The Certification Request for VA Educational Benefits form has moved!
All VCCS schools have now adopted the same universal form that can be completed in SIS. Instructions are below.
DISCLAIMER: Virginia Western Community College does not participate in MyCAA. We will not accept any certification requests with MyCAA selected as a benefit type. We apologize for the inconvenience.
How to Complete the Certification Request
- Log in to MyVWCC (this link will open in a new tab).
- Click on the SIS tile or link.
- Once in SIS, look for the section labeled Resources, then click on the button that says Forms.
- Click on the tile for Student Records eForms.
- On the left, click the tab for Military Benefit Certify eForm.
- Fill out the information on the form to the best of your knowledge and click the blue Submit button at the bottom of the page when finished. If there are any issues with your form, an error message will pop up when you click Submit. You must correct all errors before the form is complete.
Note: If you would like to save your progress and come back later, you may click Save instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am having issues logging into MyVWCC. What should I do?
Contact the Help Desk at 540-857-7354. They can help reset your password or your account if needed.
When do I verify my enrollment?
You’ll need to verify your enrollment at the end of every month after your school starts. For example, if your school starts on August 5, you’ll need to verify your enrollment on or after August 31.
If you were enrolled in school for any part of the month, you’ll need to verify your enrollment for that month. For example, if your school ends on May 5, you’ll need to verify your enrollment for the month of May on or after May 5.
I use Chapter 30-MGIB or Chapter 1606-Reserve/National Guard, and it says I must have a form of payment in place. What does that mean?
These benefits pay the student directly at the end of each month for time they spend in class. Since all money is sent directly to the student, some method of payment must be set up with the school for tuition to be paid. This includes but is not limited to, paying out-of-pocket, setting up a payment plan, using financial aid, etc.
I use Chapter 31-VR&E, and it says my VRE Counselor must submit a purchase order. What is that?
This is a verification from the VA to the school that you have been approved to take the courses you plan on attending, and that the VA will pay for them accordingly. Unlike the other GI bills, the school MUST have this confirmation from your counselor to certify your benefits and have your courses paid for by the VA.
I use Chapter 33-Post 9/11 GI Bill, and it asks me “What is your entitlement percentage?”. What does this mean?
If a service member served less than the minimum amount of time in active service required to qualify for full benefits, they only receive a percentage of those benefits. For example, if the time needed to receive full benefits is 3 years, and a service member only served as active duty for 1 year and 6 months for their entire career, they would only receive 50% entitlement at discharge.
I receive less than 100% entitlement percentage. What does this mean for me?
This means that the VA is only willing to pay for a percentage of your tuition equal to your entitlement. For example, if your tuition costs $1000, and you have 70% entitlement. The VA will pay for 70% of that cost of tuition, which would be $700 in this case. You would be financially responsible for other 30% still left to be paid for.
What if I don’t know what my entitlement percentage is?
Your percentage will be printed on your Certificate of Eligibility. You can also find that information on VA.gov or by calling the Department of Veterans Affairs.
I have a Certificate of Eligibility available. Can/should I attach it to this form?
Yes.
Can I take only distance courses as a Chapter 33 user?
Yes, BUT you will receive a reduced BAH. If you sign up for a class that meets on campus at least ONCE during the semester, you will still receive full BAH. All other benefits are unaffected by this.
Can I take classes outside of my program?
Yes, but they will not be paid for by the VA. You would be responsible for paying for those yourself.
Can I take developmental classes?
Yes, but they must be in-person and you must have a documented need to take them.
Can I get paid to retake a class I have already passed to get a higher grade?
No, you cannot receive benefits for a class taken now for which you have previously received a passing grade, whether here or at another institution. Unless a required grade is specifically stated in the college catalog as a requirement to your degree. Failed classes can be retaken and paid for by the VA.
Will the VA pay for non-credit courses?
No. However, VMSDEP users still get tuition waived for non-credit courses.
Will the VA pay for workforce classes?
It depends on the course. Speak with an advisor first. Alternative funding options are available for workforce classes.
I submitted my certification request. How long until the VA pays me?
Payments are processed in the order received. You will be paid no earlier than the last calendar day of the month after classes start. Processing times increase at the beginning of a term, so your first payment may be delayed.
What determines how much I get paid by the VA?
The VA determines your pay rate based on the dates of the classes and number of credits you’re taking. Speak with the Military Student Center for more details.
What is the difference between 16-week and 7-week courses in terms of credits?
Students are paid based on their rate of pursuit. With our 7-week classes, students will be considered full-time if they are registered for at least six credit hours in the first 7 weeks and six credit hours in the last 7 weeks. Students may be eligible for payments for the week in-between sessions if also taking 16-week courses. Please email military@virginiawestern.edu for more information.
What happens if the number of credits I’m taking changes at any point during the semester?
Assuming the number of credits is below 12, you will be prorated by the VA for the current number of credits you are taking. If the number of credits stays at or above 12, no changes occur.
Do I have to submit this form each semester I intend to use benefits?
Yes, but only if you intend to use benefits.
If I add/change/drop a course, do I have to resubmit the form?
Yes, you must fill out an adjustment (not new) certification request as soon as you make the change.
What happens if I add/change/drop a course and don’t report it?
You could end up owing a debt to the VA and/or the school depending on the circumstances.
What happens if I am at risk of failing a class and/or want to withdraw from a class?
Speak with the Veteran Liaison in the Military Student Center so they can discuss your situation.
What happens if I just stop going to class?
You will likely fail the class/be forcibly withdrawn, and then owe a debt to the VA and/or school depending on the circumstances.
What happens if I end up with a debt to the VA?
The amount you owe will be taken out of future education benefit payments until the debt is gone. Once the debt is gone, any payments given afterwards will return to their regular amount.
What happens if I end up with a debt to the school?
You would be required to pay the school back and will not be allowed to enroll until the debt is resolved.
Have another question or having difficulty and need assistance? Call the Military Student Center at 540-857-6278 or email us at military@virginiawestern.edu. Our team is available to help Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
Contact Us
Military@virginiawestern.edu
Webber Hall W212
540-857-6278
Fax: 540-857-6208
Hours
Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
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