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*Please review the attachments at the bottom of this page for detailed instructions & relevant forms.
Active or retired members of our military can access the necessary forms online. Or, you can complete paper forms in our office. You will need to provide us with a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4).
· First time using your benefits - Go to: http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp Complete your 22-1990. Bring us a copy of the completed 22-1990 & your DD214.
· Changing programs - Go to: http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp Do a 22-1995 form. We also need a completed 22-1990 in our files.
· Active duty - Go to: http://education.military.com/money-for-school/active-duty/active-duty-education-benefits-users-guide
· Dependents/Survivors - (Chapter 35) need to complete a 22-5490 and/or 22-5495 if you are changing programs.
If you would like to speak with the Central VA Office directly, call 1.888.442.4551. Before Applying for Veteran's Assistance Educational Benefits:
The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) requires each applicant for VA Educational Benefits be formally accepted to an approved curriculum (Program of Study) before initial certification of attendance can be sent to the DVA. Normally, formal acceptance is achieved by completion of the following:
Click here to return to FCTC's website: http://www.fctc.edu/
 Top 15 Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I apply for veteran's benefits?
All veteran students beginning or transferring to an FCTI program who wish to receive VA Educational Benefits must complete the required VA forms. These forms can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office, alternately, they can be obtained from the VA education home page at http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/educationforms.htm 2. How do I know what benefits I am entitled to, what forms are needed, and where I can get them? Application requirements for educational benefits vary from program to program. Contact the Financial Aid Office at 904-829-1073 or to determine the correct forms and documents to use for you DVA educational benefits, click on this link.(PDF).
Chapter 30 - Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)
The MGIB program provides up to 36 months of education benefits. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty. This program is also commonly known as Chapter 30. For a more detailed description of Chapter 30 benefits, go to: http://www.gibill.va.gov/education/benefits.htm. Chapter 31 - Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
This benefit is designed to assist veterans with a service-connected disability in obtaining and maintaining employment. A service-connected disability rating is required as part of the eligibility requirements. Veterans should apply for vocational rehabilitation through the County Veteran Services Office. They will receive guidance from the Vocational Rehabilitation and Counseling Division of the DVA regarding application and admission requirements. For a more detailed description of Chapter 31 benefits, go to: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/index.htm Chapter 32 - Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
VEAP is available if you first entered active duty between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985 and you elected to make contributions from your military pay to participate in this education benefit program. Your contributions are matched on a $2 for $1 basis by the Government. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. For a more detailed description of Chapter 32 benefits, go to: http://www.gibill.va.gov/education/benefits.htm. Chapter 35 - Dependent's and Survivor's Educational Assistance Program (DEA)
DEA provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service related condition. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. If you are a spouse, you may take a correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. For a more detailed description of Chapter 35 benefits, go to: http://www.gibill.va.gov/education/benefits.htm. Chapter 1606 - Montgomery GI Bill for the Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
The MGIB-SR program may be available to you if you are a member of the Selected Reserve. The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. For a more detailed description of Chapter 1606 benefits, go to: http://www.gibill.va.gov/education/benefits.htm. 3. Where do I mail the VA forms? 5. After registration has been completed, what does the school send to the DVA?
6. How long can it take to find out eligibility for veterans benefits or to begin receiving money?
The DVA requires about two to three months (sometimes more) after receiving the certification of enrollment and application, to process an award and begin payment. After the initial application and first certification of enrollment is sent to the DVA, all other semesters will be electronically sent to the DVA. The DVA requires about two months (sometimes more) after transmission, to process an award and begin payment. To sign up for direct deposit, download form 24-0296 at http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/24-0296.pdf and mail to the appropriate location indicated on the form. Payment for veterans' benefits is made at the end of each month by the VA. For example, you will be paid for February for attendance during January, in March for attendance in February, and so on (considering your registration and certification for class registration has been processed by the VA). 7. How can I contact the DVA?
Inquiries regarding certification and payment can be made directly to the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) by calling 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) or the “Ask a Question Find an Answer” link at www.GIBILL.va.gov. Please feel free to contact the Financial Aid Office with any questions or concerns at (904) 829-1073. Our toll free number is 1-800-GoToFCTI. 8. What kind of Information/forms will I receive from the DVA or NSU?
Utilization of VA Educational Benefits will generate a continuing stream of school and VA correspondence. All correspondence is important and should be read carefully upon receipt. Any misunderstandings or discrepancies should be brought to the attention of the Financial Aid Office immediately for clarification or correction when appropriate. We urge you to create and maintain a file for all VA and school correspondence. It is also recommended you keep a photocopy of each check received. The documents you will receive include Enrollment Certification (22-1999) and Changes in student status (22-1999b) from the Financial Aid Office, and award letters from the DVA Regional Office.
Enrollment Certifications (22-1999) contain information about the dates of the classes you are taking. Verify personal data such as address, social security number, and name. Pay particular attention to the dates and hours reported. If any information is incorrect, please notify the Financial Aid Office immediately.
Notices of Change in Student Status (22-1999b) are usually sent to the DVA after an initial enrollment certification has been sent. Again, a photocopy will be sent to you. These forms reflect a change in hours either a result of dropping a class, being dropped from a class by the instructor, or the change of dates of classes. You should carefully review this form to verify name, social security number, and hours reported. If the information appears incorrect, please contact the Financial Aid Office so the information can be explained or corrected. Also, these students will have:
How does the system work? Just dial 1-877-823-2378 and follow the instructions provided. Failure to complete these monthly verification procedures in a timely fashion may result in delayed checks and possible termination of educational benefits.
9. What if I make changes in my enrollment?
All changes made after your initial application or certification is forwarded to the DVA Regional Office and should be brought to the attention of the Financial Aid Office so the change can be reported. 10. What are the most common changes?
The most common changes include: 1. Change in status of dependents 2. Change in address 3. Change in major 4. Changes in clock hours 5. Withdrawal from school 6. Anticipated change in place of training 11. What if I have a change of status of dependents?
This applies to those students utilizing Vietnam Era GI Bill benefits and Vocational Rehabilitation. Those groups of veterans receive an additional allowance for each dependent. Changes can occur when:
12. What if I change my address?
If you should move during your enrollment at FCTC, you would need to change your address with Registration and the DVA Regional Office. Changing your address with only one of these offices will not automatically change your address with the other. This change for FCTC can be done at Registration, Building 1. DVA changes of address can be done by calling 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) or download a form 20-572 at www.GIBILL.va.gov and mailing to the DVA Regional Office In Atlanta. 13. What if I change my program?
Should you decide to change your program you should be aware there are school and VA forms to complete. The FCTC form is available through your program. The form required by the VA is form 22-1995 or 22-5495 and available through the Financial Aid Office or at www.GIBILL.va.gov. These forms can be completed online through the VA’s VONAPP, but students must also notify the Financial Aid Office. 14. What if I change my clock hours?
This occurs when you drop a class(es), withdraw from a class(es) or are dropped from a class(es) by the instructor. Most often, the Financial Aid Office will receive notification, but there are occasions where this does not happen. It is your responsibility to inform the Financial Aid Office of the change, as well as, the DVA Regional Office. 15. What if I withdraw from school? If you are transferring from FCTC, you should notify your program office, the Financial Aid Office and Business Office as soon as possible.
Note: Failure to report changes constitutes fraud and is the primary cause for delays in the delivery of your educational checks and occurrences of overpayment. Changes may be reported to the NSU Veterans' Benefits Specialist in person, by telephone, or email (listed on the first page).
Additional Financial Assistance There are several additional forms of financial aid you may be eligible for to supplement your DVA educational assistance. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for more information. |