|
Qualifying for Benefits
Academic Program at Fort Dix and McGuire AFB
Change in Status
Veteran Absenteeism
Disabled Veterans - Chapter 31
The Montgomery G.I. Bill - Chapter 30
Benefits for Members of the Selected Reserve - Chapter 1606
Dependents of Military Personnel and Veterans - Chapter 35
State of New Jersey Educational Benefits Veterans Tuition Credit Program
National Guard Tuition-Free Program
Frequently Asked Questions
The Office of Veterans Affairs was established in September 1973 to provide assistance to the veteran population at Burlington County College. While primary emphasis is placed on education benefits, the Office provides information and assistance to student veterans and community residents for any benefits available from the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).
The Office provides an "I've-been-there" attitude by employing student veterans under the work-study program. These student veterans assist new applicants in the initial process of enrolling in the College and applying for educational benefits, as well as performing other necessary office duties. Student veterans are paid with funds provided by the DVA's work-study program. This program enables them to supplement their income while providing a valuable service to fellow veterans. The work-study veterans add an important personal touch to the services provided by the Office of Veterans Affairs. They offer reassurance to many veterans thinking about continuing their education at BCC.
Qualifying for Benefits
To qualify for veterans' benefits, you must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program. If you are entering Burlington County College for the first time and believe you are eligible for veterans' educational assistance, apply at the Office of Veterans Affairs, Student Services Center, Parker Center, on the Pemberton Campus. The office has both day and evening hours to ensure access to all veteran students seeking information and assistance. Appointments are also available at the Technology and Engineering Center, Mt. Laurel, NJ and the Ft. Dix and McGuire AFB Education Centers.
You will be required to submit a copy of your separation papers (DD 214) with your application. It normally takes eight weeks to receive the first payment following submission of the application package and certification of enrollment.
The Office of Veterans Affairs will serve as your focal point of contact. The staff is sensitive to the needs and problems faced by veterans returning to school, and strives to assure each veteran a successful academic experience.
Academic Program at Fort Dix and McGuire AFB
Burlington County College offers courses at the Fort Dix and McGuire Air Force Base Education Centers. The College's Pemberton Campus is only 10 minutes from either base.
Change in Status
If you are using GI Bill benefits, it is essential that you contact the Office of Veterans Affairs each semester to report your registration, and to make sure that you have been certified for that semester. Veterans must also report any course changes during the semester, to keep their file updated, and to avoid any unnecessary conflict in pay status.
Veteran Absenteeism
Excessive absenteeism could result in your benefits being decreased or terminated. The Veterans Affairs Office is kept informed of attendance records, and will take appropriate actions to prevent overpayments by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The reported change posted to the VA will be determined by the date of your last attendance. As outlined by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the date of last attendance is defined as one of the following:
- Date officially withdrawn. A Drop/Add form must be submitted to the Registration Department.
- Date that you failed to demonstrate satisfactory progress, as defined by the Institution's Standards of Academic Progress.
- Definite date of last attendance from instructor's records.
- For those classes where attendance is not mandatory, this date will be determined from the last activity date reflected in the instructor's records; either the last paper submitted or the last examination completed.
The Department of Veterans Affairs does not pay for non-punitive grades such as auditing of a course (AU), nor for courses which will not fulfill criteria for graduation in the chosen major. If you anticipate being absent from classes, notify your instructors and discuss the situation with them. It may prevent an excessive absence report from being initiated.
Disabled Veterans - Chapter 31
Any veteran with a disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs of 20% or more is entitled to apply for Vocational Rehabilitation. Voc Rehab provides payment of tuition, fees, books, and required supplies along with a monthly subsistence allowance. If you believe you are eligible for Chapter 31 benefits, contact the Office of Veterans Affairs for more information.
The Montgomery G.I. Bill - Chapter 30
Veterans are entitled to 36 months of training under Chapter 30, to be used within ten years of honorable discharge from active duty (delimiting date). Eligibility is based on:
- entering the active military after June 30, 1985
- serving continuously for three years
- contributing $100 per month for the first 12 months of active duty.
Benefits for Members of the Selected Reserve - Chapter 1606
Effective July 1, 1985, members of the selected reserve of the U.S. Armed Forces may be eligible for 36 months of training under Chapter 1606 educational assistance, to be used within ten years of the date of eligibility on the NOBE. The Unit Commander will provide a "Notice of Basic Eligibility" (NOBE). Veterans must bring in this NOBE and fill out an application for GI Bill benefits. These will be submitted to the DVA with a certification of enrollment at BCC.
Dependents of Military Personnel and Veterans - Chapter 35
Children and spouses of veterans who died or are permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability are eligible for benefits under Chapter 35 of the Montgomery GI Bill. Children must be between 18 and 26 years of age. Spouses must use the benefit within ten years of becoming eligible.
State of New Jersey Educational Benefits Veterans Tuition Credit Program
New Jersey offers a stipend to certain veterans who:
- are or were eligible for GI Bill benefits
- who served on active duty between December 31, 1960 and May 7, 1975
- were legal residents of New Jersey at the time of induction, the time of discharge, or for one year prior to application for this benefit.
National Guard Tuition-Free Program
Available to members of the New Jersey National Guard, this program requires students to produce a Commander's Certificate each semester, and to file for all available State and Federal Financial Aid for each academic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I activate my GI benefits?
Fill out an application, available in BCC's Veterans Affairs Office, and provide a copy of your discharge papers (DD-214). This documentation will be forwarded, along with BCC's certification that you are enrolled for classes.
How much does the VA pay?
The amounts vary. Contact the BCC Veterans Affairs Office for details.
Does the VA pay my tuition directly to BCC?
No. The VA pays a stipend directly to you. The amount is based on the number of credits certified for each semester, without regard for the amount of tuition charged by the college.
My husband and father are veterans. Are there any benefits for me?
Only in the specific instances where the veteran is 100% totally and permanently disabled, or deceased from a service-related disability.
How long does it take for my VA check to start coming in?
VA processing takes 6 to 8 weeks.
How do I pay my tuition?
You will have to pay tuition in full by the College's deadline, or request a deferral (new students only) from the Office of Veterans Affairs/Financial Aid.
Does the VA pay for my books?
No. You must budget for tuition, fees, and books from the monthly stipend.
Back to Top
|
|