Benefits Certification for Family Members

For some of our more commonly asked questions, please refer to our department's FAQs PageOpens in new window .

VA CHAPTER BENEFITS (Post 9/11 GI Bill or Dependents' Educational Assistance)

Using your VA education benefits:

First time using benefits:

  1. Determine your eligibility and   apply for VA education benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 
  2. After processing, VA will provide you with   Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for either Chapter 33 or Chapter 35.
  3. Submit a Student Intake FormOpens in new window . You will be able to attach your COE to the intake form.
  4. Register for classes. If you have holds on your account preventing course registration, please contact the originating party or reach out ot us at the VRC.
  5. Submit a certification request through your student homepage to process your benefits every semester and any time you make changes to your course schedule/enrollment.  Please refer to our   How-To Guide.Opens in new window
  6. Pay for your tuition and fees through before the   payment deadline. (Note: Chapter 33 students will receive a "No Enrollment Cancellation" hold to prevent cancellation of courses due to nonpayment while we wait on the VA to pay the school. This hold is processed as soon as the VRC receives the initial Certification Request Form)
  7. Attend classes and maintain enrollment throughout the semester!

Continuing students:

  1. Register for classes. If you have holds on your account preventing course registration, please contact the originating party or reach out ot us at the VRC.
  2. Submit a certification request through your student portal to process your benefits every semester and any time you make changes to your course schedule/enrollment. (Change of Program Form also required if any changes to major, minor, or concentration occur). Please refer to our   How-To Guide.Opens in new window
  3. Pay for your tuition and fees through before the  payment deadline. (Note: Chapter  33 students will receive a "No Enrollment Cancellation" hold to prevent cancellation of courses due to nonpayment while we wait on the VA to pay the school. This hold is processed as soon as the VRC receives the initial Certification Request Form)
  4. Attend classes and maintain enrollment throughout the semester!

CALVET FEE WAIVER (California College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents)

Using your CalVet Fee Waiver:
  1. Find your local   County Veterans Services OfficeOpens in new window   (CVSO) to   apply for the CalVet Fee WaiverPDF File Opens in new window  each academic year you plan to use the waiver.  Only the CVSO can approve your eligibility for the CalVet Fee Waiver.

    NOTE:  All applicants must meet California residency requirements.
  2. After the approval, you will receive an award letter from Cal Vet stating your eligibility for the CalVet Fee Waiver for the academic year.  The approved academic year will be stated on the top of your award letter (e.g. Academic Year 2021-2022).

    NOTE: The CalVet Fee Waiver runs from Fall semester through the Summer term of the following year.  The CalVet Fee Waiver will only waive state-supported courses and programs.  All Winter/Intersession and most Summer classes are not state-supported.
  3. Submit a Student Intake FormOpens in new window and attach a copy of your CalVet Fee Waiver award letter. The Veterans Resource Center (VRC) to apply the waiver to your student account at least 2-3 business days prior to your registration.
  4. Review the   CalVet Fee Waiver information sheetPDF File Opens in new window  to understand how to use the fee waiver during the academic year.
  5. Register for classes on your enrollment date as listed on your Student Center.
  6. Pay for your tuition and fees through before the   payment deadlineOpens in new window . If there are delays in the processing of your waiver and you are approaching your assigned payment deadline, please contact the VRC

    NOTE:  The CalVet Fee Waiver waives the mandatory systemwide tuition only (listed as "Tuition Fee" on your student portal).  It is your responsiblity to pay for the campus-based fees and other fees not covered by the CalVet Fee Waiver before the payment deadline to prevent cancellation of courses due to nonpayment.
  7. Attend classes and maintain enrollment throughout the semester!

 

 

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.