Veteran's Education Benefits
Cañada College is committed to assisting Veterans, their dependents, and reservists in obtaining their VA educational benefits and in achieving their educational and career goals.
Cañada College is approved by the State Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to certify Veterans, Dependents, Veterans that have a 100% service-connected disability and Reservists as students. Once certified, Veterans are able to apply for and use their educational benefits.
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 official U.S. government website.
Documents Required for Submission to School Certifying Official
If you plan to use VA Educational Benefits Chapters 30, 31, 33, 35, or 1606, and have identified Cañada College as your Parent School with the VA, you will need to submit the documents outlined below to the Cañada College School Certifying Official Team* through the Student Success Link before your classes can be certified:
(if your parent school is a college other than Cañada College, please work with the School Certifying Official at that college to submit a parent school letter to the Cañada College School Certifying Official(s)*)
Submitting documents and forms through the Student Success Link
- Log into your mySMCCD Student Portal.
- Click on “Student Success Link”.
- Select “Forms”
- Scroll down to select “Veteran Forms”
- Select the form you would like to submit and follow instructions for submission.
- Remember you can always log back into the Student Success Link to see the status of your form submitted
Required Documents & Forms
Certifying Chapters 30, 31, 33, 35, or 1606 for the First Time at Cañada College:
Not your first semester here? Scroll down.
- Certificate of Eligibility** obtained from the VA after you have submitted the Veterans Online Application
- If you have used your benefit at another college and plan to make Cañada College your primary place of training, you will need to change your place of training with the VA. Visit the VA GI Bill webpage here for more information).
- Student Educational Plan (completed with a veterans counselor in Step 5 of enrollment)
- Only classes listed on your Educational Plan and required for an approved educational goal will be certified. Students using VA Education Benefits must meet with a Veterans Counselor at their parent school to create the Student Educational Plan (SEP). Make sure to note you need to meet with a Veterans counselor when scheduling an appointment with the counseling department**, and bring copies of unofficial transcripts from all prior colleges with you to the appointment (electronic copies preferred).
- Veteran's Certification Request Form: Submit this Form through the Student Success Link after you have registered for classes. Only classes listed on your SEP and required for an approved program of study can be certified, no repeat courses- SEP and Veterans Certification Request form must be submitted each semester students wish to be certified. Note: The Veteran's Benefits Statement of Responsibility form is now a part of the Veterans Certification Request Form in the Student Success Link.
For questions regarding the certification requirements/process, contact our SCHOOL CERTIFYING OFFICIAL TEAM via email at: canmilitarycert@smccd.edu
**A note on Certificate of Eligibility: For Chapters 30, 33 and 35- You will receive the certificate of eligibility from the VA in the mail or you can check your VA portal after you apply for Educational Benefits or change your place of training to Cañada College. For Chapter 31- Submit an award letter, your VR&E counselor will also need to submit a purchase order electronically to the college's School Certifying Official(s)*. If you are a Reservist using Chapter 1606, you will need to submit the Notice of Basic Eligibility.
Certifying Chapters 30, 31, 33, 35, or 1606 each semester after the first semester attending Cañada College:
- Student Educational Plan (completed with a Veterans Counselor in Step 5 of enrollment)
- Only classes listed on your Educational Plan and required for an approved educational goal will be certified. Students using VA Education Benefits must meet with a Veterans Counselor at their parent school to create/ update the SEP. Make sure to note you need to meet with a Veterans Counselor when scheduling an appointment with the Counseling Department**, and bring copies of unofficial transcripts from all prior colleges with you to the appointment (electronic copies preferred).
- Veteran's Certification Request Form:Submit this through the Student Success Link after you have registered for classes. Only classes listed on your SEP and required for an approved program of study can be certified, no repeat courses- SEP and Veterans Certification Request form must be submitted each semester students wish to be certified. Note: The Veteran's Benefits Statement of Responsibility form is now a part of the Veterans Certification Request Form in the Student Success Link.
If you are receiving educational benefits (Chapter 30, 31, 33, 35, and 1606), you must provide the following two documents to the School Certifying Official team each semester that you wish to certify these benefits:
Complete and submit this form after you have registered for classes. Only classes listed on your SEP and required for your declared VA approved program of study will be certified.
Official Transcripts from all colleges attended outside of the San Mateo County Community College District (including JSTs) must be on file with Admissions and Records and a transcript evaluation request must be submitted through WEBSMART to avoid being certified for any repeat classes. Individuals certified for any repeat courses will be financially responsible to pay any debts accrued.
For Chapter 31 students- make sure that your VR&E counselor has submitted a current P.O. reflecting your approved program of study to Cañada College for each semester you wish to certify benefits.
Federal VA Department Educational Assistance Programs
|
Eligibility |
Description |
|
Veteran |
Learn about GI Bill® eligibility requirements and find out if you can get these benefits. VA education benefits can help you pay your tuition, pick out a school, choose a career, and more. If you’re an active-duty service member or Veteran, a member of the National Guard or Reserves, or a qualified survivor or dependent, find out if you can get VA education benefits through the GI Bill and other educational assistance programs. Visit the Veterans Affairs eligibility webpage for more specific information about your eligibility. |
|
Dependent (Spouse or Child of Veteran) |
You may be eligible for Chapter 35 benefits or the Cal Vet Fee Waiver if you are the child or spouse of a service member. To find more specific information about your eligibility, visit the Veterans Affairs Education and Career Benefits webpage or the County Veteran Service Offices. |
| Reservist | The Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) program offers up to 36 months of education and training benefits. If you’re a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard, or Air National Guard, you may be eligible for this benefit. Find out if you qualify via the Selected Reserve webpage. |
|
Active Duty Service Member |
The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) can help you pay for education and training programs. If you’ve served at least 2 years on active duty, find out if you qualify for the MGIB-AD program. Connect with your Chain of Command for more guidance about using your educational benefits. Follw this Active Duty webpage link for more information about eligibility. |
CalVet Tuition Fee Waiver
A County Veteran Services Officer can help determine eligibility of the applicant and submit an application. Once an applicant has received eligibility documentation from the County Veteran Service Office, this documentation goes to the Financial Aid Office. For a list of CVSO’s please visit the CalVet, Vet Services Page.