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BBCC  Veteran  

Educational  Benefits  

Handbook  

 

Veterans  Office  

Administration  Building,  Room  1480  

 

Rita  Jordan  

Veterans  Coordinator  

509.793.2452  

[email protected]

 

 

Office  Hours:  

Mon-­‐Thur  7:30a.m.-­‐12:00p.m.  

Mon-­‐Thur  1:00p.m.-­‐4:30p.m.  

Fri  7:30a.m.-­‐2:00p.m.  

Walk-­‐ins  Welcome  

 

 

**No  appointment  necessary  during  the  first  week  of  the  quarter**    

 

To  schedule  an  appointment  contact  Rita  Jordan  

 

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Big  Bend  Community  College  

Veterans  Office  

7662  Chanute  St  NE  

Moses  Lake,  WA  98837  

 

Welcome  to  Big  Bend  Community  College!  

 

Enclosed  is  important  information  and  guidelines  to  assist  you  with  using  your  veteran  education  benefits  

at  Big  Bend  Community  College.    Complete  and  return  the  Veterans  Reporting  Form  (last  2  pages  of  

handbook)  along  with  all  other  required  documents  to  the  BBCC  Veterans  Office.   Please  keep  the  

remaining  sections  of  this  handbook  for  future  reference.  

 

The  Veterans  Office  is  open  Monday  and  Tuesday  mornings  or  by  appointment  only  in  the  afternoons.   You  

may  also  schedule  an  appointment  anytime  Wednesday  thru  Friday.   To  schedule  an  appointment  contact  

the  Financial  Aid/Veterans  Office  at  509.793.2452  or  email  

[email protected]

.  

 

I  am  responsible  for  certifying  your  educational  benefits  and  can  only  accomplish  this  when  you  submit  

your  forms  in  a  timely  manner.   It  is  your  responsibility  to  confirm  that  all  documents  and  evaluations  

necessary  for  processing  your  benefits  have  been  received  by  our  office.   Do  not  wait  to  submit  your  

paperwork.   It  can  be  submitted  to  the  Veterans  Administration  prior  to  the  beginning  of  any  quarter.  

 

You  have  made  an  excellent  decision  in  furthering  your  education.   Best  wishes  to  you  in  this  latest  

challenge  in  your  life.  

 

Sincerely,  

 

Rita  Jordan  

Veteran’s  Coordinator  

Financial  Aid  Office/Veterans  Office  

509.793.2452  

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Submit  VA  Application  for  education  benefits  

Pick  up  the  “Veteran  Educational  Benefits  Handbook”  at  the  BBCC  Veterans  Office  located  in  the  1400  

Administration  Buildling  509.793.2452.   The  handbook  explains  how  to  apply  for  and  use  your  benefits  at  

BBCC.  

 

Submit  DD214  Member  4  form  to  the  BBCC  Veterans  Office  to  determine  eligibility  for  tuition  waivers.  

Submit  copies  of  any  military/prior  college  transcripts  to  the  BBCC  Registration/Admissions  Office.  

Apply  for  Admissions.    Contact  the  BBCC  Registration/Admissions  Office  509.793.2061  or  visit  www.bigbend.edu

.  

 

Apply  for  Financial  Aid  and  Scholarships.    You  may  be  eligible  for  financial  aid  and  scholarships  as  well  as  veteran  

benefits.   Contact  the   BBCC  Financial  Aid  Office  at  509.793.2034  for  more  information  or  visit  

www.bigbend.edu/admissions/financial-­‐aid.  

 

Disability  support  services.    Classroom  and  testing  accommodations  may  be  available  for  vision  or  hearing  

disabilities.   Contact  LoraLyn  Allen,  Disability  Services  Coordinator  509.793.2027.  

 

Placement  Test.    Contact  the  BBCC  testing  center  for  a  testing  appointment  509.793.2064  if  necessary.  

 

Register  for  classes  and  print  out  your  class  schedule  from  a  Student  Kiosk  on  campus  or  from  home  at  

 

www.bigbend.edu  

Contact  the  BBCC  Registration/Admissions  Office  509.793.2061.  

 

Submit  your  signed  class  schedule  to  the  BBCC  Veterans  Office  each  quarter  that  you  want  to  use  your  

education  benefits.    Your  certification  will  not  be  sent  to  the  VA  until  this  is  received.  

 

Pay  tuition  by  the  deadline.    If  you  are  using  your  GI  Bill  or  other  VA  education  benefits,  you  will  need  to  be  

prepared  to  take  care  of  your  tuition  by  the  tuition  deadline.   For  information  regarding  the  tuition  payment  plan  

please  contact  the  Business  Office  in  the  1400  Administration  Building  at  509.793.2023.   For  Tuition  Assistance,  

please  contact  Barbara  Riegel  at  509.793.2024.  

 

Purchase  Books.    if  you  are  using  Chapter  31  vocational  rehabilitation  benefits  contact  Barbara  Riegel  

509.793.2024  so  that  your  book  account  may  be  setup.  

 

Monthly  Verification  of  Attendance.    Contact  the  VA  no  earlier  than  the  last  day  of  each  month  during  the  

quarter  and  the  last  day  of  the  quarter  to  verify  that  you  have  attended  classes  if  you  are  using  Chapter  33,  

Chapter  30,  Chapter  1606,  or  Chapter  1607.    Your  benefits  will  not  be  sent  until  this  has  been  completed.   To  

verify  attendance  contact  the  VA’s  automated  system  by  calling  1.877.823.2378  or  thru  the  WAVE  system  at  

 

www.benefits.va.gov.  

 

 

For  more  information  or  to  schedule  an  appointment  with  the  Veteran  Coordinator  contact  the  financial  aid  

office  to  set  up  an  appointment  509.793.2452.  

