How to Use Your GI Bill® Benefits
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 web site at https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/.
First step: any member of the military (active duty), veterans or veteran-dependents that qualify for benefits must apply directly through the (U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs) VA's website .
*It may take 6 - 8 weeks before you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility in the mail. This Certificate of Eligibility is your proof to provide to CCC that you are indeed eligible to receive educational funds.
For GI Bill® hotline:
1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).
- Provide a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility to CCC's Certifying Official (Financial Aid). You will be given a Request for Tuition Deferral. A signed Request for Deferral is what you will need to defer any portion of your college bill. Apply for benefits through the VA no later than 8 weeks prior to the beginning of the semester if this is your only available method of payment.
- Fill out Clinton Community College's simple form, found here Certify Enrollment For VA Benefits Request
- Call (518) 562-4170 or visit the Admissions page to apply.
- Request a military transcript from either the JST system or CCAF if you are a veteran, on active duty or in the reserves.
- Apply for financial aid and scholarships - Call (518) 562-4125 or visit the Financial Aid page. Register for classes (You will be notified from the Admissions Office as to when and where to do this as a part of your acceptance). Notify CCC's VA certifying official (Financial Aid) that you have registered for classes and are requesting to be certified to receive VA-related benefits (such as the GI Bill® and Vocational Rehabilitation) by filling out the CCC Form. To find out what amounts you should expect to receive from the VA once you are certified by the college's certifying official, please consult with the following:
- If you are receiving funds under Chapters 1606, 1607, 30 or 35 of the GI Bill®, please review the monthly rate chart that applies to you on our Monthly Rates of Payment.
- If you are receiving funds under Ch. 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill®), please refer to Chapter 33 Rates.
- If you are receiving funds from Ch. 31 - Vocational Rehabilitation, please consult with your assigned Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at state/regional office of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Meet with your CCC academic advisor (once you are assigned one during the first few weeks of your first semester attending CCC). If you need to speak to an advisor about your academic plans, please contact our Academic Advising & Student Support Office by calling (518) 562-4128 or visit their web page.
- Notify CCC's Veteran Certifying Official (Financial Aid) of any change to your courses or attendance as these changes could affect financial benefits.
- Register for classes each semester and submit new CCC form every new semester!