VA education benefits, also known as the GI Bill®, help eligible veterans, service members, and their dependents pay for education and training. These benefits can cover costs like tuition, fees, and housing. Eligibility is based on factors like your service history and discharge status. The two most common programs are the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) and the Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapter 30).

You should apply directly to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The easiest way to apply is online through the VA website. After your application is approved, the VA will send you a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which you’ll need to submit to our office. You should apply as early as possible, as the process can take some time.

Yes, you can apply for and receive federal financial aid, such as Pell Grants and student loans, in addition to your VA education benefits. You’ll need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility.

Once you are admitted, you must submit the following documents to our Military Admissions office to begin the process of using your benefits:

• Certificate of Eligibility (COE): This is the official letter from the VA confirming your eligibility for benefits.
• DD-214 (Member-4 Copy): This is your official discharge or separation document from military service. It’s required for veterans.
• Joint Services Transcript (JST): A JST is a record of your military training and experience. We use it to evaluate potential college credit for your service.
• Official Transcripts: We require official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities.

The fastest way to receive a COE is by applying through the official VA education portal. 

First-Time Applicants: Complete VA Form 22-1990 (for Veterans/Service Members) or Form 22-1990E (for dependents using transferred benefits).

Replacement/Current Users: If you have already applied and been approved, you can download a digital copy of your education decision letter directly from your VA.gov profile under “Records” or “Letters”.

Check Benefits: You can also use the Check GI Bill Benefits tool to view and print a “Statement of Benefits,” which many schools accept in place of a COE.

If you’ve used your VA benefits at another institution, you’ll need to submit a Request for Change of Program or Place of Training form (VA Form 22-1995) to the VA. You should also provide our office with an updated COE reflecting this change.

Dropping a class can impact your VA benefits, as your payment is tied to your enrollment status. It’s crucial to contact our Military Admissions office before making any changes to your schedule to understand how it might affect your benefits and prevent a potential debt to the VA.

Yes. Students using certain benefits, such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, must verify their enrollment with the VA each month to continue receiving their Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) and/or kicker payments. The VA will contact you with instructions on how to do this via text message or email.

After we certify your enrollment, the VA processes your benefits. This can take several weeks, especially at the start of a semester. Your tuition and fees will be paid directly to the school, while any housing or book stipends will be sent to you. We work with students on a case-by-case basis to avoid late fees or registration holds while benefits are being processed.

The Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program, also known as Chapter 31, assists veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable employment. Services may include vocational counseling, job training, and educational benefits.

If you are approved for VR&E benefits, your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) will send us a VA Purchase Order, which is an authorization for us to enroll you and certify your attendance. Once we receive this, we can process your enrollment.

If you have questions about your VR&E benefits or the admissions process, please contact us directly at military@westcliff.edu. We are here to help you navigate the process.

Your VR&E counselor will need the following information to process your enrollment:

• VA Facility Code: 21110805
• Purchase Orders need to be submitted to be submitted by VR&E to military@westcliff.edu