Veteran and Military Services
Welcome to the Delaware County Community College Veteran Services resource hub. Our mission is to empower veterans, service members, and their families through accessible education, guidance on VA benefits, and local support connections.
VA Education Benefits Overview
Chapter 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill®
How to Apply:
- Apply online at VA.gov
- Register for courses required for your degree.
Full-Time Status: Fall and Spring (15 Week Terms)
- 12+ credits during a standard semester = full-time.
- 7+ credits = more than 50% Rate of Pursuit (RoP), required for Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA).
Full-Time Status: Summer 1/Summer 2 (6 Week Terms)
- 4+ credits during a standard semester = full-time.
- 3+ credits = more than 50% Rate of Pursuit (RoP), required for Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA).
Modality Requirements for Full MHA:
- Must be enrolled in at least one in-person or hybrid course each semester.
- Fully online schedules result in a reduced MHA (per VA guidelines).
Includes:
- Tuition/fees paid directly to DCCC.
- Monthly Housing Allowance (if RoP >50% and at least one in-person/hybrid course).
- Annual book/supply stipend (up to $1,000).
Chapter 31: Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E)
Who Qualifies:
Veterans with a service-connected disability rated at least 10% (with serious employment handicap) or 20% (with employment handicap), as determined by the VA.
How to Apply:
- Apply at VA VR&E Portal
- Once accepted, you’ll be assigned a VA Case Manager who will:
- Approve your program of study
- Send a Purchase Order (PO) to DCCC
What You Need to Do at DCCC:
- Submit transcripts and complete placement/orientation like all new students
- Coordinate course selection with your VA Case Manager
- Wait for DCCC Veteran Services to certify your schedule once the PO is received
- No Certificate of Eligibility (COE) required
Credit Requirement:
- Must be enrolled as full-time student (12+ credits) for full monthly subsistence allowance
- Pro-rated below full-time student status
Modality Requirement:
- No in-person requirement for non-Chapter 33 extension
- In-person requirement for Chapter 33 extension (check with VRE Counselor for information about extension)
- Hybrid/online/in-person courses allowed
- Full-time status affects monthly subsistence allowance (MSA) amount
What’s Covered:
- Full tuition and fees (paid to DCCC)
- Books, supplies, and some transportation (via PO)
- Monthly Subsistence Allowance (MSA)
Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill® – Active Duty
How to Apply:
- Apply at VA.gov
- Enroll in degree-applicable courses.
Full-Time Status: Fall and Spring (15 Week Terms)
- 12+ credits = full-time
- 9–11 credits = ¾ time
- 6–8 credits = ½ time
Full-Time Status: Summer 1/Summer 2 (6 Week Terms)
- 4+ credits during a standard semester = full-time.
- 3+ credits = more than 50% Rate of Pursuit (RoP).
Modality:
- No in-person requirement.
- Benefits paid monthly based on credit load, regardless of course format.
Verification:
- Must verify enrollment monthly using WAVE.
Chapter 35: Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
Who Qualifies:
Dependents (spouse/child) of a veteran who is permanently and totally disabled, MIA, or deceased due to service.
How to Apply:
Apply via VA Form 22-5490 at https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/education-and-careers/apply-for-dea-fry-form-22-5490/introduction
Full-Time Status: Fall and Spring (15 Week Terms)
- 12+ credits during a standard semester = full-time
- 7+ credits = more than 50% Rate of Pursuit (RoP), required for monthly stipend.
Full-Time Status: Summer 1/Summer 2 (6 Week Terms)
- 4+ credits during a standard semester = full-time
- 3+ credits = more than 50% Rate of Pursuit (RoP), required for monthly stipend.
Modality:
- No in-person or hybrid requirement.
- Benefits paid regardless of course format.
Chapter 1606: Montgomery GI Bill® – Selected Reserve
Who Qualifies:
Reserve or National Guard members with at least a 6-year commitment.
How to Apply:
Apply using VA Form 22-1990 at https://www.va.gov/education/apply-for-gi-bill-form-22-1990/introduction
Full-Time Status: Fall and Spring (15 Week Terms)
- 12+ credits = full-time payment should all of them say “payment”?
