Are you an active duty member of the military or veteran interested in applying to MCAD? To find answers to commonly asked questions and links to additional resources, please review this information. I have GI Bill® benefits to use for tuition and fees. How do I use them?To be able to use your GI Bill® benefits, you will need to provide documentation of your benefits to the School Certifying Official at MCAD’s Records Office. Most often, this documentation will need to be a copy of a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Once the School Certifying Official has the appropriate documentation, they can certify your benefits for use in the following semester.What is the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and how do I get it?The Certificate of Eligibility provides a detailed explanation of your benefits (including your benefit percentage, months of eligibility, etc.). To obtain your COE, you will need to complete the Veteran’s Online Application (VA.gov). Upon completing the application, most students can download a digital copy of their COE immediately. If you are applying for the first time, the VA also mail your COE to your home address within 2–4 weeks.I used my benefits at another school prior to attending MCAD. Do I need to let the VA know?Yes, you will need to complete a Request for Change of Program or Place of Training on VA.gov.What is the Yellow Ribbon Program and how do I qualify?The Yellow Ribbon Program allows colleges and universities to contribute a specified amount toward an eligible student’s tuition and fees. In general, to qualify, you must be eligible for the maximum benefit (100% benefit rate) under the Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33).Are my books and/or housing costs covered by my GI Bill® benefits?It depends on your designated GI Bill® chapter and specific qualifications. Typically benefit recipients will receive a stipend for books and supplies; some will also receive a monthly housing allowance. This information will be detailed on your COE.How are my benefits paid out?This will depend on your specified benefit program. For example, under Chapter 33, benefit funding for tuition and fees is paid directly to the school. Under Chapter 35, monthly payments are provided directly to recipients upon verifying enrollment every month.I’m very confused about the whole process. What should I do?The process can be confusing. Please contact the MCAD School Certifying Official with any questions or concerns related to your GI Bill® benefits. Benefit ChecklistObtain documentation (i.e. COE, NOBE, etc.) of your benefit eligibility. This can be done by completing the Veteran’s On-Line Application or by requesting documentation through your unit.Provide a copy of the documentation of your benefits to the MCAD School Certifying Official prior to the semester where you would like to use them. Please keep the original for your own documentation.Check your email for further instruction on any additional forms that you may need to submit.The School Certifying Official will submit an initial certification of your semester credits to the VA closer to the start of the term. After Add/Drop they will finalize your certification to the VA.Maintain regular attendance. Changes in your credit load or unearned grades (F grades for non-attendance) must be reported to the VA and could result in an overpayment. Important Links Veterans Online Application The application most GI Bill® recipients need to complete to obtain a COE. Ask VA This site can be a helpful tool to get answers specific to your situation or to submit requests to the VA (for new COEs, etc.) without having to call the VA. Benefit Program Comparison chart A comparison chart of all current GI Bill® benefit programs. Contact InformationGeneral VA Hotline: 1.888.442.4551, Ask VA PortalMCAD School Certifying Official: Carrie Ramsey, cramsey@mcad.edu, 612.874.3727Important Note: All students receiving the VA's Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) are now required by the VA to verify their enrollment at the end of each month. You will receive a text or email from the VA to complete this quick step. 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.