First Time VA Applicant | JCTC

Military & Veterans

 

First Time VA Applicant

How Do I Apply?

  • Through the Office of Veterans Affairs any eligible student can make an application for VA Educational benefits.
  • We provide assistance if you are making your initial claim or if you ve used the GI Bill® previously.
  • Please always make sure to contact the Education Service Officer prior to enrolling in courses. 

When Do I apply?

  • The Office of Veterans Affairs recommends that you apply for benefits 60 to 90 days prior to a semester starting; this gives the Department of Veterans Affairs plenty of time to process your claim in a timely manner.
  • The VA Regional office that processes for the State of Kentucky processes for a total of 16 states and at times the volume can be tremendous.
  • If you are relying on the Department of Veterans Affairs to assist you with tuition and fees the latest you should apply is 60 days prior to the semester starting.

What Happens After I Apply?

  • Once you apply with the Military and Veterans Office, processing time is approximately 3 to 4 days if you've applied for Admission to the institution, have an applicable Student Program Plan for the institution you've applied to for admission.
  • Initial VA claims are submitted to the Department of Veterans Affairs by mail or electronically. The approximate processing time is about 30 days.
  • Once VA processes your claim they will provide you with an Award letter outlining your monthly allowance and various policies and procedures you need to comply with to receive VA Educational benefits.
  • If you've previously used your VA benefits claim, this claim will be processed electronically and the approximate processing time with VA is about 15 to 20 working days.
  • Once your VA Certification is submitted to the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).
  • The DVA will generate to the student an email acknowledging enrollment to the email address you submitted to the campus VA Office.
  • Once the claim is actually processed the student will receive by mail from the DVA an Award Letter; listing monthly amounts, term dates, VA Chapter specific instructions and general information.

Can I get a VA Pamphlet for my particular GI Bill®?

Yes, contact the Office of Veterans Affairs on campus, call the Department of Veterans Affairs at: 1-888-442-4551 or 1-800-827-1000, or find them online at the button below.

VA Handouts/Pamphlets

Find more information about the VA.GOV Online Application for all VA Education Benefit Chapters (New/Transferring.)


GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.