---
kind: "section"
citation: "38 U.S.C. § 3698A"
title: "38"
title_heading: "Veterans’ Benefits"
number: "3698A"
heading: "Provision of certificates of eligibility and award letters using electronic means"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/38/3698A"
units:
  - "Part III — Readjustment and Related Benefits"
  - "Chapter 36 — Administration of Educational Benefits"
  - "Subchapter III — Miscellaneous Provisions"
---

# §3698A. Provision of certificates of eligibility and award letters using electronic means

- (a) **Requirement.—** Except as provided by [subsection (b)](#b), the [Secretary](/usc/38/4101.md?p=8) shall provide to an individual the following documents using electronic means:
  - (1) A certificate of eligibility for the entitlement of the individual to covered educational assistance.
  - (2) An award letter regarding the authorization of the individual to receive covered educational assistance.
- (b) **Election to Opt Out.—** An individual may elect to receive the documents specified in [subsection (a)](#a) by mail rather than through electronic means under [subsection (a)](#a). An individual may revoke such an election at any time, by means prescribed by the [Secretary](/usc/38/4101.md?p=8).
- (c) **Covered Educational Assistance.—** In this section, the term “covered educational assistance” means educational assistance under chapter [30](/usc/38/chptIII/ch30.md), [33](/usc/38/chptIII/ch33.md), or [35](/usc/38/chptIII/ch35.md) of this title, or [section 3699C of this title](/usc/38/3699C.md).

## Source credit

(Added Pub. L. 118–210, title II, § 210(a), Jan. 2, 2025, 138 Stat. 2766.)