VA Education Benefits at Spokane Community College
Welcome, veterans, service members, and dependents! If you're exploring how to use your VA education benefits at SCC, this page is your starting point. Here’s how to get set up, access your benefits, and find support on and off campus.
Whether you're just getting started with VA education benefits or navigating changes mid-program, I’ll help you understand your options, stay certified, and connect with the right resources. My goal is to make the process smooth, so you can focus on your education and what comes next.
Hi, I’m Allan, and I’m here to support your journey from enrollment to graduation.
What Are the VA Education Benefit “Chapters”?
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For veterans who served on active duty and paid into the GI Bill program. Helps cover tuition, housing, books, and more.
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For veterans with service-connected disabilities. Provides education and training support to help you find and maintain employment.
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For those who served after 9/10/2001. Covers full tuition at public schools, a monthly housing allowance, and a book stipend.
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For spouses and children of veterans who are permanently disabled or who passed away due to a service-connected condition. Provides monthly education payments.
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For members of the Selected Reserve (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard Reserves, National Guard). Helps with tuition and expenses.
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The Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance (TA) program is available to active duty, National Guard and Reserve Component service members. All service members interested in using TA must contact their Education Service Officer (ESO) or Education Counselor located on base at the Education Center within their branch of service prior to enrolling in any university.
Not sure which chapter applies to you? Reach out — we’re here to help.
Using Your VA Education Benefits at SCC
Step 1: Apply for VA Education Benefits.
Head to VA.gov to apply for your benefits
Step 2: Gather Your Documents. Once approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). You may also need:
DD-214 (for veterans)
Transcripts and education plan
Step 3: Submit Your COE to SCC Veterans Services. Bring or email your documents to the Veterans Services Office. We’ll help you complete your enrollment certification, which is what triggers your payments.
Step 4: Register for Classes. You’ll need to take courses that are part of your degree plan — we’ll help verify this.
Step 5: Stay in Touch Each Term.
You’ll need to request certification every quarter. We’re here to help make that smooth and stress-free.
Fill out the Veteran Quarterly Enrollment Form
You're not limited to just the main SCC campus. Spokane Community College has multiple locations that fall under its umbrella, and you can use your benefits at any of them.
Using Your GI Bill at SCC and Beyond
SPOKANE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (Main Campus)
SCC-AIRWAY HEIGHTS CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
SCC-AVISTA CORPORATION
SCC-COLVILLE CENTER
SCC-INCHELIUM CENTER
SCC-NEWPORT CENTER
SCC-REPUBLIC EDUCATION CENTER
Check out the GI Bill Comparison Tool for more information.
On-Campus Resources at SCC
Veterans Services Office – Help with benefit certification, eligibility, and questions
Counseling Services – Academic advising, mental health, and wellness
Disability Support Services – For accommodations and accessibility
Veterans Club – Build community with other military-connected students
Financial Aid Office – FAFSA, scholarships, and supplemental funding
Off-Campus Support
Spokane VA Medical Center – Health services and referrals
Vet Center – Counseling, family support, and readjustment services
WDVA – Washington Department of Veterans Affairs for state-level benefits
Veteran Service Organizations – Get connected with the VFW, DAV, or American Legion for advocacy and assistance
FAQs
How long does it take to get my VA payments?
Once your enrollment is certified, payments usually take 2–4 weeks to arrive. The first payment may take a bit longer depending on the time of year and VA processing volume.
What if I change my major?
If you change your major, you’ll need to update your education plan and let the Veterans Services Office know right away. We’ll review your new program to make sure your classes are still eligible for certification.
Do I need to certify every quarter?
Yes! Each quarter you plan to use your benefits, you must request certification through our office. This ensures your enrollment is submitted to the VA and your payments are not delayed.
Can I use FAFSA and the GI Bill together?
Yes, absolutely. We recommend all students complete the FAFSA each year — even if you’re using VA benefits. You may be eligible for grants or scholarships that don't need to be paid back.
What if my classes get waitlisted or dropped?
Let us know as soon as possible. If you’re waitlisted, we’ll hold off on certifying those credits until you’re officially enrolled. If classes are dropped, we may need to adjust your certification, especially if it affects your full-time status or benefit eligibility.
