Q: How do I know what type of veteran educational benefit I am entitled to?
There are several educational programs available to veterans and active service members, some administered by the VA and some not. Eligibility depends on whether you are the service person or the dependent or spouse of a service person, on the type and length of military service and the service members’ monetary contribution at the time of service. For some general information regarding these types of benefit please visit the EDUCATIONAL BENEFIT section of this site. Additional questions regarding your specific eligibility should be directed to the GIBILL site or the VA Regional Processing Office in Muskogee, OK at 1-888-442-4551.
Q: I have never used my benefits, how do I apply?
To apply for benefits you need to complete and submit to South Mountain Community College Veteran Services, located in the Registration & Records Office, the appropriate VA application for your benefit eligibility (Chapter 30 & 1606, Form 22-1990 or VONAPP, Chapter 35, Form 22-5490 or Chapter 31, Form 28-1905 submitted by yourself or your caseworker), DD214-Member 4, Official Transcripts from prior universities or colleges and the South Mountain Community College “Veterans Request for Benefits Form”. In addition, you must finish any required assessment tests, choose a degree plan (with the assistance of Academic Advisement) and register for classes. For more information, please see the NEW APPLICANTS section of the web site.
Q: When should I apply for benefits?
South Mountain Community College Veteran Services recommends applying for your benefits as early as possible, however no more than 120 days in advance of the semester you are planning to attend. VA processing can take up to 10-weeks for first time applicants. Benefits will not be paid until the process is complete. Early application also allows for time for our offices to receive Official Transcripts for prior university/college attendance and military records required for continued benefit certification. After this initial application process, veteran student should request to be certified on an ongoing basis each semester by submitting the South Mountain Community College “Veterans Request for Benefits Form”
Q: How do I get my benefits and how much will I receive?
Once the VA has processed your application and the school certification you will begin to receive your benefits within approximately 15 days of the first time you verify your enrollment, if required. Payment will be either sent to you or directly deposited in your bank account from the VA. Exact payment amount will depend on your chapter of eligibility and your enrollment status as a student (full-time, three-quarter time, half-time or less-than-half-time). For information regarding your eligibility chapter and enrollment status please contact the VA at 1-888-442-4451 or visit the GIBILL site.
Q: I am starting a new semester at South Mountain Community College and I received benefits last semester, what do I need to do to get benefits for my new semester?
Continuing students wishing to renew their benefits for another semester must first determine whether they need to change their degree plan. Those changing degrees must submit a VA Change of Program form appropriate to their eligibility chapter (Chapter 30 & 1606, Form 1995 or Chapter 35, Form 5495. Chapter 31 students must review their case with their VA caseworker and then submit a new 28-1905.) to South Mountain Community College Veteran Service located in the Registration & Records Office. Once this process is complete the student must finish any required assessment tests, pay any prior tuition balances, turn in any outstanding Official Transcripts from prior education, register for classes and submit the South Mountain Community College “Veterans Request for Benefits Form”. For more information regarding this process please see the CONTINUING APPLICANTS section of this web site.
Q: Do I have to pay for all my tuition/fees and books before the semester starts and receipt of my VA benefits?
Not necessarily. Veterans are eligible for Tuition Deferments or Advance Payment of their VA benefits to help cover their costs for tuition, fees and books prior to the start of the semester. Eligibility for these options is based on prior payment of fees and the number of days left before the start of the veteran’s first class. For more information regarding Tuition Deferments and Advance Payment, please refer to the TERMS & GUIDELINES of the web site.
Q: What other types of educational programs are available to me to help cover my education related costs?
Veteran students may be eligible for a variety of other need or non-need based tuition assistance programs such as federal financial aid, institutional and private scholarships, work-study, grants and loans. The South Mountain Community College Financial Aid Office can assist students in the application process for these types of aid. For more information please contact the Financial Aid Office at 602-24-8300.
