Getting Started
Orange Coast College: Certifies your enrollment status, programs and academic progress.
The VA Student: Satisfies requirements for admission, registration, counseling and academic progress set forth by OCC and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Veterans Affairs Department: Determines benefit eligibility, rate of compensation and answers all questions concerning payment.
1-888-442-4551 or www.gibill.va.gov
Admissions & Enrollment
Apply for admission and for financial aid. Applications for both are available online at www.orangecoastcollege.edu. If you need assistance, there are computers available to you in both the Admissions Office and the Financial Aid Office.
Obtain an application packet for the Montgomery G.I. Bill (MGIB) education benefits from the OCC Veterans Certifying Official, located in the Records Office on the first floor of Watson Hall. Packets contain additional information regarding the use of the MGIB at Orange Coast College.
Request official copies of military transcripts as well as transcripts from previously attended colleges or universities and hand-deliver them to an OCC VA Certifying Official.
Placement Testing
Call the Assessment Center at (714) 432-5789 to schedule your placement tests. If you have successfully completed math and English (with a "C" or better) at another accredited college, you may not need to take the placement tests- your transcripts may be used for course placement in English and math classes and to meet matriculation requirements.
Orientation
Call the Counseling Office at (714) 432-5078 to schedule an orientation. Bring your placement test scores with you. The counselor will assist you in selecting the appropriate classes to meet your educational goal.
Register for Classes
Once placement testing and orientation have been completed, you will be notified of your registration date. You may register for classes on or after your registration date by logging on to your MyOCC account.
Pay your registrration fees within 48 hours of registering for classes, even if you anticipate receiving financial aid. Financial aid will not cover all fees and charges.
Veterans applying for VA benefits may select any OCC program, approved by the Bureau of School Approvals and the Veterans Administration, leading to a certificate or degree offered at Orange Coast College, including articulated lower division courses that may be transferable to a 4-year college or university.
FAQs
What should I bring to the VA Certifying Official?
Bring a copy of your VA Form DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) and if applicable, VA Form 2384-1 (Notice of Basic Eligibility - NOBE).
When will my benefits be effective?
Benefits will be effective the first day of the term being certified and you will recieve retroactive benefits from the Veterans Administration once that office has processed your certification.
Do I need to pay for my classes before I begin recieveing my benefits?
Yes. It is your responsibility to pay all registration fees within 48 hours of registration.
How long will it take before I recieve my monthly benefit?
Once you file your initial application for VA educational benefits, processing by the VA can take from four to six weeks. Once the VA establishes a file on your behalf, subsequent processing usually takes 30 to 45 days. Peak periods, such as the start of the semester, may cause a longer processing time.
How do I receive my benefits?
Step 1 - the school certifying official submits your enrollment certification for each term of enrollment.
Step 2 - the last day of each month, you must verify your attendance to the VA. You will not recieve payment until the VA receives your verification.
Step 3 - you will receive your monthly benefit payment from the VA via US mail or by direct deposit.
If I fail to complete my monthly verification of attendance, will I loose my benefit?
No. You will not lose your monthly benefit. It will be paid to you retroactively when you complete the verification of enrollment in the following month.
Why do I need to declare a major?
The Department of Veteran Affairs requires the declaration of an educational objective (major) or goal.
Can I change my major?
Yes. You will need to inform the OCC VA Certifying Official of your intent and complete VA Form 22-1995, available through the OCC VA Certifying Official.
Which classes at OCC qualify for certification for benefits?
Courses required for certificates of achievement, general education classes, lower division major classes and elective (if needed) qualify for benefits. In some cases, prerequisites and/or remedial courses in preparation for lower division courses also qualify for benefits. You are not paid for classes you have already completed with a passing grade or those not required for your declared major.
How much will I be compensated for the classes I take?
Compensation varies and is determined by the number of qualifying units and the MGIB chapter you are qualified to use.
12 units or more ........... Full time
Up to $1,321.00 per month
9 to 11 units ............... . 3/4 time
Up to $999.75 per month
6 to 8 units ................... 1/2 time
Up to $660.00 per month
3 to 5 units ................... 1/4 time
Up to $330.25 per month
I dropped a class this term. Is there anything I need to do?
Yes. Contact the OCC VA Certifying Official as soon as you have dropped the class. An adjustment must be made to your monthly benefit. Failure to contact the certifying official could lead to an overpayment situation. The VA will require the repayment of any benefits paid in excess.
Do I have to pay taxes on my G.I. Bill benefits?
No. All VA benefits are non-taxable.