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NEW  APPLICANTS

:  

PREVIOUS  APPLICANTS

:  

NEW  APPLICANTS:  

PREVIOUS  APPLICANTS

:    

HOW  TO  APPLY  FOR  VETERAN  EDUCATION  BENEFITS  

Step  1:  

Complete  VA  Application  for  education  benefits  

If  you  are  the  veteran:  

New  applicants  must  submit  the  Application  for  VA  Education  Benefits  Form  22-­‐1990.   This   application  is  submitted  to  the  VA  and  may  take  up  to  90  days  to  process.   You  may  apply  online  thru  VONAPP  at   www.benefits.va.gov.   Included  in  this  handbook  is  an  explanation  of  the  different  education  benefits,  or  you  may  visit   www.benefits.va.gov.   When  you  submit  the  application  online  be  sure  to  print  out  a  copy  for  your  records  and  bring   a  copy  to  the  BBCC  Veterans  Office.   The  VA  will  send  a  “Certificate  of  Eligibility”  letter  once  your  application  has  

been  processed.   You  will  need  to  submit  this  to  the  BBCC  Veterans  Office.    

 

If  you  have  previously  used  your  benefits  you  will  need  to  submit  a  Request  for   Change  of  Program  or  Place  of  Training  VA  Form  22-­‐1995.   This  form  notifies  the  VA  that  you  have  either  changed   programs,  or  changed  schools.   You  may  submit  this  thru  the  online  VONAPP  system.   When  you  submit  the   application  online,  print  a  copy  and  submit  it  to  the  BBCC  Veterans  Office.  

 

If  you  are  the  dependent  of  a  veteran:  

New  applicants  must  submit  the  Application  for  Survivor’s  and  Dependents  Educational   Assistance  Form  22-­‐5490.   This  application  is  submitted  to  the  VA  and  may  take  up  to  90  days  to  process.   You  may   apply  online  thru  VONAPP  at  www.benefits.va.gov.  When  you  submit  the  application  online   be  sure  to  print  out  a   copy  for  your  records  and  also  bring  a  copy  to  the  BBCC  Veterans  Office.    The  VA  will  send  a   “Certificate  of  Eligibility”  

letter  once  your  application  has  been  processed.   You  will  need  to  submit  this  to  the  BBCC  Veterans  Office.  

 

If  you  have  previously  used  your  benefits  you  will  need  to  submit  a  Request  for   Change  of  Program  or  Place  of  Training  Survivors’  and  Dependents  Education  Assistance  Form  22-­‐5495.   This  form   notifies  the  VA  that  you  have  either  changed  programs,  or  changed  schools.   You  may  submit  this  thru  the  online   VONAPP  system.   Print  a  copy  and  submit  it  to  the  BBCC  Veterans  Office.  

 

 

Step  2:  

Discharge  Papers  and  Tuition  Waivers  

(See  the  enclosed  sheet  on  how  to  obtain  copies  of  DD214’s)  

If  you  are  the  veteran:  

Submit  a  copy  of  your  most  recent  Release  or  Discharge  from  Active  Duty  DD214  Member  4  Form.   (This  is  the  form   that  shows  your  character  of  service  discharge).   You  may  qualify  for  a  25%  tuition  waiver.   National  Guard  and   Reservists:   if  you  have  recently  been  discharged  you  may  want  to  include  your  Notice  of  Basic  Eligibility  DD2384  or   NOBE  form  if  available.  

 

If  you  are  the  dependent  of  a  veteran:  

You  may  be  eligible  for  a  100%  tuition  and  fee  waiver  (dependents  and  spouses  only)  if  you  are  eligible  for  education   benefits  thru  the  VA  and  meet  other  required  criteria.   Attached  to  this  handbook  is  a  BBCC  100%  Tuition  and  Fee   Waiver  Eligibility  Form.   Complete  this  form  and  submit  it  to  the  BBCC  Veterans  Office  along  with  the  veterans  DD214   form  that  shows  the  character  of  service  discharge  along  with  a  copy  of  your  birth  certificate.   If  you  are  the  child  of  a   veteran  who  lost  his/her  life  as  a  result  of  the  wars  in  Iraq  and  Afghanistan  after  9/11/01,  indicate  this  on  the  form  and   contact  the  BBCC  veteran  coordinator.  

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HOW  TO  APPLY  FOR  VETERAN  EDUCATION  BENEFITS  

(Continued)  

 

Step  3:  

Transcripts  

(See  the  enclosed  sheet  on  how  to  obtain  copies  of  transcripts)  

Veterans  and  Dependents  of  Veterans:  

The  VA  requires  that  all  academic  transcripts  from  prior  colleges  or  training  be  evaluated.   We  encourage  you  to  also   include  courses  you  may  have  taken  through  the  military  while  on  Active  Duty.   The  VA  will  not  pay  benefits  for  any   credits  already  filled  that  apply  to  the  degree  you  are  pursuing.  

 

Please  indicate  on  the  attached  Veteran’s  Reporting  Form  your  attendance  at  any  prior  colleges  or   training  institutions   and  return  it  to  the  BBCC  Veterans  Office.   It  is  your  responsibility  to  make  sure  that  all  academic   and  military  

transcripts  have  been  received  by  the  BBCC  Registration/Admissions  Office  and  that  our  office  has  a  copy  for  your   veteran  file.   The  BBCC  Veterans  Office  does  not  complete  evaluations.   You  may  request  an  evaluation  by  contacting   the  BBCC  Registration/Admissions  Office  or  by  filling  out  and  submitting  an  evaluation  request  form.  

 

 

Step  4:  

Submit  your  signed  class  schedule  

You  must  print  and  sign  a  copy  of  your  class  schedule  each  quarter  that  you  want  to  use  your  veteran  benefits.   You   will  not  be  certified  until  your  class  schedule  is  received  by  our  office.   We  can  only  certify  you  for  classes  that  apply  to   the  degree  you  have  indicated  you  are  pursuing  and  for  credits  that  have  not  already  been  filled.   You  are  responsible   for  confirming  that  your  classes  apply  to  your  degree  by  running  the  BBCC  Degree  Audit  prior  to  submitting  your   schedule  for  certification.  

