If you or your loved one is receiving VA education benefits, it’s important to pay attention to a 2026 requirement.

VA education beneficiaries who receive monthly education payments are now required to verify their enrollment each month in order to continue receiving benefits.

In the past, most students only had to confirm enrollment at the start of a term or when their schedule changed. Now, the Department of Veterans Affairs asks for a quick monthly check-in to confirm you’re still enrolled as certified before releasing payments.

This change is part of a broader effort to reduce overpayments and ensure benefit payments are issued accurately and on time for students relying on VA education programs.

Here’s what to expect, who this applies to, and how to stay on track.

What Monthly Enrollment Verification Means for Those Using Benefits

The new monthly enrollment verification is an added step to ensure clear communication about benefits between you and the VA.

It lets the VA know that:

• You are still enrolled for the month
• Your training time or course load hasn’t changed
• The enrollment details your school submitted remain accurate

For most VA education beneficiaries, completing this step enables the VA to process and release monthly payments. If verification is missed, payments may be delayed until confirmation is completed.

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Who Is Required to Verify Enrollment Each Month?

VA education beneficiaries who receive monthly education payments must complete enrollment verification, including those using:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits
• Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty or Selected Reserve)
• Certain VA-approved training or certification programs

Another important update affects dependents receiving surviving beneficiary VA education benefits:

Beginning January 1, 2026, individuals using Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA, Chapter 35) will also be required to verify enrollment monthly to receive payments. Previously, Chapter 35 beneficiaries did not have to complete this step.

How to Verify Your Enrollment & Continue Receiving Required Education Payments

The VA provides several ways to verify enrollment each month:

Verify Online

Sign in to your VA.gov account and complete the monthly enrollment verification online.

Verify by Text Message

Many students are offered the option to verify by text. If you opt in, you’ll receive a monthly message asking you to confirm your enrollment with a simple reply.

Verify by Email

If you don’t use text verification, the VA may send a monthly email reminder prompting you to verify.

Phone or Ask VA

Enrollment can also be verified through Ask VA or by calling the VA’s education benefits line for assistance.

Note: Keeping your contact information current on VA.gov helps ensure you receive verification reminders on time.

Why Monthly Verification Matters

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, monthly verification is essential for VA education beneficiaries because it determines when benefit payments are processed.

Failing to verify enrollment on time can result in:

• Delayed benefit payments
• Temporary holds on funds
• Additional steps to resolve enrollment issues

Tips to Stay on Track

The idea of having to verify your enrollment every month can feel like a nuisance, but creating a few new, simple habits can make it much easier and help you avoid delays in your payments:

• Set a monthly reminder. A phone alert or calendar note is all it takes to stay on top of it.
• Use text verification if it’s available. A quick reply can check the box in seconds.
• Verify as soon as you get the prompt. Taking care of it right away keeps your payments moving.
• Keep your school informed. If your schedule or enrollment changes, let your certifying official know immediately.

Following these steps only takes a few minutes each month and can save you headaches down the line — especially if you’re balancing school, work, and family responsibilities.

Staying on Top of Your VA Education Benefits

Monthly enrollment verification is now a routine part of receiving VA education benefits, including surviving beneficiary VA education benefits starting in 2026.

It may feel like an extra unnecessary step, but staying on top of it ensures your payments arrive on time and prevents delays. By checking in each month, keeping your contact info current, and notifying your school of any changes, you can focus on your education without worrying about your benefits.

Staying consistent now saves stress later and keeps your hard-earned benefits working for you.

Looking for more information about your education? VeteranLife stays up-to-date on the latest changes, benefits, and tips for making the most of your VA education benefits.

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