South Arkansas College

Military Student Support Services

Veteran or Family Member

Research career options, schools and education options to narrow down what you want to do and where you want to go using the tools from the VA at: http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/get_started.asp
Do the career quiz using CareerScope.
Compare VA benefit programs; you may be eligible for more than one and will have to choose.
Apply to SouthArk. Apply Here!
You will also need the following:
- Official copies of your high school transcripts or GED scores
- Copy of your childhood immunization records
- Copy of placement test scores (ACT, SAT) or
- you can take the COMPASS in our Testing Center. Ask your adviser for information.
- Copy of your DD214
- Official copies of any other college or military transcripts.
Meet with an adviser at SouthArk as soon as possible to discuss majors, degree plans, and success strategies.
Include in your talk any issues or situations that might interfere with your academic success such as work, family, medical visits, injuries and/or disabilities.
The adviser will refer you to a VA Peer Mentor. Meet with the VA Peer Mentor to discuss some of the processes and review your progress.
Apply for benefits through VONAPP, Veterans Online Application found on the VA website at: www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal When you are finished, there is a form that you will print out and bring to the VA Rep at SouthArk.
Apply for Federal Financial Aid (Pell Grant, etc.) at: www.fafsa.gov (SouthArk's school code is 013858)

Turn in any additional documents requested by the school or the VA as soon as possible. If you need help finding them or turning them in, let us know.

VONAPP

The VONAPP (Veterans On Line Application) Click on Apply for Benefits and you will be brought here. This is an official U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website that enables service members, veterans and their beneficiaries, and other designated individuals to apply for benefits using the Internet.

FIND the VONAPP!

https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal

At the top right corner of the page there is a Register button. Click there to set up your eBenefits account.

Or – click on the tab apply for BENEFITS. Here you will find links to eBenefits, VONAPP, Disability and other benefits.

Give yourself plenty of time to complete the application, it will take awhile.

It is helpful to have a copy of your DD214 handy. If you need one, you can find it here http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/

Helpful User Information
UserName:
Password:
Keep this page handy

Keep your username and password on this page and keep it in a safe place so you will always be able to find it when you need it!

After completing the steps above, bring the following completed documents to the VA representative at SouthArk located in Student Services office;

- Certificate of Eligibility (or print off application from VONAPP)

Form 22-1990 (new students)
Form 22-1995 (returning students)

- DD-214/NOBE (Notice of Benefits Eligibility)

IMPORTANT NOTES

You MUST notify your VA Rep of any changes in your schedule. Immediately upon enrolling in classes and/or changing your schedule (adding/dropping courses or completely withdrawing), send or bring a copy of your detailed statement to your VA Rep.

A detailed statement can be obtained from the campus bookstore or the school business office. The VA Rep will certify your classes accordingly. Always keep a copy for your records.

Students receiving benefits under Chapter 30, 1606, and 1607 must request payment at the end of each month using the following website. https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/index.do Set up your account on WAVE as soon as possible.

Transcripts and Credit for Prior Learning

Vocational Rehab/Employment

Chapter 31

What is the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program?

The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program is authorized by Congress and is sometimes referred to as the Chapter 31 program.

The program assists Veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs. This includes completing a degree program that will help the veteran do that.

Services that may be provided by the VR&E Program include

- Comprehensive rehabilitation evaluation to determine abilities, skills, and interests for employment
- Vocational counseling and rehabilitation planning for employment services
- Employment services such as job-training, job-seeking skills, resume development, and other work readiness assistance
- Assistance finding and keeping a job, including the use of special employer incentives and job accommodations
- On the Job Training (OJT), apprenticeships, and non-paid work experiences
- Post-secondary training at a college, vocational, technical or business school
- Supportive rehabilitation services including case management, counseling, and medical referrals
- Independent living services for Veterans unable to work due to the severity of their disabilities

Go to the VA website for more information.
http://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/

How VA Processes Monthly Educational Benefits

http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/comparison_tool.asp follow this link for more information

Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (MGIB-AD/Chapter 30
- Monthly benefit paid to student
- Student uses monthly benefit to pay tuition/fees to school
- May be eligible for kicker if part of the original enlistment contract or part of a re-enlistment contract
- Must certify enrollment with your VA Regional Office at the end of each month, by phone or on-line

Vocational Rehab and Employment Services (VRE/Chapter 31)
- Tuition and fees paid directly to school
- Books charged through school and paid directly to school
- Monthly stipend to student

Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
- Tuition and fees paid directly to school
- Book stipend paid to student, $41.67 per credit hour, up to $1000 available from August to August. Payment amounts vary based on the following:
  - Payment eligibility rating, a range of 40% to 100%
  - Enrollment status, full-time or less
- Monthly housing stipend (BHA/BAH) paid to student. Payment amounts vary based on the following:
  - Payment eligibility rating, a range of 40% to 100%
  - Enrollment status, full-time or less, and enrolled more than 50% rate of degree pursuit
  - Enrolled in all on-line courses, and enrolled more than 50% rate of degree pursuit
  - If spouse is currently active duty, not eligible for monthly housing stipend

Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program
- (DEA/Chapter 35)
- Monthly benefit paid to student
- Student uses monthly benefit to pay tuition/fees to school

Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR/Chapter 1606)
- Monthly benefit paid to student
- Student uses monthly benefit to pay tuition/fees to school
- May be eligible for kicker if part of the original enlistment contract or part of a re-enlistment contract
- Must certify enrollment with your VA Regional Office at the end of each month, by phone or on-line

Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP/Chapter 1607)
- Monthly benefit paid to student
- Student uses monthly benefit to pay tuition/fees to school
- May be eligible for kicker if part of the original enlistment contract or part of a re-enlistment contract
- Must certify enrollment with your VA Regional Office at the end of each month, by phone or on-line

To find your VA Regional Office, go to:
http://www.va.gov/directory/guide/division.asp?dnum=3&isFlash=0

Other VA Educational Monthly Benefits Eligibility Policies and Considerations

1. SouthArk Payment Plan: VA checks may take time to process. Students can set up a payment plan to
hold classes until the VA begins to pay.
A. Once classes are scheduled, students can start a payment plan from their student account under
View/Pay Bill
B. Down payments and enrollment fees are processed immediately.
C. Once VA payments begin, students must contact SouthArk's business office to switch payment
options.

2. Students who are receiving benefits under Chapter 30, 1606, and 1607 must request payment at the
end of each month by using one of the following:
A. By calling 1-(877)823-2378, Automated Verification of Enrollment (W.A.V.E.)
B. Going online at www.gibill.va.gov Click on verify attendance (W.A.V.E.) Tab then create account and
submit enrollment for payment. https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/index.do

3. The Veterans Regional Office will not pay for the following:
A. A course that does not pertain to the degree you are seeking
B. On-line developmental (remedial) courses
C. A course already passed at an acceptable level at SouthArk or any other school
Check with your adviser: a grade of "D" may be an acceptable grade for your degree requirement.

4. SouthArk reports regularly to the Veterans Regional Office. If any of the following actions result in your
having been paid more than what you are eligible for, you may have to repay the amount in
excess of your eligibility:
A. Dropped class
B. Term withdrawal
C. NC (no-credit) grade in a non-developmental course
D. Non-attendance grade (grade of F)
E. Incomplete grade that is subsequently replaced with an NC (no-credit) grade

5. SouthArk also reports the following information to the Veterans Regional Office:
A. Academic probation
B. Suspension
C. Graduation

Active Duty and Reserve