How do I Use VA Benefits?

  1. Earn benefits or have VA education benefits transferred to you.
  2. Apply to use those benefits via benefits.va.gov/GIBill.
    1. Fill out VBA 22-1990.
    2. If you are a transferring your benefits from another institution then fill out VBA 22-1995.
  3. Send a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility you receive from VA to the ENMU VA Certifying Official to [email protected]. (Per Section 21-1-4.5 NMSA 1978, once the VA Certifying official receives your Certificate of Eligibility, an out-of-state waiver will be sent to the Office of Financial Aid on your behalf so you will be charged in-state tuition.)
  4. Register for classes and be enrolled in a degree-seeking program. (see class schedules)
  5. Fill out your Request for Certification and turn it in to the ENMU VA certifying official. (see contact information below)
  6. If using MGIB or REAP you must also verify your attendance.
  7. Verify your attendance at: gibill.va.gov/wave/index.do.

Download VA Benefits Checklist  Veterans Education and Training Compliance Addendum

First Time Recipients at Eastern New Mexico University

  1. You must be admitted to Eastern New Mexico University. (view steps to apply)
  2. Complete the VA's application for the appropriate education benefit.
  3. Request to use VA education benefits for the first time at ENMU by doing the following:
  1. Typically, the Request for Certification for VA education benefits will be processed within 5-7 business days after receiving the request. Benefit documentation for fall may be received as early as April 1, but benefit processing for fall will not begin until July 1 (as summer benefit processing will take priority from April through June).

For Family Members

  1. If you are a qualifying family member, then the veteran must transfer the benefit to you.
  2. You must then be admitted to ENMU (view steps to apply).
  3. Follow the remaining steps above.

Renewal Recipients at ENMU

  1. Register for your courses at Eastern New Mexico University for the semester you wish to renew VA education benefits.
  2. Turn in your Request for Certification (PDF Above) to the VA certifying official.
    1. You can turn it in electronically by emailing the completed PDF through your ENMU email account to [email protected]. Save the PDF to your desktop, type your information, save it again, then upload it to your email.
  1. Your classes will be certified five to seven business days after we receive your Request for Certification as long as all of your classes fulfill a degree requirement.

For More Information Contact

Chantel Duarte
VA Certifying Official
Office Location: Administration Building (ADM), Room 105
Phone: 575.562.2230