Veteran Student Success Center | Welcome Packet

Veteran Student Success Center 3744 CR 4000 Independence, KS 67301 620-332-5679

Table of Contents The Purpose of this Packet…………………………………………………………………………………………………….…….....2 Welcome from the President...................................................................................................................3 Checklist for VA Education and Training Benefits................................................................................4 Frequently Asked Questions…………………………………………………………………………………………………...……..5 Funding Services.......................................................................................................................................6 eBenefits…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..7 Resources and Links……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….10

1

The Purpose of This Packet Independence Community College and the Veteran Student Support staff want to welcome you and your family to the ICC Pirate family! We want to ensure that you have access to every resource that we know of, along with information on the various benefits available to Veterans, Active-Duty service members, and military dependents. So, we compiled everything to get you started into this welcome packet.

However, this information is just a starting point, and the Veteran Support staff is available to help with any questions you have. Feel free to come by the Veteran’s Center in the Student Union for • • • • • •

Free Coffee and snacks Free laptop access and printing Lounge area with TV and Xbox gaming system Assistance with planning and preparing for placement tests (Accuplacer) Help with applying for admission and education benefits and financial aid Assistance in applying for military transcripts

We can’t wait to personally welcome you to ICC and help you get started towards your education goals! We want to ensure that every Veteran, Active-Duty service member, and military dependent who wants to go to college has support and access to information and resources that can help them pay for school and get credit for previous military training and experience.

Call, Email, or Stop by today!

Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Support In the Student Union 3744 CR 4000, Independence KS Phone: (620) 332-5678 Email: veteransuccess@indycc.edu

2

Independence Community College 1057 W. College Ave. Independence, KS 67301 www.indycc.edu Office of the President

Greetings, You served our country at home and abroad with distinction. Here at Independence Community College (ICC), we want to extend our gratitude to you for not only serving our country, but for choosing our college serve you in your academic endeavors. We want to ensure your personal success as you transition to student life at the ICC campus as we understand the complexities, stress, and anxiety that is a significant part of military life—something I know all too well as the son of a Vietnam-era veteran.

Thankfully, we have the support in place to do so for our military-connected students.

In January 2021, ICC received a substantial, three-year grant from the United States Department of Education to open a Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success (CEVSS). Fast forward to the Fall 2021 semester, our very own CEVSS is now a reality for our military-connected students like veterans, active-duty military, National Guard members, Reservists, and military dependents. At ICC, our mission to support you in achieving your academic, career, and personal goals is one of our utmost priorities by aiding in your transition to campus life, completing your degree program, and helping our military-connected students transfer to a four-year university. We have established a CEVSS support team to address these key areas. Their objective is to provide you with essential services, assisting with schoolrelated inquiries as well as offering information about various campus and community support resources that best suit your needs. Our CEVSS is also a place for veterans, active military students, and military dependents to connect with one another throughout their academic journey.

Additionally, ICC was named a Purple Heart College by the Military Order of the Purple Heart in November 2020, in recognition of our support to military members, including veterans and their families.

As always, ICC is committed to our military-connected student population. We offer small class sizes, providing you with the opportunity for individualized attention in the classroom as well as in the tutoring center. Our faculty and staff are offered annual advocacy (Green Zone) training, too. This annual training opportunity is an essential component in bettering our understanding of veterans, active military, and military dependents student experiences at ICC. At ICC, you are a valued member of the student population. We have taken the time to cultivate a top-notch educational experience for you, providing specifically geared attention towards your individual needs. We look forward to continuing to serve you as an important member of our Pirate family. Thanks for making ICC your destination of choice for your education.

Sincerely,

Dr. Vincent Bowhay President

3

Checklist for VA Education & Training Benefits The following checklist will help guide you through the process of receiving your Education & Training Benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

•

Complete your application for VA Education Benefits o Veterans should use VA Form 22-1990 o Veterans Dependents should use VA Form 22-5490

Find out more about applying at www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply •

Transfer students should change their Place of Training with the VA o Veterans should use VA Form 22-1995 o Veterans Dependents should use VA Form 22-5495

•

Give your Certificate of Eligibility (issued by the VA) to ICC’s School Certifying Office (SCO) located in the Office of Student Financial Aid

•

Complete ICC’s VA Benefits Information sheet, available at www.indycc.edu/financial- aid/veterans

•

Provide a copy of your schedule every semester. You must send the SCO your schedule each semester of enrollment that you want certified; it will not automatically happen

•

Any changes to your schedule must be reported to your SCO. Failure to notify the VA of changes could cause your benefits to be in over- or under-payment

•

If you change your major, you will need to notify the VA and your SCO o Veterans should use VA Form 22-1995 o Veterans Dependents should use VA Form 22-5495

A few other things you should know: • ICC does not charge out-state tuition rates to any Veteran or dependent entitled to benefits, regardless of residency status. If your bill indicated “Border State” or “Out State” tuition, please let your SCO know.

