Getting Started

Are you a new Student interested in using your VA Education benefits? Don’t know where to start? Follow this simple getting started checklist ]

1. Apply for your VA benefits at www.gibill.va.gov by clicking on the "Apply for Benefits" graphic. Next, click on the "Launch VONAPP and apply for Benefits” link. You should now be at the eBenefits page. If you are already registered for eBenefits, log in, or, if not registered, click “Register” and follow the screen prompts. To learn which GI BILL Chapter you are eligible for and which chapter will allow you to maximize your educational benefit, you can call the VA Education directly before you apply at 1.888.442.4551.
   NOTE: Selected Reserves - Educational benefits are also available to eligible members. A “Notice of Basic Eligibility” (NOBE) DD-2384 has to be requested from your unit and brought to the Veterans Services Office to start the application process.
2. Apply to Skagit Valley College. All students must apply for admission to the college. Admission request forms are located in the Registration Offices.
3. Schedule an appointment with an SVC Academic Advisor to create your Education Plan, help in selecting classes, review long term educational goals and prepare for transition to a four-year school. If you have attended prior colleges, please ensure all transcripts (including your SMART transcript) are available for your appointment. Once completed, visit the Veterans Office to ensure you have all required VA paperwork ready to submit.
   NOTE: SVC requires all students using GI BILL Benefits to create and annually update an Education Plan. This plan will be your approved class list and will be an invaluable tool in helping you reach degree completion.
4. Take the Math and English Compass test. If you have successfully completed college-level Math and/or English at a prior institution, you may not need to complete the Compass Test at SVC. Information on Compass Testing can be found at links listed below:
   [ Mount Vernon Compass Info] [Whidbey Island Compass Info ]
5. Register for classes. When registering for classes, be aware of classes that don't last the full length of the quarter. VA will only pay for the length of the class, not the full quarter.
6. Meet with an SVC Veteran Representative in the Veterans Office to complete required paperwork to activate VA benefits. Please bring a copy of your DD214 - Member 4, your VA Certificate of Eligibility/Award Letter, a copy of the application for benefits you submitted, your driver’s license, a printout of the classes you have enrolled for.
   
   Note: Veterans receiving Chapter 33 benefits must enroll in at least 12 credits of which one must be in class to receive their full monthly housing allowance. Veterans enrolled in 12 credits of on-line classes with no in-class class will receive 50% of the national average basic housing allowance (currently $673.50).

Veterans attending SVC who expect to receive Veteran benefits must meet three minimum standards, in addition to those required by the college:

1. Veterans must declare a program of study or degree objective this is your Education Plan. The VA will pay for only those classes that apply toward the VA approved program of study. If you are not sure, ASK A Veterans Office Representative.
2. Veterans must complete the course work paid for. Grades of ‘V’, ‘Z’ or ‘W’ will result in overpayment, which means some or all the benefits received from VA must be repaid.
3. Veterans must notify SVC Veteran’s Office when changing classes (adding or dropping), withdrawing from SVC, or when you stop attending classes. Additionally, benefits may be terminated for unsatisfactory progress or conduct. If terminated, benefits may be reinstated by a certifying official upon establishing a reasonable likelihood that satisfactory progress and/or conduct will be sustained in the future. This can occur only after all other admission requirements have been met.
   
   NOTE: Certifying Your Benefits is Not Automatic Each Quarter! You must contact the SVC Veterans Office after you have registered for classes to let us know your plan to use your VA benefit before we can certify you. The process of “Certifying” is informing the VA on the following:
   • The number of credits you have registered for.
   • That your courses are approved as part of your degree plan.
   • The amount of your Tuition & Fees.

For Post-9/11 students:

This is when we tell the VA how much they are to pay the school for your tuition and fees. It also starts your book payment and BAH.

Be aware that you will be dropped after registering if we don’t certify and defer your payment before the date payment is due. We can defer your payment as long as you have registered for classes notified us and all required paperwork is in place.

For students using the other GI Bill Chapters:

When the Veterans Office certifies your courses, we are informing the VA on how many credits you are taking so your monthly payments can be processed. In order for this important process to be executed in a timely manner, we need you to communicate with the Veterans Office IMMEDIATELY after registering for classes, each and every quarter.