FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions – General

1. Where is the Military and Veteran Services office located?
   Our office is located at the RRCC Lakewood campus near the East Entrance in Room 1005.
2. Does Military and Veteran Services accept drop-in appointments?
   Drop-in appointments are accepted when there is staff member availability. Scheduling an appointment is advised. Email us at veteran.services@rrcc.edu if you are unable to find any convenient times.
3. Are there any VA Representatives at RRCC?
   No, the staff in Military and Veteran Services are all employees of RRCC. We can act as liaison with VA, but are not employed by them nor able to act in any official VA capacity.
4. Can anyone use the Veteran Lounge?
   The Veteran Lounge is specifically for currently serving and veteran military RRCC students.
5. Does RRCC participate in the SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society?
   We do not currently participate in this honor society.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions – VA Education Benefits

1. I’m new to RRCC. Where do I start?
   Follow the VA Education Benefits – Step-by-Step guide. Contact us with any issues or concerns.
2. What classes will VA cover?
   Your classes MUST be required and needed for your declared program. There are a few exceptions, like developmental English and Math classes, but they require additional documentation and have other rules. Please contact us if you are taking any classes outside of your degree plan.

   The best tool for identifying what classes are needed for your program is DegreeCheck. You can access DegreeCheck on the Dashboard of The Rock.

3. What classes will VA not cover?
   • Classes not needed for your declared major -   
   • Repeat classes if you successfully completed the class at RRCC or a previous institution
   • Developmental courses that are not 100% on-campus (Classroom Based is only applicable instructional method)
   • Developmental courses without placement test scores to justify them
4. How fast will you certify my classes to VA?
   If you settle your schedule (no changes), there are no problems with your registration, and you submit your certification request by the first day of the semester, we will certify your classes within 30 days of the semester start. We aim to submit them as early as possible, but we process them in the order received. The earlier you do your part, the earlier we can do ours.
5. When will VA pay?

   CH 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill® or CH31 Veteran Readiness and Employment beneficiaries

   • If you are eligible for 100% of your tuition and fees to be paid by VA, they usually pay by the end of the semester. Make sure to submit your certification request by the full semester drop date to avoid late fees.
   • If you aren't covered for the full 100%, you need to arrange payments before the full semester drop date. If you haven't paid your share or established a payment plan by then, late fees will apply.
   • Your first Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) or Subsistence Allowance (SA) is typically received after the first full month of classes. For example, the Fall semester starts late-August. The first full month of classes is September so the first payment would be October 1st. This may be delayed if you are certified late.

   CH 30/1606 Montgomery GI Bill® or CH35 Dependent Education Assistance beneficiaries

   • The VA will send payments directly to you. It's up to you to ensure your balance due is paid. You need to pay your balance due or set up a payment plan by the full semester drop date to avoid late fees.
   • Your first monthly payment is typically received after the first full month of classes. For example, the Fall semester starts late-August. The first full month of classes is September so the first payment would be October 1st. This may be delayed if you are certified late.
6. How much BAH will I get?

   The housing payments for VA education benefits are called Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) for CH33 and Subsistence Allowance (SA) for CH31. Both are calculated based on the student’s rate-of-pursuit which takes into account the number of credit hours taken, the modality (online and in-person), and the dates of the classes.

   MHA is “based on” the BAH E5 plus dependents rate. See the GI Bill® Comparison Tool for more information.

   SA rates are dependent on your situation. Contact your VR&E Counselor for details.

7.  I’m lost, what should I do?

   Come see us. We are here to help with not only your education benefits, but also college life. Simple issues can usually be resolved by email, phone, or drop-in appointments. More complicated issues may require an appointment. Reach out, we are here to help.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions – TA Education Benefits

1. Does RRCC accept military tuition assistance?
   Yes, but the process depends on the branch. See your base’s Education Center and the TA Education Benefits – Step-by-Step guide for more information.
2. What classes will TA cover?
   TA will cover the class or classes approved on your TA authorization. Make sure you are paying attention to TA’s strict deadlines.
3. When will my JST be evaluated?
   Your JST will be pulled by RRCC and evaluated during your first semester. If this does not happen automatically, please email us at veteran.services@rrcc.edu.
4. What does TA pay for?
   TA only pays for the tuition portion of your bill. You are responsible for paying all fees. Federal and state financial aid can help cover these costs if you are eligible. The payment of these fees needs to be established prior to the semester drop-date. Late fees will apply if the payment is outstanding.
5. How much will TA pay?
   Colorado HB 20-1275, provides in-state tuition rates for military-affiliated students and caps the online tuition rate for active-duty service members at the TA max rate at all Colorado Community Colleges. If your student bill is not calculating correctly, contact us at veteran.services@rrcc.edu.
6. I’m lost, what should I do?
   Come see us. We are here to help with not only your education benefits, but also college life. Simple issues can usually be resolved by email, phone, or drop-in appointments. More complicated issues may require an appointment. Reach out, we are here to help.

 
*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 at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.