entitlement, program approval, and process details with the VA at va.gov.
GI Bill® Process
Questions.
Practical questions about the steps to using your benefit. For anything official, go straight to the VA.
Start at va.gov to confirm which benefit you have and your remaining entitlement. Everything else builds on knowing exactly what you are working with.
A COE is a document from the VA confirming your education benefit. Schools often ask for it during enrollment. You can request it through va.gov.
Give yourself time before your intended start date to verify entitlement, request your COE, and confirm program approval. Processing times vary, so earlier is better.
The VA is the primary resource for benefit questions (va.gov). Many veterans also work with a VA-accredited representative or a VSO. Our admissions team can help with program-specific questions.
Related Veteran Resources
Post-9/11 GI Bill for Career Training
The full overview of the Post-9/11 GI Bill and how it may apply to reconditioning training.
ApprovalWhat VA-Approved Training Means
Learn how to confirm a program is approved before you enroll — a key step in this process.
Next StepLearn More
Ready to move forward? Tell us about yourself and talk with admissions.
Questions About
Your Next Step?
Our admissions team can walk you through the reconditioning program and the details you'll want for your VA conversation.