Checklist for New Student Veterans

Starting college after military service comes with a few additional steps, especially when using VA education benefits. This guide will help you prepare for your first semester at Fordham University and avoid common delays with enrollment, benefits, housing, and health requirements. 

NOTE: THE ENROLLMENT CERTIFICATION FORM MUST BE FILLED OUT EVERY SEMESTER AFTER REGISTERING. Please see our step-by-step video on how to fill out the form.

Below are the basic steps to take. See detailed instructions in the folders below:

  1. Obtain your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for the VA Education Benefit you plan to use. If you are a military spouse or dependent using the benefit, your COE must be in your own name. 
  2. Gather your official transcripts,  immunization records, your DD214, and your Joint Services Transcript
  3. Waive the Fordham health insurance if you have VA or other insurance, unless you choose to pay for the additional coverage in the Fordham plan that is automatically added to your bill. Note: The VA will not pay for University Health Insurance if you are using Chapter 31- the student is responsible for this charge if they do not waive insurance by the deadline (usually 1-2 weeks before the semester begins). Note, you must do this every year. 
  4. Register for class.
  5. After registering EVERY SEMESTER, complete the Enrollment Certification electronic form.
  6. If you are new to Fordham, register for the MilVet Orientation. This will cover all you need to know to use and maximize your benefits, important resources, and services to help you succeed, and you’ll get to meet a bunch of really good people. MilVet Orientation is in addition to your school or college’s orientation, as it covers items specific to military-connected students.

If you have questions at any point, contact the Office of Military and Veterans' Services (OMVS).

  • Students planning to use VA education benefits should apply for benefits as early as possible.

    Before You Begin

    Gather the following documents:

    Apply for Benefits from the VA

    1. Log in to your VA account.
    2. Complete the appropriate education benefits application. Most veterans select the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33). 
    3. The VA will issue a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) after your application is processed.

    Processing may take several weeks, so students should apply well before the semester begins.

    Complete the Enrollment Certification Form.

  • After receiving your Certificate of Eligibility:

    1. Complete the Submit a copy to Fordham's VA Certifying Officials.
    2. Veterans should also provide a DD-214 when requested.
    3. Monitor your Fordham email for certification updates and requests for additional documentation.

    Fordham cannot certify your enrollment for VA benefits until the required documents have been received.

    Certifying Officials (copy all on emails):

  • VA payments do not typically arrive immediately when classes begin. Final certification is completed after the Add/Drop period ends, since students often adjust their coursework at the start of the semester.

    Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)

    The VA generally pays housing allowances after the month of attendance has been completed.

    Examples:

    • August attendance is typically paid in September. (And will be prorated to cover the last few days of the month since the fall semester begins in late August.)
    • September attendance is typically paid in October.

    Avoid Delays

    Students should:

    • Confirm their mailing address with the VA.
    • Verify direct deposit information is correct.
    • Ensure Fordham has certified their enrollment.
    • Confirm the VA has received their certification.

    Plan Ahead

    Students should budget for:

    • Housing deposits
    • First month's rent
    • Textbooks
    • Transportation
    • Other living expenses

    These costs may need to be paid before the first housing allowance payment is received.

    Important: Students will not receive VA payments when class is not in session (e.g. during winter or spring break). Please budget accordingly.

  • Many students are surprised to see charges on their student account while VA benefits are still being processed.

    In most cases, this is normal.

    Benefits processing occurs between Fordham and the VA and may take several weeks. Tuition payments are not always reflected on a student's account immediately.

    If you have concerns about your balance or certification status, contact the Office of Military and Veterans' Services for assistance.

  • Health insurance is required for all full-time undergraduate, graduate, and international students enrolled in six or more credits at Fordham University.

    Eligible students are automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), and the charge is added to their student account.

    Students who are 100% eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill® will not have to pay for health insurance, but we ask that you waive it if you are covered under another plan.

    If you are using VR&E, Chapter 31, you MUST WAIVE HEALTH INSURANCE EVERY YEAR, unless you choose to pay for the additional coverage. THE VA WILL NOT COVER YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE. 

    Can I Waive the Student Health Insurance Plan?

    Yes, and you MUST waive the health insurance if using Chapter 31, unless you choose to pay for the additional coverage

    Students who already have qualifying health insurance coverage may be eligible for a waiver of Fordham's plan.

    Examples include:

    • TRICARE
    • Employer-sponsored insurance
    • Coverage through a spouse or parent
    • Other qualifying health insurance plans

    To qualify, coverage must:

    • Meet Affordable Care Act (ACA) and New York State requirements
    • Provide coverage in the Fordham campus area
    • Remain active throughout the academic year
    • Be provided by a U.S.-based insurance carrier

    Important: Submit a Waiver Every Year

    Many military-connected students already have health coverage, but Fordham does not automatically know you have alternative insurance.

    Students who do not complete the annual waiver process may be charged for Fordham's Student Health Insurance Plan, even if they already have other coverage.

    How Do I Submit a Waiver?

    Waivers are submitted online through Aetna Student Health.

    Once approved:

    • Students receive an email confirmation.
    • Insurance charges are removed from the student account.
    • Charge reversals typically appear within several business days.

    Students should review annual waiver deadlines and requirements before the start of each academic year.

  • New York State requires students to provide proof of certain immunizations before attending classes.

    Students should:

    1. Submit immunization records to Fordham Health Services.
    2. Monitor their compliance status.
    3. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information.

    Failure to satisfy health compliance requirements may result in registration holds or enrollment issues.

  • Yes, if you are applying to an undergraduate degree program in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies.

    Fordham encourages veterans and service members to submit their Joint Services Transcript (JST) and other military training records for evaluation.

    Submitting military transcripts early may:

    • Maximize transfer credit opportunities
    • Reduce duplicate coursework
    • Assist with academic planning

  • Eligible veterans may receive health care services through nearby VA medical centers.

    Students interested in enrolling in VA health care or transferring care to the New York area should contact the VA directly or reach out to OMVS for assistance connecting with resources.

  • Students relocating to New York City should prepare for housing and moving expenses before classes begin.

    Helpful tips:

    • Start your housing search early.
    • Budget for apartment deposits and moving expenses.
    • Keep copies of benefits documentation available.
    • Understand that housing allowance payments may not arrive until after classes have started.

    Students with questions about commuting, housing, or relocation resources are encouraged to contact OMVS.

  • The Office of Military and Veterans' Services can assist with:

    • VA education benefits
    • Enrollment questions
    • Benefits certification
    • Military-connected student resources
    • Campus referrals and support services

    Contact OMVS as early as possible if questions arise. Early communication can help prevent delays in benefits processing and enrollment. We encourage all incoming students to schedule an onboarding call with Luis Disla, Military and Veteran Onboarding Manager, or Anesiah Watson, Onboarding Specialist for Military Dependents.

    Meet with Luis

    Meet with Anesiah