COLLEGE FEE WAIVERS/EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS
Did you receive my Cal Vet Fee Waiver application?
Please see the auto-response email you received upon submitting your application. For further confirmation or additional questions, feel free to contact our office at (951) 955-3060.
How long does the Cal Vet Fee Waiver application process take?
Please allow 14 business days for processing (not including weekends or holidays). Check the student’s email in-box, spam and trash for a message from [email protected] which will contain the student’s “award code”.
My tuition is due soon, can my application be expedited?
Unfortunately, no we cannot expedite your application. Our offices receive hundreds of college fee-waiver applications per week which are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis. We cannot make exceptions in the application processing order. This ensures every applicant is processed fairly and efficiently.
The application period opens (**on May 1st of each year?). Please submit your fee waiver application early to ensure it is processed before established deadlines.
What is the status of my Chapter 35 application?
To check the status of your Chapter 35 application, contact the Muskogee Regional Education Office at: 1-888-442-4551.
I submitted my Chapter 35 application online but still have not been paid yet. How long does that take?
Chapter 35 monthly payments are generally received within 45 days after starting classes. However, check with your college’s veteran service office after your first day of school to ensure any additional requirements are met.
What is the difference between Chapter 35 and the Cal Vet Fee Waiver?
The Ch. 35 benefit is a Federal monthly stipend that a qualified veteran’s dependent student can receive for use at their discretion. Ch. 35 benefits can be received for a period of up to 36 months. The student must be enrolled in a public university within the U.S. to receive this benefit. For information regarding Ch. 35 benefit rates visit: https://www.va.gov/education/benefit-rates/chapter-35-rates/.
The Cal Vet Fee Waiver is a benefit exclusive to the State of California for a qualified veteran’s dependent student. It is a college tuition fee waiver that waives the “cost per unit” of the tuition at any California State supported school. The Cal Vet Fee Waiver benefits generally last as long as the student is enrolled in a California public university and their income does not exceed the national poverty level. There is no age or time limit on the Cal Vet Fee Waiver benefit. More information regarding the Cal Vet Fee Waiver can be found at https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/Pages/College-Fee-Waiver.aspx .
What do I need to submit for the Cal Vet fee waiver and how can I submit it to you?
In order to process your Cal Vet fee waiver application, we require
- the completed DVS40 application,
- a copy of the student’s birth certificate,
- the student’s signed IRS 1040 or letter of non-filing from the Franchise Tax Board or IRS
- and a copy of the veteran’s award letter showing disability rating with the VA.
Step-children may qualify for this benefit if the biological parent and the qualifying veteran were married before the child’s 23rd birthday and are not divorced.
I didn’t receive my Cal Vet Fee waiver code letter. What do I do?
Please allow 14 business days for processing (not including weekends or holidays).
Check the student’s email in-box, spam and trash for a message from [email protected] which will contain the student’s “award code”.
If you confirm that you still have not received your code letter , contact our office for further assistance.
Where do I submit the College Fee Waiver? Can I come in-person to turn in my fee waiver application?
There are many options to submit your Cal Vet Fee Waiver application. You can fax it, mail it or carry to any of our 3 our offices. (See our website under Office Locations).
You may also email the application to [email protected] PLEASE ONLY CHOOSE ONE OPTION WHEN SUBMITTING COLLEGE FEE WAIVER APPLICATION. DUPLICATING SUBMITTALS CAN CAUSE DELAYS.
How do I apply for Chapter 35- Dependents Educational Assistance Program (DEA)?
You can fill out the application 22-5490 and mail it to the Muskogee VA Regional office at Western Region: VA Regional Office P.O. Box 8888 Muskogee, OK 74402-8888 or submit online at: https://www.va.gov/education/apply-for-education-benefits/application/5490/introduction
How much am I going to get with the Cal Vet Fee Waiver?
