Certification
You must request certification through an EPCC VA Office in order to receive benefits. We are now accepting certification requests for the 2007-2008 academic year. Just complete a Certification Request /Student Responsibility form which is available at any EPCC VA Office. Complete the name and Social Security Number section and Claim Number if applicable. Indicate the type of degree and the name of your major. You must indicate the number of hours requested for the semesters you plan to attend, initial each student responsibilities statement, and sign the form.
Advance Pay
With the advance payment you will be advanced the first partial month and the next full month benefit payment which is intended to assist you in paying tuition and fees. You will not receive another benefit payment until you complete the next full month of enrollment. For example: If you receive advance payment for the Fall 2006 semester, that payment will cover 6 days in August (August 25 - 30) and the full month of September. Your next check is not due until November which will be payment for the month of October.
- An advance payment requested does not guarantee an advance payment will be received.
- Be prepared to pay for your tuition as the advance pay check may not arrive in time to meet payment deadlines.
- The initial check is mailed to the school for release to the student no sooner than 30 days prior to the beginning of the semester.
- Students who have not attended EPCC previously or who have had a break in training of at least 30 days during which VA educational benefits have not been received may request an advance pay.
- You must be enrolled at least 1/2 time or your check will not be released.
- Checks not claimed within thirty days of the semester census date are returned to the Department of The Treasury.
Emergency Loans
Emergency loans are available at any EPCC Financial Aid Office. A $5.00 service fee is charged.
Prior Training
If you are pending evaluation of transcripts you will not be certified for subsequent semesters. Come by the office and ask to speak to the Advisor or Advising Manager who may grant a one semester extension. If all transcripts have not been evaluated after two semesters you will not be certified and no extension can be granted.
Degree Plan
It is your responsibility to enroll in courses required on your degree plan in order to receive VA benefits. You should always have with you an updated degree plan, especially when seeking academic advising and course selection for upcoming school terms. If you need assistance in scheduling your classes, come by any EPCC VA Office.
Change of Program
If you are planning to change programs, you must do this with our office to receive benefits. Come by the VA Office to obtain a "Change of Program - Supplemental Guide to Certification" packet.
Hazelwood Act
If your VA benefits have run out or if you wish to take continuing education courses you may qualify for the Hazelwood tuition exemption. You must have been a Texas resident when you enlisted in the armed forces and be a current resident to qualify. Contact the EPCC VA Office for more details or check out the Hazlewood links on the EPCC VA Office home page.
Dropping Courses
VA will not pay for courses that you withdraw from or "drop". If you withdraw (drop) from a course you will have to repay the VA any benefits received for that course. Some exceptions may apply.