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Veterans Services FAQ


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What if I have general questions about veterans affairs, who do I contact? 1654 views

Anitra King, Career & Student Veteran Success Specialist, can be contacted at 847-214-7531 or emailed at aking@elgin.edu. She is located in Building F, Room F207. Anitra can assist you with:

  • Your application for benefits
  • Questions you may have regarding your benefits
  • Instructor and class issues and concerns
  • Career planning
  • Any other concerns you may have
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How will my tuition be paid? 1631 views

benefits tuition

How Military Benefits Pay for Tuition and Fees

It’s important to understand how your military benefits cover tuition and fees to make sure your enrollment goes smoothly.

The following benefits send tuition and/or fee payments directly to ECC:

  • IVG (Illinois Veteran Grant)

  • ING (Illinois National Guard Grant)

  • MIA/POW Scholarship

  • GI Bill® Chapter 33 (Post-9/11)


What Each Benefit Covers

  • Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®):
    Pays tuition directly to ECC. If your benefit doesn’t cover 100%, you must pay the remaining balance.

  • IVG and ING:
    Cover tuition and the one-time registration fee per term. You’re responsible for any other non-tuition fees.

  • MIA/POW Scholarship:
    Covers tuition only — you must pay the registration fee and other fees.


Other Important Information

  • If you use other types of benefits, you’ll need to set up a payment plan each semester to hold your classes.

  • All students are encouraged to apply for federal student aid (FAFSA).

  • If you owe more than $10 in unpaid fees, you may be dropped from your classes.

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I just got out of the service, and I am interested in going to college; where do I start? 1606 views

We Appreciate Your Service!

Whether you’re starting college for the first time or returning, Elgin Community College (ECC) is proud to welcome you. We’ll help you choose a program that builds on your military experience and aligns with your goals.

If you haven’t used your military education benefits yet, follow these steps to get started:


✅ Steps to Use Your VA Benefits at ECC

Step 1: Apply for your VA education benefits
Visit benefits.va.gov/gibill and complete the online application.

Step 2: Apply for admission to ECC
Submit your college application at elgin.edu/apply

Step 3: Register for classes
Meet with an advisor to choose and register for your classes.

Step 4: Submit your paperwork to Financial Aid
Email the following documents to financialaid@elgin.edu before ECC’s payment due date to secure your tuition payment and housing allowance (BHA/MHA):

  • Your VA eligibility letter (received online or by mail)

  • The Veteran and Military Benefit Activation Form (PDF)

📍 If you have questions, contact the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office at 847-214-7360.


💰 To estimate your housing allowance, visit Illinois BAH (Basic Allowance Housing) Rates.

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What are other military benefits available for veterans at ECC? 1563 views

Federal Benefits

888-442-4551

benefits.va.gov/gibill

  • Chapter 30 - Montgomery - GI Bill® - (until 1985)
  • Chapter 31 - Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Chapter 33 - Post 911
  • Chapter 35 - Survivors’ and Dependence Educational Assistance Program
  • Chapter 1606 - Montgomery Selected Reserve

State Benefits

Illinois Student Assistance Commission

800-899-4722

isac.org

  • Illinois National Guard Program - ING
  • Illinois Veteran Grant Program - IVG

MIA/POW Scholarship

217-782-3564

MIA/POW Scholarships are for spouses and dependents of MIA/POW military service members.

Need more information on these benefits?

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When will I receive my housing benefits or stipends for Chapter 30, 33, or 1606? 1502 views

benefits

You’ll receive your monthly housing allowance (MHA) or education stipend at the beginning of each month, covering the previous month.

If your classes start partway through a month, your first payment will be smaller. For example, if your classes begin on August 22, your September payment will only include the nine days you attended in August.

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How can I meet other students who are veterans at ECC? 1453 views

Welcome, Veterans!

At ECC, we’re proud to support our military and veteran community through the Military Branches United (MBU) club.

Stop by the Veterans Resource Center in Building F, Room F201, to learn more about MBU and find out when the club meets.

🕘 Hours:

  • Monday–Wednesday: 9 am–6:30 pm

  • Friday: 9 am–3:30 pm

Drop in anytime to connect with other veterans, find support, and be part of a welcoming community.

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How do I join SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society? 1417 views

To join the Elgin Community College Chapter of SALUTE, you must be enrolled at ECC, honorably discharged from the armed services, or show proof of your current duty station. You must have finished 12 semester hours (equivalent to one semester at ECC) and maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA). There is a $35 application fee. For additional details, contact Anitra King, Career and Veteran Specialist, at 847-214-7531 or email aking@elgin.edu.

