When can I expect to receive my VA benefits? I have already submitted my ECR.

Once Kapi’olani CC’s VA Certifying Official submits your enrollment information, it must be entered into the system by VA.  If the VA receives your ECR form after the priority deadline, processing times are typically longer at the start of the semester and VA is generally overwhelmed with enrollments at the start of each semester, it could take up to six weeks  for the VA to complete the certification process during those times.  

You must also verify your enrollment at the end of each month in order to receive payment for that month. Benefits are paid after each month of school is completed. For instructions, see the FAQ: “How do I verify my enrollment?”

If I fail a course, will I have to pay the VA back?

If you fail a course but attended the entire term, the VA will not require you to pay back the tuition and fees, and you can usually retake the course with VA coverage. However, if you stop attending (unofficially withdraw) or fail due to non-attendance, the VA may classify it as a withdrawal and could require repayment of the funds for that course.

What if I’m taking classes at more than one institution or at multiple UH Campuses?

Inform Kapi’olani CC’s VA School Certifying Official (SCO) at VMRC as soon as possible. SCO will then contact the secondary campus(es) to certify your non-Kapi’olani CC courses. 

Who is my Academic Counselor?

• For incoming students (freshman, returning, or transfer students), please contact the FYE/Pāhihi team at kapstart@hawaii.edu.

• For continuing students (currently enrolled), contact the academic counselor assigned to your program/major. You can find a list of academic counselors for each major here: https://www.kapiolani.hawaii.edu/support-and-campus-life/counseling/ 

What is considered full-time status, and how many credits do I need to register for to receive BAH?

FULL TIME STATUS:

• Summer 6-week Session:  4 or more credits per summer session (standard Summer Session 1 and Summer Session 2)

• Summer 8-week Session:  6 or more credits

• Fall and Spring Semester:  12 or more credits (standard term)

Only applies to Chapter 31 (VR&E) & Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®) recipients for BAH/MHA based on Rate of Pursuit (RoP).

• Summer 6-week Session:  To receive the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), students must enroll in at least 3 credits, must be in classroom or at least one course being in-classroom. For full BAH, students must enroll in 4 or more credits, with at least one in-classroom course in each session

• Summer 8-week Session:  To receive the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), students must enroll in at least 5 credits, with at least one course being in-classroom. For full BAH, students must enroll in 6 or more credits, with at least one in-classroom course in each session

• Fall and Spring Semester:  To receive the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), students must enroll in at least 7 credits, including at least one in-classroom course. For full BAH, students must enroll in 12 or more credits, with at least one in-classroom course.

Chapter 33: Students enrolled solely in online courses for a term will receive the distance learning BAH rate, which is equal to half the national average BAH for an E-5 with dependents.  Visit the Department of VA website for the current rates

Chapter 31: All online courses allowed if approved by the VR&E counselor.