Oxnard College Admissions and Records Office VETERANS GI BILL BENEFITS CHECKLIST New Students Apply for admission to Oxnard College at www.oxnardcollege.edu/apply First Step: If you haven t Apply online for your GI Bill benefits at www.gibill.va.gov After the VA processes your application, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility in the mail from the VA. Second step: Apply for Financial Aid. File the BOGW Fee Waiver (www.cccapply.org/bog_waiver) and the FAFSA (www.fafsa.ed.gov) on line. You may contact Kathy Cline, she is the Financial Aid contact person for Veteran students. You may reach her by calling (805) 986 5800 x 7668, or by email at kcline@vcccd.edu. Third Step: Make an appointment with the VA counselor by calling (805)986 5816. Appointments must be made every semester to get the Service Form. If you have attended any prior institutions, take an unofficial copy of your transcript with you to the counselor meeting and have one sent to the Admissions and Records Office. Request official transcript by your 2nd semester! Students with outstanding transcripts at the end of their second semester will not be certified until those transcripts are received by Admissions and Records. Fourth Step: Register and pay for classes or sign up for the payment plan. All registration fees must be paid at the time of registration. Remember to finalize your class schedule before you turn in all your paperwork as this will prevent any untimely delays in receiving payment of your benefits. Normally, the VA pays benefits at the end of each month. All fees are due at the time of registration. Fifth Step: Turn in all documents below to the Admissions and Records Office once you are done finalizing your class schedule. Paperwork cannot be accepted for certification no earlier than 30 days from the start of the term. Please contact the admissions and records office for confirmation of acceptance date. To comply with the VA regulations, official transcripts from all previous colleges, universities, or military service must be on file in the Admissions & Records Office by your second semester before your benefits can be recertified. PLEASE BRING IN TO THE ADMISSIONS AND RECORDS OFFICE: Certificate of Eligibility for the Chapter of benefits that you are eligible for DD 214 if you were on active duty or DD 2384 Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) if in reserve Blue Information Card (Every semester after registering), enclosed Educational Program signed by the VA counselor Veterans Agreement, enclosed If you change your major, you must complete a NEW Educational Program with the VA counselor. Call the Counseling Office at (805)986 5816 to schedule an appointment with an academic counselor. Additional information regarding using your benefits and getting started is available on line through the Oxnard College Admissions and Records website at: http://www.oxnardcollege.edu/gibill. Call the Admissions and Records Office at 805 986 5810 if you have additional questions.
Prior Credit for Military Service The colleges of the Ventura County Community College District will recognize and grant credit to service personnel for formal educational training completed in the nited States armed forces provided such credit is not a duplication of work taken previously. Service personnel may be allowed credit for formal service school courses offered by the nited States military service recommended in the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the armed services of the American Council on Education. The credit allowed will be based upon the recommendations specified in the Guide. To comply with the VA regulations, official transcripts from all previous colleges, universities or military service must be on file by your second semester before you benefits can be recertified. Where to obtain the necessary documents for the evaluation of military education and training. The ACE Military Guide: The ACE Military Guide (Guide to Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services) is on the web at: www.militaryguides.acenet.edu Military Transcripts: 1. ARMY AARTS Transcripts Joint Services Transcript: https://jst.doded.mil 2. NAVY & MARINES SMART Transcripts Joint Services Transcript: https://jst.doded.mil 3. COAST GARD CGI transcripts Joint Services Transcript: https://jst.doded.mil 4. AIR FORCE CCAF transcripts http://www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf/transcripts.asp
Scan here for more information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill and other education benefits or visit www.gibill.va.gov. Scan here to follow us on Facebook or go to www.facebook.com/gibilleducation for news and discussion on the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Scan here to find participating Yellow Ribbon schools (also available at http://www.gibill.va.gov/benefits/post_911_ gibill/yellow_ribbon_program.html. Department of Veterans Affairs Washington, DC 20420 OFFICIAL BSINESS VA Pamphlet Veterans Benefits 22-09-1 Revised Administration May 2012 P96257