 

 

Step  5:  

Pay  Tuition  

Education  benefits  are  not  usually  received  until  six  to  eight  weeks  after  the  quarter  has  started.   However,  direct   deposit  is  faster.   If  you  are  using  the   GI  Bill  Chapter  30,  Chapter  1607  (REAP),  Chapter  1606  (MGIB-­‐SR),  or   Dependent  Education  benefits  Chapter  35,  you   are  responsible  for  paying  your  tuition  by  the  tuition  payment   deadline  so  that  you  do  not  get  dropped  from  your  classes.   If  you  are  using  Vocational  Rehabilitation  Chapter  31,   Chapter  33  Post  911  benefits,  or  Tuition  Assistance,   contact  the  BBCC  Veterans  Coordinator.  

 

Tuition  Payment  Plan:   Contact  the  BBCC  Business  Office  at  509.  793.2023  for  information  regarding  the  STEPP  tuition   payment  plan.  

 

Advance  Pay:   You  could  be  eligible  for  VA  Advance  Pay  if  you  are  not  attending  BBCC  or  any  other  college  on  VA   benefits  prior  to  the  quarter  you  request  Advance  Pay,   (Chapter  1607  REAP  is  not  eligible  at  this  time).   The  advance   funds  are  wired  to  Big  Bend  Community  College,  and  upon  payment  in  full  of  all  tuition  and  fees,  the  funds  are  given   to  the  student.   If  you  wish  to  use  advance  pay,  you  must  submit  your  request  in  writing  to  the  BBCC  Veterans  Office  

no  later  than  30  days  prior  to  the  beginning  of  the  quarter.   Please  note:   An  Advance  will  pay  the  first  and  second  

month.   The  third  month  pay  will  be  sent  to  your  home  address,  or  direct  deposit,  at  the  end  of  the  third  month.    

 

 

The  BBCC  Veterans  Office  is  here  to  assist  you  with  accessing  your  veteran  education  

benefits.   It  is  your  responsibility  to  confirm  that  we  have  all  documentation  needed  

to  submit  your  certification  to  the  VA.   Please  contact  our  office  if  you  have  any  

questions.  

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CONTINUING  YOUR  VETERAN  EDUCATION  BENEFITS  

Veterans  and  Dependents  of  Veterans  

 

Enrollment  Certification  

A  signed  class  schedule  must  be  submitted  to  our  office  each  quarter  that  you  wish  to  use  your  veteran   education   benefits.   Once  we  receive  your  schedule  and  other  required  documents,  we  will  send  an  electronic   certification  to  the   VA.   The  VA  will  then  process  your  education  benefit  payment.  

 

Active  Duty  Call-­‐Up  

If  you  are  called  to  active  duty  notify  the  BBCC  veteran  coordinator  and  submit  a  copy  of  your  call-­‐up  orders.   The   VA   will  pay  benefits  through  the  date  you  dropped  out  of  school.   If  you  had  to  drop  due  to  war  efforts,  you  may   also  be   entitled  to  a  restoration  of  your  entitlement  used  during  that  quarter.   You  must  also  submit  a  copy  of   your  call-­‐up   orders  and  officially  withdraw  from  your  classes  through  the  BBCC  Registration/Admissions  Office.  

 

If  you  are  receiving  financial  aid,  contact  the  Financial  Aid  Office  at  509.793.2034.  

 

If  you  have  student  loans  you  may  request  a  special  military  deferment  by  contacting  the  Department  of   Education  at   1.800.848.0979  or  visiting  www.direct.ed.gov/student.  

 

Adding  and  Dropping  Classes  

An  updated  and  signed  class  schedule  must  be  submitted  to  the  BBCC  Veterans  Office  if  revisions  are  made.   Failure  to   submit  a  revised  schedule  could  result  in  an  overpayment  owing  to  the  VA.   Notify  the  BBCC  Veteran   Coordinator  if  you   drop  classes  due  to  a  circumstance  beyond  your  control.   Examples:   active  duty  call-­‐up,  

illness,  death  in  family,  conflict   with  school  and  work  schedule  or  child  care.  

 

Approved  Programs  

Veterans  benefits  may  only  be  used  for  approved  programs.   We  can  only  certify  classes  that  apply  to  an   approved   program  at  BBCC  and  are  part  of  the  curriculum  guide.   Contact  the  BBCC  Veterans  Office  to  find  out   if  your  program   has  been  approved,  or  visit  www.benefits.va.gov.   Click  on  Choose  A  School,  School  Locator,  VA   WEAMS  Institution  Search.  

 

Attendance  

Your  benefits  will  be  terminated  when  you  cease  to  attend  class  or  when  your  progress  reaches  a  level  that  is   unsatisfactory  as  reported  by  your  instructor.   If  your  benefits  are  terminated  the  VA  may  require  that  you  repay   the   amount  received.  

 

Changing  Programs/Degrees  

If  you  have  changed  programs  or  degrees,  you  must  notify  the  BBCC  Veterans  Office  and  submit  a  new  Veteran’s   Reporting  Form.  The  VA  requires  that  an  official  evaluation  be  completed  each  time  programs  are  changed  to   determine  if  prior  credits  apply.  The  BBCC  Veterans  Office  does  an  unofficial  evaluation  based  on  the  Degree  Audit   tool.  You  may  submit  a  request  form  for  an  official  evaluation  thru  the  BBCC  Registration/Admissions  Office.  You   will  receive  a  copy  of  your  evaluation  in  the  mail.  You  must  bring  a  copy  to  the  BBCC  Veterans  Office.  

