Frequently Asked Questions
Normally, federal law prohibits payment for courses that do not lead to a student's educational objective. Students may be paid for a course not in his or her major program under certain circumstances:
- If it is a valid prerequisite for a course that is required in your major program.
- A student may enroll in more than 12 semester hours. The Department of Veterans Affairs pays full-time benefits for 12 or more semester hours. If a student enrolls in 12 semester hours which are in the major program, he or she may enroll in additional hours which do not have to be in the major program.
- A student may obtain a Letter of Substitution from the department for a course which may be substituted for a course that is required in the major program.
- On a Student's final graduating semester, if the student is enrolled in at least one course that is required in the major program, he or she may enroll in courses which do not have to be in the major program for the purpose of rounding-out to full-time.
- How can I contact the Department of Veterans Affairs?
- For educational benefits: 1.888.442.4551
- For other VA benefits: 1.800.827.1000
If a student withdraws after the school's drop period, the Department will reduce or stop benefits on the date of reduction. If the student is assigned a non-punitive ("W") grade, he or she may have to repay all benefits for the course unless there are mitigating circumstances (illness, illness or death in the immediate family, changes in employment, or lack of child care).
- The first time a student withdraws from up to six (6) credit hours, the Department of Veterans Affairs will "excuse" the withdrawal and pay benefits for the period attended.
- If a student completes the term and receives a grade for a course (other than remedial) that does not count toward graduation he or she may have to repay all benefits for the course.
Yes, receiving education benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs does not preclude you from also applying for financial aid or scholarships.
- Military Service Records
- How do I get my VA Education benefits started?
- Veterans and service members
- Spouse and Dependents
- After completing the application, the VA will mail you the Certificate of Eligibility to take to the school so that the School Certifying Official can certify your enrollment and you can get paid by the VA.
According to the Veterans Administration, every student enrolled at TSC must follow a TSC degree plan to receive their benefits. Every semester, we recommend that you visit a counselor or an advisor who will assist you in selecting the correct degree plan to ensure that the classes you are taking for transfer will be covered. Therefore, it may be necessary to change your degree plan periodically in order to meet your overall transfer goals. Changing your degree plan will likely lead to a delay in the receipt of your benefits.
Yes, you may be eligible for more than one VA education benefit program. However, you may only receive payments from one program at a time. You can receive a maximum of 48 months of benefits under any combination of VA education programs for which you qualify.
Yes, however, if you are receiving 100% eligibility benefits for Chapter 33 Post 9/11 or Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation, you are NOT eligible to use Hazelwood benefits simultaneously.
Note: Federal law requires that educational assistance benefits to Veterans and other eligible persons be discontinued when the student ceases to make satisfactory progress toward completion of his or her training objective. Applicants must meet the GPA requirement of the institution’s satisfactory academic progress policy in a degree or certificate program as determined by the institution’s financial aid policy and, as an undergraduate student, not be considered to have attempted an excessive amount of credit hours.
NOTE: Effective Fall 2014, a law has been adopted by State Legislation (SB 1210, passed in 2013). The law requires that students must meet the Financial Aid Standards of Academic Progress for certain waivers and exemptions such as the Hazlewood Tuition Waiver. These standards are outlined under the TSC Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP policy for Financial Aid).