Veteran Certification

Getting Started

Select a category to view step-by-step directions for obtaining benefits.

• Montgomery GI Bill/Selected Reserves/National Guard
  1. Apply for admission to the college.
  2. Turn in official transcripts from all prior post-secondary institutions and military experience.
  3. Apply for VA Education Benefits (DVA Form 22-1990) or Request for Change of Program of Place of Training (DVA From 22-1995) if you have previously used your benefits at different institution. DVA forms may be found on the VA’s Web site.
  4. Turn in the following documents to the VA Certifying Official:
     • DD-214 Discharge Document (provided by your military branch at completion of enlistment) or Notice of Basic Eligibility Form 2384 (provided by your unit)
     • Request for Certification Form
     • VA Student Worksheet
     • Certificate of Eligibility (provided by the VA after the processing of your benefits application)
• Dependents or Spouses of 100 Percent Disabled or Deceased Veterans (Service Connected)
  1. Apply for admission to the college.
  2. Turn in official transcripts from all prior post-secondary institutions and military experience.
  3. Apply for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DVA Form 22-5490) of Request for Change of Program of Place of Training (DVA From 22-5495) if you have previously used you benefits at a different institution. DVA forms may be found on the VA’s Web site.
  4. Turn in the following document to the VA Certifying Official:
     • Copy of DD-214 Discharge Document of the veteran
     • Request for Certification Form
     • VA Student Worksheet
     • Certificate of Eligibility (provided by the VA after the processing of your benefits application)
• Veterans Vocational Rehabilitation
  1. Apply for admission to the college.
  2. Turn in official transcripts from all prior post-secondary institutions and military experience.
  3. Apply for Vocational Rehabilitation (28-1900). Applications may be found on the VONAPP Web site.
  4. Turn in the following documents to the VA Certifying Official:
     • Authorization and Certification of Entrance or Re-entrance into Rehabilitation and Certification of Status (DVA Form 28-1905)
     • Request for Certification Form
     • VA Student Worksheet
• Returning VA Students

  If you previously have been certified by Columbia College and wish to be certified for the upcoming term, please fill out the Request for Certification Form and turn it in to the Certifying Official at your campus.

  If you have changed your degree program, you will need to update your degree information with the VA. You may do this by filling out a Change of Program form. If you are receiving Chapter 30, 1606 or 1607 benefits complete the VA Form 22-1995. If you are receiving Chapter 35 benefits complete the DEA 22-5495.

  VA forms are available on the Department of Veterans Affairs Web site.

Student Responsibilities

• In order to comply with laws governing the GI Bill, it is your responsibility as a student to notify the Veterans Certifying Official of your status with Columbia College.
• It is imperative that you complete a Request for Certification Form every term to continue receiving VA benefits.
• You must inform the Veterans Certifying Official when you:
  • Add or drop class
  • Change your major
  • Change your address
  • Withdraw from the college
  • File your degree program
• Only courses that apply toward your declared major are eligible for certification.
• The DVA will not pay for the repeat of satisfactorily completed courses, except under special circumstances.
• If you do not make satisfactory academic progress and are suspended by the college, your GI Bill benefits will not resume until you have met the college requirements for reinstatement.
• Students who receive Chapter 30, 1606 or 1607 benefits are required to visit WAVE (Web Automated Verification of Enrollment) on the GI Bill Web site on the last day of each month to verify their enrollment with the VA.