Motivate Your Mind

Veterans' Affairs

How to Apply for Veteran Educational Benefits

Chapter 30, 35, 1606, 1607
  1. Complete an online Application  for Admission.
  2. Complete your Math and English assessment if necessary. Assessment Center is located on the 2nd Floor of the Student Center. (714) 484-7223.
  3. Complete the Application for VA Education benefits. Complete the online application in three simple steps: (A) Start VONAPP; (B) Create Account; (C) Select the appropriate form--Veterans fill out VA Form 22-1990 and dependents and survivors fill out VA Form 22-5490.
  4. Turn in copy of the DD-214 and the application for VA benefits.
  5. Schedule an appointment with the Veteran Affairs Coordinator, Christy Davis at (714) 484-7348.
  6. Schedule an appointment with Robert Grantham, Cypress College Veterans Academic Counselor at (714) 484-7015.
What am I eligible for?
Prior Active Duty
A. You may be eligible to receive Chapter 30 benefits.
        *$600.00 buy-up rates for those who participated.
 
B. You may be eligible to receive Chapter 33 benefits.
 
Compare Chapter 30 and Chapter 33 benefits for eligible veterans.
 
Vocational Rehabilitation
If you have a service related disability rating, you may be eligible for Chapter 31 benefits.
 
1. Consult your VA Rehabilitation Counselor to ensure that an updated Form 1905 has been provided to the Cypress College Veteran's Affairs Office.
 
2. Schedule an appointment with the Veteran's Affairs Coordinator, Christy Davis at (714) 484-7348. You will be provided all the necessary forms and instructions at the time of your appointment.
 
3. Schedule an appointment with Robert Grantham, Cypress College Veterans Academic Counselor at (714) 484-7015.
 
Selected Reserve
You may be eligible for the Selected Reserve Chapter 1606 benefit if you are a current member of a Select Reserve Component. You are eligible for Reserve Assistance Chapter 1607 if you were called up to active duty for 90 consecutive days or more.
 
Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA)
You may be eligible for Chapter 35 Benefits if you are the son, daughter, or spouse of a veteran.
 
VA Work-Study
Veterans attending school 3/4-time (9 units) or more and receiving benefits (Ch 30, 31, 32, 1606, 1607) are eligible for VA Work-Study
 
Important Notes
The VA requires you to verify your enrollment every month to receive your benefits. Sign up for the online verification system W.A.V.E.S. or call (877) 823-2378.
 
 
Eligibility for Priority Registration
Recent legislation in the State of California has enabled us to grant priority registration to our veteran students. If you have separated from active duty within the last two years, you may be entitled to priority registration. In order to determine your eligibility for priority registration, please submit your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or DD-2384 (NOBE-Notice of Basic Eligibility) to the Veteran Affairs Commissioner located in the Admissions and Records Office.
 
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to renew my benefits each semester?
A: Yes. It is your responsibility to notify the VA Coordinator (Christy Davis) each term if you want your benefits to continue.
 
Q: Can my VA be suspended for any reason?
A: Yes. A student on academic probation will have VA educational benefit payments suspended if they fail to make satisfactory academic progress in accord with the academic policies stated in the college catalog.
 
Q: How do I replace my DD-214?
A: Visit the National Archives online to request replacement. 
 
Q: Can I get paid for taking courses at another school at the same time I am taking courses at Cypress College?
A: Yes, if the courses are equivalent to courses needed for your educational goal. Contact the Veterans Coordinator for details and reporting requirements.
 
Q: Do I need to do anything else to get paid after I have completed the paperwork with the VA Coordinator?
A: It is your responsibility to (1) verify your enrollment to the VA every month; (2) notify the VA Coordinator each term you wish your educational benefits to continue; (3) notify the VA Coordinator if you wish to add/drop a class or withdraw from the college.
 
 

Student Spotlight

Danielle
Danielle Nava
Outstanding Alumna, 2009

Danielle Nava has enjoyed a career in the not-for-profit sector for 15 years while serving the Orange County community.