Processing Your Veteran’s Educational Benefits
Avoid Delays
To avoid delays schedule and turn your cert request in early for each term you are enrolled in. Our processing time during non-peak time is within two weeks of receiving your request. Avoid peak-time which begins the last full month of each term through the end of the next term’s first full month. Peak time takes our office up to three weeks to process due to the increase in traffic volume and time sensitive reports due between terms. Please note that LCCC and VA process in the order of date received. VA’s standard time frame of processing is four to eight weeks.
Checking Your Status
VA will forward a confirmation email to you at the completion of LCCC transmitting your hours. To inquiry about your status you will need to speak to an educational case manager (ECM). Please call 1-888-442-4551 (1-888-GIBILL1). Key in the number one when you hear welcome. As soon as the next set of options come up key in the number zero. This short cut will take you directly to the ECM. Everyone is given an estimated time you will be placed on hold. You also will be given the option for a call back. You will be asked for your date of birth and file number. Your file number is your social security number. In order to access your information on line you may register for your own E-Benefits Account at www.gibill.gov. You will have the option of choosing a basic or premium account. If you have any further questions you may email our office at veterans@lorainccc.edu .
Book Allowance
The purchase of college books are the responsibility of the student by either paying out of pocket or using your financial aid. Exceptions vary depending on which benefit chapter you are eligible for. Below are the processes for Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB), Post 9/11 and Vocational Rehabilitation for you to review.
Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)
Please be prepared to pay up front or use your financial aid for the purchase of your books. Your MGIB benefits are to be applied to your tuition, fees and reimbursement of your books. This applies to Active Duty (Chapter 30) MGIB Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606), Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP, Chapter 1607), Survivors and Dependents Assistance (Chapter 35).
Chapter 33, Post 9/11
Chapter 33 students receive $1,000 per academic year for book allowance. Please be prepared to pay up front or use your financial aid for the purchase of your books. VA will forward the book allowance once they have processed your hours for the term.
Chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation
Chapter 31 students are entitled to an allowance for books and school supplies. Your “Cert Request” must be submitted and approved prior to picking up your book slip from a Veteran’s Certifying Official. Your book allowance is to be used for required books and school supplies. Electronics, clothing, and lunch vouchers are not to be purchased with your Chapter 31 book allowance. Voc Rehab receives a detailed account of your purchase and will only pay for authorized purchases. Any unauthorized purchases will be the sole responsibility of the student.