Apply online

Veterans and dependents must begin the process by submitting the appropriate application to the VA. After completion of the online application, print a copy, and submit it to a certifying official.

Complete Online	Form Number	Form Name	Who needs it?
	22-1990	Application for VA Education Benefits	• Chapter 30, 1607, or 1606 • Never collected benefits
	22-1995	Request For Change of Program or Place of Training	• Chapter 30, 1607, or 1606 • Collected benefits before • Educational Objective changes
	22-5490	Application for Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance	• Chapter 35 • Never collected benefits
	22-5495	Request for Change of Program or Place of Training Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance	• Chapter 35 • Collected benefits before • Educational Objective changes

Transcripts
All official transcripts of prior college work and military schools must be submitted by the end of the first semester of attendance. Form DD214 covering all periods of military service must be submitted as well. Certification for benefits for the second semester will be delayed if transcripts have not been received.

Certification for Payment of Benefits
Certification of attendance depends upon the student being registered in the college, enrolled in courses, and requesting certification by way of the Enrollment Data Request form. Only classes meeting requirements related to the student’s declared educational objective – and appearing on the student’s counselor-approved Education Plan – will be certified for payment of benefits.

If the educational objective changes, the student must complete a new Education Plan and the appropriate VA form (22-1995 for veterans, or 22-5495 for dependents).

Liability
The veteran assumes complete liability for any overpayments of educational benefits. All persons receiving benefits must submit an Enrollment Data Request for every semester they are enrolled and wish to continue receiving benefits. Students must notify the VA within a few days of any increase or decrease in units or termination from the school. Students may be required to pay back to the VA any money received when a grade of F, No Credit (NC) or Withdraw (W) is received unless there are mitigating circumstances. Chapter 30 (Active Duty) and Chapter 1606 (Selected Reserve) must verify enrollment with the VA on the last day of each month or within the 1st week of the month.

According to VA policy; students receiving VA educational benefits (veterans, reservists, dependents) must maintain satisfactory academic progress. Students receiving VA benefits who fall below a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) will be placed on academic probation. If unsatisfactory progress continues for two consecutive semesters, the student will have benefits suspended until the GPA returns to a 2.0 or better.

Veterans are cautioned that some courses are less than a semester in length and benefits are paid according to time and load.

12 units = full benefits;
9 through 11.5 = ¾ benefits
6 though 8.5 = ½ benefits
3 through 5.5 units = ¼ benefits

Keep in mind that the Summer Semester unit value is different than the fall and spring terms. For summer term, 6 units is full-time if the class runs 8 weeks long or more. If the class is only 6 weeks long then four units is considered full-time.

Click here for payment rates.

Military Service Credit
For academic credit purposes, a veteran is defined as an honorably discharged member of the United States Armed Forces who was on active duty for one year or longer. Upon presentation of separation or discharge papers, veterans are exempted from the Health Science and Physical Education requirements for the AA/AS degree. They are also granted six units of elective credit toward the AA/AS degree.

In addition, veterans who qualify may receive credit for military service schools toward the Associate in Arts/Science degree upon presentation of proof to the Office of Admissions and Records. They must have completed a minimum of 12 units with a grade-point average of 2.0 at College of San Mateo. Units of credit for military service (6 units) and military service schools will be recorded and so annotated on the student’s academic record.

Helpful Links

Application for admission to College of San Mateo
http://www.cccapply.org/applications/california_community_college/apply/college_of_san_mateo.html

Department of Veterans Affairs – Education Benefits Information
http://www.gibill.va.gov

Active veterans (Chapters 30, 1606)
Verify enrollment online
https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave

TurboTap
The official transition program website for Active Duty and Guard/Reserve personnel.
www.turbotap.org

For a multitude of career resources, news, and more try to the following website:
www.military.com

VA Palo Alto Healthcare System
http://www.palo-alto.med.va.gov/

For more info on your local Veterans Center
http://www.vetcenter.va.gov/