The Post- 9/11 GI Bill is an education benefit program for individuals who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. Am I Eligible? You may be eligible if you served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty* after September 10, 2001, or were honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability after serving 30 continuous days following September 10, 2001. Note: Children of a member of the Armed Forces who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001, may be eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits under the Marine Gunnery John David Fry Scholarship Program. What Will I Receive? You may receive a percentage of the following payments (see chart). A Tuition and Fee payment that is paid to your school on your behalf A Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)** that is equal to: the basic allowance for housing (BAH) payable for the zip code of your school to a military E-5 with dependents for students pursuing resident training one-half the BAH national average for students training solely by distance learning the national average BAH for students pursuing training at foreign schools *includes active service as a National Guard member under title 32.S.C. for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training and active service under section 502(f) of title 32 for the purpose of responding to a national emergency. **The MHA is not payable to individuals on active duty or those enrolled at half time or less. A Books and Supplies Stipend of up to $1000 per year Individuals serving an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of: Percentage of Maximum Benefit Payable At least 36 months 100% At least 30 continuous days and discharged due to 100% service-connected disability At least 30 months < 36 months 90% At least 24 months < 30 months 80% At least 18 months < 24 months 70% At least 12 months < 18 months 60% At least 6 months < 12 months 50% At least 90 days < 6 months 40% How Many Months Of Assistance Can I Receive And How Long Am I Eligible? Generally, you may receive up to 36 months of entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. You will be eligible for benefits for 15 years from your last period of active duty of at least 90 consecutive days. What Kind Of Training Can I Take? You can use the Post-9/11 GI Bill at colleges, universities, trade schools, and for on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and flight schools. To see what programs are currently approved for VA benefits, go to our website, www.gibill.va.gov. You can use the Post-9/11 GI Bill for tutorial assistance, licensing (attorney license, cosmetology license, etc.) and certification tests (SAT, LSAT, etc.). Note: If the program you are interested in isn t on our website, contact your State Approving Agency (list available on www.gibill.va.gov) to see if it can be approved. Can I Transfer My Entitlement To My Dependents? You must be a member of the uniformed services to transfer your unused benefits to your spouse or dependent(s). Generally, you must agree to serve four more years when transferring benefits. What Is The Yellow Ribbon Program? The Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover all in-state tuition and fees at public degree granting schools, but may not cover all private degree granting schools and out-of-state tuition. The Yellow Ribbon Program provides additional support in those situations. Institutions voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund uncovered charges. VA matches each dollar of unmet charges the institution agrees to contribute, up to the total cost of the tuition and fees.
Confidentiality And Privacy Vet Center Staff respect the privacy of all veterans. We hold in the strictest confidence all information disclosed in the counseling process. No information will be released to any person or agency without written consent from the client, except in circumstances averting a crisis. 790 E. Santa Clara St. Suite 100 Ventura, CA 93001 Phone (805) 585-1860 Fax (805) 585-1864 VET CENTER SERVICES ARE FREE TO ELIGIBLE VETERANS N W elco m e H o m e