 

Course  Applicability  

Only  credits  that  apply  toward  completion  of  a  VA  approved  degree  or  certificate  program  can  be  certified.  You  are   responsible  for  confirming  that  your  classes  apply  to  your  degree.  It  may  be  beneficial  for  you  to  meet  with  your   academic  advisor  so  that  you  have  a  guide  for  classes  required  for  graduation.  If  you  do  not  know  who  your  advisor   is,  contact  the  BBCC  Registration/Admissions  Office.  You  may  also  submit  a  request  form  at  any  time  for  an  official   evaluation  to  determine  which  credits  you  have  completed  for  your  degree  thru  the  BBCC  

Registration/Admissions  Office.   If  it  is  your  very  last  quarter  at  BBCC  and  you  wish  to  be  certified  full  time  but  only   one  or  two  of   your  classes  will  apply  to  your  degree  or  program,  contact  the  BBCC  Veteran  Coordinator.  

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CONTINUING  YOUR  VETERAN  EDUCATION  BENEFITS  

Veterans  and  Dependents  of  Veterans  

   

Credits  and  Rate  of  Pay  

If  a  course  is  only  for  a  portion  of  the  quarter,  you  will  be  certified  to  the  VA  for  that  portion  only  or  for  the  actual   length  of  the  class.  You  will  not  receive  benefits  for  any  class  that  does  not  have  the  time  listed  on  the  schedule.   Refer  to  www.benefits.va.gov  for  monthly  benefit  amounts.  

In  a  standard  quarter  training  time  is  measured  as  follows:   12  credits  =  full  time  

• 9-­‐11  credits  =  ¾  time   • 6-­‐8  credits  =  ½  time  

       4-­‐5  credits  =  less  than  ½  time    

       1-­‐3  credits  =  ¼  time  or  less  

Direct  Deposit  

If  you  are  the  veteran:  

Chapter  30,  Chapter  1607  (REAP),  Chapter  1606  (MGIB-­‐SR)  recipients:  

You  can  sign  up  for  direct  deposit  by  contacting  the  VA’s  direct  deposit  center  at  1.877.838.2778  or  by  logging   into  the   WAVE  systems  at  www.benefits.va.gov.    

 

The  following  information  is  needed  to  setup  direct  deposit  and  can  be  found  on  your  checks  or  bank  statement.    

1. Account  number  

2. 9  digit  bank  routing  number  

3. Type  of  account  (checking  or  savings)  

 

If  you  are  using  Chapter  33  benefits  OR  are  the  dependent  of  a  veteran:  

Chapter  33  and  Chapter  35  recipients:  

You  may  contact  the  VA’s  direct  deposit  center  at  1.877.838.2778  to  determine  if  you  are  eligible  for  this  service.    

Dual  Degrees/Multiple  Degree  Objectives  

The  VA  will  only  pay  for  classes  that  apply  to  the  program  or  degree  that  you  have  indicated  you  are  working   towards.   You  may  only  pursue  one  degree  at  a  time  unless  a  Multiple  Degree  Objectives  Program  has  been   approved  by  the  State  Approving  Agency.   Contact  the  BBCC  Veterans  Office  for  more  information.  

 

Grades  

The  VA  does  not  pay  for  courses  in  which  a  non-­‐punitive  grade  is  received.  

Non-­‐punitive  grades:   Y’s  or  work  in  progress,  W’s  or  withdrawals,  I’s  or  incompletes,  N’s  or  audits,  NP’s  or  no   pass,  PP  or  provisional  pass,  and  an  *  or  removed  grade.  

If  credits  earned  differ  from  the  credits  certified,  an  amended  certification  will  be  submitted  to  the  VA.    

Kickers  and  Buy-­‐ups  

If  you  are  the  veteran:  

Higher  monthly  benefits  are  paid  to  participants  with  kickers  or  to  those  who  made  additional  contributions.   If   you  signed  up  for  an  enlistment  bonus,  your  allowance  should  be  included  on  your  monthly  benefit  check.   If  it  is   not,  submit  a  copy  of  your  contract  to  BBCC  veteran  coordinator  so  that  it  can  be  faxed  to  the  VA.   You   should   also  contact  the  VA  about  the  discrepancy  so  that  the  VA  can  resolve  it  with  the  Department  of   Defense.    

   

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CONTINUING  YOUR  VETERAN  EDUCATION  BENEFITS  

Veterans  and  Dependents  of  Veterans  

 

Overpayments  

A  final  grade  of  4.0,  3.0,  2.0,  1.0,  or  0.0  for  each  class  must  be  received  and  you  must  be  an  enrolled  student.  If   you  do  not  complete  your  classes,  the  VA  may  require  that  you  repay  the  benefits  you  received.   The  VA  will   notify  you  by  mail  if  you  are  in  an  overpayment  status  due  to  grades,  withdrawing  from  classes,  incompletes,   etc.   You  will  have  the  option  of  filing  a  mitigating  circumstance  VA  Form  4138.   If  you  have  a  mitigating   circumstance   you  should  notify  the  BBCC  Veteran  Coordinator  at  the  time  of  withdrawal  or  prior  to  the  posting   of  grades.   Mitigating  circumstances  can  be  an  active  duty  call-­‐up,  illness,  death  in  the  family,  or  a  conflict  with  your  school   and  work  schedule  or  child  care.  

   

Primary  and  Secondary  School  Letters  

It  may  be  possible  to  use  benefits  for  courses  taken  at  other  schools  that  satisfy  requirements  for  your  degree  at   BBCC.   If  the  courses  are  confirmed  to  be  applicable,  BBCC  will  send  a  primary  school  letter  to  the  Veteran   Coordinator  at  the  other  school  so  that  the  course  or  courses  can  be  certified.   Contact  the  BBCC  coordinator   for   more  information.   If  you  are  taking  courses  at  BBCC  to  satisfy  a  degree  elsewhere,  you  will  need  to  contact  the   Veteran  Coordinator  at  the  school  granting  the  degree.   BBCC  is  considered  the  secondary  school  in  this  case,   and  can  certify  the  courses,  if  a  primary  school  letter  is  received  from  the  other  school.   It  is  the  student’s   responsibility  to  contact  the  Veteran  Coordinator  at  both  schools  and  verify  all  required  documentation  has  been   received.  

