Veteran Affairs Education Benefits
Martin Community College is proud to support Veteran Affairs (VA) education programs to ensure our service members, veterans, and your family meet all of your desired educational goals. Our School Certifying Official, Allison Stalls, Director of Financial Aid, is available to provide you with information needed to make informed decisions concerning your well-earned educational benefits.
Education Benefits & Eligibility Requirements
Martin Community College is approved by the North Carolina State Approving Agency for the enrollment of persons eligible for education assistance benefits from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
Benefits
- Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill®, Active Duty
- Chapter 31 Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)
- Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill®
- Chapter 35 Survivors and Dependents Assistance
- Chapter 1606 Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve
- Chapter 1607 Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP)
Requirements
Students electing to use Veteran Affairs education benefits must meet requirements as outlined by both the Veterans Affairs Office and the North Carolina State Approving Agency.
For additional information regarding VA benefits contact:
Allison Stalls
Director of Financial Aid & VA Certifying Official
Building 1, Office 20, Ph. 252-789-0204 or email at [email protected]
How to Apply for VA Educational Benefits
Step 1: Apply for VA Educational Benefits
To start the application process to use your VA Educational Benefits or to use the VA Educational Benefits of your spouse or parent, you first need to apply with the VA for the appropriate application for benefits. This process may be completed at any VA Office, by calling 1-888-442-4551 or by visiting www.gibill.va.gov. Please review the groups (A or B) below for additional information needed to accompany your application:
Group A: Individuals under the following categories:
- Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill®, Active Duty
- Chapter 31 Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)
- Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill® or Transfer of Eligibility (TOE)
- Chapter 1606 Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve
- Chapter 1607 Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP)
Individuals applying for benefits under Group A are required to submit a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4) and their Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE).
Group B: Individuals under the following categories:
- Chapter 35 Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program
Individuals applying for benefits under Group B are required to submit a copy of their Certificate of Eligibility detailing benefits under the Dependents' Education Assistance (DEA) program.
Step 2: Apply for Admission to MCC
Complete and submit an online admission application at www.martincc.edu.
Step 3: Submit all Official Transcripts
Prior to being certified for VA benefits, students must submit all official transcripts from your high school/GED equivalency, from any college/universities you've attended and a copy of your military transcript, if applicable, to the Admissions Office.
Step 4: Complete the FAFSA
You may qualify for federal student aid. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov. MCC's federal school code: 007988.
Step 5: Register & Pay for Classes
Once you have registered and paid for classes, each academic term you must submit a copy of your current schedule to the MCC VA School Certifying Official located in the Financial Aid Office, Bldg. 1, Room 20. Within 30 days of the first day of class, the School Certifying Official will process certification of eligible classes, tuition and fees as allowed by your Certificate of Eligibility.
Important Things to Know about Using your GI Bill® at MCC
- You can only receive VA funds for approved curriculum programs.
- Most degree programs are approved by VA, but if you're unsure, contact the MCC VA School Certifying Official.
- Continuing education courses are not approved by VA.
- VA will only pay for courses in your program of study.
- VA will not pay for independent study, audited classes, or credit by exam.
- It can take up to 60-90 days for VA to process your claim for benefits.
- If you decide to change your program of study, you must notify the VA School Certifying Official prior to changing/updating your program of study with the Admissions Office.
- Any change in personal information (address, name, etc.) must be reported to the VA School Certifying Official and the Admissions Office immediately.
- The Veterans Administration regulations require students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) in order to remain eligible for VA educational benefits. Please see the MCC College Catalog for SAP Policy.
- It is your responsibility to notify us of any changes in your schedule – dropping a class, adding a class, withdrawing from a class(es), etc.
- If you withdraw from classes or do not report changes when verifying your enrollment, you may owe funds to VA. Contact the VA School Certifying Official before making changes to your schedule or if you have any questions.
Important VA Contacts
MCC VA School Certifying Official
(252) 789-0204 or [email protected]
Regional VA Office
(888) 442-4551
Veterans Crisis Line
(800) 273-8255