Guide to Military Benefits at Moorpark College
Introduction
This guide provides an overview of military education benefits, application process, and available resources offered through the Veterans Resource Center (VRC). Whether you’re a veteran or a dependent student, this guide will help you navigate the procedures to initiate your benefits through Moorpark College.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Student Registration and Intake
Students should:
- Apply to Moorpark College: Obtain a student ID # beginning with "900."
- Complete the Veteran Student Intake Form:
- Visit the Moorpark College Veterans Resource Center webpage to submit:
- VRC intake form: HERE!
- DD214: Separation papers (optional but recommended).
- Certificate of Eligibility: A letter from the VA detailing benefits.
- Veteran Statement of Understanding: outlines rules and expectations.
2. Education Plan (Ed Plan)
Students should:
- Enroll ONLY in courses meeting general education or degree requirements for your declared Program of Study.
- Schedule an appointment with a VRC counselor to create a plan each semester.
- Failure to update the Ed Plan may delay benefit certification.
3. Submitting Transcripts
Veterans must submit a Joint Service Transcript (JST):
- Access the JST website (https://jst.doded.mil/jst/).
- Request official transcripts to be sent directly to Moorpark College.
- The Air Force does not have JSTs. Air Force has the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF), we will need a transcript from CCAF in place of a JST.
- Verify receipt with Admissions and Records after 1-2 days.
For students with JSTs, CCAF, and/or prior college credits from outside of the VCCCD, must complete the Transcript Evaluation Request Form to evaluate applicable credits.
Summary of Benefit Programs
Chapter 31: Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
- Eligibility: Veterans with at least 10% service-connected disability.
- Duration: 48 months.
- Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage.
- Book stipend.
- Monthly BAH (Southern California rates): Starts at $793.01 /month with no dependents.
Post 9/11 Chapter 33
- Eligibility: Veterans with active-duty service; reservists require 36 months of active duty.
- Duration: 36 months.
- Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage.
- Book stipend: $41.67 per credit.
- Monthly BAH (Southern California rates):
- Full-time: $3534 /month.
- 7-11 credits: $1767 /month.
- 6 or fewer credits: $0.
Chapter 35: Dependent Educational Assistance (DEA)
- Eligibility: Dependents of veterans with 100% disability.
- Duration: 36 months per dependent.
- Benefits:
- Monthly BAH: $1536 for full-time students.
- No tuition coverage in California.
- No book stipend
Cal Vet Fee Waiver
- Eligibility: Dependents of disabled veterans.
- Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage at California community colleges and state schools.
- No coverage for fees or books.
- No BAH
Reminders:
- Maintain GPA: A minimum 2.0 GPA is required to keep benefits.
- Course Scheduling:
- Avoid late-start classes to maximize BAH payments.
- Limit benefit use during summer sessions to prevent reduced BAH.
- Consult VRC Before Dropping Classes: Dropped courses may result in VA overpayment and debt.
FAQs - Additional Resources and Guidance
- How long do I have to use my benefits?
- Veterans discharged after January 1, 2013, have no expiration date under the Forever GI Bill.
- Veterans discharged prior to January 1, 2013, have 15 years from separation.
- Dependents using Chapter 35 typically have 8 years from eligibility to use their benefits.
- What happens if I drop a class?
- Contact the Veterans Resource Center before making changes to enrollment.
- Can I use multiple benefits simultaneously?
- Yes, eligible individuals can combine benefits (e.g., Chapter 31 and Chapter 33) under specific conditions.
Real-Life Examples
- BAH Payment Issues:
- A student taking late-start classes received partial BAH until all classes began.
- Ensure classes start simultaneously for full benefits.
- Debt to VA:
- A student dropped below full-time, leading to repayment of BAH and tuition.
- Always consult the VRC before making schedule changes.
VA Required Check IN (NEW)
- The VA requires students using military educational benefits to check in and confirm enrollment once a month. To Check in with the VA call 1-888-442-4551
- Ch. 33 students can set up automated texts or emails for checking in.
- Ch. 35 & Montgomery GI Bill students have to call every month.
- Ch. 31 students check in directly with their VR&E Counselor.
Combining Benefits
- If eligible, starting with Chapter 31 and switching to Chapter 33 may provide up to 84 months of benefits.
- Transfer of Chapter 33 to dependents divides the 36 months of eligibility among recipients.
- A child dependent of a 100% disabled military veteran can potentially use both Plan B of Cal Vet Fee Waiver and DEA Ch. 35 at the same time depending on eligibility.
- A spouse dependent of a 100% disabled military veteran can ONLY use either Plan A of Cal Vet Fee Waiver or DEA Ch. 35, depending on eligibility. Spouses cannot use both benefits at the same time.
Active-Duty Military
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Active-Duty Military members are eligible for various benefits for their education while serving in the military.
-
Active-Duty members can apply for Tuition Assistance (TA) through their commands. Whether or not an Active-Duty member is eligible to use to TA will depend entirely on the requirements of their command.
-
Active-Duty members can use the GI Bill while they are serving. However, if an Active-Duty members attempt to use their GI Bill while they are already receiving BAH through the military, they will forfeit any BAH offered through the GI Bill. The military will not allow Active-Duty members to receive two BAH checks.
Tips for Success
- Stay Organized: Keep all VA documents accessible and submit updates promptly.
- Plan Ahead:
- Schedule Counseling Appointment Early (this is students' responsibility).
- Register for classes that align with major and VA payment schedules/criteria.
- Explore Additional Aid: FAFSA/Scholarships to cover costs beyond GI Bill benefits.
Visual Aids and Quick References
- Benefit Comparison Table:
|
Program
|
Eligibility
|
Duration
|
Key Benefits
|
|
Post 9/11 Chapter 33
|
Veterans with active-duty service
|
36 months
|
Tuition, BAH, book stipend
|
|
Chapter 31 VR&E
|
Veterans with 10%+ disability
|
48 months
|
Tuition, BAH, book stipend
|
|
Chapter 35 DEA
|
Dependents of 100% disabled veterans
|
36 months
|
BAH only
|
|
Cal Vet Fee Waiver
|
Dependents of disabled veterans
|
N/A
|
Tuition (CA only)
|
Process Checklist:
-
- Apply to Moorpark College and get a student ID.
- Complete the Veteran Student Intake Form.
- Schedule an Ed Plan appointment with a VRC counselor.
- Submit JST and Transcript Evaluation Request (if applicable).
- Register for classes and consult the VRC if making changes.
Resources and Contacts
The VRC resource guide aims to provide general information. The VRC hopes to support your process of accessing and utilizing military benefits while attending Moorpark College. For detailed assistance, and information specific to your individual circumstances, please connect with the Veterans Resource Center and/or the VA directly.
Veterans Resource Center at Moorpark College
7075 Campus Road, Student Services Annex-108, Moorpark, CA 93021
805-553-4106
MCvetdesk01@vcccd.edu