   

Remedial  Courses  

The  VA  will  pay  for  Math  and  English  courses  below  the  100  college  level  if  the  test  scores  indicate  placement   in   these  courses  and  they  are  required  for  the  approved  degree  or  program.  

Example:   Math  90,  English  97    

 

Payment  of  Benefits  and  Monthly  Verification  of  Enrollment  

VA  pays  benefits  one  month  behind  unless  you  have  received  advance  pay.   Payments  are  similar  to  a   paycheck;   after  verification  of  class  completion  for  the  month,  the  VA  will  process  your  pay  or  benefits.   Payments  are   made  directly  to  students  (unless  you  have  received  Advance  pay)  so  it  is  important  to  keep   your  address   current.   VA  students  should  receive  their  first  check  six  to  eight  weeks  after  the  first  day  of  class.    Direct  Deposit   is  faster.  

 

Benefits  are  pro-­‐rated.   For  example:   If  there  are  15  days  in  the  first  month  of  the  quarter  the  VA  will  pro-­‐   rate   your  benefit  and  pay  a  daily  rate  for  the  15  days.   VA  uses  a  30  day  month.   Divide  your  monthly  rate  by   30  to   get  your  daily  rate  amount.  

   

If  you  are  the  veteran:  

Chapter  33,  Chapter  30,  Chapter  1607  (REAP),  Chapter  1606  (MGIB-­‐SR)  recipients:  

If  you  are  in  a  degree  or  certificate  program  you  will  not  receive  payment  from  the  VA  until  you  have  verified   your  attendance.   Your  enrollment  can  be  verified  starting  on  the  last  calendar  day  of  the  month  by  using  the   Web  Automated  Verification  of  Enrollment  (WAVE)  at  www.benefits.va.gov  or  by  calling  the  toll   free  Interactive   Voice  Response  (IVR)  telephone  line  at  1.877.823.2378.   It  may  take  2-­‐3  workdays  for  the   WAVE  and  IVR  systems   to  reflect  updates  to  your  account.  

 

The  VA  will  be  able  to  process  your  final  check  of  the  quarter  quicker  if  you  also  verify  your  enrollment  the   last   day  of  the  term  by  using  the  above  two  options.  

   

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CONTINUING  YOUR  VETERAN  EDUCATION  BENEFITS  

Veterans  and  Dependents  of  Veterans  

 

If  you  are  the  dependent  of  a  veteran:  

Chapter  35  recipients:  

If  you  are  enrolled  in  a  non-­‐college  degree  program  you  can  verify  your  attendance  by  contacting  the  VA  at   1.888.442.4551  or  by  using  the  Question  and  Answer  tab  at  www.benefits.va.gov.   If  you  are  enrolled  in  a  college   degree  program,  you  do  not  need  to  verify  your  attendance.   To  determine  which  type  of  program  you   are  enrolled   in  you  can  contact  the  BBCC  Veteran  Coordinator.  

   

Satisfactory  Progress  

Academic  progress  as  stated  by  school  policy  must  be  maintained.   All  academic  policies  are  on  the  BBCC   website  at  http://www.bigbend.edu/admissions/financial-­‐aid/satisfactory-­‐academic-­‐progress-­‐policy/.    If  you  fail  to   make   satisfactory  progress,  or  fail  to  complete  your  classes,  the  VA  is  then  required  to  reduce  payments  as  of   the  first   day  of  the  quarter  unless  there  are  mitigating  circumstances.   This  can  result  in  an  overpayment   owing  to  the   VA.  

   

Summer  Quarter  

Summer  quarter  is  a  shorter  or  non-­‐standard  term.   If  you  are  attending  a  non-­‐standard  term,  the  amount  of   credits  required  for  full-­‐time  is  usually  less  than  normal.   Contact  the  BBCC  Veteran  Coordinator  to  determine   if  a   non-­‐standard  term  will  affect  your  education  benefits.  

   

Tuition  Assistance  

(See  the  enclosed  sheet  on  how  to  apply  for  Tuition  Assistance)  

If  you  are  the  veteran:  

It  is  the  student’s  responsibility  to  ensure  there  is  not  a  duplication  of  benefits  when  using  tuition  assistance   and   the  GI  Bill  simultaneously.   You  must  submit  a  copy  of  your  tuition  assistance  approval  form  each  quarter   to  the   BBCC  Veterans  Office.   You  are  still  responsible  for  your  tuition  by  the  tuition  deadline.   You  will  receive   a  refund   once  your  branch  of  military  submits  payment  to  BBCC.  

 

 

Tutoring  Services  

BBCC’s  tutor  center,  located  in  the  1400  Administration  Building,  is  open  8:00  a.m.  to  5:00  p.m.  Monday-­‐ Thursday  and  Friday  8:00  a.m.  to  2:30  p.m.   If  you  have  questions  regarding  this  free  service,  contact  Jonie   Walker  at  509.793.2033.   Chapter  33,  Chapter  30,  Chapter  1606  (MGIB-­‐SR),  and  Chapter  35  recipients:   The  VA   will  also  pay  up  to  $1200  for  approved  individual  tutorial  assistance.   Contact  the  VA  at  1.888.442.4551  for  more   information  regarding  this  program.  

   

Contacting  the  VA  

The  VA  determines  eligibility  for  benefits  and  the  eligible  benefit  amount.   If  you  have  questions  about  your   education  benefits  you  may  contact  the  VA  directly.   Students  should  get  the  name  of  the  person  they  speak  to  at   the  VA.  

 

Your  VA  claim  number  usually  is  your  social  security  number.  

The  following  can  be  accessed  thru  the  Web  Automated  Verification  of  Enrollment  or  WAVE  system  at    

www.benefits.va.gov.  

