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Veteran Affairs Program
Veterans Affairs
Location: R-Building, Room 105-J
Contact Person:Jim Sweeney (Veterans Counselor/Certifying Official)
Phone:(510) 436-2475 (for appointments)
(510) 436-2669 (direct line)
Email: jsweeney@peralta.edu
Office Hours:
Mondays: 12:30PM-4:30PM
Wednesdays: 12:30PM-4:30PM
Thursdays: 2:30PM-6:30PM
Services Provided
The Veterans Affairs Office offers a variety of programs to Veterans and to dependents of deceased or disabled Veterans who may qualify for federal and state educational programs.
Resources and Forms available:
GI Bill Website: http://www.gibill.va.gov/
WAVE (Web Automated Verification of Enrollment): http://www.gibill.va.gov/resources/verify_attendance/
Cal-Vet fee waiver:
http://www.calvet.ca.gov/Files/VetServices/Fee_Waiver_Form_dvs40.pdf
eBenefits (access VONAPP online):
https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal
Educational Benefits eligibility PDF form for Veterans (Chapter 30, 32, 33, 1606, 1607):
http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/vba-22-1990-are.pdf
Educational benefits eligibility PDF form for Dependents of Veterans (Chapter 35):
http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/vba-22-5490-are.pdf
Disabled Veterans Application PDF form for Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31):
http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/vba-28-1900-are.pdf
Pay Rates:
http://gibill.va.gov/resources/benefits_resources/rate_tables.html
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the procedures for receiving my veteran benefits?
1.) You may apply online at:
https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal
2.) Apply for Admission - see the Admissions & Records web page for details or apply in person at the Admissions & Records Office in the “R” Building, Room 112.
3.) Assessment & Orientation- All veterans applying for benefits must participate in the matriculation process. This service provides assessment of your language and mathematical skills. This will assist you in selecting the appropriate courses to your current skill level and to use in consultation with your counselor. Their office is located in the R building, Room 109. Visit the Assessment Center web site.
Counseling Department: All veterans are required to see a counselor to develop a Student Educational Plan prior to or during the first semester of attendance. Please bring ALL VA paperwork with you to the meeting. You will need:
- DD-214
- Letter of Eligibility from VA
- Copies of transcripts from previous colleges attended
- Personal ID
If you do no seek counseling services prior to your first semester, you can only enroll in General Education courses such as Mathematics, English, History, etc. for payment until your Student Educational Plan has been developed.
Make an appointment with the Veterans Counselor to pick up your Application for Educational Benefits and the Enrollment Request/Class Verification Form. Return these two forms along with a copy of your DD214 (if applicable) after the first week of classes.
Transcripts from other institutions must be on file before the end of the first semester of attendance. These transcripts will be submitted to the District Admissions & Records Office for evaluation of prior credit. All units applicable will be counted toward your declared major at Merritt College.
What is a Student Educational Plan?
A Student Educational Plan is a listing of courses approved for your declared major, developed by appointment with a counselor. The courses listed on your Student Education Plan are approved for payment by the Veterans Administration.
What is concurrent enrollment?
Concurrent enrollment is when you decide to enroll at two colleges for one semester. You must choose one college as your primary college for veteran benefits. This college will process all your paperwork for certification of benefits indicating to the second institution the courses you will be taking there are applicable for payment.
3.) Meet with the VA Counselor - All veterans are required to see a counselor to develop a Student Educational Plan prior to or during the first semester of attendance. Please bring ALL VA paperwork with you to the meeting. You will need:
- DD-214
- Letter of Eligibility from VA
- Copies of transcripts from previous colleges attended
- Personal ID
Does your college offer advanced pay?
Merritt College does not offer advanced pay for VA benefits.
When do I receive my first check after certification?
Payment by the Veteran’s Administration will approximately take 6 to 8 weeks for new students. 4-5 weeks for continuing students. The waiting period for concurrent enrollment veterans is 6-8 weeks for the secondary institutions certification.
Merritt College
12500 Campus Dr.
Oakland, CA 94619
R-Building, Room 105-J
(510) 436-2475