Working with the VA

Getting money on time from the VA is like nailing jello (chocolate or fruit flavored) to the wall: you can try all you want but it's not happening.

Expect to wait a long time when you are first getting into the system. A lot of guys have to wait almost an entire semester or quarter before the first check rolls in, and a lot of times it's too much or too little and that can take a lot of time to sort out.

The good news is there are people at your school and at the local VA office who can help you sort this stuff out. There are short-term loans you can get, and some schools will defer your payment because they understand the system. Remember, they work this the VA a lot and know the problems.

It's usually worth your time to talk to the local VA official. They are based on what county you live in, so first you need that info. Jump onto this website to get the official's name and contact info and from there you can set up a time to meet or just talk to them over the phone. If you are on disability or something like that, the VA official can also help sort out where you need to go.

A basic point to remember: A lot of this stuff is front-loaded: do the work early and you'll be ready to get the benefits when you need them. The VA are good people for the most part and they want to help.