Applying for Benefits

The following is a step-by-step guide explaining how to apply for VA benefits. In all cases, you or your parent need to first apply for the Post-9/11 GI Bill through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to receive your VA Certificate of Eligibility. Begin this process as soon as you receive your acceptance letter from AUP.

1. Check WEAMS to confirm your program is approved. If your program is NOT approved, the VA will not pay for your courses
2. Apply for VA benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
3. Request a new/updated Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA
   1. Call the GI Bill Hotline (888-442-4551) or visit VA.gov to receive a copy 30 days by mail, sooner by email). Sponsors needing to transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill to dependent(s) can do so through the VA or milConnect
4. When you have received your Certificate of Eligibility from the VA, send a copy to the sasaup.edu (AUP Certifying Official) (be sure to do this prior to the first day of classes to be eligible for the AUP Veterans Scholarship)
   1. NOTE: Anyone at the 100% eligibility tier for Post-9/11 GI Bill may be qualified for the Yellow Ribbon Program
5. Once you have registered for classes, the AUP Certifying Official will confirm your attendance at AUP with the VA
   1. To certify with the VA, students must be full-time degree seeking in an approved program. *Students with part-time enrollment (less than 12 credit hours) cannot be certified
   2. VA payments for tuition and fees will be sent directly to AUP and applied to the student’s account 25-30 days after the drop/add week of the semester
   3. Students not receiving full benefits will be responsible for any remaining balances
   4. The housing allowance and the stipend for books will be sent to you via direct deposit by the VA

*NOTE: Adding/dropping credits? You MUST notify the AUP Certifying Official of the change so we can amend your certification to the VA. Withdrawing (W) after the drop period may affect your benefit and/or result in a debt for you to AUP. Please contact our office if you are considering a withdrawal.

Contact 

Our staff at The American University of Paris is happy to help you with any issues or concerns that you might encounter. Do not hesitate to contact us:

• sasaup.edu (AUP Certifying Official): Your main point of contact at The American University of Paris for questions regarding veteran benefits is the AUP Certifying Official in Student Accounting Services. Feel free to contact our office and we will be happy to assist you.
   
• Financial Aid: For questions regarding the Veterans Scholarship and other financial aid, please admissionsaup.edu (contact the Financial Aid Office) within our Admissions team. You can also find additional information in the financial aid section of our website.
   
• U.S. Veteran Affairs: Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits are administered through the Buffalo, NY regional office of the Veteran Affairs administration. They can be reached at 716-857-3196.