VETERAN & MILITARY CONNECTED
WELCOME PACKET



SCC WELCOME CHECKLIST

In this packet, you will find the documents needed to use your VA education benefits at Spokane Community College. To begin this process, the Spokane Community College Veteran Office requires the following:

  • Apply for your VA education benefits at www.va.gov.
  • Apply for admissions to SCC and select an academic program of study.
  • Meet with an academic counselor.
  • Register for classes.

Once you have registered for classes and have a schedule for the quarter you wish to start, the SCC Vet Office will require the following documents:

  • The attached Student Information form and Statement of Understanding (ALL STUDENTS)
  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA proving you applied for the benefits (ALL STUDENTS)
    • *If you do not have a COE, your Statement of Benefits page from VA.Gov will satisfy this requirement*
  • DD-214 Member 4 Copy
  • Previous college transcripts – this includes your Joint Services Contract or your CCAF Transcript – this MUST be submitted to SCC for prior credit evaluation. (ALL STUDENTS)
  • Washington State Tuition Waiver Documents (Ch.35 STUDENTS)
    • Washington State Tuition Waiver Application
    • Proof of Washington State residency for student and veteran
    • Marriage certificate or birth certificate proving connection to veteran
    • Proof of 100% service-connected disability or death certificate
  • VR&E Voucher (Ch.31 STUDENTS)
  • Tuition Assistance or MyCAA approval and funding documents


You are also encouraged to meet with the following departments:

  • Financial Aid – Building 15 (509) 533-7017
  • Workforce Transitions – Building 6 (509) 533-7249
  • Disability Access Services – Building 15 (509) 533-7169
  • Testing Center – Building 16 (509) 533-7074


Additional Resources on campus include:

  • Food Pantry – Building 6
  • Bigfoot Child Care Center – Building 20 (509) 533-7170
  • Parking and Security – Building 50 (509) 533-3333
  • Center for Inclusion and Diversity – Building 6 (509) 533-8875
  • Bigfoot Central – Building 15 (509) 533-8020


*Some of these items may not apply to you as there are multiple benefits processed through this office.


Frequently Asked Questions

Ø  How much will I be paid for my MHA? When will I be paid?

o   MHA payments are made directly to Ch.33 Post 9/11 GI Bill students. The payment rate is the E-5 with dependents BAH rate for the zip code of the school. This rate is prorated based on enrollment and GI Bill eligibility. Payments are made the month following your enrollment.

Ø  Will I get paid the MHA during breaks?

o   MHA payments are prorated based on enrollment. You are not paid the full amount of housing allowance during breaks and off time.

Ø  Where can I check the status of my payments?

o   Contact the VA directly at 888-442-4551

Ø  How do I certify my enrollment each quarter?

o   The VA requires you to verify your enrollment monthly to receive your housing allowance. We encourage you to sign up for text message enrollment verification through the VA system.

Ø  Can I take courses outside of my degree plan?

o   No. You may only take courses listed in your degree plan.

Ø  What happens if I add or drop a class?

o   You must tell the Veteran Office if you make any changes to your schedule.

Ø  Am I eligible for a book stipend?

o   Ch.33 Post 9/11 GI Bill students are eligible for up to $1000 per academic year in books and supplies funds. The amount is $41.67 per credit.

Ø  What If I need to take a remedial course?

o   Remedial courses are allowed under your VA education benefits. However, remedial courses must be on campus and not online.

Ø  Can I use financial aid or alternative funding sources with VA education benefits?

o   Of course! We encourage you to apply for financial aid and all alternative funding sources through the Workforce Transitions office.

Ø  What do my Ch.35 benefits cover?

o   Ch.35 benefits provide the student with a monthly living stipend paid directly to the student. The amount is set from the VA and is based on enrollment.

Ø  What about my tuition if I am using Ch.35 benefits?

o   If you are using Ch.35 benefits, you may be eligible for the Washington State Tuition Waiver. This is a state benefit with state rules and regulations.

Ø  When will I receive my $500 book stipend for the Washington State Tuition Waiver?

o   This book stipend is paid on a quarterly basis and prorated on the number of credits attending. The funds are disbursed on the 10th day of the term, provided the funds are available.

Ø  What are the credit requirements at SCC?

o   Fall/Winter/Spring: 12 Credits = Full Time 9-11 Credits = ¾ Time 6-8 Credits ½ Time

o   Summer: 8 Credits = Full Time 6-7 Credits = ¾ Time 4-5 Credits = ½ Time

SFCC WELCOME CHECKLIST

In this packet, you will find the documents needed to use your VA education benefits at Spokane Falls Community College. To begin this process, the Spokane Falls Community College Veteran Office requires the following:

  • Apply for your VA education benefits at www.va.gov.
  • Apply for admissions to SFCC and select an academic program of study.
  • Complete New Student Orientation.
  • Meet with an academic counselor.
  • Register for classes.

