Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to bring with me?
If you have never applied for Veterans Administration education benefits we need the following:
- DD 214 – Member 4 Copy
- Documentation showing that you enlisted with a college fund bonus (if applicable)
- Documentation showing you contributed the additional $600.00 kicker (if applicable)
Contribution information may be noted on your DD 214. If so, no other documentation is required. If not, please provide either a receipt or Leave And Earning Statements showing the additional contribution.
Veterans eligible under the old GI Bill Chapter 34 will need to supply the following:
- Marriage and divorce certificates
- Birth certificates for any dependents under the age of 18 and for those over 18 if they are attending school
How many units do I need to draw benefits at MiraCosta College?
12+ units = full time
9-11 ½ units = three quarters time
6-8 ½ units = half time
1-5 units = less than half-time(payment is tuition and fees only)
How much is my monthly benefit?
Montgomery GI Bill - (Chapter 30)
Rates effective October 1, 2007
Note: If you contributed the additional $600.00 (kicker) to the Montgomery GI Bill, add $150.00 to the full time amount, add $112.50 to the three-quarter time amount, and add $75.00 to the half-time amount.
Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606 or 1607)
Rates effective October 1, 2007
Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA)
(Chapter 35)
Rates effective October 1, 2007
Visit www.gibill.va.gov for current rates.
May I draw benefits while I am on active duty?
At MiraCosta College, we do not certify for benefits until you are out of the service. If you have used all the Tuition Assistance allowed by your branch of the service, we may certify you for tuition and fees only. Beware, however that this certification will result in your utilizing precious entitlement.
What if I am on terminal leave and will be attending MiraCosta College?
We will certify you for the whole semester, however, for the period prior to your discharge we will notify the Veterans Administration of your tuition and fees (as required by the Veterans Administration). Once you have been officially separated from the service and provide a DD-214, the normal amount of benefit will kick in.
How does the Veterans Administration know what I am doing?
The personnel in the MiraCosta College Veterans Services Office will keep the Veterans Administration apprised of your status. It is imperative that you notify our office of any changes in your enrollment status, address, major, objective etc. in a timely manner. You may do so by stopping by the office on the Oceanside Campus, contacting us by telephone (760) 757-2121 x6285, or by e-mail at vets@miracosta.edu.
Does it matter what courses I take?
Yes. In order to maintain the benefits, you MUST be in courses that are directly related to your objective or degree. It is of vital importance that you work closely with an academic counselor and follow an education plan.
How do I receive my benefit checks?
Chapter 35 benefit recipients receive a hard check at the home address or post office box. All other chapters will receive monies via direct deposit. If a bank account is not available the VA will send a check to your home address or post office box.
Can my spouse or dependent children use my benefits while I am on active duty?
No.
What happens if I fail a class?
You will be contacted to determine whether your “F” is due to a lack of attendance or the inability to complete the coursework up to passing standards. If the “F” was given for attendance reasons, you will be requested to notify the MiraCosta College Veterans Services Office personnel of your last date of attendance which will be reported to the Veterans Administration. This may result in an over-payment. Students are urged to take advantage of tutorial assistance as soon as academic difficulties begin.
What if I am disqualified from attending MiraCosta College?
The Veterans Services Office must notify the Department of Veterans Affairs whenever a veteran or dependent is subject to academic and/or progress disqualification. Veteran's benefits are then immediately suspended.
Am I eligible for Financial Aid?
You will need to check with the MiraCosta College Financial Aid office.
Do I need to do anything if I am continuing from the previous semester?
YES! If you know you will be attending the next semester, you must come into the MiraCosta College Veterans Services Office to complete the Intent to Use Educational Benefits form after registering and paying for your courses. The Intent to Use Educational Benefits form must be filled out each semester you plan to utilize your benefits.
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