There is no exchange of monetary amounts with the Cal Vet Fee Waiver benefit, it only waives the cost per unit of the tuition.
How do I transfer my GI bill to my dependent?
You must have transferred your GI Bill prior to getting out of service. Contact the Muskogee Regional Education Office at: 1-888-442-4551 for further information.
What educational benefits are there for my children?
If you are a veteran have a service-connected disability rating with the VA, your children may be eligible for the Cal Vet Fee Waiver.
Can you send the Fee Waiver code letters to 2 different emails?
No. The code letter will only be sent to the student’s email address listed on the fee waiver application.
GENERAL OFFICE INFORMATION
What are the business hours and when are you least busy?
Our office hours are Monday – Thursday, 8am to 4pm and typically less busy on Wednesday or Thursday mornings.
Are you the VA?
No, we are not the VA, we are a County Department. We are advocates who serve as liaisons between the veteran/family member and the Veterans Administration.
Do I need to make an appointment for the veteran status on my driver’s license or can I just come in?
You would need to schedule an appointment by calling one of our offices.
What do you actually do for Veterans?
Riverside County Veterans’ Services and our veteran representatives are the liaison between the veteran/family member and the Veterans Administration. We provide assistance in filing various claims with the VA and information on additional veteran benefits through Federal, State and County programs.
How do I have a veteran representative assist me in filing a claim?
You would need to contact one of our offices to request to speak with a Veterans Services Representatives. An administrative staff member will take the veteran’s information and place the caller in the office Phone Queue for a VSR to assist you.
Where do I take my old flags?
You can return old flags to the local American Legion Post or any Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) Post in your area.
Where can I donate clothes/items to veterans?
There are many veterans donation organizations available, including:
- AmVets - 1-877-990-8387
- Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) - Schedule by Phone (800) 822-VETS (8387) or (909) 888-7786
VA BENEFIT INFORMATION
What benefits am I entitled to?
Benefit entitlements may vary. Contact our offices and request to speak to a Veterans’ Representative for further information.
I don’t see my VA claim in E-Benefits, what is the status? Did the VA receive my claim?
Please contact the VA Call Center at 1-800-827-1000 to check the status of your VA claim.
Who do I contact to set a primary doctor with my VA health coverage?
You will need to contact the Enrollment Department at the VA Hospital (909) 825-7084.
How do I update my direct deposit information for my VA benefits?
You must contact the VA Call Center at 1-800-827-1000.
What types of veteran ID cards are there and how do I apply for them?
- There are 4 different types of VA ID cards
- Veteran Health Benefit Card
- California Driver’s License/ Cal ID with the Veteran Status
- Department of Defense Identification Cards
- Veteran Identification Cards (VIC)
For more information go to: https://www.va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/
Who do I contact if I am receiving non-VA emergency care?
- You must contact the VA Hospital within 72 hours of care by either using the online portal at https://emergencycarereporting.communitycare.va.gov/ or calling: 844-72HRVHA (844-724-7842).
What does the VA pay when the veteran passes away?
The VA may pay for a veteran’s burial and funeral expenses on a reimbursement basis. Contact our office and a Veteran’s Services Representative can assist you.
My Mom/Dad is a veteran and is in a nursing facility, does the VA help pay for that?
There are programs with the VA that can possibly assist. Contact our office and request to speak to a Veteran’s Services Representative to find out more information.
My Mom/Dad was a veteran and passed away, what benefits are there for the surviving parent?
There are different programs for the surviving spouse. Contact our office and request to speak to a Veteran’s Services Representative to find out more information.
Can you assist with the VSD-001 form to obtain veteran’s status on the CA driver’s license and disabled veteran license plates?
Our office is happy to assist with the VSD-001 form. Contact one of our offices and request to speak to a Veteran’s Services Representative to find out more information.
How do I request a copy of my DD-214?
You can request a copy of your DD-214 from the National Archives Record Center at https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records . Our office can assist in filling out the SF-180 form.