Veterans Affairs

Educational Benefits for Veterans
Qualifying veterans and dependents are eligible to receive certain educational benefits while attending J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Those interested in obtaining these benefits must follow the instructions below and submit all required documentation at least 30 days prior to the first day of the term the student is planning to enroll.

General instructions for applying for V.A. Educational Benefits:
Forms: Complete in ink, in their entirety, with a legal signature and accompanying date. Links to needed forms can be found below in the Forms section.

Submission of forms:
Submit all forms/application materials to any of the three JSRCC Success Centers or via fax at 804-371-3292.

Deadlines:
Although the college may certify a student for benefits up to one year retroactively, students are urged to submit their requests for certification at least 30 days prior to the first day of the term in which the student is planning to enroll.

Information Sheet:
All students seeking Veteran’s benefits are strongly encouraged to review the Information Sheet. This is found below in the Forms section.

JSRCC does not participate in Advance or Accelerated pay. It is the student’s responsibility to pay for all classes (i.e. financial aid, FACTS payment, out of pocket). Veteran’s benefits are provided only after courses have been paid for and enrollment has been verified after the drop/add period of each term.

Detailed Instructions:
If you’ve received benefits at JSRCC (in the past 3 years):
1. Complete the Request for Certification form (must be completed each semester).
2. Active duty beneficiaries must indicate that they are on active duty.

If you have never received benefits at JSRCC (but have received them at another institution):
1. Complete the Request for Certification form (must be completed each semester).
2. Request for Change of Program or Place of Training by completing:
     VA Form 22-1995 for Veterans or Reservists: Chapter 30, 33, 1606, 1607
     VA Form 22-5495 for Dependents: Chapter 35
3. If a Reservist, also include a Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) form from the reserve unit.
4. If a Veteran, also include a copy of form DD-214- member 4.


If you have never received V.A. Educational Benefits before:
1. Complete V.A. online application
Form 22-1990 for Veterans or Reservist or
Form 22-5490 for Dependents

2. Send a copy of Form DD-214 to Department of Veterans Affairs:
     Department of Veterans Affairs
     VA Regional Office
     PO Box 4616
     Buffalo, NY 14202

3. Submit the following to the JSRCC certifying official:

• Copy of DD-214, member 4 (only if discharged), or Notice of Basic Eligibility (Reservists)
• Completed Request for Certification form (must be completed each semester)
• Copy of Certificate of Eligibility (student will receive the Certificate of Eligibility from the VA 6-8 weeks after completing the online application)
  
  NOTE: If you have not received your Certificate of Eligibility, you must submit a copy of the VA Online Application        
  
  If you are receiving Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill) complete the following:
  1. VA Online Application (Form 22-1990-Veterans or Form 22-1990E- Transfer of Benefits to Dependent)
  
  Any soldier/veteran who wants to transfer entitlement to a spouse/dependent needs to visit https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/TEB/ . In order to access this page you will need to select the “Continue to this website” option indicated next to the red shield. 
  
  2. Bring the Certificate of Eligibility to the VA Certifying Official
  
  If you are receiving other educational benefits such as Vocational Rehabilitation (Chp. 31) or Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP):
  
  1. Contact your counselor with that department for the proper paper work to be submitted to the Veteran Certifying Official at JSRCC:

Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP)
Doris Sullivan
540-597-1730
Virginia Department of Veterans Services
270 Franklin Road SW
Room 503
Roanoke, VA 24011-2215
Doris.Sullivan@dvs.virginia.gov

Vocational Rehabilitation: Chapter 31
Betsy Flowers
VA McGuire Hospital
804-675-5000

2. Complete the Request for Certification form (must be completed each semester).
3. If a Reservist, also include a Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) form from the reserve unit.
4. If a Veteran, also include a copy of form DD-214.

Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA)
If you are a spouse of an active duty service member, you may be eligible to receive free tuition. MyCAA provides up to $6000 of financial assistance for eligible spouses directly to participating schools or other programs. A military spouse can apply for MyCAA Financial Assistance after completing a MyCAA Career and Training Plan.

•  Eligible spouses, who are ready to explore portable career options and develop a career goal and plan should establish a MyCAA Account by visiting the MyCAA website ~ https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa. This is an easy, self-help process.
  If you have questions contact Military OneSource Career/Education Consultant
  (1-800-342-9647)
• Contact Certifying Official at JSRCC indicating their program desire. The Certifying Official will then explain and help the student through the admissions process.
• Complete the Request for Certification form (must be completed each semester).

Forms:
• Information Sheet
• Request for Certification form (Statement of Understanding)
• G. I. Bill
• Monthly Verification or 1-877-823-2378 ( The following students (Chapters 30, 1606, and 1607)  are responsible for calling to verify their enrollment with the VA on the last day of each month.  If you do not verify your enrollment the student will not receive their monthly payment.)
• Ask the Questions or call 1-888-442-4551
DEPENDENTS' REQUEST FOR CHANGE OF PROGRAM OR PLACE OF TRAINING
(Form 22-5495)

To contact the VA Certifying Official:
Morgan Jones
Georgiadis Hall, Room 201
1651 E. Parham Rd.
Richmond, VA 23228
804-523-5368
Email: mljones@reynolds.edu