FAQs on Using WAVE

FAQs on the Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) Program

Q: What is WAVE?

A: WAVE (Web Automated Verification of Enrollment) is an online program allowing you to verify your attendance at a post-secondary school. As soon as the VA receives certification of your enrollment from your school, a record is set up in your name and you can use WAVE to verify your G.I. Bill benefits. As a secondary method to verify enrollment, you can use the toll-free Interactive Voice Response (IVR) telephone line at 877-823-2378. Be aware that updates to your G.I. Bill WAVE record are processed manually, and it may take 2 or 3 days before you see a change of information.

Q: How do I update my WAVE record to show the current period of enrollment?

A: Your current period of enrollment isn't showing up because the VA probably has not processed it. Check with your school certifying official and see if, and when, it was submitted. If your certifying official thinks a reasonable amount of time for processing has passed since it was sent in, then contact the VA using either the Ask A Question feature on its website or its toll-free number, 888-442-4551.

Q: Is WAVE verification required if I'm using the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill?

A: Not at this time. Right now, only veterans using Montgomery G.I. Bill (MGIB) need to verify using WAVE. The MGIB applies to those on Chapters 30, 1606, and 1607. The new G.I. Bill covers Chapters 33 and 38. Because the new G.I. Bill is still being tweaked here and there, it could change in the future so Post-9/11 Bill users would have to use WAVE also.

Q: After verifying my enrollment, how long does it take to get paid?

A: If you are using direct deposit, the preferred method of payment, you should see your money hit your bank account within 7 days after verification. If you request payment by check, it can take up to 14 days to get the money.

If you don't receive your check within 14 days, you have to wait 3 weeks from the check issue date to request a replacement. A replacement check can take as long as 6 weeks to process. Using direct deposit is the simpler and safer way to go. Direct deposit also allows any error to be corrected more quickly than using the check system.

Q: What is the difference between certification and verification?

A: Certification is the process your school uses to tell the VA you are enrolled in a program of instruction at their school. G.I. Bill verification, or WAVE, is the process you use to tell the VA that you completed attendance for the month and is the "trigger" for you to get paid for the month. You cannot verify before the last calendar day of the month.

Q: What happens if I change my enrollment?

A: If you drop a course after the school's official drop period, you may have to repay all the benefits for the course unless the drop was due to "mitigating circumstances." The VA defines this as something unavoidable and unexpected that interfered with your coursework. Some acceptable examples are:

• Child care issues
• Unexpected change in employment
• Immediate family death or serious illness
• Personal extended illness

Unacceptable examples are:

• Conflict with the instructor
• Too large a course load
• Dropping to avoid a failing grade