Learn how student status is certified by UCLA so that benefits can be applied.
Federal VA Education Benefits
A few weeks before the start of the term, the student record is checked to see if full-time enrollment (12 units or more for undergraduates, 8 units or more for most graduate-level programs) has been reached. If not, the certification process is placed on hold until full-time enrollment is reached. When it is, the certification process proceeds.
Enrollment Certification
UCLA enters the following information into the online VA system:
- Term start and end dates
- Number of units in which the student is enrolled
- Amount of tuition and fees charged (if applicable)
The student receives an automated e-mail message from the VA confirming that certification has been made.
Payment and Funding
Post-9/11 GI Bill UCLA places a fee deferral on the student BruinBill account, for paid-in-full status until VA funding arrives, so the student is not dropped from classes at the fee-payment deadline. A credit memo is also placed on the BruinBill to offset any tuition and fee balance until VA funding arrives.
Tuition funding arrives at UCLA about one month after term enrollment certification is submitted. It is sent directly from the VA to UCLA and is posted to the student BruinBill account.
MHA/Stipend funding is sent directly from the VA to the student on or about the first of each month, by check or direct deposit. It is recommended that the student enroll in direct deposit with the VA.
The funding amount is based on the student’s entitlement rate and enrollment status. These can be found on the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or Statement of Benefits statement. For example, if the entitlement rate is 60 percent, and the student is enrolled with full-time standing, then the student receives 60 percent of the MHA amount.
Processing and Reporting
UCLA automatically processes enrollment certifications for regular terms (fall, winter, spring) unless it is informed not to do so. To use benefits for a summer session, the student must contact the Veterans Benefits Coordinator and make a request.
Amendments are made to enrollment certification during the term if any financial changes (such as a late Cal Grant award, late UCSHIP waiver, etc.) occur.
At the end of the term, the Veterans Benefits Coordinator generates a report that shows how many units were completed. Any class drop, or Incomplete or NP grade that resulted in the student dropping below full-time enrollment, must be reported to the VA. This may result in the student being billed for some or all VA funding.
Download intake guidemap (PDF)
Download continuing student guidemap (PDF)
Inquiries
For all inquiries concerning remaining eligibility, amount the VA may bill for not completing a full-time course load, or status of an enrollment certification that has already been submitted, contact the VA directly at 888-442-4551 or through other methods shown on the VA Education and Training website. If using VR&E benefits, contact a vocational rehabilitation counselor.
California Veterans (CalVet) College Fee Waiver
Upon submission of the CalVet award letter, the Veterans Benefits Coordinator will confirm that the student is deemed a California resident. Once resident status is confirmed, the waiver is applied and posted to all regular terms (fall, winter, and spring). The UCLA academic year begins in fall term and runs through the end of summer session D. For example, a CalVet award letter identified as 2023-2024 applies to fall 2023, winter 2024, spring 2024, and summer 2024 terms.
UCLA automatically processes CalVet benefits for regular terms (fall, winter, spring) unless it is informed not to do so. To use benefits for a summer session, the student must contact the Veterans Benefits Coordinator once their summer session schedule is finalized and appears on their study list.
The CalVet waiver specifically waives charges for Tuition, Student Services Fee, and graduate student Professional Degree Supplemental Tuition only. UCLA Tuition and fees are flat amounts based on enrollment status and program, not on enrolled units. So, the CalVet waiver can be used regardless of the number of units in which a student enrolls, completes, or drops; or from which they withdraw.
Students must apply for an updated CalVet waiver each year. This is done through a local servicing office (CVSO). A copy of the updated award letter must be submitted to the UCLA Veterans Benefits Coordinator before the start of each academic year.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government website.