•

Any veteran entitled to benefits under Chapter 31 (Vocational Readiness & Employment) or Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill are not charged late fees, denied access to classes, or other institutional facilities based on their inability to pay due to a delay in disbursement of funds from the VA. If there is a delay of benefits due to you, please notify your SCO.

4

Frequently Asked Questions When will tuition and fees take effect on the student’s account?- The VA Certifying Official will put in tuition and fees AFTER the 100% drop date for the school. After that, the VA will send tuition amount directly to the college. Any excess aid will then be refunded after tuition and fees have been applied.

How much will my payment be? The college and the SCO’s do not know how much your monthly benefit payments will be. The VA determines the benefit amount based on courses taken and your eligibility. Please contact the VA helpline at 888-442-4551 for questions about your benefits.

Am I eligible for Post 9/11 GI Bill?

-

-

Eligibility depends on Veteran’s amount of time on Active Duty. If the Veteran served at least 90 days on active duty after September 10, 2001; or for dependents transferred benefits, after 10 years of service.

At least 36 months = 100% of Maximum Benefit Payable At least 30 continuous days and discharged due to service-connected disability = 100% At least 30-36 months = 90% At least 24-30 months = 80% At least 18-24 months = 70% At least 12-18 months = 60% At least 6-12 = 50% At least 90 days-6 months = 40%

How long do I have the Post 9/11 GI Bill for?- You have up to 36 months of entitlement. You will be eligible for benefits 15 years from your last period of active duty.

You must have AT LEAST 90 consecutive days. The new post 9/11 GI Bill for Life lifted these restrictions for Veterans who were discharged on or after January 1, 2013. This means that if you are a recent veteran, you have forever to use up all of your GI Bill benefit!

Can I transfer my benefits?- Two chapters can now transfer their benefits to dependents. Post 9/11 GY Bill (Ch. 33) and the Dependent’s Education Assistance (Ch. 35).

Post 9/11 you have 36 months that can be dispersed to dependents and the Veteran. With Ch. 35, each dependent and Service Member will have 45 months, however, this transfer of benefits must be done while on active duty.

5

Funding Services 1. Federal Student Aid - The FAFSA The FAFSA needs to be done every year to find out how much you qualify for in Federal Student Aid. This covers the Pell Grant (free money!), Work-Study, and student loans. The FAFSA is required for all ICC Scholarship and some Kansas scholarships. Fill it out online at www.studentaid.gov

2. ICC Scholarships - ICC & ICC Foundation Apply online for ICC and ICC Foundation scholarship in one convenient application. The Foundation does require a letter or recommendation, so plan ahead! Apply online at www.indycc.edu/financial-aid/scholarships

3. State Scholarships - Kansas Board of Regents The state of Kansas offers a variety of scholarships to Kansas residents attending a Kansas school. Scholarships based on school, program, military status, etc. are all available. Most applications are due April 1st so don’t miss out on this opportunity!

Apply at www.kansasregents.org/students

4. Scholarship Search Engine - FASTWEB Fastweb is a free online search engine for verified scholarships available across the nation. Create an online profile and start receiving customized information on scholarships available to you. Sign up at www.fastweb.com 5. Your Financial Aid Office Stop by and see us!

ICC’s Office of Student Financial Aid is here to help you through every step of the financial aid process. Feel free to reach out at any time with questions or concerns you may have.

ICC Office of Student Financial Aid Administration Building, Rooms 109 & 110 Financialaid@indycc.edu (620) 332-5460

6

What is eBenefits?

eBenefits is a joint VA/DoD web portal that provides resources and self-service capabilities to Veterans, Service members, and their families to research, access and manage their VA and military benefits and personal information. eBenefits uses secure credentials to allow access to personal information and gives users the ability to perform numerous self-service functions. It also provides a list of links to other sites that provide information about military and Veteran benefits. It is an essential way for Veterans, Service members, and their families to receive access to and service from VA and DoD.

