Using Your VA Educational Benefits

Our Veteran Services team will work to assist you each step of the way in order to utilize your educational benefits at Contra Costa College. Check out our Steps to Success Checklist to get started!

To use your VA Educational Benefits, all Steps to Success, if applicable, MUST be completed before your enrollment can be certified with the VA for the semester.

Benefits Overview

Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
Chapter 31: Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) previously Vocational Rehabilitation
Chapter 33: Post 9/11 GI Bill
Chapter 35: Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA)
Chapter 1606: Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)

Please visit the GI Bill website to find more information on your educational benefit eligibility, or call the Educational Benefits toll-free number: 888-442-4551

GI Bill Resources

VA Education and Training Benefits
How to Apply for VA Benefits
Access eBenefits

Steps to Success

Very Important: If you have any questions about the Steps to Success below and to avoid delays in certification, be sure to contact the Veterans Services staff at veterans@contracosta.edu.

Schedule an Intake Appointment with the Veterans Services Office

Complete an Application for CCC

Complete Application for VA Educational Benefits

Apply for Financial Aid

Provide Admissions & Records with Official Transcripts

Complete the Online Orientation

Determine your Placement level

Placement is one of the most important steps in the enrollment process. At Contra Costa College, we want to help you succeed and part of your success as a college student depends on enrolling in courses that match your abilities and skills.

Get into the math, English, English as a Second Language (ESL) or Spanish classes that are right for you!

To find out your math and/or English course placement(s), you have two options: self-reported or guided self-placement.

This step is required to receive priority (early) registration.

COMPLETE PlACEMENT

Key Documents for Submission

If you plan to use VA Educational Benefits Chapters 30, 31, 33, 35, or 1606, you must submit the following documents before your classes can be certified.

Please be aware that any delays in document submission can result in processing delays.

DD-214 Member 4 copy

Reservists using Chapter 1606 will need to submit the Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE)

Certificate of Eligibility – Obtained from the VA after applying for education benefits online or by mail.
Educational Plan (Ed Plan) – Schedule an appointment to meet with a CCC veterans counselor to complete a comprehensive educational plan by calling 510.215.3935.

Only courses that are listed on your Ed Plan and are required for your educational goal will be certified.

VA Request for Benefit Certification – After you register for your courses, you will need to complete a VA Education Benefits Certification Request every semester that you wish to have your courses certified with the VA; benefits do not automatically roll over to the next semester. You are RESPONSIBLE to notify the Veterans Office within 30 days of any changes to your enrollment.

Call the Department of Veterans Affairs at 888.442.4551 for questions regarding your education benefits.