BBCC Veteran Educational Benefits Handbook

Transcription

1 BBCC Veteran Educational Benefits Handbook Veterans Office Administration Building, Room 1480 Rita Jordan Veterans Coordinator 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 or the BBCC financial aid office

2 Big Bend Community College Veterans Office 7662 Chanute St NE Moses Lake, WA 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 or ritaj@bigbend.edu. 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 ritaj@bigbend.edu

3 VETERAN BENEFITS CHECKLIST Submit VA Application for education benefits Pick up the Veteran Educational Benefits Handbook at the BBCC Veterans Office located in the 1400 Administration Buildling 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 or visit 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 for more information or visit aid. Disability support services. Classroom and testing accommodations may be available for vision or hearing disabilities. Contact LoraLyn Allen, Disability Services Coordinator Placement Test. Contact the BBCC testing center for a testing appointment if necessary. Register for classes and print out your class schedule from a Student Kiosk on campus or from home at Contact the BBCC Registration/Admissions Office 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 For Tuition Assistance, please contact Barbara Riegel at Purchase Books. if you are using Chapter 31 vocational rehabilitation benefits contact Barbara Riegel 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 Your benefits will not be sent until this has been completed. To verify attendance contact the VA s automated system by calling or thru the WAVE system at For more information or to schedule an appointment with the Veteran Coordinator contact the financial aid office to set up an appointment

4 HOW TO APPLY FOR VETERAN EDUCATION BENEFITS Step 1: Complete VA Application for education benefits If you are the veteran: NEW APPLICANTS: New applicants must submit the Application for VA Education Benefits Form This application is submitted to the VA and may take up to 90 days to process. You may apply online thru VONAPP at Included in this handbook is an explanation of the different education benefits, or you may visit 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. PREVIOUS APPLICANTS: If you have previously used your benefits you will need to submit a Request for Change of Program or Place of Training VA Form 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: New applicants must submit the Application for Survivor s and Dependents Educational Assistance Form This application is submitted to the VA and may take up to 90 days to process. You may apply online thru VONAPP at 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. PREVIOUS APPLICANTS: 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 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.

5 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 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.

6 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 If you have student loans you may request a special military deferment by contacting the Department of Education at or visiting 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 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.

7 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 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 or by logging into the WAVE systems at 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 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.

8 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 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 or by calling the toll free Interactive Voice Response (IVR) telephone line at 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.

9 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 or by using the Question and Answer tab at 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 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 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 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 Change of mailing address Initiate or change direct deposit information View enrollment period or monthly benefit amount View remaining entitlement Sign up for a monthly reminder

10 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 The VA internet inquiry system provides a secure site to communicate with the VA. To set up an internet inquiry system account go to 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 or by inquiring online at 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 or ritaj@bigbend.edu 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 ritaj@bigbend.edu or call the BBCC financial aid office at

11 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 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 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 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. The Post~9/11 information is currently available on the main GI Bill website page

12 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 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: service- records/index.html Washington Department of Veterans Affairs Online information: Local County Auditor s Recording Department Chelan County: Douglas County: Okanogan County: Grant County: 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 ARMY: NAVY: MARINES: COAST GUARD: AIR FORCE:

14 IS THERE A VETERAN IN YOUR LIFE WHO IS HAVING PROBLEMS? ARE YOU 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? 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,

15 DEPENDENTS OF VETERANS Only COMPLETE AND SUBMIT TO BBCC VETERANS OFFICE 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 ). 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 ). The phrase totally disabled means a person who is prevented from performing any occupation or gainful pursuit. (RCW28B ) 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) 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 26 th 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:

16 Big Bend COMMUNITY COLLEGE 7662 Chanute Street Moses Lake, WA FAX VETERAN S REPORTING FORM Name (Print) Last First MI Date of birth 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: BENEFIT Street City, State Zip Phone 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.

17 STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING READ AND INITIAL EACH ITEM BELOW 1. I understand that my VA benefits will not be certified for any quarter until I submit a copy of my quarterly class schedule to the BBCC Veterans Certifying Official. Furthermore, I understand that I must complete a new Veterans Reporting Form for any changes to mailing address, , phone, or change of program. 2. I understand that I must meet with an academic advisor and obtain an education plan for the BBCC degree or certificate program I pursue. The courses I take must fit within my education plan. If I decide to change my degree or program, I must inform both the Veterans and Admissions offices and meet with an academic advisor to obtain another education plan. 3. I understand I am required to submit my DD214 (member 4), and a copy of VA Certificate of Eligibility. Furthermore, I understand if I previously attended another college or university, I must submit official transcripts within the first three (3) quarters I attend BBCC. The VA will not pay for classes I have previously passed with at least a 1.0 GPA, UNLESS my degree program requires a higher course GPA for graduation and my previous course grade was below a 2.0 GPA. 4. I understand that I am required to attend classes all quarter. I understand that I must report any changes to my quarterly class schedule (after my initial registration) immediately to the BBCC Veterans Certifying Official. I understand the impact of receiving a W, I, or N grade. Failure to attend all of the classes for which I was certified with the VA may result in my having to repay benefits I received. 5. Classes for which an I (incomplete) is awarded must be completed by the end of the subsequent quarter (excluding summer). Otherwise, my entitlement for benefits for that course may be reduced and may result in an overpayment. 6. I understand I am required to make satisfactory progress toward my degree by maintaining a quarterly 2.0 GPA. 7. I understand that payment for remedial math and English classes (below 100 level) will not be allowed unless need for such class(es) is established by a placement test. They must be a resident course, as the VA will not approve remedial online or hybrid courses. 8. I understand that the VA will hold me responsible for any overpayment of my educational benefits. PERMISSION TO RELEASE RECORDS Federal law and BBCC policy prohibits the release of a veterans records (even to parents or spouse) without written permission from the veteran. Please check and fill in all areas that apply to indicate your authorization to release, or not release, your veteran information. You may change your authorization at any time by contacting the Veterans Coordinator. Your authorization will be effective for the current academic year only. Parent (name/s) Spouse (name) Other I do not wish to utilize any of the above three options. Do NOT release information to anyone. I HAVE READ, UNDERSTAND, AND COMPLETED THE ABOVE STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING AND PERMISSION TO RELEASE RECORDS AND DECLARE THE INFORMATION IN THIS APPLICATION TO BE ACCURATE AND WISH TO APPLY FOR VA BENEFITS AT BIG BEND COMMUNITY COLLEGE. Print Name: Date: Signature: BBCC Veterans Certifying Official: Rita Jordan Phone: Fax: ritaj@bigbend.edu