Veterans Benefits

A student may be eligible to receive financial assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) if they are currently serving in the military, have served in the past, or are a dependent of someone who has. Gogebic Community College (GCC) actively assists eligible students with applying their educational benefits towards a GCC degree.

GCC’s VA Certifying Official does not make determinations of eligibility, nor is she able to discuss specific remuneration amounts with eligible students. Students should contact their VA representative with eligibility questions. If a student is not sure of who their VA representative is, they can obtain further information by calling 1 (888) GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) or check the Federal G.I. Bill web site at http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/benefits.htm.

The VA may prefer that a student apply for benefits using the VA online application portal at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp. If a student does not want to apply online, they can download the forms from the VA web site and mail them in, or they can visit their local county VA office. GCC’s VA Certifying Official can also help students obtain the forms. The VA highly recommends that all benefit-eligible students file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for financial aid.

Once a student has completed the admission process and registered for courses, they are required to complete the Request for VA Certification form to request to use their benefits. A student can obtain this form from the VA bulletin board outside of the Dean of Students office or from the VA Certifying Official in Room T104B. This form must be submitted to the Certifying Official before their enrollment will be certified.

The VA Certifying Official at GCC is Miranda Lawver, Assistant Registrar & Institutional Researcher. She will be happy to help answer any questions or refer the student to the appropriate agency. She can be reached by e-mail at mirandal@gogebic.edu or 906-307-1337 or 1-800-682-5910, ext. 337.