Change  of  mailing  address  

Initiate  or  change  direct  deposit  information   View  enrollment  period  or  monthly  benefit  amount   View  remaining  entitlement  

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CONTINUING  YOUR  VETERAN  EDUCATION  BENEFITS  

Veterans  and  Dependents  of  Veterans  

   

Contacting  the  VA  (continued)  

 

Department  of  Veteran  Affairs   VA   Regional  Office   PO  Box  8888   Muskogee,  OK  74402-­‐8888     1.888.442.4551    

The  VA  internet  inquiry  system  provides  a  secure  site  to  communicate  with  the  VA.   To  set  up  an  internet   inquiry   system  account  go  to  www.benefits.va.gov  and  click  on  the  “Ask  a  Question  and  Find  Answers”   link.  

   

Contacting  the  BBCC  Veteran  Coordinator  

The  BBCC  Veteran  Coordinator  certifies  enrollment  of  VA  students,  monitors  students’  programs  of  study,   course  applicability,  academic  progress  and  attendance.   Questions  regarding  benefit  payment  amounts  or   payment  dates  should  be  directed  to  the  Department  of  Veterans  Affairs  by  calling  1.888.442.4551  or  by   inquiring  online  at  www.benefits.va.gov.   Changes  or  updates  to  personal  contact  information  must  be  reported   to  the  BBCC  Veteran  Coordinator.   Failure  to  do  so  may  result  in  the  delay  or  loss  of  VA  benefits.   In  addition,   students  must  also  report  these  same  changes  to  the  BBCC  Registration/Admissions  Office.  

 

Rita  Jordan,  Veteran  Coordinator   7662  Chanute  St  NE  

Moses  Lake,  WA  98837  

509.793.2452  or  [email protected]     Office  hours:   Mon-­‐Thur  7:30a.m.-­‐12:00p.m.   Mon-­‐Thur  1:00p.m.-­‐4:30p.m.   Fri  7:30a.m.-­‐2:00p.m.   WALK-­‐INS  WELCOME  

**No  appointment  necessary  during  the  first  week  of  the  quarter**    

To  schedule  an  appointment  contact  Rita  Jordan  [email protected]  or  call  the  BBCC  financial  aid  office  at   509.793.2452.  

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VETERANS  AND  DEPENDENTS  OF  VETERANS  EDUCATION  BENEFITS  

 

Department  of  Veteran  Affairs  Education  Benefits  Summary  

 

Montgomery  GI  Bill  –  Active  Duty  (MGIB-­‐AD)  Chapter  30  

Provides  up  to  36  months  of  education  benefits  to  eligible  veterans  currently  in  the  service  and  have   served  at  least  two  years  of  active  duty.   Also  for  eligible  veterans  who  have  separated  from  service   and  continuously  served  for  3  years,  OR  2  years  if  that  is  what  you  first  enlisted  for  OR  2  years  if  you   have  an  obligation  to  serve  four  years  in  the  Selected  Reserve.  

 

Reserve  Educational  Assistance  Program  (REAP)  Chapter  1607  

Provides  up  to  36  months  of  education  benefits  to  eligible  members  of  the  Selected  Reserves,   Individual  Ready  Reserve  (IRR)  and  National  Guard  who  are  called  or  ordered  to  active  service  in   response  to  a  war  or  national  emergency  as  declared  by  the  President  or  Congress.  

 

Montgomery  GI  Bill  –  Selected  Reserve  (MGIB-­‐SR)  Chapter  1606  

Provides  up  to  36  months  of  education  benefits  to  eligible  members  of  the  Selected  Reserve.   This   includes  the  Army,  Navy,  Air  Force,  Marine  Corps,  and  Coast  Guard  Reserves  as  well  as  the  Army   National  Guard  and  the  Air  National  Guard.  

 

Post-­‐Vietnam  Veterans  Educational  Assistance  Program  (VEAP)  Chapter  32  

Provides  up  to  36  months  of  education  benefits  to  eligible  veterans  who  paid  into  VEAP  while  in  the   service.   Eligibility  usually  ends  after  10  years  of  getting  out  of  the  service,  but  the  time  limit  can  be   longer  in  certain  cases.  

 

National  Call  to  Service  Program  Chapter  31  

Eligible  service  members  may  use  benefits  after  completion  of  initial  entry  training  and  completion  of   service  on  active  duty  in  a  military  occupational  specialty  designed  by  the  Secretary  of  Defense  for  a   period  of  15  month.   Contact  your  Military  Recruiter  for  more  information  on  this  program.  

 

Survivor’s  and  Dependents’  Educational  Assistance  (DEA)  Chapter  35  

Provides  45  months  of  education  benefits  to  an  eligible  spouse  or  child  of  a  person  who  the  VA  has   determined  has  a  service-­‐connected  permanent  and  total  disability.   The  service  member  may  also   qualify  if  at  the  time  of  VA’s  determination  is  a  member  of  the  Armed  Forces  who  is  hospitalized  or   receiving  outpatient  medical  care,  services,  or  treatment;  or  is  likely  to  be  discharged  or  released   from  service  for  this  service-­‐connected  disability.  

 

For  more  details  on  each  of  the  above  programs  go  to  www.benefits.va.gov,  select  Education   Benefits,  and  then  GI  Bill  Information.   You  then  have  the  option  of  viewing  a  VA  pamphlet  or  Fact   Sheet  for  each  benefit.   You  may  also  contact  a  VA  education  counselor  at  1.888.421.4551.    

Vocational  Rehabilitation  Benefits  Chapter  31  

Provides  education  benefits  for  veterans  with  service-­‐connected  disabilities.   Training  or  education  is   to  help  prepare  them  for  finding  and  keeping  suitable  jobs.   The  veteran  must  submit  an  application   for  benefits  and  will  then  receive  an  evaluation.   Veterans  also  must  have,  or  will  receive,  a  discharge   that  is  other  than  dishonorable  and  have  a  service-­‐connected  disability  rating  of  at  least  10%.    

