Applying for De Anza and VA Educational Benefits

1. Visit the Veteran Services office at the Student Services Building in the Admissions and Records Office (408- 864-8230) to pick up a Veterans’ Information Handbook and any 
necessary forms to start a file with the Veteran Services Office.

• Please bring a copy of your DD 214 (Member # 4). Reservists must provide a copy of their DD 2384 (Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE)), issued from their military unit.
  

2. New and Transfer Student Application Process.

• New Students: (never received benefits)
  Complete VA form 22-1990; Application for Education Benefits
  or VA form 22-5490  (dependents’ form)

• Go to the online application at www.gibill.va.gov

• Select “education” from the drop down menu, which takes you to VONAPP.

• Complete the information and print a copy of your application for the Veterans Office. (Online applications are processed much more quickly than paper applications)

• Transfer Students:  (previously received benefits at De Anza College or another college)

• Complete VA form 22-1995, “Request for Change of Program or Place of Training; or VA form 22-5495, (dependents' form).

3. Request all official transcripts from all colleges you previously attended, including military/ foreign transcripts.

Federal regulations require Veterans to submit OFFICIAL SEALED transcripts to De Anza College from all schools, colleges, training institutions and technical schools attended. This includes all training and education received before entering active duty as well as any received during service and after discharge, even if VA benefits were not paid for attending the course or program. Military transcripts are required and/or DD295 or VMET or certificates of completion must also be submitted for military schools.

You can request military transcripts at:

AARTS http://aarts.army.mil

SMART http://www.navycollege.navy.mil/transcript.html

CGI http://uscg.mil/hg/cgi/

CCAF http://www.maxwell.af.mil/au/ccaf/transcripts.asp

• Students with out of state transcripts will need to also request a copy of the out of state college’s syllabus.

• Foreign school transcripts must be submitted and may require additional evaluation to be determined by De Anza College.
  

• Do not open the sealed transcripts when you receive them. They must be sealed to be considered for credit.
  

Please prepare for possible delays in evaluation if you have more than one transcript or have out of state/foreign transcripts that require more detailed analysis.

4. Contact the Assessment Office (408-864-8717) to schedule an Assessment Test. All new  De Anza students must be assessed for Math and English Placement.

5. Contact Counseling 408-864-5400 to make an appointment to develop your
educational  plan.

• When you see the academic counselor, identify yourself as a veteran.

• Veterans and dependents are required by law to declare a two-year major or certificate as listed in the De Anza College catalog, or a transfer major based on agreements with California State University, University of California or other four year college/university. An “undeclared” or “general education” major are not acceptable for VA purposes.

The Educational Plan must be specific and indicate each class you must complete to fulfill your degree objective (major, pre-requisites, general education requirements and electives) as well as the coursework you have already completed toward your degree objective. Be aware that the VA places restrictions on what courses you may be paid for. A counselor’s recommendation may not be payable under VA regulations, especially if the class is a “recommended” elective.

6. Submit the completed Educational Plan to the De Anza Veteran Services Office.

7. Submit your class schedule each quarter to the Veteran Services Office to authorize certification.

8. You might also qualify for Financial Aid!

Complete a Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) online (www.fafsa.edu.gov) to determine eligibility for other aid programs

9. Sign the checklist and submit it to the Veteran Services Office.