If you plan to use Chapter 30 educational benefits use the five-step process below to determine your eligibility and apply for those benefits if appropriate.

Step 1: Determine your Eligibility
Contact the VA office online at www.GIBill.va.gov (or toll-free at 888-442-4551) to see if you qualify for VA Benefits, GI Bill benefits, and/or the Top-Up program and to request any necessary forms. Please note:  Forms should also be available at all DVA offices, most active duty military stations, and American Embassies in other countries.

Step 2: Complete & Send your VA Application
Get your VA Application for Benefits* (22-1990). If you are on active duty, your ESO will need to sign the bottom of the 3rd page.

Apply on-line at    http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/about_vonapp.asp

or

Mail or fax the form to JWCC:
John Wood Community College

Attn: Lisa Snodgrass
1301 South 48^th Street
Quincy, IL  62305
FAX: 217-221-0778

Please note: 

Discharged students must also send a copy of their DD214.

Students who have already submitted a VA application may send a "Certificate of Eligibility" in lieu of the application.

Students who have used VA benefits at another school must submit a completed "Request for Change in Program or Place of Training" (22-1995) in lieu of the application.

Step 3: Complete Registration and Tuition Payment
Register for a course and complete full payment via credit card

Step 4: Send Enrollment Verification to VA
The JWCC VA Representative creates your Enrollment Verification. This process includes the following steps and can take up to 10 business days depending on the number of applications received weekly:

1. VA Rep receives your application for educational benefits
2. VA Rep matches all incoming student applications with completed registrations
3. VA Rep confirms your payment method for course(s)
4. VA Rep sends your enrollment certification to the regional Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA)
5. OVA completes the application process

Step 5: Next, the OVA must take several steps to get your student application in their system. This process includes the following steps and may take up to 12 weeks:

1. OVA personnel receive your enrollment verification from JWCC
2. OVA contacts DoD to verify that you have made payments toward the VA Program
3. OVA personnel confirm that the "VA Entitlement" was awarded to you
4. OVA enters your student information in their system to complete the application process

Students who wish to check on the status of their VA application should contact their OVA toll-free at 888-442-4551

Top-Up programs users must do the following each semester:

• Get a 22-1990 (Application for VA Benefits)
• Have it signed by their Education Services Officer (ESO)
• Send it to their VA office with a completed and approved military Tuition Assistance (TA) form.

Still have questions?  Email us at lsnodgrass@jwcc.edu