Q: How do I transfer to South Mountain Community College when I am receiving educational benefits at another school?
Veteran students who have used VA educational benefits can transfer between schools with minimal paperwork. To re-apply you need to complete and submit to South Mountain Community College Veteran Services, located in the Registration & Records Office, the appropriate VA Request for Change of VA Education Program or Place of Training application for your chapter of benefit eligibility (Chapter 30 & 1606, Form 22-1995), Chapter 35, Form 22-5495 or Chapter 31, Form 28-1905 submitted by yourself or your caseworker), Official Transcripts from prior universities or colleges and the South Mountain Community College “Veterans Request for Benefits Form”. In addition, you must finish any required assessment tests, choose a degree plan (with the assistance of Academic Advisement) and register for classes. Unlike first time applicants, receipt of benefits should begin approximately 15 days from the start of classes. However, processing time can vary. For more information, please see the CONTINUING APPLICANTS section of the web site.
Q: Why do I have to choose a program of study and once I choose a program of study for VA educational benefit payment, am I permitted to switch programs?
The VA requires that students choose a degree plan to ensure that progress is made toward a clear educational objective while the veteran is receiving benefits. Students are permitted to take classes that do not fit toward their plan, however these courses will not be counted toward benefit payment for the semester they are taken. Once a veteran student chooses their initial degree plan they may change at anytime by submitting to South Mountain Community College Veteran Services, located in the Registration & Records Office, the appropriate VA Request for Change of VA Education Program or Place of Training application for your chapter of benefit eligibility (Chapter 30 & 1606, Form 22-1995, Chapter 35, Form 22-5495 or Chapter 31, Form 28-1905 submitted by yourself or your caseworker).
Q: Can I attend more that one college or university at a time and be certified for VA benefits at both?
Yes. In order to establish certifications for two or more schools you must first establish a parent school (this is generally the school you intend to complete your current educational goal with). Next, inform the parent school that you plan to attend another school, either in part or totally for the next semester. The parent school will then generate a letter of authorization to the supplemental schools that the student will be attending. This letter will allow the supplemental schools to certify courses that the student will be attending at the institution. Remember, the courses taken at the supplemental school still must meet with the parent school degree plan requirements.
Q: I did not receive my monthly check from the VA, what do I do?
Don’t panic. There are many simple reasons that you might not receive your monthly check. Most can be dealt with quickly and easily. The most common reason veterans do not get paid is because they have not verified their enrollment on-line or over the touch-tone system. Once verification is completed, a check should be received within 15 days. To find out why a check has not been received call the VA Regional Office at 1-888-442-4551. If the VA instructs you to speak to the school Veteran Services please either stop by or call at 602-243-8369. Remember, you will receive the money you are entitled to, though it may be delayed.
Q: I have to withdraw from a class, how will this impact my VA benefits?
It is critical and required for veteran students to inform South Mountain Community College Veteran Services, located in the Registration & Records Office, of any adjustments in their schedule including drops, withdraws and additions. These types of changes directly affect the amount of benefit payment to the student. Failure to report changes can result in an overpayment of benefits that the veteran student will be responsible for paying back to the VA. Withdrawals at anytime in the semester without “mitigating circumstances” or good reason, as decided by the VA, will have to be paid back from the beginning of the students enrollment period. If withdrawing from any or all courses, please inform South Mountain Community College Veteran Services, located in the Registration & Records Office, of any specific reasons you needed to discontinue your courses. The VA Regional Office may follow-up with the veteran if any additional information is needed to determine if any re-payment of benefits is required.
Q: I have been called to active military service or deployed for a military mobilization, what do I need to do to withdraw from school?
A student in the Armed Forces or the Arizona National Guard who is called to active duty and assigned to a duty station, verifiable by a copy of the orders, will be allowed to withdraw and receive a 100% refund of tuition, provided courses have not been completed. For additional questions please contact the South Mountain Community College Veteran Services at 602-243-8369.