Veteran Benefits

1. Visit the VA's VONAPP (Veterans Online Application) system to apply for benefits.

When you apply, the VA will provide you with a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Keep a copy of the COE for your records—you will need it later to certify your enrollment at FLCC.

2. Register for Classes

For help planning your course schedule, contact FLCC's Academic Advising, Career, and Transfer Services office and speak with your dedicated Academic Advisor for Veterans at AACTS@flcc.edu or (585) 785-1268.

3. Submit Your Enrollment Certification Request to Financial Aid

Once you’ve registered for classes each semester and are ready for the financial aid office to certify your benefits, complete the GI Bill Certification Request.

If you need assistance with your VONAPP application, contact David Oliver, Veterans Upward Bound Outreach Specialist, at dxoddi@rit.edu or (585) 230-1353.

The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) program provides up to 36 months of education benefits. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training, and correspondence courses. Benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty. Visit the VA's Administration Montgomery GI Bill website for additional information.

If you have at least 90 days of aggregate active-duty service after September 10, 2001, and are an honorably discharged veteran or active-duty military member, or were discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days of service, you may be eligible for this VA-administered program. More information is available on the VA's Benefits Administration Post-9/11 GI Bill website.

If you are the child or spouse of a Veteran or service member who has passed away, is missing or captured, or has a permanent and total service-connected disability (100% disabled), you may qualify for the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program. Visit the VA’s DEA program website for more information.

Use of the GI Bill Comparison Tool will allow you to:

• Compare your benefit options
• Choose the school that is right for you
• Apply for your benefits
• Find employment

Each service branch has its own application form and procedures. Service members need to contact an education counselor by visiting their local installation education office or online at a virtual education center. To find out how to get started, click on the following links for each service branch:

• Army
• Marine Corps
• Navy
• Air Force

Military Tuition Assistance is awarded to Service members under the assumption that they will complete the entire period of enrollment for which the assistance is awarded.

When a Service member "officially" and/or "unofficially" withdraws (stops attending classes; last date of attendance will be the last day of activity within a course), they may no longer be eligible for the full amount of tuition assistance that they were originally scheduled to receive.

Once the last date of attendance has been determined, the College will recalculate the Service member's TA eligibility based on the formula below.

Number of Days Completed (term) /Total Days of the Term = Percent of TA earned

The amount of TA earned is determined on a prorated basis. For example, if a student completed 30% of the course, they earned 30% of the TA funds awarded. The remainder of the unearned funds (70%) would be returned to the TA program. Calculated unearned TA funds will be returned by the College to the Military Service and not to the Service member.

The calculation for the return of funds may result in the Service member owing a balance to the College. This return of funds calculation aligns with the return of unearned student financial aid rules applicable to Federal Student Aid rules as required under HEA, Section 484B and 34CFR 668.22.

Service members who withdraw after the 60% point in the semester will have earned all Military TA funds.

If a Service member stops attending due to a military service obligation, the College will work with the affected Service member to identify solutions that will not result in student debt for the returned portion.

Students receiving TA funds and contemplating a complete withdrawal from the College may direct their questions to the FLCC One Stop Center if they are concerned about financial implications.

15-week Course Withdraw Submitted

• Before week 1: 100% return
• During week 1: 99-93% return
• During week 2: 92-86% return
• During week 3: 85-79% return
• During week 4: 78-73% return
• During week 5: 72-66% return
• During week 6: 65-57% return
• During week 7: 56-50% return
• During week 8: 49-41% return
• During week 9: 40% return (60% of course is completed)
• During weeks 10-15: 0% return

VA's Education and Career Counseling Program is a great opportunity for service members and veterans to get personalized counseling and support to help guide their career paths, ensure the most effective use of their VA benefits, and achieve their employment goals. Additionally, FLCC's Academic Advising Career and Transfer Service (AACTS) Office provides academic and career counseling. You may contact them at AACTS@flcc.edu.

You may qualify for vocational rehabilitation and employment services to help with job training, employment accommodations, resume development, and job seeking skills. Other services may be provided to assist veterans in starting their own businesses or independent living services for those who are severely disabled. Visit the Veteran Readiness and Employment website for additional information.

FLCC is an open-access institution. Service members and reservists may be readmitted to a program if they are temporarily unable to attend class or have to suspend their studies due to service requirements.