Background of Readjustment Counseling Service The Vet Center Program was established by Congress in 1979 out of the recognition that a significant number of Vietnam era vets were still experiencing readjustment problems. Vet Centers are community based and part of the.s. Department of Veterans Affairs. In April 1991, in response to the Persian Gulf War, Congress extended the eligibility to veterans who served during other periods of armed hostilities after the Vietnam era. Those other periods are identified as Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, the Persian Gulf, Somalia, and Kosovo/Bosnia. In October 1996, Congress extended the eligibility to include WWII and Korean Combat Veterans. The goal of the Vet Center program is to provide a broad range of counseling, outreach, and referral services to eligible veterans in order to help them make a satisfying postwar readjustment to civilian life. On April 1, 2003 the Secretary of Veterans Affairs extended eligibility for Vet Center services to veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and on June 25, 2003 Vet Center eligibility was extended to veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and subsequent operations within the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). The family members of all veterans listed above are eligible for Vet Center services as well. On August 5, 2003 VA Secretary Anthony J. Principi authorized Vet Centers to furnish bereavement counseling services to surviving parents, spouses, children and siblings of service members who die of any cause while on active duty, to include federally activated Reserve and National Guard personnel.. ELIGIBILITY FOR SERVICES War Zone Veterans - all eras, including: World War II - 7 Dec 1941 to 31 Dec 1946 American Merchant Marines - In ocean-going service during the period of armed conflict - 7 Dec 1941 to 15 Aug 1945 Korean War - 27 Jun 1950-27 Jul 1954 Vietnam War - 28 Feb 1961-7 May 1975 Vietnam Era Non Theater - 5 Aug 1964-7 May 1975 (eligible if seen prior to 1 Jan 2004) Lebanon - 25 Aug 1982 to 26 Feb 1984 Grenada - 23 Oct 1983 to 21 Nov 1983 Panama - 20 Dec 1989 to 31 Jan 1990 Persian Gulf - 2 Aug 1990 to present Somalia - 17 Sep 1992 to present Operations Joint Endeavor, Joint Guard, Joint Forge - Veterans who participated in one or more of these three successive operations in the former Yugoslavia (Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia, aboard.s. Naval vessels operating in the Adriatic Sea, or air spaces above those areas) Sexual Trauma/Harassment Counseling - veterans of both sexes, all eras Global War on Terrorism Veterans who serve or have served in military expeditions to combat terrorism on or after September 11, 2001 and before a terminal date yet to be established Bereavement Parents, spouses and children of Armed Forces personnel who died in the service of their country. Family members of Reservists and National Guardsmen who die while on duty are PTSD Post Traumatic Stress is a normal set of reactions to a trauma such as war, which could be experienced by almost anyone. Sometimes, it becomes a Disorder (PTSD) with the passage of time when feelings or issues related to the trauma are not dealt with, but are suppressed by the individual. This can result in problems readjusting to community life following the trauma. A delayed stress reaction may surface after many years and include some or all of the following problems: anger, irritability, and rage feeling nervous depression difficulty trusting others feeling guilt over acts committed or witnessed, the failure to prevent certain events, or merely having survived while others did not. hyper alertness and startle reactions feeling grief or sadness having thoughts and memories that will not go away isolation and alienation from others loss of interest in pleasurable activities low tolerance to stress problems with authority problems feeling good about one self nightmares substance abuse trouble sleeping anxiety paranoia READJSTMENT CONSELING SERVICES Individual counseling Group counseling Marital and family counseling Medical referrals Assistance in applying for VA Benefits Employment counseling, guidance and referral Alcohol/Drug treatment referrals Information and referral to community resources Sexual trauma referral services Community education
Ventura County Veterans Services Main Office We help veterans, people who have lost a spouse or parent in military service, and people whose spouse or parent has served in the military and is now disabled. Every veteran, dependent and survivor is encouraged to contact our office to receive a full assessment of their entitlements. All services are provided through the County of Ventura and therefore are free of charge. 855 Partridge Drive, Ventura, CA 93003 Phone: (805) 477-5155 Fax: (805) 477-5418 Veterans Services Office Field offices are located throughout Ventura County. Call (805) 477-5155 to schedule an appointment or for more information. T he County of Ventura Human Services Agency provides public services that promote selfsufficiency, safety, health and well-being. Our programs and services help ensure the protection of children, the elderly, and dependent adults. We also provide a safety net for individuals and families who need assistance with basic necessities, such as food, housing and health care. Additionally, we help people secure employment through education, training, job search skills, and job placement. Referral line for health, human, & community services. Serving those who served Toll-Free: (866) 904-9362 www.vchsa.org HSA-032 5/10
