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How to Apply for Benefits

If you are applying for VA education assistance for the first time:

  1. Complete the Veterans Application. If you qualify for more than one program, you can compare programs at the Veterans Administration’s Benefit Comparison Chart.
  2. The VA will mail a certificate of eligibility.  Please bring a copy of your certificate to the Veterans Officer at VHCC.
  3. Active Duty Veterans should submit a copy of their DD-214 (Discharge Form); and National Guard and Reservist should submit a copy of their NOBE (Notice of Basic Eligibility Form, which your Unit should have). Be sure to also submit any other essential documentation, such as Kicker contracts.
  4. Once you have enrolled in your classes, submit a Certification Request for VA Educational Benefits form to the VHCC Veterans Officer who will certify your enrollment with the regional Veterans Administration Office for processing. This process usually takes the regional office approximately 30 days; however, during peak periods, processing can take up to ten weeks.
  5. If you are a new student at VHCC or have not attended in the past three years, you will also need to complete the VHCC Admissions Application
  6. If you previously attended any colleges or universities (other than Virginia Community Colleges), submit official college transcript(s) and a completed VHCC Transcript Evaluation Request form to VHCC Admissions and Records. 
  7. Set up an account in Credits2Careers at www.credits2careers.org to evaluate your military transcripts.

 

If you have received VA education assistance previously at another college or university but not at VHCC:

  1. Complete and submit the Veterans Administration’s Request for Change of Program or Place of Training (VA Form 22-1995). Dependent and Spouses receiving Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program need to complete the VA Form 22-5495
  2. Active Duty Veterans should provide a copy of their DD-214 (Discharge Form); and National Guard and Reservist should submit a copy of their NOBE (Notice of Basic Eligibility Form, which your Unit should have).
  3. Submit the form to the VHCC Veterans Officer located in the Admissions Office.
  4. Once you have enrolled in your classes, submit a Certification Request for VA Educational Benefits form to the VHCC Veterans Officer who will certify your enrollment with the regional Veterans Administration Office for processing. This process usually takes the regional office approximately 30 days; however, during peak periods, processing can take up to ten weeks.
  5. If you previously attended any colleges or universities (other than Virginia Community Colleges), submit official college transcript(s) and a completed VHCC Transcript Evaluation Request form to VHCC Admissions and Records.
  6. Set up an account in Credits2Careers at www.credits2careers.org to evaluate your military transcripts.
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