VA Education Benefits

This is the starting point most veterans and their dependents utilizing VA Educational Benefits when applying to Cuyamaca College. Students submit a semester worksheet, DD-214 (Member 4), have their coursework and current class schedules reviewed by the VA School Certifying Official and complete the necessary forms to process their application to receive their education benefits for:

New Students:

This Process for Success gives step by step instructions to new and returning students planning on using VA Education Benefits at Cuyamaca College.

Veterans Shopping Sheet
Apply for VA Education Benefits with the Department of Veteran Affairs.
Apply for admissions to Cuyamaca College.
Apply for Financial Aid.
Complete Math and English placement questionnaire.
Request official transcripts from all previously attended colleges, universities including JST (military transcripts) to be sent to Cuyamaca College Admissions and Records Office.
Schedule an appointment with Veterans Academic Counselor to create an Educational Plan.
Register for courses.
New Student Requesting VA Benefits at Cuyamaca College
Parent Letter Form (Fill out this form if you are taking classes at another institution)
Grossmont College Guest Intent Form (This form is needed if you enroll in a course at Grossmont College.)
Cuyamaca College Veterans Statement of Understanding
Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Submission (VR&E CH31 students will have their VR&E Counselors submit a PO through Tungsten Networks)
Submit your DD-214 (member 4 copy)
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not pay for student fees that are optional. Please review and sign the following forms if you would like to opt-out of the Student Representation Fee.
- Student Representation Information Letter
- Student Representation Fee Opt-Out Form

Continuing Students:

Submit ALL of the following forms and documents after you have registered for courses:

Request VA Benefits Form (fill out every semester)
Parent Letter Form (Fill out this form if you are taking classes at another institution)
Grossmont College Guest Intent Form. (This form is needed if you enroll in a course at Grossmont College.)
If you have changed your major, you will need to provide a One Semester Educational Plan or a new Comprehensive Educational Plan. The educational plan must be submitted with the semester worksheet. If you are a continuing student and have not submitted a Comprehensive Educational Plan you will need to provide a copy before enrollment will be certified to VA. Click here to schedule a comprehensive service appointment with Veterans Academic Counselor, Osvaldo Torres.
The One Semester Educational Plan can be created and obtained during drop-in appointments. The Comprehensive Educational Plan can be created and obtained during a 60 minute appointment. Click here to make an appointment.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not pay for student fees that are optional. Please review and sign the following forms if you would like to opt-out of the Student Representation Fee.
- Student Representation Information Letter
- Student Representation Fee Opt-Out Form

Monthly Certification

Beginning with terms starting on or after December 17, 2021, students using their Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits at Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) facilities and receiving a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) and/or kicker payment are required to verify their enrollment at the end of each month to continue receiving their payments. To streamline the enrollment verification process, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is providing students with text message verification, an easy and secure method for verifying enrollment each month via text and the best way to ensure they receive their MHA/kicker payments uninterrupted. Students also have the option to verify enrollment via email.

Please click here to review the guide to Opt-In and verify enrollment. If you fail to verify for two consecutive months, Your MHA and/or kicker will be placed on hold. You will need to call the Education Call Center at 1-888-442-4551. We strongly encourage you to contact VA to verify and/or update your information.

Ch. 35 (DEA) Students

Beginning with terms starting on or after August 04, 2025, students using their Ch. 35 DEA benefits must verify their enrollment every month to receive monthly stipend. To find out how to enroll, please visit va.gov/resources/verify-school-enrollment-for-dea-benefits/

‘‘GI Bill®’’ is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).”