How to Claim Benefits

Initial Step-by-Step Guide

1. Apply for your GI Bill eligibility (COE). Online application at www.gibill.va.gov or mail your GI Bill application to:

Veteran Administration
125 S. Main St.
Muskogee, OK 74401 Toll-free call: 1-888-442-4551

2. Apply for admission to Oklahoma City Community College. For questions, please contact the Admissions Office at (405) 682-7512.
*** If you are unsure of what to major in, please pick Liberal Studies, not Diversified Studies***

3. Turn in eligibility paperwork. Provide a copy of your GI Bill Certificate of Eligibility to Veteran Services (VS). Come to see us on the second floor of the Main Building, Room 2N1.

• If you are getting benefits through the Veteran Readiness and Employment program, we must have a purchase order from your Veteran Readiness and Employment counselor.
  
  
• If you are claiming benefits as a dependent, you will need to bring us a COE from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the eligible veteran’s name and Social Security number.
  
  
• If you are in the National Guard or the Reserves, you will need to bring to the OCCC VA office a copy of your COE.
  
  
• Active military students are eligible to apply for tuition assistance. However, each branch of the military processes tuition assistance in a different manner, so please review the procedures and deadlines for filing with your particular service’s educational service officer (ESO).
  
  
  • Access the Air Force portal
  • Access the Army portal
  • Access the Marine portal
  • Access the Navy portal
  • Access the Coast Guard portal

4. Turn in your military transcript and all official transcripts from every college or university you have attended (if applicable). Military education and training must be evaluated for prior credit.

Ordering Transcripts:

• Order a copy of your official military transcript (JST) or Community College of the Air Force.
  
  
• Have an official copy of all previous college transcripts sent to the OCCC records department. They can be sent from each respective school to our Records Office electronically. The email address is: transcripts@occc.edu.

5. Call (405) 682-1611, ext. 7849 to schedule an appointment with a veteran Student Success advisor. Meet with a veteran advisor to discuss the degree program you desire to pursue. TELL THE ADVISOR YOU WILL BE USING VA BENEFITS. You should receive recommendations for courses to build your schedule.

6. Your initial semester — Once you have received your Certificate of Eligibility and registered for classes, come to the OCCC VA office (located on the second floor of the Main Building) to fill out your initial Request for Certification paperwork. The OCCC VA office keeps the necessary VA forms that will need to be completed in order to activate your educational assistance.

7. Certification timeline — Once all forms are submitted, the OCCC VS Office has 30 days to certify all approved courses. After the VS certifies your approved courses, the VA may take an additional 30-45 days for processing before the release of benefit payments.

8. Submit a Schedule Amendment Form any time you “Add” or “Drop” a course on your schedule and want to use your VA benefit toward it.

Please keep in mind that the OCCC Veterans Service Office processes enrollment certifications for an estimated 300-plus students each semester in the order we receive the paperwork. It is recommended you register early each semester so that it does not daily you from receiving your benefits. Service to the student is our main objective. It is our goal to assist students in receiving all VA educational money they are entitled to and to receive it in the timeliest manner.

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 website at GI Bill | Veterans Affairs (va.gov).