We are here to serve you Claims services for widows or dependent children of veterans Dependency and indemnity compensation Pension for non-service connected deaths Proceeds from SDVA life insurance policies Education benefits Claims services for parents of veterans Death compensation Proceeds from SDVA life insurance The Veterans Services Office was established in 1937 by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors to provide assistance to Veterans, their dependents and survivors in obtaining benefits from federal, state, and local agencies. Your questions answered Providing information Your local Veterans Services Office How can we serve you? The Ventura County Veterans Services Office has a staff of professional Veterans Claims Officers who are fully accredited by the.s. Department of Veterans Affairs (SDVA). Our Veterans Claims Officers provide information, referrals, claims preparation and submission, and follow-up service to ensure Veterans, their dependents and survivors receive the benefits to which they are entitiled. The Veterans Services Office is equipped to provide information and assistance with any claim to the SDVA. Home calls or visits to hospitals, nursing homes, and senior centers may be made to assist elderly persons or those with disabilities. Claims services for veterans Compensation for service connected disabilities Pension for wartime veterans with non-serviceconnected disabilities (income limit) Treatment at a SDVA hospital or clinic (information and application) Educational benefits (information and application) Home loan (information and application for Certificate of Eligibility) Our helpful staff Claims Officers work with the following accredited ogranizations: American Legion California Department of Veterans Affairs Disabled American Veterans Veterans of Foreign Wars Military Order of the Purple Heart AMVets Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. Claims Officers also work directly with the.s. Department of Veterans Affairs. Claims assistance If you have a question regarding compensation, pension, life insurance, medical care, or vocational rehabilitation, we can provide the answers you seek. Claims Officers provide assistance with the annual Eligibility Verification Report (EVR), the College Fee Waiver Program, and home loan guarantees. We also provide answers to questions regarding California Department of Veterans Affairs (CDVA) benefits and burial benefits. Referrals and information Linkages to resources The Veterans Services Office provides the following referrals: medical, including hospitalization dental home nursing care alcohol and substance abuse treatment post-traumatic stress homelessness employment reintegration vocational rehabilitation smoking cessation CA Veterans Home - Ventura Information is also provided about: home loans / GI Bill discharge upgrades and Re-enlistment Eligibility (RE) Code revision Small Business Administration Dates of Wartime Service Some benefits and medical care require wartime service. As specified in law, the SDVA recognizes these war periods: World War I April 6, 1917 November 11, 1918 World War II December 7, 1941 December 31, 1946 Korean War June 27, 1950 January 31, 1955 Vietnam War August 5, 1964 May 7, 1975 Gulf War August 2, 1990 present
Your Ventura County Veteran Services Office Veteran Services Office - Main Office Human Services Agency 855 Partridge Drive, Ventura, CA 93003 Call with questions or to schedule an appointment: (805) 477-5155 FIELD OFFICES Ventura CA Veterans Home 10900 Telephone Road Thursdays - 1-4 p.m. Oxnard Oxnard Intake & Eligibility Center 1400 Vanguard Drive Mondays - 8 a.m. - 12 noon Santa Paula Santa Clara Valley Job & Career Center 725 East Main Street 1st Tuesday 1-4 p.m. Santa Paula Senior Center 530 West Main Street 1st Thursday 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Camarillo GCVF Service Center 4001 Mission Oaks Boulevard Wednesdays - 8 a.m. - 12 noon Simi Valley East County Job & Career Center 980 Enchanted Way, Simi Valley Wednesdays - 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Simi Valley Senior Center 3900 Avenida Simi 1st Wednesday 9 a.m. - 12 noon By appointment only Thousand Oaks Supervisor Linda Parks Office 625 West Hillcrest Drive Tuesdays - 9 a.m. - 12 noon Thousand Oaks Senior Center 1385 East Janss Road 2nd Tuesday 1-4 p.m. 03/13