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What if I am not sure which benefits from using? 1348 views

  • Visit your VA education benefits online with GI Bill® benefits. 
  • Visit the GI Bill® Comparison Tool and enter the requested information to compare benefits.
  • Schedule an appointment with the Veteran Certifying Official at 847-214-7360.
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Who is the certifying official at Elgin Community College? 1329 views

financial aid

Questions about Military and Veteran Benefits?

Contact Valeria Garza Cordero, ECC’s VA Certifying Official (SCO), for help with any military or veteran education benefits.

📞 Phone: 847-214-7520
📧 Email: vgarzacordero@elgin.edu
📍 Location: Financial Aid Office, Building B, Room 156

Valeria can answer questions about BHA/MHA, IVG, ING, TA, and financial aid or scholarships.
Remember: you must submit your paperwork each semester to keep your benefits active.


Verifying Your Enrollment

  • Chapters 31, 32, and 33:
    ECC will verify your enrollment each month.
    If you change your class schedule, contact the Financial Aid Office right away to avoid overpayments or delays in your monthly stipend.

  • Chapters 30, 35, 1606, and 1607:
    You must verify your own enrollment each month.
    Go to gibill.va.gov/wave or call 877-823-2378 to complete your certification.
    Missing this step can delay your payments.

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How do I use my military benefit at ECC? 1324 views

  1. Submit Your Form: Fill out and submit the "Veteran and Military Benefit Activation Form" to ECC's Financial Aid Office before the payment due date.

  2. Check Your BHA/MHA: Find out your Basic Allowance Housing (BAH) Rates in Illinois to determine your benefit amount.

  3. Send Required Documents: Email all necessary documents to financialaid@elgin.edu or call 847-214-7360 if you have questions.

  4. Include Certificates: Attach a certificate or eligibility letter for each benefit you intend to use. Ensure you're enrolled in your classes before sending the form.

  5. Arrange Payments (if needed): If you're using GI Bill® Chapters 1606, 30, or 35, manage payments with the Student Accounts Office, as these benefits are paid directly to you.

  6. Meet Your Academic Advisor: Consult your academic advisor for course selection and apply for financial aid through studentaid.gov.

  7. Contact the VA: For questions about VA deposits (like monthly payments or housing allowances), contact the VA at 888-442-4551.

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What if I want to drop a class? 1209 views

advising classes drop

Before You Drop a Class

Always talk with the Veterans Academic Advisor first.
Contact Tiffany Bruno to set up an appointment:
📞 847-214-7390
📧 tbruno@elgin.edu


If You’re Using VA Education Benefits

If you receive VA education benefits, dropping a class could affect your payments or eligibility.
Before making any changes, contact Valeria Garza Cordero, ECC’s VA Certifying Official (SCO):
📞 847-214-7520
📍 Financial Aid Office, Building B, Room 156

She can explain how dropping a class may impact your benefits and help you avoid any financial issues.

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What other military benefits are available for veterans at ECC? 1203 views

benefits

Federal Benefits

1-888-442-4551 – benefits.va.gov/gibill.

  • Chapter 30 - Montgomery - GI Bill - (until 1985)
  • Chapter 31 - Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Chapter 32 - V.E.A.P. (Veterans Educational Assistance Program)
  • Chapter 33 - Post 911
  • Chapter 35 - Survivors’ and Dependence Educational Assistance Program
  • Chapter 1606 - Montgomery Selected Reserve
  • Chapter 1607 - R.E.A.P. (Reserved Educational Assistance Program)

State Benefits

1-800-899-4722 – isac.org

  • Illinois National Guard Program - ING
  • Illinois Veteran Grant Program - IVG

POW and MIA

1-217-782-6641 (MIA/POW scholarships for spouses and dependents only).

Need more information on these benefits? Visit benefits.va.gov/gibill.

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How long will the process take? 1190 views

Allow 30 to 60 days from when you complete your veteran application at VA Benefits Education and Training.

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How do I contact the certifying official at Elgin Community College? 1176 views

Talk to Valeria Garza Cordero, the VA Certifying Official (SCO). You can reach the SCO at 847-214-7520. If you're on campus, visit Financial Aid in Building B, Room 156.

Verification of Enrollment Status: To certify your enrollment status for GI Bill® chapters (Chapter 30, Chapter 35, Chapter 1606), follow these steps each semester:

  1. Complete the Veteran Checklist and Certification Packet.
  2. Submit the packet to the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office.

For MGIB-Active Duty (Chapter 30), Chapter 35, and Chapter 1606, ensure you complete monthly certification:

  • Visit the GI Bill® Home page and click “Verify School Attendance” on the right side.
  • Alternatively, call 877-823-2378.

Doing this helps prevent overpayments or delays in receiving your monthly stipends.

 

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Contact

Veteran Resource Center

Building F, Room 201
847-214-7531
veteranservices@elgin.edu