VA Form 22-1999c: Affirmation for Correspondence Courses

VA Form 22-1999c: Affirmation for Correspondence Courses – VA Form 22-1999c, titled Certificate of Affirmation of Enrollment Agreement—Correspondence Course, is an official Department of Veterans Affairs form. Its current revision date is January 2025.

This form serves a specific consumer-protection purpose. It gives eligible students using VA education benefits a mandatory reflection period before their enrollment agreement with a correspondence school becomes effective for VA payment purposes.

The student must affirm (confirm) the enrollment agreement only after the required waiting period. VA uses this form to verify that the student was properly informed of their rights and that the affirmation occurred at the correct time.

Who Needs to Use VA Form 22-1999c?

You need this form if you are:

  • A veteran or eligible person using VA education benefits (such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty, or Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve) to enroll in a correspondence course.
  • Enrolling through a school that offers correspondence training (lessons sent and returned by mail or email).

Important eligibility note: Children receiving Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) or Fry Scholarship benefits are not eligible to use VA benefits for correspondence training. Spouses and surviving spouses under Chapter 35 may have different rules—always verify your specific eligibility.

The form is typically provided by the correspondence school after you sign the enrollment agreement.

Why Is the Affirmation Form Required for VA Correspondence Benefits?

Federal law requires a built-in cooling-off period for correspondence course enrollments paid with VA benefits. This protects students from high-pressure sales tactics and ensures they have time to evaluate whether the course matches their abilities and goals.

Without a properly completed and timely VA Form 22-1999c, VA cannot authorize payment for the correspondence course. The school must submit this form together with the enrollment certification (VA Form 22-1999 or electronic equivalent) before benefits can be processed.

Important Rules: The 5-Day Reflection Period and Payment Restrictions

This is the most critical part of the process:

  • You may affirm the enrollment agreement only after the expiration of 5 full days after the day you signed the original enrollment agreement with the school.
  • Example: If you signed the enrollment agreement on the 1st of the month, you must sign and date VA Form 22-1999c on or after the 7th of the month.
  • VA will not accept any affirmation signed before the 7th day.
  • VA will not pay for any lessons you complete or that the school services before the proper affirmation date.

These rules are printed directly on the current form and are strictly enforced.

How to Fill Out VA Form 22-1999c? Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully:

  1. Receive the form from your correspondence school after signing the enrollment agreement.
  2. Complete Items 1–5 (these can be filled out immediately):
    • Item 1: Your full name (First, Middle Initial, Last)
    • Item 2A: Your VA File Number
    • Item 2B: Your email address
    • Item 3: Name of the course
    • Item 4: Date you signed the enrollment agreement (MM/DD/YYYY)
    • Item 5: Full name and address of the school
  3. Wait the required period — Do not sign Items 6 and 7 until on or after the 7th day (5 full days after signing the agreement).
  4. On or after the correct date, read the affirmation statement on the form carefully.
  5. Complete Items 6 and 7:
    • Item 6: Date you are signing the affirmation (must be on or after the 7th day)
    • Item 7: Your signature

By signing, you certify under penalty of law that you waited the required 5 full days and that you understand the enrollment agreement.

Download the current form here:
Download VA Form 22-1999c (PDF) – January 2025 revision

Official VA page: VA Form 22-1999c on va.gov

What to Do If You Decide Not to Affirm the Enrollment Agreement?

If you change your mind:

  • Do not sign Items 6 and 7.
  • Destroy the form.
  • Notify the school in writing (or as instructed) of your decision not to affirm.
  • The school must provide a full refund of all amounts paid, without any penalty or fee.

You have the right to cancel at any time before affirming.

How and Where to Submit VA Form 22-1999c?

  1. After properly completing and signing the form, return VA Copy 1 and School Copy 2 to the school.
  2. Keep your student copy for your records.
  3. The school is responsible for submitting VA Copy 1 of Form 22-1999c along with the enrollment certification (VA Form 22-1999 or through Enrollment Manager) to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

You generally do not send the form directly to VA.

What Happens After You Submit the Form?

  • The school forwards the documents to VA.
  • VA reviews the affirmation date to confirm it meets the 5-day requirement.
  • If everything is in order, VA authorizes payment for the approved lessons according to the rules of your specific education benefit chapter.
  • Payments for correspondence courses are processed based on lessons completed and serviced after the proper affirmation date.

Eligibility for Correspondence Courses Under VA GI Bill Benefits

Correspondence training is currently approved under these VA education programs:

  • Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
  • Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (Chapter 30)
  • Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
  • Transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits (for qualified dependents)

Not eligible: Children using Chapter 35 (Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance) or Fry Scholarship benefits for correspondence training.

Always confirm your specific benefit and the school’s approval status using the GI Bill Comparison Tool.

Related VA Forms You May Need

  • VA Form 22-1999 — Enrollment Certification (completed primarily by the school)
  • VA Form 22-1990 — Application for VA Education Benefits (if you have not already applied)
  • VA Form 22-5490 — Application for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using VA Form 22-1999c

  • Signing Items 6 and 7 too early (before the 7th day)
  • Failing to read the full affirmation statement before signing
  • Not returning both required copies to the school
  • Assuming the school will handle everything without providing them your signed form promptly
  • Using an outdated version of the form (always use the January 2025 revision or newer)

Frequently Asked Questions About VA Form 22-1999c

Q: Can I sign the affirmation on the 6th day?
A: No. You must wait 5 full days. If you signed the agreement on Day 1, the earliest you can affirm is Day 7.

Q: What if the school pressures me to sign immediately?
A: You have a legal right to the full reflection period. Report any pressure to VA.

Q: Does this form apply to online courses?
A: No. It applies only to traditional correspondence courses (lessons sent and returned by mail or email). Most modern online/distance learning through accredited colleges uses different processes.

Q: How long does VA take to process after submission?
A: Processing times vary. Contact your school’s certifying official or use Ask VA for status updates.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

Important Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is based on official VA sources as of June 2026. Forms, rules, and processing procedures can change. Always refer to the most current official VA publications and consult your school’s certifying official or VA directly for advice specific to your situation. VA is the final authority on benefit eligibility and payments.