Mar 28, 2024  
2019-20 Catalog 
    
2019-20 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Veterans Information



The college maintains and staffs an office for veteran services where veterans, dependents and selected reservists are provided information about education benefits available to them.

Federal Programs

Chapter 30 - Montgomery GI Bill®
Chapter 33 - Post 9/11 Montgomery GI Bill®
Chapter 35 - Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Benefits
Chapter 1606 - Selected Reserve, Montgomery GI Bill
®
Chapter 1607 - Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)

NOTES:

The following individuals shall be charged in-state tuition: any individual using educational assistance under either Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill® - Active Duty Program),  Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation), or Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®), of Title 38, United States Code, and/or the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (38 U.S.C. §3311(b)(9)) who lives in the State of Michigan while attending St. Clair County Community College (regardless of his/her formal state of residence). 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 at https://benefits.va.gov/gibill.

St. Clair County Community College complies with Title 38 United States Code Section 3679(e) under which covered individuals (i.e. any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under Chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, or Chapter 33, Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits) can attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to the educational institution a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under Chapters 31 or 33 (a “certificate of eligibility” can also include a “Statement of Benefits” obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) website - eBenefits, or a VAF 28-1905 form for Chapter 31 authorization purposes) and ending on the earlier of the following dates:

  1. The date on which payment from the VA is made to the institution.
  2. 90 days after the date the institution certified tuition and fees following the receipt of the certificate of eligibility.

St. Clair County Community College will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, or any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement of funding from VA under Chapters 31 or 33.

Covered individuals wanting to use their educational benefits at St. Clair County Community College are required to submit to the School Certifying Officer a completed and signed Request for Certification Form (available in the Veterans Services office in the Welcome Center building). Additionally, covered individuals may be required to provide additional information as necessary to properly certify enrollment.

Application Process

Students are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible date. Applications are available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website, vets.gov. Electronic application and paper applications are accessible for both veterans (Form 22−1990) and dependents (Form 22−5490). The Department of Veterans Affairs will provide the applicant with a Certificate of Eligibility when approved. Visit the SC4 Veterans Certifying Official in the Welcome Center, after you have applied or have received your certificate of eligibility or notice of award.

NOTE: The VA strongly recommends that veterans and other beneficiaries submit their education benefits application online to expedite processing. You may call the VA National Education Help Line at 888-442-4551 for assistance.

Chapter 31 - Vocational Rehabilitation

This program is available to veterans with a service-connected disability. For more information, contact the Veterans Administration Regional Office (28), Patrick V. McNamara Federal Building, 477 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226 or call 800-827-1000. Upon approval, deliver the Authorization and Certification of Status (Form 28−1905) to the SC4 Veterans Certifying Official.

State of Michigan Program

Children of Veterans Tuition Grant Program

Obtain an application from the Children of Veterans Tuition Grant Program (CVTG) at michigan.gov/mistudentaid/. Application questions should be directed to 888-447-2687 or email mistudentaid@michigan.gov. Upon approval the applicant will receive a Letter of Eligibility from the State of Michigan Department of Treasury. Deliver the Letter of Eligibility to the SC4 Veterans Certifying Official.

Earned Credits

If students have previously drawn educational benefits, a “Request for a Change of Place and/or Program” (Form 22−1995 for veterans: Chapter 35 Dependent Form 22-5495) must be filed. An official transcript from other colleges attended must be sent to SC4 for evaluation of credit as soon as possible. Benefits can be suspended if credits granted for previous training are not reported to the Veterans Administration.

Pay Rate

Monthly rates vary according to which VA program is providing the assistance and the student’s course load. For more information, visit benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/resources/benefits_resources/rate_tables.asp#ch33.

Guidelines/Responsibilities

  1. Individuals may register only for courses required to satisfy graduation requirements for approved programs.
  2. VA payment is not ordinarily allowed for repeating a previously passed course.
  3. Any changes in program of study, course load, address, etc., must be reported to the SC4 Veterans Certifying Official.
  4. If a student receiving VA benefits withdraws from a class, the student may have to repay the money received for the class unless the withdrawal was due to circumstances beyond the student’s control.