For  more  details  on  Chapter  31  benefits  visit  www.benefits.va.gov  and  select  Vocational   Rehabilitation  &  Employment,  Eligibility  &  Entitlement.  

 

Post~9/11  Veterans  Educational  Assistance  Chapter  33    

You  may  be  eligible  if  you  served  at  least  90  aggregate  days  on  active  duty  after  September  10,  2001   and  meet  the  other  eligibility  requirements.   Once  you  elect  to  receive  benefits  under  this  program   you  will  no  longer  be  eligible  to  switch  back.  

 

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VETERAN  TUITION  ASSISTANCE  

Tuition  Assistance  Programs  

It  is  the  students’  responsibility  to  ensure  there  is  not  a  duplication  of  benefits  when  using  tuition   assistance  and  the  GI  Bill  simultaneously.   A  copy  of  the  tuition  assistance  approval  form  must  be   submitted  each  quarter  to  the  BBCC  Veterans  Office.   It  is  your  responsibility  to  pay  the  tuition  by  the   tuition  deadline  so  that  you  do  not  get  dropped  from  classes.   You  will  receive  a  refund  once  your   branch  of  military  submits  payment  to  BBCC.  

 

Visit  the  sites  listed  below  for  your  branch  of  military  to  determine  if  you  are  eligible  to  apply  for   tuition  assistance.   You  may  also  go  to  www.military.com  select  the  Education  tab  and  then  Military   Tuition  Assistance  for  an  overview  and  also  to  access  the  links  for  the  programs  below.  

 

Air  Force  Tuition  Assistance  

 

Army  Tuition  Assistance  

 

Navy  Tuition  Assistance    

Marines  Tuition  Assistance    

Coast  Guard  Tuition  Assistance  

 

National  Guard  Tuition  Assistance    

Reserve  Tuition  Assistance  

 

 

REQUESTING  MILITARY  DISCHARGE  PAPERS  (DD214’S)  

 

To  request  copies  of  DD214  Member  4  Forms  contact  one  of  the  following:  

 

National  Personnel  Records  Center  

Online  requests  and  information:    http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-­‐service-­‐

records/index.html        

 

Washington  Department  of  Veterans  Affairs  

Online  information:    www.dva.wa.gov      

Local  County  Auditor’s  Recording  Department  

Chelan  County:    www.co.chelan.wa.us       Douglas  County:    www.douglascountywa.net     Okanogan  County:    www.okanogancounty.org     Grant  County:    www.co.grant.wa.us  

 

Reservists:  

If  you  are  reserve  status,  active  or  inactive,  and/or  have  recently  been  separated  from   active  duty,  contact  the  Reserve  Component  of  the  appropriate  military  branch.   For  VA   educational  benefit  purposes,  a  NOBE  or  Notice  of  Basic  Eligibility  DD2384  Form  can  be   requested.  

(13)

MILITARY  TRANSCRIPT  REQUEST  INFORMATION  

 

Contact  the  appropriate  office  for  your  branch  of  service  and  request  that  a  copy  of  your  official  

military  transcript  be  sent  to:  

 

Big  Bend  Community  College    

Registration/Admissions  Office  

7662  Chanute  St  NE    

Moses  Lake,  WA  98837  

 

ARMY:    https://jst.doded.mil/smart/dodMandatoryBannerForm/submit.do    

 

NAVY:    https://jst.doded.mil/smart/dodMandatoryBannerForm/submit.do    

 

MARINES:    https://jst.doded.mil/smart/dodMandatoryBannerForm/submit.do    

 

COAST  GUARD:    https://jst.doded.mil/smart/dodMandatoryBannerForm/submit.do    

 

AIR  FORCE:    http://www.au.af.mil/au/barnes/ccaf/transcripts.asp    

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IS  THERE  A  VETERAN  IN  YOUR  LIFE  WHO  IS  HAVING  PROBLEMS?  

 

Adjusting  or  readjusting  to  family  life/work/school?  

Controlling  alcohol  and/or  drug  use?  

Showing  signs  of  stress  and/or  trauma  from  service  duty?  

 

ARE  YOU  HAVING  PROBLEMS?  

 

Adjusting  or  readjusting  when  your  Vet  comes  home?  

Living  with  a  volatile  relationship?  

Handling  the  stress  of  your  children  who  have  been  impacted  by  

service  duty?  

 

AN  ON-­‐GOING  SUPPORT  GROUP  IS  AVAILABLE  TO  THOSE  WHO  ARE  SUPPORTING  

VETERANS,  WHERE  YOU  CAN  OBTAIN:  

 

 

v

INFORMATION  AND  EDUCATION  

v

CONNECTIONS  TO  AGENCIES  

v

PERSONAL  SUPPORT  

v

TIPS  FOR  DAILY  LIVING  WITH  VETERANS  

 

 

For  further  information  contact:  

Jennifer  Allison-­‐Ordd,  509.434.7000  

(15)

 

 

Big  Bend  Community  College  

100%  Tuition  and  Fee  Waiver  for  Dependents  of  Veterans   Eligibility  and  Criteria  Form  

 

Eligibility:   A  child,  spouse,  or  surviving  spouse  of  an  eligible  veteran  or  National  Guard  member  who  lost  his  or  her  life  or  became  totally   disabled  as  a  result  of  serving  in  active  federal  military  or  naval  service,  or  who  is  determined  by  the  federal  government  to  be  a  prisoner  of   war  or  missing  in  action.  

The  child  must  be  between  the  age  of  17  and  26  (marital  status  does  not  affect  eligibility.   Ineligible  at  the  age  of  26).  

The  spouse  or  surviving  spouse  has  10  years  from  the  date  of  death,  total  disability,  or  federal  determination  of  POW  or  MIA  status.    Upon  

remarriage,  the  surviving  spouse  is  ineligible.  

