KCKCC’s Veterans Certifying Specialist (VCS) needs assistance to ensure the most accurate and timely information is sent to the Department of Veterans Affairs on the student's behalf. The following student responsibilities are required of each VA student using benefits for courses taken at KCKCC.
Benefit Decision
It is the responsibility of the student to decide on which benefit is most appropriate for him/her based on individual circumstances. KCKCC’s VCS cannot make the decision for the student.
Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Students must submit a copy of the COE to their VCS to be certified for courses, and in some cases for residency. Students must have KCKCC listed as their school of choice. Submit COE the Military and Veterans Center office.
It could take up to 2 months to receive the COE from the VA. The COE is sent directly to students and not to KCKCC. Students do not have to wait for their COE to continue through the remaining steps on this list.
Approved Courses
Students must enroll for courses that are required for the elected degree program. The Department of Veterans Affairs only pays benefits for courses that are needed for the degree program, and that have not been previously or successfully completed.
*Remedial/developmental courses (MATH 0097, MATH 0099, ENGL 0099) cannot be certified to the VA if taking 100% online.
Federal Financial Aid
If students are using federal aid or have used it previously, contact the Financial Aid Office for any questions or concerns. Take note, the rate of pursuit may be different for financial aid and VA. It is the student’s responsibility to inform the VCS if they are using financial aid.
Change in Degree
If students are using GI Bill benefits, they cannot change their degree once they have been certified for the term with the VA. Once a term is completed, students can change their degree prior to their next certification. If students change their degree, they must notify the Military and Veterans Center. If students want to change their degree, they can do so in Self Service or through the Registrar's office.
Enrollment Changes
It is the student's responsibility to notify the VCS of any change in status, such as adding, changing or withdrawing from a course. Changes should be reported promptly to avoid a delay in payments or possible over payments.
Third Party
If a student’s third-party sponsor (military, employer, governmental agency, etc.) fails to pay KCKCC, the student assumes responsibility for paying the amount the sponsor originally promised to pay on their behalf.
Submission of Transcripts
Students must submit official transcripts from previously attended colleges/universities to KCKCC.
Students using CH 31 Vocational Rehabilitation benefits are required to submit a KCKCC unofficial transcript to their VA counselor at the end of each semester. Unofficial transcripts are available through Self Service.
VA Payments
Questions concerning VA payments must be addressed with the Department of Veterans Affairs. VCS's cannot access payment information, as they are school representatives and not employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Students should visit their eBenefits account for assistance or call the VA at 1-888-442-4551.
Record Changes
It is the student's responsibility to submit a change of address to the Admissions Office and to also notify the VCS. All correspondence from KCKCC is mailed to the address on record.
Guest Students
Students visiting KCKCC to take classes to transfer back to their home school are required to submit a Parent School Letter from their home school. This letter is provided by a school official and indicates which classes they are taking at KCKCC that transfer back to their home school. Certification of courses with KCKCC are not completed without the Parent School Letter.
Veterans Benefits Request Form
Every student wishing to use their benefits to pay for classes are required to submit the Veterans Benefits Request Form each semester. No exceptions.
Part Time vs. Full Time Status
The Department of Veteran Affairs determines the rate of pursuit by the number of credits and days/weeks of the semester/session/term/cycle. Students can typically be considered a full-time VA student based on the following criteria:
- Students taking only online courses receive 1/2 of the national BAH rate at the E-5 level.
- Students must take at least one on-campus course during the same time frame as the online course to receive the BAH rate for the area in which they are assigned.
- If a CH33 student is 1/2 time (6 credits), they do not receive a housing allowance. Summer term and 8-week courses calculate differently for what is considered 1/2 time.
- If a CH30 or CH35 student is less than 1/2 time, the VA only pays the student the cost of the course, generally in a lump sum.
16 week on campus courses = 12 credit hours to be full time
Disclaimer: Information is subject to change at any time, and without prior notice. For questions, contact the assigned VCS.