Veterans Services

Veterans Services at CGCC
Support for setting up and using your VA education benefits at CGCC
Not sure if you're eligible?
Getting Started: Using Your VA Education Benefits at CGCC
- Apply to CGCC — Apply Now
Submit your application to become a CGCC Student. - Certify with the VA —
Apply for VA education benefits through the VA’s website. - Annual VA Benefits Form —
Confirm your education plans so CGCC can certify your classes each year. - Meet with an Academic Advisor — Schedule Advising
Plan your schedule and make sure your courses align with VA rules. - Send JSTs & transcripts — Transcript Info
Submit Joint Services Transcripts and official transcripts from prior colleges. - Begin classes; email registrar@cgcc.edu if you add/drop
Starting classes activates your benefits; notify us of any changes right away.
Optional
- Complete FAFSA —
You may be qualified for both federal student aid and military or VA benefits. Complete the FAFSA to get started. - Tuition Waiver for Dependents —
Eligible dependents of fallen or disabled service members may qualify for a tuition waiver. Oregon residents only.
Information
Ӱ̳ is committed to providing financial support to assist you with your education. The registrar at CGCC certifies all veteran benefits for certificate and degree seeking students attending both in-person and online programs. To begin using benefits, fill out the You may be qualified for both federal student aid and military or VA benefits. To be considered for federal financial aid, please visit (FAFSA).
In order to receive VA benefits, you must submit a Certificate of Eligibility, obtained through , which should be sent to the Registrar. Veterans may be able to transfer their benefits to a spouse, one or more children, or a combination of a spouse and child. For faster processing, the VA strongly encourages veterans to apply for benefits , rather than by mail.
Ӱ̳ does not impose any penalties due to the delayed disbursement of funding from the VA under Chapter 31 or 33. Students with payment delays will not be charged late fees, prevented from enrolling, or denied access to courses, libraries, or other institutional facilities, nor are students required to borrow additional funds due to the delayed disbursement of funding from the VA under Chapter 31 or 33.
Annual Requirement
Each school year, all students using Veterans Benefits must complete the . This keeps your certification going at CGCC and ensures there are no delays in processing.
Already Submitted Your Documentation?
If you’ve already turned in your DD-214, , and other required documents, you don’t need to resubmit them. Just indicate this when completing the form.
Need Help?
Contact registrar@cgcc.edu if you’re unsure what’s required, or if your service or enrollment status has changed.
All students using VA education benefits must request an Official JST be sent directly to CGCC. These transcripts help us evaluate your prior military training for possible college credit.
Army / National Guard
Login to using your CAC or DoD ID. Select “Official Transcript Request” and have it sent to Ӱ̳.
If unable to order using the link above:
- Log in to your JST account via and open a case.
- Click “MY Inquiries.”
- Click the green button “+Create an inquiry.”
- Click the gray button “I still need assistance.”
- Type that you need your Official Transcript sent to Ӱ̳ (registrar@cgcc.edu).
- Where it says “add attachments,” click and upload the special request form.
This inquiry will go to the Army JST Office, where they can process your request.
Can’t log in? Email a JST Request Form:
- Complete the .
- Email your completed form to: usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.tagd-aarts@mail.mil
- Need to call? 1-888-276-9472
Need help? Call 1-888-276-9472 or email usarmy.knox.tradoc.mbx.armyu-access-jst@army.mil
Navy / Marine Corps / Coast Guard
Access with your CAC or username/password. Choose “Official Transcript Request” and designate CGCC as the recipient.
If unable to order online:
- Marine Corps & Coast Guard: Use the .
- Navy: Use the .
Contact for Navy & Marine Corps:
Email: jst@doded.mil
Fax: 850-473-6013 (Comm) or 753-6013 (DSN)
Contact for Coast Guard:
Email: ETQC-SMB-RO@USCG.MIL
Fax: (757) 366-6575
Air Force (CCAF)
The Air Force uses the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF). Request transcripts through .
- If you are Air Force and have NOT taken courses with other branches, request directly through CCAF.
- If you are Air Force and HAVE taken courses with other branches, contact:
jst@doded.mil
Mailing Address:
Ӱ̳
Registrar’s Office
400 E Scenic Dr
The Dalles, OR 97058
Veterans FAQs
Quick answers to common questions about VA education benefits at CGCC.
Q1. How do I get my CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY (COE)?
- POST-9/11 GI BILL (CH. 33): if you applied on/after Aug. 20, 2022. If earlier, reapply with .
- TRANSFERRED ENTITLEMENT (TOE): Apply using .
- CH. 35 DEA or Fry Scholarship: Request through .
Q2. Am I eligible for IN-STATE TUITION as a veteran or dependent?
