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:

  1. Apply online at VA.gov
  2. 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:

  1. Apply at VA VR&E Portal
  2. 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:

  1. Apply at VA.gov
  2. 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:

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.

1

Step 1: Apply to DCCC

2

Step 2: Apply for VA Education Benefits AND Financial Aid

3

Step 3: Placement Testing & Transcript Submission

4

Step 4: Complete New Student Orientation

5

Step 5: Meet with an Academic Advisor & Register for Classes

6

Step 6: Submit Your Certification Request Form (CRF)

7

Final Step: Meet with the Veteran Services Coordinator

Step 1: Apply to DCCC

All new students must submit a DCCC admissions application unless you’ve applied within the past year.

Apply to DCCC

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:

 

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.

 

 Submit CRF Here

New students can schedule a one-on-one meeting to review your course registration, certification status, and benefit usage if needed using delaGATE.

Schedule an Appointment

Veteran/Military/Dependent Tuition Discount Policy

Delaware County Community College is proud to support our nation’s service members, veterans and their families. Students who meet the criteria below may be eligible for a Veteran/Military/Dependent Tuition Discount if they reside in a non-sponsoring school district. Students using VA or DOD Education benefits are already approved for the discount by submitting their CRF.

Who is Eligible?

Students enrolled in credit-bearing courses at DCCC who reside in a non-sponsoring school district may qualify for the discounted in-county tuition rate if they fall into one of the following categories:

  • United States Military Veterans
  • Active Duty Service Members
  • National Guard or Reserve Members
  • Spouses or Dependents of a Veteran or Service Member

Acceptable Documentation

Students must submit one of the following documents to verify eligibility:

For Veterans:

  • DD-214 (Member 4 Copy, showing Honorable or General discharge)
  • State-issued photo ID with Veteran Designation
  • VA Healthcare ID Card

For Active Duty, Reserve, or Guard:

  • Military ID (CAC)
  • LES (Leave and Earnings Statement)
  • Orders showing current active/reserve status

For Spouse or Dependent:

  • Veteran’s DD-214  AND
  • Documentation showing relationship:
    • Military Dependent ID
    • Marriage certificate (for spouses)
    • Birth certificate or tax documentation (for dependents)

What is the Discount?

Eligible students will receive in-county tuition rates regardless of their actual school district of residence, waiving the non-sponsoring district surcharge.

How to Apply

  1. Apply to DCCC if you haven’t already:

Apply Here

  1. Submit your documentation via one of the following methods:
  • Upload during the admissions process
  • Email to the Veteran Services Office: va@dccc.edu
  • Submit in person at the Veteran Services Office or Enrollment Services
  1. Verify approval before the start of the semester. Once approved, your student account will reflect the updated tuition rate.

Do I Need to Reapply?

No. Once approved, the discount will remain active for the duration of your academic enrollment at DCCC, unless your eligibility status changes.


FAQs

How many classes do I need to take in person to get full BAH (MHA) under Chapter 33?

You must take at least one class in person or hybrid AND maintain a Rate of Pursuit greater than 50%.

What is a “Rate of Pursuit”?

It’s the percentage of full-time credit hours you’re taking. For undergraduates, 12 credits is full-time. Taking 7 or more credits usually meets the >50% threshold.

I’m using Chapter 35 benefits. Do I need to be in-person?

No. Chapter 35 recipients do not have an in-person requirement and receive a flat monthly stipend regardless of course format.

If I drop a class, will it affect my VA benefits?

Possibly. Dropping below 51% pursuit or withdrawing from your in-person class may reduce or eliminate your MHA. Contact Veteran Services before making schedule changes.

What’s the difference between hybrid and online classes?

Hybrid classes include some in-person component and are counted as “in-residence” for VA housing purposes. Fully online classes do not count.

Do I have to verify enrollment each month?

Yes, if you are using:

  • Chapter 30
  • Chapter 35
  • Chapter 1606
    Chapter 33 students typically don’t need to verify manually unless directed by VA.

Veteran Community Services & Support

In addition to on-campus support, DCCC is committed to connecting student veterans, military members, and their families with trusted local and national resources.

Delaware County Veterans Affairs Office

Address:
Government Center Building, Ground Floor
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063

Phone: (610) 891-4646
Email: vetaffairs@co.delaware.pa.us
Website: Delco Veterans Affairs

Chester County Veterans Affairs Office

Address:
601 Westtown Road, Suite 385
West Chester, PA 19382

Phone: (610) 344-6375
Email: veterans@chesco.org
Website: Chesco Veterans Affairs

Coatesville VA Medical Center

The Coatesville VA Medical Center provides comprehensive medical, behavioral health, and social services for Veterans in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Location:
1400 Black Horse Hill Road
Coatesville, PA 19320

Main Phone: 610-384-7711
Visit Website
Open 24/7 (Emergency services), with scheduled clinics and walk-in care available

Veterans Crisis Line

If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or thinking about suicide, help is available 24/7.

Call: 988, then press 1
Text: 838255
Chat Online: veteranscrisisline.net/chat

You do not need to be enrolled in VA healthcare to use this free and confidential service.