Veterans utilizing the Post 9/11 GI Bill (Ch. 33) must pay for class registration fees within three (3) business days of registering for the classes or the classes will be dropped from your schedule. Once the VA has sent in payment for your fees you will be reimbursed those fees even if your fees were waived through a Board of Governors Fee Waiver or CAL VET Fee Waiver. VA payment received between the 1st and 15th of the month will be reimbursed by the last day of that month. VA payment received between the 16th and the 30th of the month will be reimbursed by the 15th of the following month. These dates correspond with PCC's disbursement schedules.
Once you have verified your enrollment (monthly verification) on the Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (W.A.V.E.) website, allow two weeks for payment. VA Benefit checks are sent direct deposit or to the address indicated on your VA application. Payment is based on actual class meeting dates according to the class schedule. Payment of benefits usually occurs between the 1st and the 15th of each month and is paid for the previous month. The VA Regional Office does not consider checks to be late until after the 10th of the month. Payment inquiries should be made directly to the VA Regional Office by calling their toll free number: 1-888-442-4551. NOTE: Federal holidays may delay student verification of enrollment and/or your check.
Students receiving benefits have the option to have VA payments deposited directly into a checking/savings account of their choice. Call 1-877-838-2778 to set up an account or to update current direct deposit account information.
VA monthly benefits are paid to the student based on both unit enrollment and the length of the course. Enrollment categories are as follows:
| Full-time | Three-Fourth Time | Half-Time | Less Than Half-Time* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 or more Units | 9-11 units | 6-8 units | 1-5 units |
*Less than half-time enrollment is not recommended. Students enrolled less than half-time will receive benefits for Tuition and Fees only and use up a full semester of GI Bill entitlement.
The PCC Veteran's Office usually processes and submits certifications to the VA, on-line, within one week; during peak periods the process may take up to two weeks. Initial VA processing takes appropriately 8 to 12weeks, so be sure to plan ahead. Continuing student processing may be shorter.
Veteran students who will receive benefits under the Montgomery G. I. Bill (CH. 30, 1606, and 1607 only) must verify monthly enrollment. You have the option of calling in your monthly verification or using the internet to verify.
Although the PCC Veteran's Office monitors student attendance, it is imperative that you report any change in enrollment immediately.
Veterans' educational benefits are subject to termination if the student has been on academic probation for two consecutive semesters.
Exception: Some courses require a specific minimum grade for successful completion or transfer. In this case, you will have to fill out the "Request to Repeat a Course" form to petition retaking the course.
VA Benefits can be paid retroactively for up to one year for a prior enrollment. However, we do not recommend late applications and strongly encourage you to submit your application the semester you first enroll at PCC.
The PCC Veteran's Office requires all veterans requesting benefits to submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended prior to attending PCC by the end of their second semester. This prevents a student from being paid for classes that he/she has already completed at other institutions.
PCC has agreed to process paperwork for advance payment of your first two months of the Montgomery GI Bill. It is recommended that you make your request at least four weeks before the start of the term. Advance payment checks are mailed directly to the PCC VA office, and the office will notify you that your advance check has arrived and is ready for pick up. Please note that all of the following requirements must be met:
Dual majors or a major and minor are not allowed by the VA in any degree AA/AS, BA/BS transfer, or certificate programs. The VA will only pay for one major and for one degree at a time.
PCC offers 6 week intersessions during the winter and summer. Keep in mind that the DVA will only pay for the time you are actually in the class(es). To determine rate of pay go to the Department of Veterans Affairs Educational Benefit Payment Rates.