FAQ

How will I receive my Veterans Education Benefits?

The Department of Veterans Affairs pays the student at the end of each month they attended classes. The Department of Veterans Affairs will process a check at the end of each month after certification and verification. The check will be mailed directly to the student or direct deposited based on the instructions in the original application. To change the method of payment, please complete a 22-1995 or 22-5495 with revised payment information. Please refer payment questions directly to the VA Western Regional Center at 1-888-442-4551.

Will I be paid between semesters?

Unless instructed otherwise in writing, the Department of Veterans Affairs will issue break pay at the half time rate for students whose enrollment in the semester prior to the break and after the break was at certified at least half time. This will be charged against your months of entitlement. Because this determination can only be made and payment issued after the student’s Benefits Request has been processed to the Department of Veterans Affairs, it is imperative that student’s submit their request immediately after registering to ensure no interruption of payments.

I failed or withdrew from a course and the Department of Veterans Affairs says I owe them money!

According to the guidelines of the Department of Veterans Affairs, a student has earned their Veterans Education Benefits if they receive a grade of A, B, C, D or F for a class provided they continued to participate through the end of the term and completed all final requirements for the course including the final exam or project.

The student has not earned their benefits for grades or designations of DROP for drop, W for withdrawal, Y for administrative withdrawal U for unsatisfactory or repeated courses unless required for completion of the declared degree program. Veterans Education Benefits are not payable for repeated courses in which a grade of C or better has already been attained at Yavapai College or accepted in transfer. I or Incomplete grades must be converted to a letter grade within the contract period to be eligible for Veterans Education Benefits

When a student does not successfully complete a course, the Veteran’s Services Coordinator contacts the class instructor to determine the last date of attendance for that student. This date, and the character of the grade (punitive F or nonpunitive DROP. W, Y or U) is reported to the Department of the Veterans Affairs. The Department of Veterans Affairs does not pay the student for nonpunitive grades and will create an overpayment for the entire semester for that course. Payment will be issued for punitive grades, including a F provided the student attended throughout the semester and completed all final exams and projects.

The student is responsible to repay any benefits to which he/she was not entitled as determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs. In addition, the student may be subject to garnishment of future benefits to recover any amount that was previously overpaid. If you are notified that you have been overpaid, please contact the Department of Veterans Affairs Debt Management Group (1-800-827-0648 or email:dmc.ops@va.gov) immediately to discuss repayment options.

What if I cannot complete a course because of illness or emergency?

If a student becomes ineligible for Veterans Education Benefits because of mitigating circumstances beyond the student’s control, the student has the option of submitting a Statement on Support of Claim form 21-4138 and Financial Status Report form 5655 within thirty days. The completed statement is mailed to the VA Western Regional Center. The petition will be reviewed and the final determination mailed to the student.

What if my GPA is low?

The Department of Veterans Affairs requires all students receiving Veteran’s Education Benefits to meet the criteria for Satisfactory Academic Progress of the college they are attending. If a student falls below these guidelines, that is reported to the Department of Veterans Affairs. These standards for Yavapai College are found at www.yc.edu/content/registration/academic-progress.htm.

Can I apply for federal financial aid and scholarships if I am receiving Veteran's Education Benefits?

Yes. For instructions, please read Three Paths to Financial Aid.

What other resources does Yavapai College offer its student?

Prescott campus resources

Verde Valley campus resources - to be inserted

What are my rights and responsibilities when receiving Veterans Education Benefits or Dependent and Survivors Education Benefits at Yavapai College?

Information regarding your rights and responsibilities under this program are part of the Veterans Education Benefits Orientation.   Please call 928-776-2152 to register for an upcoming session.

I have questions specific to my situation. How can I contact someone in the Veterans Services Office at Yavapai college?

Please refer to the Contact page for telephone numbers and email addresses and drop in times.

Do I have to come to the Prescott campus to arrange Veterans Education benefits?

No. Students can also meet with the Veteran’s Services Coordinator or Academic Advisor Tricia Travis on the Verde Valley campus for assistance with the application process. Please call 928-634-6502 to arrange an appointment on the Verde Valley campus.

I am still in the military, can I apply for benefits now.

You may apply, but the Department of Veterans Affairs cannot complete the processing of your application until you can provide a DD-214 Member-4.  No benefits will be issued until your receive your Certificate of Eligibility from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

How long does it take to get approved for Veterans Education Benefits?

Generally the Department of Veterans Affairs mails your Certificate of Eligibility approximately eight to ten weeks after receipt of a complete application and all supporting documents. However, if you are applying for VA Vocational Rehabilitation benefits, this time frame does not apply.

What if I am called back to active duty?

Should I switch to the new Post 9/11 benefit?

There are many factors that influence this decision including:

Did you pay a kicker or College Fund?

How many months of education benefit remains under MGIB Chapter 30?

How many credit hours will you take each semester?

What type of education or training do you plan to seek?

Do you plan to take all online classes?

What are your future education plans?

Are you eligible for 100% of the Post 9/11 benefit?

Please refer to the Department of Veterans Affairs website www.gibill.va.gov or detailed information about the benefit.

How much will I be paid under Veterans Education Benefits?

For current payment rates go to www.gibill.va.gov.

