Benefits Request Overview
Benefits Request Overview
The process for utilizing your VA Education benefits at USF are detailed below. If you have any specific questions regarding this process, you can call (813) 974-2291 or email us at ovs@usf.edu.
STEP 1: APPLY FOR YOUR VA EDUCATION BENEFIT
*FIRST SEMESTER STUDENTS ONLY* Apply for or update your VA Education benefits. In 4-6 weeks, you will receive your first Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in the mail.
STEP 2: 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 3: SUBMIT A VA WORKS APPLICATION
To have your VA Education benefits (i.e., Ch. 31, 33, 35, 30, or 1606) certified by our School Certifying Officials, 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 Request by going back into the VA Works application. The Summer 2025 semester is listed as 202505. The Fall 2025 semester is listed as 202508.
Out of State Fee Waiver
**FOR STUDENTS CLASSIFIED AS NON-RESIDENTS OF FLORIDA WHO ARE RESIDING IN THE STATE** You MUST complete an online Out-of-State Fee Waiver with OVS EVERY SEMESTER that you qualify. Keep in mind that this waiver DOES NOT change your residency status at USF, but instead waives 100% of out-of-state fees. ***NOTE: If you reside outside of the state, you can apply for Yellow Ribbon to have out-of-state fees waived.***
After your VAWorks app has been certified
You will receive a confirmation email from the VA. The OVS will place a GI Bill Registration Restriction (GB Restriction) on your account, preventing class changes. To make schedule changes, contact OVS to lift the restriction and learn how these changes affect your VA benefits. You may also confirm your deferment in Degreeworks (UG only). Verify your monthly enrollment directly with the VA.