Upon certification by the College and the VA, educational benefits are paid monthly to students. Payments are prorated for less than full-time training and training that is less than a full month. Payments are always issued after the month is complete. Summer term benefits may vary according to the length of the term in weeks and days. A standard semester is 15-18 weeks. An accelerated, or nonstandard, term is shorter than a standard semester. Enrolling in an accelerated term will affect the training rate.
Training time is computed as follows:
Fall and Spring Terms
- 12 or more semester hours = full-time
- 9-11 semester hours = three-quarter-time
- 6-8 semester hours = half-time
- Less than 6 semester hours = tuition and fees only
Summer Main Term
- 7 or more semester hours = full-time
- 5-6 semester hours = three-quarter-time
- 4 semester hours = half-time
- Less than 4 semester hours = tuition and fees only
Summer May Express and June Express Terms
- 4 or more semester hours = full-time
- 3 semester hours = three-quarter-time
- 2 semester hours = half-time
- 1 semester hour = tuition and fees only
Clock-hour Equivalents
- 18 clock hours per week = full-time
- 13-17 clock hours per week = three-quarter-time
- 9-12 clock hours per week = half-time
- 5-8 clock hours per week = less-than-half-time
What training may a veteran take?
VA will pay for remedial course work only if this class is taken in person/classroom setting only. Zoom or online classes are not approved for VA Educational Benefits.
How do Veterans receive monthly benefits?
Veteran students must provide a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility and complete the Request for Certification online form in Workday before enrollment is submitted to the Department of Veteran Affairs. The Request for Certification for VA Educational Benefits electronic form can be found in Workday under the TCC College Forms app.
VA students can certify attendance online at www.gibill.va.gov (click on Verify Attendance/W.A.V.E) or at (877) 823-2378.
Note: Because the first VA checks are delayed, it is advisable for veterans to be prepared to meet all expenses for approximately two months.
Monthly housing allowance for Post-9/11 (Chapter 33): The full Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is payable for all pursuit that is more than 50 percent of full-time pursuit. For example, where 12 semester hours would be full-time, the full BAH would be payable for all pursuit of more than 6 semester hours. Active duty members, individuals training at 50 percent pursuit or less, and individuals pursuing only distance learning/independent study are not eligible for a housing stipend.