Benefits Request Overview

Benefits Request Overview

The process for utilizing your VA education benefits at USF involves submitting an OVS specific application called VA Works EVERY SEMESTER after you register for your classes. Please follow the below steps in order to request to use your benefits at USF:

STEP 1: REGISTER FOR YOUR CLASSES

You MUST be registered for classes in the semester you wish to use VA education benefits BEFORE you complete a VA Works application.

STEP 2: APPLY FOR YOUR VA EDUCATION BENEFIT

*FIRST SEMESTER STUDENTS ONLY* Visit https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/ to either APPLY FOR or UPDATE your VA education benefits. Click the green "Find your education benefits form" button, complete the application, and save a screenshot of the "Claim received" page at the end to upload onto your VA Works application. In 4-6 weeks, you will receive your first Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in the mail.

STEP 3: SUBMIT A VA WORKS APPLICATION

To request to use your VA education benefits each semester (Chapters 31, 33, 35, 30, or 1606), you MUST complete your VA Works application EVERY SEMESTER. If you make ANY changes to your class schedule AFTER OVS has certified you, complete a Change in Benefit Request by going back into the VA Works application.

Out of State Fee Waiver

*FOR STUDENTS BEING CHARGED OUT-OF-STATE FEES ONLY* You MUST complete an online Out of State Fee Waiver with the Office of Veteran Success EVERY SEMESTER that you qualify. Keep in mind that this waiver DOES NOT change your residency status at USF, but instead waives 100% of your out-of-state charges each semester.