The  child  or  surviving  spouse  must  also  be  a  Washington  domiciliary  (RCW  28B.15.013).  For  the  purposes  of  eligibility  for  the  100%  Tuition  

Waiver  for  Dependents  of  Veterans,  Residency  requirements  are  used  to  determine  Domiciliary.   Therefore,  the  student  must  have  lived  in   Washington  State  for  12  months  to  be  coded  with  residency  status  (RCW  28B.15.012).  

The  phrase  “totally  disabled”  means  a  person  who  is  prevented  from  performing  any  occupation  or  gainful  pursuit.  (RCW28B.15.621)    

Documentation  (Required):   The  veterans  DD214  showing  the  status  of  discharge  must  be  submitted  along  with  a  copy  of  birth  certificate  for  

child  of  veteran,  or  marriage  certificate  for  spouse  of  veteran.   Documentation  must  be  submitted  prior  to  or  during  the  quarter  the  waiver  is   to  be  applied  in  order  for  the  waiver  to  be  effective.   Student  is  responsible  for  tuition  and  fees  until  eligibility  is  determined.   If  student  is   determined  eligible  and  tuition  and  fees  have  been  paid,  a  refund  will  be  issued.  

(The  100%  Tuition  Waiver  for  Dependents  of  Veterans  cannot  be  granted  without  this  documentation.)  

 

Name:         Phone:        

 

Address:        

 

SID#:_   SSN#:_       VA  File  #  (if  known)      

 

(Child)    

Your  Date  of  Birth  if  dependent  child:        

 

(Spouse)  

Veteran  Date  of  Death/Disability,  MIA/POW:        

 

Note:   You  must  meet  and  agree  to  the  following  criteria  to  be  eligible  for  the  100%  Tuition  and  Fee  Waiver:  

(Please  read  and  Initial)  

 

1.          

2.        

I  must  maintain  a  minimum  2.00  GPA  and  follow  the  school  Satisfactory  Academic  Policy    

I  am  only  eligible  for  the  waiver  if  between  the  ages  of  17  to  26  (ineligible  on  26th  birthday)    

3.         I  will  inform  the  Big  Bend  Community  College  Veterans  Office  of  any  changes  to  my  marital  status   (For  spouse  and  surviving  spouse  only)  

 

4.         I  will  inform  the  Big  Bend  Community  College  Veterans  Office  at  any  time  I  change  domiciliary  to  other   than  Washington  State  

 

5.         I  verify  that  the  veteran  or  National  Guard  member  is  a  Washington  State  resident  OR  was  at  the  time   determined  by  the  federal  government  a  prisoner  of  war,  missing  in  action  or  deceased  

 

                                                           check  here  if  the  veteran  or  National  Guard  member  is  determined  a  POW/MIA  

 

                                                           check  here  if  the  veteran  or  National  Guard  member  is  deceased    

I  understand  I  must  abide  by  the  eligibility  criteria  as  stated  above  to  be  eligible  for  the  100%  Tuition  and  Fee  Waiver  for  Dependents  of   Veterans.   I  also  understand  that  if  the  VA  determines  I  am  no  longer  eligible  for  VA  Education  Benefits  that  I  may  also  no  longer  be   eligible  for  the  100%  Tuition  and  Fee  Waiver  for  Dependents  of  Veterans.  

     

Student’s  Signature:                   Date:  

DEPENDENTS  OF  VETERANS  Only  

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VETERAN’S  REPORTING  FORM  

 

Name  

(Print)    

_______________________________________________________            Date  of  birth  ___________________  

                                           Last                                                                            First                                      MI  

 

                       SSN:  *                                                          

 

       SID:  

 

*Your  social  security  number  is  confidential  and,  under  a  federal  law  called  the  Family  Educational  Rights  &  Privacy  Act,  BBCC  will  protect  it  from  unauthorized  use  and/or  disclosure.  In  compliance  with  state/federal   requirements,  disclosure  may  be  authorized  for  the  purpose  of  state/federal  requirements;  disclosure  may  be  authorized  for  the  purpose  of  state  and  federal  financial  aid,  Hope/Lifetime  Learning  tax  credits,  academic   transcripts,  assessment  or  accountability  research.  

   

CONTACT  INFORMATION  

In  order  to  avoid  mailing  problems,  it  will  be  your  responsibility  to  keep  the  BBCC  Veterans  Office,  Financial  Aid  Office  and   Admissions/Registration  informed  of  changes  in  your  address  and  phone  number.  

Mailing  Address:   Street  ___________________________________________________________________________    

 

 

City  ______________________________________,          State   ___________   Zip  _______________  

 

 

Phone  _____________________________        Email  ______________________________________  

 

BENEFIT  

   

               Montgomery  (CH  30)                            Guard/Reserve  (CH  1606)                                    REAP  (CH  1607…  Guard/Reserve  activated  90    

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     continuous  days  or  more)  

 

               Dependent  (CH  35)                                  CH  31                                    Post  9/11  (CH  33)                                Post  9/11  (CH  33…TEB)  

 

COMPLETE  ALL  THAT  APPLY  

 

               I  request  a  change  in  place  of  training  from  (list  prior  school  and  last  date  attended)  

 

               ______________________________________________________________________________________________  

 

               BBCC  Program  ___________________________________________          Intent      ______________________________  

 

               I  am  requesting  a  change  of  program.    NEW  PROGRAM:      _______________________________________________            

               I  will  be  attending  Big  Bend  Community  College  beginning:      ____________________________________________  

 

COLLEGES  ATTENDED  (List  ALL  colleges  previously  attended)  

 

College  

Dates  Attended  

Program  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Big  Bend  Community  College  does  not  discriminate  on  the  basis  of  race,  color,  national  origin,  gender  or  age  in  its     programs  and  activities.  Person(s)  with  a  disability  requiring  any  auxiliary  aids  or  accommodations  should  contact  the  college.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7662 Chanute Street 509.793.2452

Moses Lake, WA 98837-3299 FAX 509.762.3648 http://www.bigbend.edu

Big Bend

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