Last Revision: January 24, 2025
Applying for Benefits
Students interested in applying for VA Educational benefits should complete an application for benefits on the VA website. Students should note that the VA Certifying Officials (VACO) at APUS cannot determine if a student is eligible for VA Educational Benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs may approve or deny benefits, based on the information provided on the application.
Students who have Never Applied for VA Benefits
Students who have never completed an application for VA Benefits should complete the online application, VA Form 22-1990, using the VA’s online application for education benefits. When using the online application for education benefits, the application will be electronically submitted to the VA Processing Center.
Students should print their application and confirmation page for their records, before completing the online application for education benefits. Once the VA has completed the review of a student's application, the VA will mail a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), outlining the chapter benefits a student is entitled to and the number of months of benefit available for use. Students may upload a copy of their COE securely through the My Documents portal. Students may log in with their ecampus ID and Password to upload the required document(s).
Students Transferring or Receiving Transferred Benefits
Students who are receiving benefits transferred to them by a service member (Chapter 35) will need to complete a 22-5490, Application for Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance. The completed form will need to be sent to the St. Louis RPO for processing.
If students have been transferred Chapter 33 benefits, the VA will send the student a Certificate of Eligibility, which will need to be submitted to APUS. Students should view the Chapter 33 process for more information.
Applications for VA Benefits
- For the most prompt form processing, students should complete the application for VA benefits.
- If a student has never used VA Benefits, they should complete the 22-1990.
- If a student is transferring the Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapter 35) to a spouse or dependent, they should complete the 22-5490.
- If a student is transferring the Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) to a spouse or dependent, please they should complete the 22-1990e.
“GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.”