Veterans Information

Student Success

Veterans Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the veteran check on whether he/she has V.A. educational benefits?

    The veteran should call the V.A. Regional Office and Insurance Center (VAROIC) in Philadelphia at 1-800-827-1000. This facility is staffed by expert benefits counselors who can access the DOD computer and answer most benefits questions.

What V.A. educational benefits are available?

    This is a list of the benefits available.

      Contributory Benefits: Chapter 30-Montgomery GI Bill, Active Duty Educational Assistance Program; and Chapter 32-VEAP.

      Reserve Benefits: Chapter 106-Montgomery GI Bill, Selected Reserve Educational Assistance Program.

      Injury Related Benefits: Chapter 35-Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance; and Chapter 31-Vocational Rehabilitation.

How does a veteran start his/her V.A. benefits?

    The are three steps involved.

    • Register for courses and report to the Campus V.A. Office located in College Hall, Room 122, (215) 641-6581, at Montgomery County Community College
    • Complete an Application for Education Benefits (22-1990)
    • Prove eligibility for benefits with the required forms

      • Chapters 30 and 32-certified copy of DD-214-call V.A. in Norristown (610) 278-3285 for instructions.

      Chapter 106-DD Form 2384 (Notice of Basic Eligibility)-obtained from the Commanding Officer at the Reserve Unit.

How does the veteran receive money?

    After the V.A. Office submits the completed forms, it takes six to eight weeks the first time as the V.A. will set up a new file. Payment is made at the end of each month and is sent directly to the veteran.

How does the pay schedule work?

    The schedule is predetermined by factors such as years of service and the number of credits taken. The full-time rate is broken down as follows.

1-5 credits 1/4 time
6-8 credits 1/2 time
9-11 credits 3/4 time
12 or more full-time

How can a veteran figure out the money he/she will receive?

    Each program will explain the benefits which are due for that veteran for full-time benefits in his/her program. Take the maximum for full-time and divide by the increments of credits. Call the VAROIC for the most accurate information at 1-800-827-1000.

What happens if a veteran changes his/her school or major?

    Once a veteran has established a file with the V.A., making changes such as going to another school or changing a major is simple. The V.A. will require that Form 22-1995 be completed and this should be done by the new school or if it is just a change of program, see the Campus V.A. Office.

What happens if the veteran drops a course?

    It is important to report the change to the Campus V.A. Office. The V.A. requires that the school report the change within 30 days of the drop. Dropping a course will affect the payment money. The goal is to avoid overpayment, where the V.A. has paid out more money than is due. The V.A. will not pay for dropped courses and will take the money back from the next pay to make the adjustment.

What is the duration of benefits for Chapters 30 and 106?

    There is a time set to use the V.A. education benefits. The clock starts to tick when the veteran is discharged and the veteran is given ten years to use them. There will be 36 months of payment based on the actual time of being enrolled in classes.

Is there any other source of educational money for veterans?

    If a veteran was in the military and did active duty time, he/she may qualify for a grant through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Association (PHEA) which is handled through the Financial Aid Office at the College. This program has a limit on money earned by the applicant (about $12,000 per year) and pays about 80 percent of tuition. Contact the Financial Aid Office for details.