Veteran's Educational Benefits may be available to veterans and, in some instances, spouses or dependents of veterans.

A partnership between M State, Minnesota Online, and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs has created MyMilitaryEducation.Org to provide a one stop location about educational opportunities and benefits to military personnel and their families.

A M State Distance Credentialed Counselor and a team of online advisors work to provide real-time, interactive assistance. Veterans and their families can also call the center at 1.800.456.8519 for information. The center provides information and assistance for veterans interested in attending any college or university in Minnesota.

New students who have never used the GI Bill before must complete an application for benefits, VA form 22-1990. If you are applying for benefits based on your active duty service, a certified copy of your DD 214 must be submitted. If you are applying for benefits based on your service in the guard or reserve, a copy of your Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) must be submitted. New students who are receiving benefits based on a parent or spouse's service must complete VA from 22-5490. These forms are on the VA web site.

New students who are transferring their Veteran's benefits, must complete a Change of Place of Training form (VA Form 22-1995).

All students must go to the link GI Bill Sign-Up and complete the on-line form.

Processing of Veteran's Benefits is a timely process taking weeks at most times. If you do not believe you will receive your benefits prior to the beginning of the term, please contact your campus business office to complete a deferment/payment plan.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has made funds available for Veteran students who are still awaiting their education benefit claim to be processed. Eligible veterans can receive up to a $3000 advance, which will be recouped from future benefit payments. If you are a student who applied for one of VA's education programs and have not yet received your monthly benefit payment for the Fall 2009 term, you can request a one-time advance payment at your local VA Regional Office or through VA's website, www.va.gov.