Under 38 U.S.C. § 3679(c), IN-STATE TUITION applies if you live in Oregon and meet one of these:
- Veterans using CH. 30 or CH. 33, enrolling within 3 years of discharge (90+ days active duty).
- Transferred Post-9/11 benefits (CH. 33), enrolling within 3 years of the transferor’s discharge.
- Continuously enrolled students who qualified initially (excludes normal breaks).
- Fry Scholarship recipients living in Oregon while attending school here.
Active-duty transferors’ dependents using transferred Post-9/11 benefits.
38 U.S.C. 3679(c) – Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014
Q3. Do veterans and dependents get PRIORITY REGISTRATION?
Yes. You can register 1 hour before general registration opens (usually 8 AM).
- Check dates in the class schedule.
- Register in the .
Trouble registering? Email your course list to registrar@cgcc.edu during your PRIORITY REGISTRATION window. We’ll enroll you before waitlists begin (requests after that may be subject to waitlists).
Q4. How can I check that my ENROLLMENT INFORMATION is correct?
Use the VA tool: .
If anything looks wrong, email registrar@cgcc.edu.
Q5. Do I need to complete ENROLLMENT VERIFICATION each month?
Yes — if you’re in 6+ credits, verify at the end of each month of the term (e.g., a fall term that starts late September → verify on/after Oct 1).
- CH. 33 (POST-9/11): Benefits pause after 2 consecutive months without verification.
- CH. 30 (MONTGOMERY): Benefits aren’t sent until you verify.
Important: If the VA texts you the wrong credit number, don’t reply “No.” Email registrar@cgcc.edu so we can fix your credits, then reply “Yes.”
If you already replied “No,” call the GI Bill hotline: 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).
Q6. What if my ENROLLMENT VERIFICATION is wrong and I want to reject it?
Please contact the SCHOOL CERTIFYING OFFICIAL (SCO) at registrar@cgcc.edu before you reject the verification. Rejecting it directly can cause significant delays in receiving your benefits.
Q7. When will I receive my monthly benefit PAYMENT?
- CH. 33 (POST-9/11): Processed on the 1st of each month; allow up to 5 days to arrive.
- CH. 30 (MONTGOMERY): Sent after you verify enrollment; allow up to 5 days.
Q8. How does my credit load affect my MONTHLY HOUSING ALLOWANCE (MHA)?
Your MHA is based on your RATE OF PURSUIT (credits ÷ full-time load). The VA pays at the nearest 10% increment. You must be more than 50% to receive MHA.
Credits | Rate of Pursuit | VA PAYMENT |
---|---|---|
12 ÷ 12 | 100% | 100% MHA |
11 ÷ 12 | 92% | 90% MHA |
9 ÷ 12 | 75% | 80% MHA |
7 ÷ 12 | 58% | 60% MHA |
6 ÷ 12 | 50% | Not eligible |
Note: The VA rounds your rate of pursuit to the nearest 10% (e.g., 92% → 90%).
Q9. How are CH. 35 (DEA) PAYMENTS calculated?
CH. 35 (DEA) does not include a housing allowance. Instead, it pays a FLAT MONTHLY STIPEND based on your enrollment level at CGCC:
Credits at CGCC | Training Time | VA PAYMENT Rate |
---|---|---|
12+ credits | Full-time | 100% monthly PAYMENT |
9–11 credits | ¾-پ | 75% monthly PAYMENT |
6–8 credits | ½-پ | 50% monthly PAYMENT |
< 6 credits | Less than half-time | Tuition/fees only (capped at ½-پ PAYMENT) |
Note: The exact $ amount is set by the VA each year and paid directly to you. See the for current figures.
Quick Links
Need Assistance? Important Phone Numbers
Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then Press 1
24/7 confidential crisis support for Veterans and their families.
GI Bill® Hotline: 888-442-4551
General questions about GI Bill eligibility, payments, and benefits.
VA Benefits: 800-827-1000
Disability claims, pensions, health care, and other VA benefits.
MyVA411 (24/7): 800-698-2411
General VA help line that routes you to the right office.
Local & Campus Contacts
Wasco County Veterans Services: (541) 506-2502 • chelseap@co.wasco.or.us
Assistance with VA claims, benefits navigation, and referrals.
White Salmon / Klickitat County Veterans Services: michael.watts@klickitatcounty.org •
Veteran services and benefits support for Klickitat County residents.
Hood River County Veterans Services: (541) 386-1080 • vsomanager@hoodrivercounty.gov •
Veteran advocacy, claims assistance, and community resources in Hood River County.
CGCC Student Services: (541) 506-6011 (Option 2) • studentservices@cgcc.edu
Advising, tutoring, counseling, and general student support.
CGCC School Certifying Official: (541) 506-6012 • registrar@cgcc.edu
Certification of VA education benefits and enrollment updates.