VETERANS BENEFITS & RESOURCES

Veteran students who have served in the military or are a dependent of a deceased or 100% disabled veteran injured while serving in the military may be eligible for veterans benefits.

Veteran Student Forms

• VA Checklist
• VA Certification Statement
• Veteran Enrollment Form 1
• Veteran Enrollment Form 2

How to Apply for VA Benefits with VONAPP

1.  Apply for Ch. 33 (Post 9/11) GI Bill. You will need to go to vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp_ssl/login.asp to apply. This process is through the VONAPP website and is user-friendly. Once you fill out the information, someone will view your information in order to make sure you are entitled to the educational benefits. You will then receive a certificate of eligibility or COE in the mail. This will tell you your percentage of tuition that will be paid. Be aware that no individual can use two educational benefits at the same time. You will be prompted to select which benefit you want to give up.

Once you receive this COE in the mail, go directly to the financial aid department of whichever school you plan on attending with this paper and they will process your paperwork to pay for your schooling.

2.  Only use Internet Explorer when applying for any education benefit on VONAPP. Click the link below for more detailed VONAPP instructions:

VONAPP Instructions

If you are unsure about which benefits to select, please contact Brent Haddow, VetSuccess On Campus counselor, at 313-686-8691 or [email protected].

VA Orientation

The Financial Aid Office encourages students complete a VA orientation.

The VA certifying official will go over a “Veteran Information Packet” that can assist you with important information on how to acquire these benefits and continue to use them each semester. Please contact the Certifying Official at 269-965-3931 ext. 2656.

Students who have used VA benefits at another school will need to complete a “Change of Program or Place of Training” form to continue education benefits. Please submit a copy of your DD214 and military transcripts to be evaluated. By doing so your military training may be worth credits.

Chapter 30, 33, 1606 & 1607

As a new student with Chapter 30, 33, 1606, and 1607 benefits, you will need to complete an application and apply to an approved program of study at KCC. The application for education benefits can be completed through the VA website. Go to benefits.va.gov/gibill/handouts_forms.asp and select VA form 22-1999 – Application Education Benefits. After the online application is complete, make sure you print a copy for your files before it is submitted and provide a copy along with the signature page to the Certifying Official.

Students using chapter 33 benefits will receive a “Letter of Eligibility” from the VA once certification has been completed by the certifying official. You will need to provide a copy of this letter to the certifying official as soon as possible. This letter shows the percentage they will cover for tuition and fees. Also, students using chapter 33 will receive a check for the housing and books based on eligibility. This can be confirmed by contacting the VA directly. Your certification has to be completed by the certifying official before those funds will be mailed or directly deposited into your checking or savings account information you provided on your benefit application.

Chapter 35

Chapter 35 – Dependents of a deceased or disabled veteran will need to complete an application, and apply for an approved program of study at KCC. The application can be completed through the VA website. Go to gibill.va.gov/resources/student_handouts and select VA form 22-5490 – Application for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance. After the online application is complete make sure you print a copy for your files before it is submitted and provide a copy along with the signature page to the Certifying Official.

VOC – REHAB

VOC – REHAB students should contact their caseworker at the VA. The caseworker will send an authorization (Form 1999) per semester to provide tuition, books and supplies assistance. Each semester you qualify, a book/supply voucher may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office to be used in the KCC bookstore.

VA Checklist

The VA Checklist linked above provides veteran students with valuable information regarding self-certification each month. To access instructions online go to gibill.va.gov and click on WAVE or call 877-823-2378. Also if you have questions about the amount of your benefits or timing of your benefits contact the VA directly at 888-442-4551.

It is the responsibility of each veteran student to provide a copy of their schedule every semester for certification. It is also the veteran’s responsibility to notify the certifying official at KCC of schedule changes. Failure to do so may result in payment delays or overpayment of benefits. Please be aware these benefits may not cover the total cost of your tuition.

Payment Plan Sign Up

Veteran students who are using chapter 30, 35, 1606 and 1607 are required to sign up for a payment plan. Each month a payment will be taken from either checking or credit card depending on your selection unless you choose to pay in full at the time of registration. Students should also review other financial aid options including student loans, Pell grants, and other federal student aid.

VA students using chapter 33 (post 9/11) will need to turn in a copy of their registration into the certifying official within 24 hours of registering for classes. There will be funds applied to your financial aid account and you are not required to sign up for a payment plan, but that is only if your registration is received within 24 hours of registration. If you have less than 100% coverage of benefits, you will receive a bill from KCC at midterm and you will be responsible to pay out-of-pocket any remaining tuition and fees not covered by the VA.