Once you have registered for classes and have a schedule for the quarter you wish to start, the SFCC Veterans Resource Center will require the following documents:

  • The attached Student Information form and Statement of Understanding (ALL STUDENTS)
  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA proving you applied for the benefits (ALL STUDENTS)
    • *If you do not have a COE, your Statement of Benefits page from VA.Gov will satisfy this requirement*
  • DD-214 Member 4 Copy
  • Previous college transcripts – this includes your Joint Services Contract or your CCAF Transcript – this MUST be submitted to SCC for prior credit evaluation. (ALL STUDENTS)
  • Washington State Tuition Waiver Documents (Ch.35 STUDENTS)
    • Washington State Tuition Waiver Application
    • Proof of Washington State residency for student and veteran
    • Marriage certificate or birth certificate proving connection to veteran
    • Proof of 100% service-connected disability or death certificate
  • VR&E Voucher (Ch.31 STUDENTS)
  • Tuition Assistance or MyCAA approval and funding documents


You are also encouraged to meet with the following departments:

  • Financial Aid – Building 17, Upper Concourse (509) 533-3550
  • Workforce Transitions – Building 2, Room 103 (509) 533-7249
  • Disability Access Services – Building 30


*Some of these items may not apply to you as there are multiple benefits processed through this office.


Frequently Asked Questions

Ø  How much will I be paid for my MHA? When will I be paid?

o   MHA payments are made directly to Ch.33 Post 9/11 GI Bill students. The payment rate is the E-5 with dependents BAH rate for the zip code of the school. This rate is prorated based on enrollment and GI Bill eligibility. Payments are made the month following your enrollment.

Ø  Will I get paid the MHA during breaks?

o   MHA payments are prorated based on enrollment. You are not paid the full amount of housing allowance during breaks and off time.

Ø  Where can I check the status of my payments?

o   Contact the VA directly at 888-442-4551

Ø  How do I certify my enrollment each quarter?

o   The VA requires you to verify your enrollment monthly to receive your housing allowance. We encourage you to sign up for text message enrollment verification through the VA system.

Ø  Can I take courses outside of my degree plan?

o   No. You may only take courses listed in your degree plan.

Ø  What happens if I add or drop a class?

o   You must tell the Veteran Office if you make any changes to your schedule.

Ø  Am I eligible for a book stipend?

o   Ch.33 Post 9/11 GI Bill students are eligible for up to $1000 per academic year in books and supplies funds. The amount is $41.67 per credit.

Ø  What If I need to take a remedial course?

o   Remedial courses are allowed under your VA education benefits. However, remedial courses must be on campus and not online.

Ø  Can I use financial aid or alternative funding sources with VA education benefits?

o   Of course! We encourage you to apply for financial aid and all alternative funding sources through the Workforce Transitions office.

Ø  What do my Ch.35 benefits cover?

o   Ch.35 benefits provide the student with a monthly living stipend paid directly to the student. The amount is set from the VA and is based on enrollment.

Ø  What about my tuition if I am using Ch.35 benefits?

o   If you are using Ch.35 benefits, you may be eligible for the Washington State Tuition Waiver. This is a state benefit with state rules and regulations.

Ø  When will I receive my $500 book stipend for the Washington State Tuition Waiver?

o   This book stipend is paid on a quarterly basis and prorated on the number of credits attending. The funds are disbursed on the 10th day of the term, provided the funds are available.

Ø  What are the credit requirements at SFCC?

o   Fall/Winter/Spring: 12 Credits = Full Time 9-11 Credits = ¾ Time 6-8 Credits ½ Time

o   Summer: 8 Credits = Full Time 6-7 Credits = ¾ Time 4-5 Credits = ½ Time

STUDENT INFORMATION















BENEFITS INFORMATION

Waivers only applies if both the student and veteran are residents of Washington State.
CH. 35





PREVIOUSLY ATTENDED COLLEGES
PREVIOUSLY ATTENDED COLLEGES



Community Colleges of Spokane does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation or age in its programs, activities or employment. 
For TTY service, call 509-533-7482.
STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING
Please read below before signing.
I understand...

  • the VA will only approve classes that are required for graduation in my academic plan.
  • I must submit a Quarterly Enrollment Form (QEF) for certification each quarter.
  • I will report ALL changes I make to my schedule.
  • that I must order ALL transcripts from prior colleges and those prior college credits must be evaluated by a counselor.
  • if transcripts have not been received within 3 quarters of attendance benefits may be stopped.
  • I may need to verify my enrollment with the VA each month.
  • I understand I am required to make satisfactory progress toward my degree by maintaining a quarterly 2.0 GPA.
  • I understand the VA and/or Spokane Community College will hold me responsible for all overpayments and debts relating to education benefits.
  • I understand I could be in overpayment if I drop classes or stop attending, if I receive Z, W, I, * or F grades (an F grade may be repeated one time if the student attended the entire quarter.  Last date of attendance is reported by instructor).
  • I understand the VA will not approve ANY online remedial classes.
  • I understand I must have at least one on-campus class for the VA to pay full MHA.

Click "NEXT" to review the information, sign, then an email will be sent to the email address provided to verify.


NOTE ABOUT VERIFYING YOUR SIGNATURE: If you see an error message when attempting to verify your signature, but you receive a notification indicating your signature was verified, disregard the error message.