Veterans Affairs (VA) will process back pay for up to a year or more depending on your benefits and when you became eligible for your benefits. You can contact our office to process your back pay.

VA does not pay UAB the housing allowance. The housing allowance and book stipend under Chapter 33 are paid directly to the student and it is up to the student to pay UAB for housing charges.

Yes. You must furnish a Parent School Letter provided by your home institution’s certifying official to UAB’s certifying official. The Parent School Letter will confirm that the classes taken at UAB will apply to the degree program being pursued at the home institution.

For Chapter 30 and Chapter 1606 recipients, you can check online via WAVE, or call the 1-888-442-4551 helpline. For all other benefits, you should call the 1-888-442-4551 helpline.

Yes, tutorial assistance is available if you’re receiving VA educational assistance at the half-time or higher rate and have a deficiency in a subject that makes tutoring necessary. You can be reimbursed up to $100 per month up to a maximum of $1200.

To apply for tutorial assistance you must complete the Application for Individualized Tutorial Assistance form. The UAB certifying official and tutor must both sign the form.

To update your direct deposit or address online:

• Log on to WAVE.
• On the main menu page once you have logged in, click the link to the left that says "Direct Deposit Enrollment Form" or "Change of Address" depending on what you need to do. Both procedures can be completed online.

To update your Direct Deposit or address by phone:

• Call 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).

If you drop a course or withdraw from school after the drop period and receive a non-punitive grade, VA will reduce benefits effective the first day of the term unless mitigating circumstances are found. Mitigating circumstances are circumstances beyond the student's control that prevent the student from continuing in school or that cause the student to reduce credits.

Examples are:

• An illness or injury afflicting the student during the enrollment period.
• An illness or death in the student’s immediate family.
• An unavoidable change in the student’s conditions of employment.
• An unavoidable geographical transfer resulting from the student’s employment.
• Immediate family or financial obligations beyond the control of the claimant that require him or her to suspend pursuit of the program of education to obtain employment.
• Discontinuance of the course by the school.
• Unanticipated active military service, including active duty for training.
• Unanticipated difficulties with childcare arrangements the student has made for the period during which he or she is attending classes.

No. Any veteran’s benefits paid under any law administered by Veterans Affairs (VA) should not be reported as income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You will not receive a W-2 from the VA.

What if I am deployed in the middle of the semester? Will I need to re-apply for admissions?

No. If you furnish your military orders to our office, you will be granted a military leave of absence until you return. You will be withdrawn from all your classes and any refunds due to you will be given. Please contact our office after you receive your orders for further advising.

The UAB Student Counseling Services offers no cost, confidential counseling related to personal growth, human development and interpersonal relationships. Our services are available to all currently-enrolled UAB students. Many of the counselors are experienced with PTSD and TBI.

The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.