Applying for Benefits

Step 1. Apply for your benefits by visiting va.gov:

• Complete and submit your application.
• Submitted applications cannot be viewed or printed. However, you will be able to view and print your submission Confirmation Page. A copy of this page should be kept in case confirmation of application submittal is needed by the School Certifying Official.

Using Benefits at NC State

Step 2. Register for classes at NC State as soon as your enrollment appointment opens. To see when your enrollment appointment opens, log into the MyPack Portal.

Step 3. Submit a benefits request in the MyPack Portal after you have completed class enrollment. You can access the Certification Request by following the steps below. You can also click on this link for a video walkthrough.

• MyPack Portal: Student Homepage > Personal Information tile > Veterans Information > Request Benefits Certification

Step 4. Upload a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The VA will email or mail this once Step 1 is complete. You can also upload supporting documentation listing your benefit eligibility, however ensure that at least one of your documents is uploaded as the COE, or you’ll encounter an error.

• When uploading your COE or supporting documentation:
  • Select the “COE” bubble
  • Enter a file description
  • Select the “upload” button and locate the file on your device
  • Select the ‘return” button

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

Monthly Stipend Information

• For VA payment questions regarding your stipends, please contact the VA at 888.442.4551.
• For monthly stipend payments to be processed, Chapter 35 students must verify their enrollment each month. To verify enrollment, set up notification preferences by calling the VA at 888.442.4551. More information about monthly verification can be found at this link.

Maximizing Monthly Benefits

• Only classes that are degree-seeking can be certified by the VA. To get the full amount each month, ensure that you are enrolled in enough certifiable credit hours to be full-time the entire semester. 12 credit hours for undergraduate programs and 9 credit hours for graduate programs.
• Keep in mind that the VA goes by enrollment periods, not total credit hours. This means that you’ll need to be enrolled full-time the entire duration of the term. For instance, if you are enrolled in 12 credit hours, but a 3 credit hour class ends mid-way through the semester, you’ll drop to 9 credit hours after that class ends.
• The VA pays for the classes that you enroll in. Enrollment changes that occur after certification (e.g. Withdraw, Grade Exclusion, “U” Grade in an S/U Course) may result in VA debt. If you are unsure of the potential debt impact of contemplated enrollment changes, please check with NC State Veterans Education Benefits.

Optional Payment Plan

Upon completion of VA Enrollment Certification processing, an indicator is placed on your student account informing the NC State Cashier’s Office that you are a Chapter 35, VA Benefits student. The Cashier’s Office offers an optional GI Bill® Student Payment Plan, a four-month plan that coincides with the VA release of student monthly stipends. This would make your first payment due after the start of the term, either September 15th or February 15th.