How can I contact the VA? Dial 1-888-GIBILL-1 (442-4551) for general questions. Dial 1-877-838-2778 to change Direct Deposit information. Visit the VA on the web at www.gibill.va.gov
How do I apply for VA education program benefits? The application procedures differ depending on the program. Click here to determine which program you may be eligible for.
Click here for application procedures.
How long will it be before I begin receiving benefits? The amount of time varies dependent upon the severity of backlog at the VA Regional Processing Center. New applications for benefits are typically processed within 8 – 12 weeks of submission. Processing of enrollment certifications by the VA Regional Processing Office for those continuing their training normally takes 4 – 6 weeks.
How do I receive my monthly benefit payment? After a student’s entitlement has been established and the student requests certification; this office reports student enrollment information to the VA through submission of an Enrollment Certification (22-1999). If training under Chapters 30, 32, or 1606, students must verify their enrollment each month as payments will be distributed at the beginning of each month for the prior month of enrollment. This is accomplished online at Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (W.A.V.E.) . Enrollment verification is not required for those training under Chapters 31 or 35.
How do I request certification? Students must submit to the college’s Office of Veterans Affairs a
Certification Request for VA Education Benefits after enrolling. This form is required each semester benefits are desired. Continuing students (those currently receiving benefits at TNCC) may mail or fax (825-3537) this form for after enrolling for subsequent semesters. Students who mail or fax the form must follow-up via phone (825-2909) or
email va@tncc.edu to ensure that we have received the request.
Does the VA pay tuition? Only if training under Chapter 31. Students training under all other VA education programs are responsible for paying their own tuition. Eligible students may apply for advance payment of benefits and the college’s tuition payment plan (FACTS).
How much money will I receive each month? The monthly benefit paid to you is based on the type of training you take, length of your service, your category, and if DOD put extra money in your MGIB Fund (called "kickers"). Benefit amounts differ for each program and are based upon training time. Click on the chapter to review the current payment rates: Chapter 30, Chapter 31, Chapter 35 and Chapter 1606. Benefits for those training under Chapter 32 vary according to the amount contributed. Students must contact the VA for specific benefit information.
How many courses are required for each level of training time Training time is computed by the VA using the number of credits and the number of weeks in the semester. It is important that students are aware of the enrollment period (first day of class through the last day of final exams) as these are the dates the VA uses to compute the number of weeks. Be advised that although the school may refer to a session as an 8 week session, the VA may compute it as a 9 week session. This changes the number of credits required for each level of training time. Refer to the Training Table Equivalency Chart for more information.
Can I receive benefits while attending two institutions at the same time? When attending two schools simultaneously, the school that will grant your degree is considered the “parent school”. Both schools certify you separately; the VA refers to this as Concurrent Enrollment. You will be considered a supplemental student at the secondary school. The parent school must provide a “Parent School Letter” to the secondary school which lists the exact which courses for which you wish to enroll.
What is Advance Pay, am I eligible, and how do I apply? Advance pay provides funds at the beginning of a school term to help students meet expenses concentrated at the beginning of the term. Advance pay is the amount payable for the initial month or portion of a month the semester begins plus the amount payable for the following month. The advance check is mailed to the school and can be released to the student no earlier than 30 days prior to the first day of the term. Students are eligible for advance pay when it is their first time using benefits or there is 56 days between semesters, and the student is enrolled at least half-time, and the VA receives the advance pay request at least 30 days but not more than 120 days before the enrollment period. You must apply for advance pay in person at the Office of Veterans Affairs. Eligible students may also apply for the college’s tuition payment plan (FACTS).
What if I drop or add a course after I have been certified? Students must immediately report all changes in enrollment (drops/adds) to the college’s Office of Veterans Affairs. This can be accomplished by visiting the Office of Veterans Affairs or by email. We cannot accept this information over the phone. Changes in enrollment which effect training time must be reported to continuing receiving the proper amount of benefits. Failure to report changes often result in a debt to the government.
Can I repeat a course? Courses that are failed or for which the grade does not meet minimum requirements for graduation may be repeated and certified for VA purposes. Courses that are successfully completed may not be certified.
Do I have to declare a major to receive VA education benefits? The VA considers students who have not declared a major as “non-matriculated”. These students are limited to only two semesters of benefits while in that status.
Can I change my major? A student may change their major by submitting to the college’s Office of Veterans Affairs a Request for Change of Program or Place of Training. (Form 22-1995 for Chapter 30, 32, and 1606 students or Form 22-5495 for Chapter 35 students.) Students training under Chapter 31 must receive specific authorization from their VA case manager to change their major.
When must I have my transcripts and other prior training evaluated Students must have all prior training evaluated upon initial enrollment at each academic institution and upon a change of major. Students have two semesters to have all prior training evaluated, after two semesters VA benefits cannot be paid until a complete evaluation of all prior training has been completed. Prior training includes previous college/university level coursework, military training, and a DD214 (for prior active duty students). Students must submit a Request for Transfer Evaluation after the school has received their transcripts. Active duty members and veterans can request that an evaluation of their military training be sent to the school through the following websites: Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy, Marines.
