Veterans' Education Benefits
Veterans' Benefits
Samford VA Contact:
Michelle Joiner, VA Certifying Official
Mailing Address:
Office of Student Records
Samford University
800 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, Alabama 35229
Phone, Fax, and E-Mail:
Phone: (205) 726-2911
Fax: (205) 726-2908
E-Mail: mhjoiner@samford.edu
VA Web site: www.gibill.va.gov
The VA Certifying Official serves as a liaison for veterans and their dependents, assisting in obtaining benefits from the federal department of Veterans Affairs. This service is located in the Office of Student Records on the second floor of Samford Hall.
Students must be admitted and registered at the University before certification can be completed. Students must fill out a VA Request for Certification form each term and return it to the Student Records Office.
VA Request for Certification (HTML)
VA Request for Certification (PDF)
(Forms open in a new window.)
Eligibility for Benefits
Honorable Discharge
Chapter 30
A person on active duty must have served a minimum of two years continuous active duty and received an honorable discharge before becoming eligible to receive benefits under the Chapter 30 (Montgomery "New" G.I. Bill) program. The interested service member must consult with the Education Services Officer (ESO) on the military facility before submitting an application for Chapter 30 benefits.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Chapter 31
A veteran may be eligible for Chapter 31 benefits if he or she incurred or aggravated a service-connected disability and is in need of vocational rehabilitation because the disability creates an employment handicap. Veterans should contact their Veterans Affairs Office to obtain detailed information.
Survivors and Dependents of Military Personnel
Chapter 35
Children, spouses, and surviving spouses of veterans who died or are permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-incurred disability may be eligible to receive Chapter 35 benefits. Students desiring additional information should contact their county Veterans Affairs Office.
Alabama G.I. and Dependents Education Benefit Act
This program provides tuition benefits and free textbooks for disabled veterans and their families. Interested students should contact their county Veterans Affairs Office.
Selected Reserve Personnel
Chapter 1606
A person enlisting, re-enlisting, or extending enlistment in the Selected Reserve so that the reservist has an obligation to serve for a period of not less than six years may be eligible for the Chapter 1606 (Montgomery "New" G.I. Bill) program. Students should contact their respective reserve units for eligibility information.
