Financial Aid

Frequently Asked Questions

Veteran's Benefits

Does Lewis participate in the Illinois Veterans Grant (IVG) program?

No, Lewis University does not participate in the Illinois Veteran Grant. This program can only be utilized at Illinois public institutions or community colleges.

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Am I eligible for VA Educational Benefits?

ALL ELIGIBILITY QUESTIONS MUST BE DIRECTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

Eligibility for VA educational benefits can be extended to veterans, reservists, spouses and children of service-connected deceased or disabled veterans. ONLY the VA can determine your eligibility. Review the program details at the VA Educational Home Page or call a VA counselor at 1-888-GI BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).

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Does the VA pay my full tuition?

No. The VA will pay you a compensatory benefit to help you offset the cost of school. You are responsible for paying your tuition and fees in order to maintain continuous enrollment according to the policies as stated in our student handbook.

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Can I receive regular financial aid while receiving VA benefits?

Yes. You may apply for additional financial aid without it affecting your VA education benefits.

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How long does it take to receive my benefits?

You can expect a new claim to take up to 8-10 weeks for the VA to process. Sometimes this period is lengthened as a result of how much processing volume exists in the St. Louis regional VA office. Since most schools start at about the same time, the VA is generally overwhelmed with claims during the start of a semester, and this could potentially increase the length of time in which it takes a new claim to be processed. Furthermore, always allow the VA six to eight weeks to process any change in your claim. Allow an additional four to six weeks if your main claim folder must be transferred from one VA regional office to another. Once your initial claim is processed, you will receive payments monthly. VA education benefits are paid in arrears. A beneficiary is entitled to payment at the conclusion of the month in which he or she trained.

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What changes should I report to the VA Certifying Official at Lewis University?

To avoid delays or overpayment of VA education benefits, each VA benefit recipient is responsible for reporting any changes in status to the VA Certifying Official at Lewis University, including:

• Change of Address
• Change of Program
• Change in Enrollment Status (e.g. drop from full- to part-time)
• Withdrawal from school

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What is overpayment?

An overpayment is a payment that is more than the amount to which you are entitled. If you promptly notify the VA Certifying Official at Lewis University of changes affecting your benefits, you can prevent or reduce overpayments. In addition, you should use reasonable judgment when you accept and cash a check. Carefully read all letters from VA about the monthly rate and effective dates of your benefits. If you think a VA check is wrong, contact VA before cashing the check. Return any checks for too much money to VA. If you cash a check for the wrong amount, you will be liable for repayment of any resulting overpayment.

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Will I automatically receive benefits next semester?

No. You must submit a Lewis University VA Education Benefit Enrollment Certification Form insert link to form on website prior to the start of each semester. The VA Certifying Official will review the student's program of study and certify that the courses are required to complete the degree program. This certification is then sent to the St. Louis Regional Processing Office.

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Answers to more questions

If you have other questions, many can be answered at the VA Frequently Asked Questions page. In addition, feel free to contact the Lewis University VA Certifying Official at (815) 836- 5263.

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