Steps to Enrollment / VA Benefit Certification Checklist

1. Admission and Enrollment at HFC

Follow all steps listed to complete the admission and enrollment process.

Application for VA Educational Benefits

NOTE: You can complete the application process to the Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA) while you are completing the admission and enrollment process at the College.

Veterans Checklist

2. Applying For VA Educational Benefits

Montgomery GI Bill: Chapters 33, 30, 1606, 35, or Ch. 31 (VR&E)

First Time Applying for VA Educational Benefits

If applying for the first time:

  • Complete application for VA educational benefits.
  • Chapter 30, 33, 1606 (for veterans or active service members): complete application Form 22-1990.
  • Chapter 35 (Dependent’s Educational Assistance Program – for dependents or spouse): complete application Form 22-5490.
  • Chapter 31 (Vocational Readiness & Employment (VR&E)): you must apply for benefits through the Detroit VA office or you may complete the application online.

Previously Certified at Another Institution

If previously used benefits at another institution:

  • Chapter 30, 33, 1606 or 1607: complete and submit Form 22-1995 (Change of Program or Place of Training).
  • Chapter 35 (Dependents Educational Assistance Program): complete and submit Form 22-5495 (Change of Program or Place of Training).
  • Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation: updated authorization required, must be signed by VA counselor approving attendance at HFC.

Federal Tuition Assistance

FTA recipients should first contact their respective Education Service Officer (ESO) to seek approval prior to registering for classes.

Please review Military Tuition Assistance for more detailed information on this benefit.

State Tuition Assistance (MINGSTAP)

MINGSTAP is now a reimbursement program. Applications must be submitted no more than 14 days after the class start date.

Please review Military Tuition Assistance for more detailed information on this benefit.

3. Certification Process

All of the following documents can be submitted as follows:

Email: veterans@hfcc.edu
Fax: 313-845-6464
Mail: Welcome Center, 5101 Evergreen Rd., Dearborn, MI 48128
In Person: At the Welcome Center drop box.

  • Submit copy of DD214 (Member 4) or NOBE (Notice of Eligibility).
  • Submit official Joint Services military transcript (JST).
  • Submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities where you used VA benefits.
  • Submit copy of Certificate OF Eligibility when received from VA.
  • For Chapter 31 (VR&E) benefits, verify that authorization has been submitted to HFC from your VA Counselor.
  • Every semester: Submit VA Certification Request Form to request certification for VA benefits (except for FTA or MINGSTAP).

Please remember, only courses required for your academic program (or required pre-requisites) are eligible for certification. See an Academic Advisor to review required courses if necessary. The School Certifying Official will review your class schedule, educational plan, and transcripts from previous institutions in order to comply with VA regulations. Timely submission and accuracy of information provided by you will impact timeframe for processing of your VA Certification and determination by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for funding coursework.

All correspondence regarding your VA Certification will be sent through HFC HawkMail.

4. Payment

  • If using Chapter 30, 35, 1606 or 1607, you are responsible for paying tuition and fees by HFC payment due date.
  • If using Chapter 33 or 31, your tuition/fees will be paid by VA based on your benefit eligibility, you are responsible for any portion of tuition/fees not covered by VA benefits.
  • Tuition Assistance (FTA): Eligible charges only will be invoiced to your respective branch of service or the State of Michigan by Office of Student Accounts.
  • State Tuition Assistance (MINGSTAP): This is now a reimbursement program. You are responsible for payment to HFC by established payment due date each semester.

VA Compliance

In accordance with Public Law 115-251, any individual using educational assistance under the following chapters: Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty Program), Chapter 31 (Vocational Readiness & Employment), Chapter 33 (Post – 9/11 GI Bill), of Title 38, United States Code, The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (38 U.S.C. § 3311 (b) (9)), Chapter 35 (Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program) and Chapter 1606 of Title 10 U.S.C. (Montgomery GI Bill® - Selected Reserve) who lives in the State of Michigan while attending Henry Ford College will be charged in-state tuition rates (regardless of his/her formal state of residence).

Henry Ford College complies with Title 38 United States Code Section 3679(e) under which covered individuals (i.e. any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under Chapter 31, Vocational Readiness and Employment, or Chapter 33, Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits) can attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to the educational institution a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under Chapters 31 or 33 (a “certificate of eligibility” can also include a “Statement of Benefits” obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) website - eBenefits, or a VA form 28-1905 for Chapter 31 authorization purposes) and ending on the earlier of the following dates:

  1. The date on which payment from the VA is made to the institution.
  2. 90 days after the date the institution certified tuition and fees following the receipt of the certificate of eligibility.

Henry Ford College will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, or any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement of funding from VA under Chapters 31 or 33.

Covered individuals planning to use their educational benefits at Henry Ford College are required to submit a completed and signed Veterans Enrollment Certification Request Form EACH semester to the Office of Veterans Services. Additionally, covered individuals may be required to provide additional information as noted in the Certification process to ensure proper certification of enrollment.

Support Services

HFC is dedicated to supporting your academic success! HFC offers many student services, and our Counseling office offers services specifically for veterans in addition to personal counseling, and student outreach and support.

HFC VA Certifying Official: Dawn Hestand
Room WC-121, HFC Welcome Center
veterans@hfcc.edu
313-845-9688