- Less than 12 credits = prorated
Full-Time Status: Summer 1/Summer 2 (6 Week Terms)
- 4+ credits = full-time payment
- Less than 4 = prorated
Modality:
- No in-person requirement.
- Payment is based solely on enrollment level.
Verification:
- Monthly verification required via WAVE.
Tuition Assistance (TA)
Who Qualifies:
Active duty, National Guard, and Reserve service members
How to Apply:
- Each military branch uses a different portal:
- Army: ArmyIgnitED
- Navy: Navy College TA portal
- Air Force & Space Force: AFVEC
- Marines: Marines TA Portal
- Request TA before DCCC classes begin
What You Need to Do at DCCC:
- Submit approved TA Authorization to the DCCC Bursar’s Office
- Coordinate with the Veteran Services Office if you are using TA with GI Bill®
Credit Requirement:
- Full-time not required; can use for part-time
- Minimum of 3 credits per class
Modality Requirement:
- Online, in-person, or hybrid courses allowed
- Must be degree-applicable courses only
What’s Covered:
- Up to 100% tuition (limits vary by branch)
- Does not cover fees or books (consider using GI Bill® “Top-Up”)
Pennsylvania Educational Assistance Program (EAP)
Who Qualifies?
Pennsylvania National Guard members who commit to a service obligation
How to Apply:
- Apply through your Guard Unit Readiness NCO or EAP Website
- Deadlines: April 30 (Summer/Fall), November 30 (Spring)
What You Need To Do At DCCC:
- Submit your EAP award letter to the Financial Aid Office
- Work with your unit and chain of command to maintain eligibility
Credit Requirement:
- Typically, at least 6 credits (half-time)
- Must maintain academic progress
Modality Requirement:
- Online, hybrid, or in-person courses allowed
What’s Covered:
- Up to 100% tuition at state schools
- State school tuition rate at private schools like DCCC
What Programs Are Covered by My VA Benefit? (WEAMS)
The WEAMS (Web Enabled Approval Management System) is the official VA tool that lists which programs and institutions are approved for VA education benefits.
Why it matters:
- You can only receive VA benefits for programs listed in WEAMS.
- DCCC’s approved programs are visible in WEAMS and must match your declared major.
Steps to Enroll for Veteran & Military-Affiliated Students
Whether you’re using Chapter 33, 35, 30, 1606, or VR&E (Chapter 31), follow these steps to successfully enroll and access your benefits at Delaware County Community College.
Step 1: Apply to DCCC
All new students must submit a DCCC admissions application unless you’ve applied within the past year.
Questions? Contact Admissions at 610-359-5050 or admiss@dccc.edu.
Step 2: Apply for VA Education Benefits AND Financial Aid
Veterans and Dependents must notify the VA of their intent to use education benefits. After applying, the VA will mail you a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
(Note: Chapter 31 students are exempt from this and instead work through their VA case manager.)
Apply for VA Education Benefits
Apply for Financial Aid (FAFSA)
You’ll need to submit your COE to DCCC’s Veteran Services Office later in the process.
Questions about VA Benefits? Call the VA Education Call Center at 1-888-442-4551.
Step 3: Placement Testing & Transcript Submission
Contact Assessment Services for placement testing and submit:
- All prior college or university transcripts
- Military transcripts (Joint Services Transcript or CC Air Force)
Questions?
Assessment & Placement Testing: 610-325-2776
Step 4: Complete New Student Orientation
All new students, including Veterans and Dependents, must complete New Student Orientation before registering for classes.
Questions?
New Student Orientation: 610-325-2776
Step 5: Meet with an Academic Advisor & Register for Classes
All new students, including Veterans and Dependents, must complete New Student Orientation before registering for classes.
Questions?
New Student Orientation: 610-325-2776
Step 6: Submit Your Certification Request Form (CRF)
Before submitting your certification paperwork, meet with an advisor to ensure classes align with your degree program and register for courses.
Questions?
Academic Advising: 610-359-5324
Final Step: Meet with the Veteran Services Coordinator
After you’ve:
- Registered for classes
- Received your COE (list as “Reminder”) – also, does it say to receive COE above?
Submit your CRF to the Veteran Services Office. Be sure to attach your COE to the form.
New students can schedule a one-on-one meeting to review your course registration, certification status, and benefit usage if needed using delaGATE.