Header block
The file number, the name of the student and the student's birth date, above the cover text that explains why VA is asking.
21-8960
Certification of School Attendance or Termination
- Agency
- VA
- Revision
- August 2024
- Fillable fields
- 42
- Pages
- 2
- Official source
- VA form page
- Checked
- October 20, 2026
VA Form 21-8960: Certification of School Attendance or Termination
VA Form 21-8960 is the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Certification of School Attendance or Termination. VA's page lists it under the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). The cover text says that because VA is paying benefits based on a report that the student named on the form is attending school, VA asks for verification of the student's school attendance for this school year, and that otherwise benefits based upon the student's attendance will be discontinued.
The form is two pages. A header block holds the file number and the student's name and birth date. Section I covers the Veteran or beneficiary, and Section II asks about the student's schooling, marriage, other schools, expected graduation and other education benefits, followed by an agreement, a certification and the signature. VA's page offers the PDF and lists no online version. You can fill out the PDF free in your browser on this page and download the result without an account.
What's on VA Form 21-8960
Section I: Veteran's information
Items 1 to 8 ask for the Veteran or beneficiary's name, Social Security number, VA file number, date of birth, service number if applicable, telephone number, optional email address and mailing address.
Items 9 and 10: attendance
Whether the student is now in school and whether the student has attended from the official beginning of the school year. If not, Item 10 asks for all the dates of attendance.
Items 11 to 14: marriage and schools
Whether the student is married and the date, the name of the last school attended, any other schools attended this year, and when the student expects to graduate or otherwise end the course of study.
Item 15: other education benefits
Whether the student has begun receiving or applied for VA Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA), Federal Employees' Compensation Act payments or tuition benefits from another federal agency.
Agreement, certification and signature
An agreement to notify VA of later changes, a certification that the information is true and correct, and Items 16 to 18 for the signature, relationship to the student and date signed.
How to complete VA Form 21-8960
- 1
Check the header details
Review the file number, student's name and birth date at the top of page 1.
- 2
Fill in Section I
The form says it can be completed online or by hand. By hand, it asks for neat and legible printing, one letter per box and fully filled checkboxes.
- 3
Answer Item 9 first
If the student is not in school, give the date and reason attendance terminated and skip Items 10 and 12, as the form says.
- 4
Complete Items 10 to 15
Answer the attendance, marriage, school and other benefit questions that apply.
- 5
Sign and date it
Item 16 is marked required. A parent, guardian or custodian who signs enters the relationship to the student in Item 17, and the date goes in Item 18.
- 6
Mail it within 60 days
The cover text says to return the form within 60 days to the Evidence Intake Center in Janesville, Wisconsin.
Why fill Form 21-8960 on indox
You get the real form, filled in a browser tab, with nothing standing between you and the finished PDF.
- Fill the form right in your browser, no software to install
- Free to fill and free to download, with no account
- The official blank straight from the VA, not a copy someone retyped
- Works on a phone, tablet or computer
Where to send it
By mail
Department of Veterans Affairs, Evidence Intake Center, P.O. Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444.
Time frame
The cover text says to return the form within 60 days. Otherwise, benefits based upon the student's attendance will be discontinued.
Later changes
The signer agrees to notify VA immediately of any changes in the course of education, transfer to another school, discontinuance of school attendance or marriage before the course is completed.
Edition
The AUG 2024 edition supersedes the JUL 2021 edition. It carries OMB Control No. 2900-0458, which expires 08/31/2027, and a respondent burden of 10 minutes.
Related forms
21-674
Request for Approval of School Attendance
107 fields, 3 pages
21-674b
School Attendance Report
54 fields, 2 pages
21-686c
Application Request to Add and/or Remove Dependents
625 fields, 15 pages
21-0538
Mandatory Verification of Dependents
117 fields, 2 pages
21-4138
Statement in Support of Claim (VA Form 21-4138)
33 fields, 2 pages
Who uses VA Form 21-8960?
The form says who it is for and who signs it.
Official sources and the blank
Do it all with indox
No tool matches that search.
Questions about Form 21-8960
What is VA Form 21-8960 for?
The cover text says VA is paying benefits based on a report that the student named on the form is attending school, and asks for verification of the student's attendance for this school year.
What happens if the form is not returned?
The cover text says to return it within 60 days. Otherwise, benefits based upon the student's attendance will be discontinued.
Who signs VA Form 21-8960?
The form says the student signs only if receiving benefits in his or her own right. Otherwise the parent, guardian or custodian signs Item 16 and gives the relationship in Item 17.
What if the student has left school?
Check No in Item 9 and give the date and reason school attendance terminated. The form says not to complete Items 10 and 12 in that case.
Can the student receive DEA at the same time?
The form says concurrent receipt of DEA benefits by the student and additional compensation payments based on that student's school attendance is a duplication of benefits and is prohibited by law.
What changes should be reported later?
The agreement covers changes in the course of education, transfer to another school, discontinuance of school attendance, or marriage before the course is completed.