Apply for VA Education Benefits
Using VA education benefits at UNM starts with applying directly through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Once your VA application has been approved, the Veteran & Military Resource Center can assist with certifying your enrollment at UNM.
Follow the steps below to apply for your VA education benefits and complete the certification process at UNM. Complete each step in order before requesting certification through the Veteran & Military Resource Center.
Step 1: Create a Login.gov or ID.me Account
Before applying for VA education benefits, students must sign in to VA.gov using Login.gov or ID.me.
Step 2: Determine Your Benefit
Review the VA Education Benefits page to determine which benefit may apply to you.
Step 3: Gather Required Information
Before beginning your application, gather the information you will need to complete your VA education benefits application.
You may be asked to provide:
✓ Social Security Number
✓ Bank account information for direct deposit
✓ Military service history
✓ Education history
✓ Information about the school you plan to attend
Step 4: Apply Through VA.gov
Now you are ready to submit your VA education benefits application. Select the application that matches your benefit below.
Chapter 33
Post-9/11 GI Bill®
For Veterans and service members who qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Chapter 30
Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty
For Veterans using Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty benefits.
Chapter 31
Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E)
For Veterans participating in Veteran Readiness and Employment.
Chapter 35
DEA Benefits
For spouses and dependents using Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance.
Chapter 1606
Selected Reserve
For members of the Selected Reserve using Montgomery GI Bill benefits.
Transferred Post-9/11 Benefits
For students using education benefits transferred from a qualifying service member.
Step 5: Receive Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
After your application has been processed, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will issue a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
You may receive your COE electronically through VA.gov or by mail.
Save a copy of your COE for your records. You will need it during the UNM certification process.
It is the student's responsibility to carefully review and understand the information contained in their Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The COE outlines your awarded VA education benefit, months of entitlement, remaining entitlement, eligibility period, and other important benefit information that may affect your educational benefits.
Before continuing, verify your Certificate of Eligibility (COE):
- Your VA education benefit chapter
- Your months of entitlement and remaining entitlement
- Your percentage of eligibility (if applicable)
- Your eligibility period or delimiting date (if applicable)
Not all VA education benefits include a percentage of eligibility or a delimiting date. Review your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to determine which items apply to your awarded benefit.
If you have questions regarding your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or the benefits awarded by the VA, please contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs before requesting certification through the Veteran & Military Resource Center.
The Veteran & Military Resource Center certifies enrollment based on the information provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on your Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
Step 6: Complete the VMRC Orientation & Certification Process
Applying for VA education benefits does not automatically certify your enrollment at UNM.
Before requesting your first certification, complete the Veteran & Military Resource Center (VMRC) Orientation. The orientation explains how to use your VA education benefits at UNM, required documentation, important student responsibilities, and how to request certification each semester.
After completing the VMRC Orientation and submitting all required documentation, the Veteran & Military Resource Center will review your information and certify your enrollment with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
You're Ready!
Congratulations! You have completed the steps to apply for VA education benefits and begin the UNM certification process.
Once you've completed all six steps, the Veteran & Military Resource Center will begin reviewing your documentation and processing your certification request with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Be sure to monitor the email address you provided to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), your VA.gov account, and your UNM email for updates or requests for additional information.
Respond promptly to any requests from either the VA or the Veteran & Military Resource Center to help prevent delays in processing your education benefits.
