Important Information for Veterans

Please review this important information for Veterans.

• Certifications will typically begin at least 2-3 weeks before classes start. However, students are initially certified for the correct number of credit hours with $0 tuition before the semester begins in order for their Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to kick in. After the drop/add period, the certification will be amended to include the tuition.
• Post 9/11 GI Bill® (CH 33) tuition will be paid directly to the college. For all other chapters, payment is sent directly to the student typically via direct deposit.
• Students receiving benefits under the Veterans Administration programs are encouraged to apply for federal, state and institutional aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.studentaid.gov .  Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.  finaid@piedmont.edu  706-776-0114.
• To participate in the Yellow Ribbon program, you must have the Chapter 33 Post 9/11 Benefit and be eligible at the 100% rate. If you meet the criteria, there is no additional application or paperwork required to participate in the program.
• You may be able to receive course credit for military training; you will need to provide the Joint Services Transcript.
• Your benefits are paid on a “per day” basis, not on a “per course” basis. Typically, most people start out with 36 months and 0 days, but that time is calculated on a per day basis. Days are not subtracted during times that you are not in school (breaks that are more than one week).
• The Basic Housing Allowance (BHA) will not be sent until the end of the first month that you are in school. The amount you are getting paid depends on what type of benefit you are receiving and how many classes you are taking. Typically, the first and last month’s housing allowance is a little less than usual because you were not in school for the full month.
• For CH 33, your book stipend is paid on a per credit hour basis up to $1,000 annually. Other chapters may have different benefits for books.
• The VA considers 12 credit hours full-time for undergraduate and 9 full-time for graduate. Less than full-time enrollment may lead to a prorated BHA.
• Please be aware that if you withdraw from a class, it is likely that you will owe the VA money.
• The VA will only cover the cost of those courses that are part of your major or program. That means it is important to work with your academic advisor to ensure that you are taking courses that will count toward your degree.