To find out if you meet or how to meet eligibility requirements, contact the Regional Processing Office (RPO) in Buffalo, NY at 1-800-827-1000.
In order to find out how many months of entitlement you have left, contact the Regional Processing Office (RPO) in Decatur, GA at 1-888-442-4551.
Yes. You must submit a Veteran’s Registration Form each semester. Classes will not be certified with VA until the registration form is submitted to the SCO.
It depends on the type of benefit. ECC is required to report to VA the net tuition cost after applying grants, scholarships, discounts, etc. that must be applied to tuition.
If you have never used your VA benefits before or if you have had a lapse in benefits, you can expect processing to take 6 to 8 weeks.
Once the school submits your GI Bill® Application to the Regional Processing Office, normally there is a 30 to 90 day waiting period. Once your application has been processed you will receive an award letter.
There are several reasons why your check can be delayed. Your benefits may be delayed due to heavy workload at the regional VA office. If you’ve made any changes to your registration or program of study a delay in payment may occur.
Everyone receiving MGIB-Active Duty (Chapter 30) benefits, as well as those in the Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606) and REAP (Chapter 1607), must verify their enrollment each month to receive payment for that month. Your enrollment can be verified on the last calendar day of the month by using the Web Automated Enrollment (WAVE) or by calling the toll free Interactive Voice Response (IVR) telephone line a 1-877-823-2378.
You may be eligible for several types of VA education benefits, but there are many things to consider before you apply for a GI Bill® program. For most participants, the Post 9/11 GI Bill® is the best option. Other students would benefit from the Montgomery GI Bill®. Please visit benefits.va.gov to compare the available programs.
If you’re eligible for more than one education benefit, such as the Post 9/11 GI Bill® and the Montgomery GI Bill®, you must choose which benefit to receive, a decision that’s final and cannot be changed. If you’re eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill® and two or more additional education benefits, you must give up one of the additional benefits. However, you may remain eligible for the benefit or benefits you did not give up.
You must submit an official copy of your military record: DD-214; AARTS (Army); SMART (Navy & USMC); or Air University (Air-Force), during the admissions process along with your prior college transcripts so it can be evaluated. Each service has a website to request official transcripts.
Yes. It is recommended that you first consult with your Academic Advisor. Your advisor must change you major with the Registrar’s Office so you can provide the SCO with the approved print-out.
ECC policy only allows students to be enrolled in one active academic program of study at a time.
That would be your decision, however; if you drop a course after the add-drop period, you will have to reimburse VA any funds that was paid for that class.
In that case, you would receive an “F” which is a punitive grade. It would affect your GPA and you would have to repay the VA for that course. You must report to the SCO when you stop attending a class to avoid an over-payment from VA.
Please contact the School Certifying Official for options that may be available to you.
Yes. The ECC Veteran Student Association is open to all veterans. A membership application can be picked up from the SCO.
No. Any veterans’ benefits paid under any law administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) should not be reported as income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You will not receive a W-2 from the VA.
VA offers tools to help you get prepared for the transition to your civilian career. Learn what to expect when you enter the job market and how to reflect your military skills on your resume’ and search for positions at VA’s Vet Success jobs portal.
Contact your School Certifying Official (SCO), go to the VA website, or call the toll free VA Hotline for students at 1-888-442-4551.