What can I do in eBenefits?

Some of the features within eBenefits allow Veterans and Service members to access official military personnel documents, view the status of their disability compensation claim, transfer entitlement of Post-9/11 GI Bill to eligible dependents (Service members only), and register for and update direct deposit information for certain benefits. For a full list of features, see the reverse side of this fact sheet. New features are being added regularly.

How do I access eBenefits?

eBenefits is located at www.ebenefits.va.gov. Before Veterans can access and use eBenefits they must be listed in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and obtain a DS Logon.

Service members can access eBenefits with a DS Logon or Common Access Card (CAC). They can choose from two levels of registration, DS Logon Level 1 (Basic) and DS Logon Level 2 (Premium). Note: If Veterans attempt to register and are informed they have no DEERS record, VA will first need to verify their military service and add them to DEERS. All VA Regional Offices have staff familiar with procedures for adding a Veteran to DEERS.

What is a DS Logon?

A DS Logon is a secure identity (username and password) that is used by various DoD and VA websites, including eBenefits. If you are already registered in DEERS, you are eligible for a DS Logon.

Once you have a DS Logon, it’s valid for the rest of your life.

How do I register for an eBenefits account?

You can register for an eBenefits account online using the eBenefits DS Logon Account Registration Wizard. There are two types of registration, Basic and Premium. You will be walked through a series of questions to assist you in obtaining a Premium eBenefits Account, which gives you the highest level of access to eBenefits features. With a Premium Account you can view personal data about

7

yourself in VA and DoD systems, apply for benefits online, check the status of your claims, update your address records, and more. To get a Premium eBenefits Account, you must verify your identity.

Many people will be able to verify their identity online by answering a few security questions. Service members may verify their identity online by using their CAC. Military retirees may verify their identity online using their Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) Logon. For those unable to verify their identity online, you will instantly receive a Basic Account. A Basic eBenefits Account lets you customize the site and access information you enter into eBenefits yourself; however, you cannot see your personal information in VA or DoD systems.

However, there are other options available to you. Veterans in receipt of VA benefits via direct deposit may have their identity verified by calling 1-800-827-1000. Others may need to visit a VA Regional Office to have their identities verified in person.

For More Information visit www.ebenefits.va.gov

8

eBenefits Features If you are a Veteran:

• Apply for Veterans benefits online-New claims • Check on your compensation or pension claims status-links to VA.gov • Upload documents to support your compensation or pension claim • Check Post-9/11 GI Bill enrollment status • View DoD TRICARE health insurance • Sign up for Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) (Time limits apply) • Search for and select an accredited representative or organization • Order prescription medications • Message your physician securely • Access your medical information via Blue Button • Order medical equipment such as hearing aid batteries and prosthetic socks • Check on your appeal status • Generate a VA home loan certificate of eligibility

• Obtain official military personnel documents such as DD Form 214 •

Register for

and update direct deposit information for certain benefits

If you are a Service member:

• Use the eLearning Center for the online transition assistance program and more • Transfer Post-9/11 education benefits • View DoD TRICARE health insurance • View DoD TRICARE reserve select • Sign up for Service member out-of-pocket medical expenses (CCD) • View Service members' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) elections • Apply for Veterans benefits online • Conduct a health benefits eligibility check • Update Service member civilian employment information • View Service member personnel information • Generate a VA home loan certificate of eligibility

If you are a Family Member of a Veteran or Service member: • Check on your compensation and pension claims status

• Use the eLearning Center to get important health information • View Post-9/11 GI Bill enrollment status • Check your VA payment history

9

Resources and Links For a full list of Local and Federal Veterans Resources, visit our website at https://www.indycc.edu/student-life/veteran-success VA Education Benefits 1 (888) 442-4551 https://www.va.gov/service-member-benefits/ ICC Admissions (620) 331-4100 https://www.indycc.edu/admissions/index Financial Aid (620) 332-5425 https://www.indycc.edu/financial-aid/index

Veteran Student Success Team Tommy Ellis Program Director tellis@indycc.edu 620-332-5477

India Bennett Program Coordinator for Veteran Student Success VA School Certifying Official (SCO) ibennett@indycc.edu 620-332-5678

Leah Delamarter Project Coordinator for Veteran Student Success ldelamarter@indycc.edu 620-332-5679

10