What benefits do I receive as a veteran or dependent of a veteran?
Eligibility for benefits as a veteran or dependent of a veteran is determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
How do I obtain VA benefits with SC State University?
Students must apply for benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Visit https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/ to apply for your education benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs will mail you a Letter of Eligibility. Once received, please submit to Veterans Affairs at:
Veterans Affairs Coordinator
Orangeburg, SC 29117
It can take 6 to 8 weeks for the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is strongly recommended that students seeking veteran benefits apply online no later than June 1 for the Fall Semester and December 1 for the Spring Semester.
The VA Coordinator can be reached at 803-536-8405 or visiting the Registrar’s Office/Veterans Affairs in Moss Hall 204.
How do I certify my enrollment?
Students with veteran benefits can certify their enrollment by submitting a VA Enrollment Certification Request Form to the VA Coordinator in the Registrar’s Office/Veterans Affairs. Students can pick up the Form in Moss Hall 208 or download from our website in Forms – click “Veterans Affairs Certification Form.” Fax Form to 803-536-8602 or mail to the following address:
Orangeburg, SC 29117
What is not covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs?
The payment of VA educational assistance may not be made for any course or grade that is not computed in the graduation requirements of that school. Courses or grades that do not count towards a student’s graduation requirements may include:
- Course Withdrawals
- Grades of Incomplete that are not removed from a student’s record
- Courses that do not serve as requirements or electives towards a student’s degree. Elective must not exceed the minimum number of credit hours required for graduation
Please notify the VA Coordinator in the Registrar’s Office immediately if you are
taking a course or have earned a grade that does not count towards graduation requirements.
It is strongly recommended that students report such information prior to the start
of the current semester.
Grades and courses that are not computed into a student’s degree requirements may result in an overpayment. If an overpayment occurs, the student will be charged with a debt to the U.S. Government.
What should I do if I am certified as a full time student, but I drop below 12 credit hours after classes begin?
An undergraduate student must be officially registered for 12 credit hours to obtain full-time status. Receiving the pay rate of a full time student when you are enrolled in less than 12 credit hours will result in an overpayment. If an overpayment occurs, the student will be charged with a debt to the U.S. Government.
Notify the VA Coordinator in the Registrar’s Office immediately. The VA Coordinator will make the necessary adjustments to your certification with the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is strongly recommended that the student report changes in credit hours prior to the first day of class.
What should I do if am transfer student with veterans benefits?
Transfer students must complete a Request for Change of Program or Place of Training Form in order to have their veterans benefits transferred from their previous institution. Veterans will complete Form 22-1995 while dependents of veterans will complete Form 22-5495.
Transfer students must submit the Request for Change of Program or Place of Training Form to the Department of Veteran Affairs.
What should I do if I decide to change my major?
Submit a Request for Change of Program or Place of Training Form to the Department
of Veteran Affairs. Veterans will complete Form 22-1995 while dependents of veterans
will complete Form 22-5495
What should I do if I decide to withdraw from SC State or transfer to another university?
Contact the VA Coordinator immediately. The VA Coordinator will terminate your enrollment at SC State University with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
In addition to the termination of enrollment, students transferring to another university must submit a Request for Change of Program or Place of Training Form to the Department of Veteran Affairs once they determine what college or University they will be attending.
How may I contact the VA Certifying Official at SC State University or the Department of Veterans Affairs?
You can reach the VA Coordinator at 803-378-4743 or gherzog@scsu.edu.
The mailing address for the VA Coordinator is as follows:
Orangeburg, SC 29117
For questions concerning education benefits, please contact the Department of Veterans Affairs at:
- Department of Veteran Affairs: 888-442-4551
VA Phone Assistance & General Benefits Information (including general Vocational Rehabilitation questions)
- 800-827-1000
- Chapters 30, 1606, & 1607 for monthly enrollment verification & payment) 877-823-2378