Since the University and VA systems are not in sync, there is a Post 9/11 payment gap because these certifications are done in two steps. They are initially submitted to the VA showing $0.00 tuition and fees. This allows the VA to process book and housing stipends, which are paid directly to students.
Changes to classes or adjustment of tuition and fees can have a significant impact on VA covered charges. They can also result in a debt to the VA, which is not in anyone's best interest. Because such changes are unusual after the Add/Drop period, specifying tuition and fees (the second step) occurs shortly after the drop deadline. Consequently, for Chapter 31 & 33 students, enrollment forms will continue to be identified as "pending" in BVets until shortly after the second step is completed.
The 2-step process greatly reduces VA overpayments, subsequent debts and returning money to the VA. However, it also delays VA tuition and fee payments to the University. The delay can result in accounts being tagged as "unpaid" and students receiving notices regarding late fees.
Students with any charges beyond the VA covered tuition and fees are responsible for and should pay those charges when they are due. Any Chapter 31 or 33 students notified of or assessed a late fee, and the only outstanding payment is for VA covered tuition and fees, should immediately contact the Veteran and Military Services Office. The matter can be addressed, but it's imperative not to delay providing the notification.
The concern regarding unpaid bill notices is real, recognized and understood. While the above-described process can be disconcerting, it does work as long as we all do our part.
Understanding VA Covered Costs & Payments
The information below is based on Binghamton University's understanding of current VA regulations and past experience. Please note, the VA’s contribution to each student is determined solely by the VA. Binghamton University has no ability to fully predict this information.
Please review Student Accounts Tuition and Fees web page for a complete listing of costs.
Cost of Attendance
The VA’s final contribution depends on a student's eligibility percentage. The charges listed below are considered required cost of attendance and if they are included in the student's billing statement are reported to the VA.
- Tuition
- Academic Excellence Fee
- Academic Support Fee
- Activity Fee
- Intercollegiate Athletic Fee
- Academic Transcript Fee
- Campus Life Fee
- Student Health Services Fee
- ID Card Fee
- Recreation Fee
- Technology Fee
- Transportation Fee
- College Fee
- Broad Based Fees
- Career Services Fees
Charges NOT covered by the VA and not reported as cost of attendance:
- Housing charges
- Residence Hall Damage
- Meal Charges
- Tutoring charges
- Domestic Health Insurance charge
- Refundable Alumni Fee
- Parking charges
- Application fees
- Late Registration Fees
- Fines
- Interest and Late fee charges
- The majority of study abroad program fees.
Scholarships and Other Aid
When reporting a student's cost of attendance to the VA, Binghamton University is required to "report the tuition and fees charges to the student after deducting any amounts paid with Federal Funds (excluding federal financial aid funds, Title IV) such as reserve officer training corps (ROTC) and military spouse career advancement accounts (MyCAA)."
When reporting a student's cost of attendance to the VA, Binghamton University is required to report "the lesser of the actual net cost for tuition and fees after the application of any waiver, scholarship, aid, or assistance provided directly to the institution and specifically designated for the sole purpose of defraying tuition and fees."
If a student account shows aid — such as internal Binghamton University scholarships, outside scholarships paid directly to the institution, waivers, or discounts specifically designated to cover tuition and fees — then Binghamton University will subtract this total aid amount from the total eligible cost of attendance, and report this lesser amount to the VA.
Binghamton University does not report loans and other Title IV funding to the VA, so it is not deducted from your total cost of attendance.
Payment Process – GI Bill Chapters 31 & 33
As part of the 2-step certification process, final tuition and fee charges are reported to the VA shortly after the Add/Drop date. Consequently, Binghamton University will receive payment after the payment due date.
However, students are responsible for paying any and all tuition and fee charges, not covered by the VA, by the specified due date. Failure to do so could result in additional charges and/or denial of services.
Payment Process – All Other GI Bill Chapters
Since VA payments come directly to students, unless alternate arrangements have been made with Student Accounts in advance, all Binghamton University tuition and fee charges are payable by the specified due date. Failure to do so could result in additional charges and/or denial of services.
Payment Process – Department of Military and Naval Affairs (DMNA)
Students whose payments are covered by a DMNA program should follow the payment guidance received directly from the DMNA or their military unit.
VA Student Payments
The following chart generally represents when VA makes student payments. This information is merely a guide since the VA is solely responsible for processing and making payments to students.
Reminder, the date you complete the Enrollment Certification process and the volume of claims received by the VA can lengthen the VA's processing time.
| Benefit Chapter |
Benefit Name |
Housing |
Tuition & Fee Declaration |
Tuition & Fee Payment |
Book Stipend Payment |
|
| Ch 30 | Montgomery GI Bill® (MGIB-AD) | Directly to students starting the month following your first month of class and then every month thereafter. Payments are considered "in arrears," payments are made at the end of the month for the month that just finished. | When certification is submitted to the VA. | Directly to students. Students are responsible for making payment by the due date. | Directly to students at the beginning of term. | |
| Ch 31 | Veteran Readiness and Employment |
|
When certification bill is submitted to the VR&E. | Directly to Binghamton University. Students are responsible for paying any amount Not Covered by VR&E by the due date. | Directly to students at the beginning of term. | |
| Ch 33 | Post-9/11 GI Bill® | Directly to students starting the beginning of each month for the month that was just completed. | 2-step certification. | Directly to Binghamton University. Students are responsible for paying any amount Not Covered by the VA by the due date. | Directly to students at the beginning of term. | |
| Ch 35 | Dependents' Educational Assistance | Directly to students starting the month following your first month of class and then every month thereafter. Payments are considered "in arrears," payments are made at the end of the month for the month that just finished | When certification is submitted to the VA. | Directly to students. Students are responsible for making payment by the due date. | Directly to students at the beginning of term. | |
| Ch 1606 | Montgomery GI Bill® (MGIB-SR) | Directly to students starting the month following your first month of class and then every month thereafter. Payments are considered "in arrears," payments are made at the end of the month for the month that just finished | When certification is submitted to the VA. | Directly to students. Students are responsible for making payment by the due date. | Directly to students at the beginning of term. |
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 VA website.
