Veteran Benefits

Independence Community College is proud to support our veterans, active-duty service members, and military-affiliated students.

Education Benefits

To find out if you’re eligible for VA education benefits, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website or call 1-888-442-4551 (toll-free).

Note: ICC cannot determine your eligibility, advise on which VA benefits to use, or estimate your benefit amount. However, ICC can certify your enrollment and number of credit hours through the VA’s online system.

If your credit hours change during the semester, it’s your responsibility to notify the School Certifying Official (SCO).

Common VA Education Benefit Programs

• Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)

• Montgomery GI Bill® – Active Duty (Chapter 30)

• Montgomery GI Bill® – Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)

• Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)

• Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31)

• Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP – Chapter 32)

• Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP – Chapter 1607)

• Veteran Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP)

If you've received VA benefits before, complete one of the following:

• Form 22-1995 for most returning students

• Form 22-5495 for Chapter 35 students

How to Apply for VA Benefits at ICC

1. Apply for VA Benefits
   Submit Form 22-1990 (or Form 22-5490 for Chapter 35).

2. Apply to ICC
   Complete the ICC Admissions Application online or in person.

3. Enroll in Classes

4. Submit the FAFSA
   Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at fafsa.gov.

5. Provide the Following to ICC’s Financial Aid Office:

   • ICC VA Benefit Information Sheet

   • A copy of your 22-1990/22-5490 or confirmation

   • Joint Services Transcript (if applicable)

The School Certifying Official (SCO) will submit your enrollment to the VA. Be sure to notify the SCO each semester when you register. Initial processing can take up to 8 weeks, so don’t delay.

⚠️ Important: If you drop or withdraw from any course, notify the SCO immediately to avoid possible overpayment.

Monthly Enrollment Verification

If you're using:

• Chapter 30

• Chapter 1606

• Chapter 1607

You must verify enrollment monthly at www.gibill.va.gov/wave or call 1-877-823-2378.

Tuition Assistance Refund Policy

If you withdraw from a course and received Military Tuition Assistance (TA), ICC returns unearned funds based on how much of the course was completed.

16-Week Courses

• Day 1–9: 100% return

• Week 1–4: 75% return

• Week 5–8: 50% return

• Week 9: 40% return

• After Week 9: 0% return

8-Week Courses

• Day 1–3: 100% return

• Week 1–3: 75% return

• Week 4: 50% return

• After Week 4: 0% return

If you stop attending due to military obligations, ICC will work with you to avoid debt on the returned portion of funds.

Entitlement to Attend – Chapter 31 & Chapter 33

Students using Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation) or Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®) are entitled to attend classes without delay when they submit a Certificate of Eligibility, Statement of Benefits, or VA Form 28-1905.

This entitlement remains in effect until:

• The VA pays ICC, or

• 90 days after ICC certifies your tuition and fees, whichever comes first.

During this period, ICC will not:

• Charge late fees

• Deny access to classes or campus facilities

• Require additional loans due to delayed VA payment

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Need More Information?

Visit the official VA education website: https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill

“GI Bill®” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the U.S. government website above.