/Reserve_Educational_Assistance_Program

Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) This chapter of benefits is for reservist either in the Selected Reserves or Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) and National Guard who are ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency, if declared by the President or Congress. Chapter 1607 can provide up to 36 months of education assistance, and benefits may be used while in the reserves. You can also use it after your contract ends with your branch of service for up to 10 years if you separate from the Selected Reserves and Not the Individual Ready Reserves or National Guard. If you have any questions regarding these matters you may contact the VA at 1-888-442-4551.

Applying for Benefits Now that you are ready to attend Valencia Community College there are a few steps that need to be completed so that your transition to the college is as smooth as possible. The first step is to complete the application process for your benefits. Here are the steps to complete the VA Online Application (VONAPP):  Apply online at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp o If you have never used this site before, you will need to create a user name and password. o Completing the 22-1990 application online allows you to sign it electronically, as well as submit it to the VA electronically. As a result, the application process is more streamlined and is usually processed quickly. o The result of completing the VONAPP is a Certificate of Eligibility. This letter is sent to your address, indicates what benefits you qualify for, and will be used to process your VA paperwork at Valencia Community College. Applications are available at VCC as well. Please be aware that if you fill them out on campus, they are sent via US Postal service and it can delay your approval.

If by the time you have registered for classes you have not received your Certificate of Eligibility, we strongly encourage you to stop in at any of VCC’s campuses with your 22-1990 application and your DD-214 (member 4) so that we can start the process of certification for you. Please keep in mind that although your enrollment will be sent to the VA, it does not mean the VA can process it. Your application must be approved by the VA before your certification can be completed. If you have already registered for classes, please DO NOT wait for your certificate of eligibility to arrive in the mail. This will delay the certification process at the school as well as with the VA. The Veteran’s Affairs Office at Valencia Community College’s primary goal is to set up each student’s benefits as soon as possible, so that everyone can be compensated for their hard work and dedication to our country.

2011/2012 Rates

Training Time

90 days/Less than 1yr

1 yr PLUS

2 yrs PLUS

Full Time

$589.20

$883.80

$1178.40

3/4 Time

$441.90

$662.85

$883.80

1/2 Time

$294.60

$441.90

$589.20

Less than 1/2

Tuition fees only

Credits for Full Semester Less than 1 / 2

1/2

3/4

Full Time

1 thru 5

6 thru 8

9 thru 11

12 +

Credits for Half Semesters Less than 1 / 2

1/2

3/4

Full Time

1&2

3

4&5

6+

Requirements to be certified at Valencia College

Certificate of Eligibility DD‐214

NEW STUDENTS 22‐1990 Application OR (VONAPP)

DD‐214

TRANSFER STUDENTS 22‐1995 DD‐214 Certificate of Eligibility (if you still have a copy)

TRANSIENT STUDENT Facts.org paperwork DD‐214 Certificate of Eligibility (if you still have a copy)

 The above items should be brought to a VA Representative at any of our campuses after you have registered for classes.  The rest of your requirements will be provided to you by a VA Representative after the above documents have been received and reviewed.

As a new student you are entitled to a VA deferment for your first semester at Valencia Community College. This deferment will allow you a 60 day extension for payment of your tuition and fees. If you are interested in utilizing the VA Deferment, please ask the VA representative at any of the VCC campuses after you have completed the registration process.  Please be aware that while using VA benefits, tuition and fees are due to the school by the scheduled due date unless you have the deferment in place with the business office.

If tuition is not paid by that scheduled date, your classes will be dropped.

Chapter 30 recipients are still eligible to apply for Financial Aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (www.fafsa.ed.gov). In fact, we strongly encourage that you apply in the event that you need additional financial assistance while at Valencia Community College.

Applying for Financial Aid can also serve as a backup for payment at the college in the odd event that your benefits are delayed.

WAVE WAVE (Web Automated Verification of Enrollment) is a system that will need to be used to verify your enrollment here at VCC each and every month. If this process does not happen the monthly entitlement will not be sent out, even if the VA Representative certified you at the beginning of the semester. This process can be completed by either going on line at www.gibill.va.gov or you can call the voice response system at 1-877-823-2378 if you don’t have access to the internet.