I’m having readjustment/family issues. Are there any counseling resources for me?

Yavapai College has a personal counselor to assist you on the Prescott and Verde Valley campuses. In addition, you may contact the VA Regional Medical Center or the Vet Center for assistance.

• Prescott campus personal counselor: Judy Brennen 928-771-6183
• Verde Valley campus personal counselor: Pat Miner 928-634-4596
• VA Medical Center, Prescott, AZ 928-445-4860 or 1-800-949-1005
• Vet Center 928-778-3469

I have PTSD. Are there any additional resources for me?

PTSD can impact your ability to succeed in college. But Yavapai College and the Department of Veterans Affairs have resources to assist you. Yavapai College has a personal counselor to assist you on the Prescott and Verde Valley campuses You may receive additional assistance from the Disability Resources Offices. In addition, you may contact the VA Regional Medical Center or the Vet Center for assistance.

• Prescott campus personal counselor: Judy Brennen 928-771-6183
• Verde Valley campus personal counselor: Pat Miner 928-634-4596
• Disability Resources: Robb Ferguson 928-776-2085 Disability Resources web page
• VA Medical Center, Prescott, AZ 928-445-4860 or 1-800-949-1005
• Vet Center 928-778-3469

Does Yavapai College have any resources to help me find employment?

Yes! The Yavapai College Student Employment office has a database of on-campus and off-campus job openings in the tri-city area. Please contact them at 928-776-2100 after you are registered for classes to establish a user name and pin for access the Job Finder database.

I know I want to use my Veterans Education Benefits, but I don’t know what I want to study. Does Yavapai College have any resources for me?

Enrolled students can meet with the Yavapai College Career Counselor to assist in making the best career choice and to explore the outlook for different career areas.

• Prescott campus Career Counselor: 928-717-7709
• Verde Valley campus career counselor: 928-634-6527

Does Yavapai College have a Veteran’s Club?

Yes. For information please contact Student Activities at 928-717-7679.

Does Yavapai College have any resources for someone who is disabled?

Yes. Please contact the Disability Resources Office at 928-776-2085 Disability Resources web page

I received Veterans Education Benefits at another college. How can I transfer them to Yavapai College?

Please read the instructions under "New Applicants" on the Veteran's Services web page where you will find information on transferring your benefits as well as the admissions process at Yavapai College. Please remember to schedule an appointment with the Veterans's Services Coordinator to complete the process.

I want to return to college but I owe the VA money. What can I do?

Returning to school may be the best thing you can do. You can make arrangements with the Department of Veterans Affairs Debt Management Group to repay your debt out of future benefits when you return to school. For information please contact tem at VA Debt Management at 1-800-827-0648 or email dmc.ops@va.gov.

My Grade Point Average (GPA) is low. How will that affect my benefits?

That depends. Students receiving Veterans Education Benefits are required to meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards of the school they are attending.  If your grade point average falls below those standards, this is reported to the Department of Veterans Affairs. You are allowed two semester to bring your grade point average up to satisfactory standards. If you are not able to do so, the Department of Veterans Affairs can suspend your benefits.

I haven’t received my pay. How do I find out what’s wrong?

Checks are processed at the VA Western Regional Center in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Please contact them directly at 1-888-442-4551.

I changed my classes after my enrollment was certified. How do I change that?

The student is responsible to notify the Veteran’s Services Coordinator via email (va.services@yc.edu) immediately upon any changes to their enrollment.  Delays in reporting changes may result in the creation of an overpayment or underpayment.

I’m having trouble with a class. Does Yavapai College have tutoring services?

Absolutely! Yavapai College has a fine staff of tutors at the on the Prescott and Verde Valley campuses.  Do not wait until you are failing a course to seek assistance. Group tutoring or drop in tutoring is available in many subject areas including math, English, science, history and writing.

Prescott campus Learning Center - Building one second floor Room 207 phone: 928-776-2085

Verde Valley campus Learning Center - Building M Room 122 phone: 928-634-6562

I don’t have a computer at home.& Does Yavapai College have computers available for students?

Yes. Computers are available to enrolled students at the following locations. PLease call for hours.

• Prescott Campus - Building 19, Library, Second Floor, Computer Commons
• Building 1, Learning Center, Second Floor, Room 207

I’m not interested in a degree. I just want to take a few classes. Will the VA pay for that?

The Department of Veterans Affairs will only issue benefits for classes that are part of your declared degree or certificate program. If you do not plan to complete a degree or certificate, the Department of Veterans Affairs will not issue benefits.

However if you simply have not decided on a career plan, you may be able to declare a general degree for the first semester while you complete classes in various subject areas to help you decide. Please make an appointment with an Academic Advisor to discuss your options.

Are there scholarships just for veterans?

Yes. Yavapai College has scholarships designated for veterans. There are also ways to research scholarships from sources outside the college and many scholarships designated for veterans and the dependents of military veterans. Please read the instructions in Three Paths to Financial Aid for instructions.

I’m not eligible for Veterans Education Benefits. How can I pay for my education?

Three Paths to Financial Aid

I’m a disabled veterans and my spouse/child is receiving benefits under me. Why can’t I get information about their records?

Please understand that Federal Privacy Laws (FERPA) prevent college employees from releasing information to anyone but the student.