Office of Financial Aid

If you are using Federal Veteran Rehabilitation benefits, you should contact your case manager before making any changes to your schedule.

What is the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Federal VA benefits?

To continue receiving Federal VA benefits, You must be in good academic standing with Parkland College. If you’re placed on academic suspension, Parkland College will notify the VA and they may suspend your benefit.

What is the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for State VA benefits?

To continue receiving the Illinois National Guard (ING) and Illinois Veterans Grant (IVG),You must have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA once you’ve attempted sixty credit hours at Parkland.

What do I need to do each semester to use both my State and Federal veterans benefits?

After you activate your veterans benefits at Parkland for the first time, we willl automatically submit them for you each semester, unless you tell us not to. If you need to complete any additional forms, you will be notified through your Parkland Student E-Mail account. To see if we’ve certified you with the VA for a semester, you can check your Parkland Connection account.

What do I do about withdrawing from my classes if I’m deployed during the semester?

Come to our office and see a financial aid advisor during the walk-in hours.  Be sure and bring your Activation Orders with you.

What role does Parkland play pertaining to the administration of my federal Educational VA benefits?

The Office of Financial Aid acts as a liaison between you, the student, and the VA with regards to your educational benefits.  One staff member is designated as the "Certifying Official".  It is this staff members responsibility to act as the eyes and ears for the VA by submitting an enrollment verification to the VA in a timely manner.  The Financial Aid Office is not equipped or trained to assist you with other types of VA questions, such as, VA home loan information, death benefits, etc.  There is a local VA Office located on University Ave. which can assist you with other VA related benefit questions.

Can I call the VA to speed up the process?

No.  The VA has requested that we advise you not to call them until the allowable time mentioned above has passed.

Do I  receive payment only during the in-school period?

You receive payment during the period of enrollment and during breaks between enrollment provided the break is less than 30 days in length. For example, you will be paid between the fall and spring semesters automatically unless you tell the VA not to.

Will I have to pay any funds back to the VA if I drop or withdraw from classes?

Only if the drop or withdrawal results in a change in enrollment status (e.g., from full-time to half-time) you are entitled to only half-time benefits for the entire semester/term.  As a result, you will have to repay half of all funds received to date for the term.

However, mitigating circumstances will be considered to exist by the VA without explanation from you for only the first instance of withdrawal from a course or courses totaling not more than 6 semester hours.  Any enrollment status changes during subsequent terms will result in repayment by you.

If you are charged an overpayment based on you withdrawing from class(es) and the withdraw was due to circumstances beyond your control, you can submit an appeal by completing the form, Statement in Support of Claim (21-4138) and submitting it to the VA.

Do you have to be degree/Certificate seeking in order to receive federal VA benefits?

Absolutely.  Furthermore, you should only enroll in coursework that pertains to your major course of study.

If I’m applying for VA educational benefits can I defer my tuition payment until I receive my first check?

No.  You are responsible for payment of tuition and fees at the time such payment is due.

How many hours do I  have to enroll in during the summer to be considered full-time for VA benefits?

Unlike federal financial aid programs, VA benefits come under the registrar's definition of full-time for the summer term (i.e., 6 or more hours).

Q: Are Applied Learning Skill (ALS) classes approved for VA benefits?

No.  Only the remedial coursework number (090 etc.) are approved for VA benefits.  Therefore Parkland cannot include ALS hours in your enrollment status.

Why aren't ALS classes approved?

The VA will not approve ALS classes at Parkland because they do not have published entrance and exit dates.

What happens if I change my major (i.e., program) while I’m receiving Federal VA educational benefits?

You must report the change to the Certifying Official immediately by filing a change of Program/Place of Training Form(22-1995). VA regulations prohibit the continued payment of benefits after a third change of program.

What constitutes a change of major with the VA?

According to VA regulations, a change of major will be assessed if a "material" loss of credit occurs.  Material is defined as twelve or more hours.

Who should I contact if my mailing address changes?

When you change your mailing address, the college's Admissions and  Records Office must be notified as well as the VA.  You can change your address on the WAVE website.

Who should I call if I have a problem concerning my GI bill payment?

If you have a problem with your payment, you should call the toll free VA number at: 1-888-442-4551 or contact them by email by going to the ask a question feature on the GI bill website at www.gibill.va.gov to resolve the problem.  The Certifying Official merely serves as the eyes and ears for you and does not have any authority over the VA.  If your problem is not resolved after contacting the VA, you should speak to the Certifying Official for further advice.

Can I receive both federal GI bill benefits and the Illinois Veterans Grant at the same time?

Absolutely. One is a federal benefit and one is state. They do not impact each other.

How long does it take to get approved for the Illinois Veterans Grant(IVG)?

Once you have mailed the application with the required documentation, the approval process takes approximately four weeks.

How do I  know if I’ve  been approved for the Illinois Veterans Grant?

After the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) has determined your eligibility for the IVG Program, they will mail an authorization letter directly to you. You should submit a copy to our office and keep the original for your permanent file.

How often do I have to apply for the Illinois Veterans Grant?

Once.  As mentioned above you need to submit an initial copy of your eligibility letter to our office. The initial copy is used to activate IVG eligibility for future terms.

If I am eligible for the Illinois Veterans Grant do I have to use it when I enroll?

That depends upon your eligibility for other state aid - namely the Monetary Award Program.

If you have MAP eligibility, you are required to use IVG first.  No exceptions.

Do I have to be degree/certificate seeking in order to use the Illinois Veteran Grant Program?

No.  Unlike federal VA benefits, you do not have to be degree seeking to use the grant.

What does the Illinois Veterans Grant Cover?

The Illinois Veterans Grant covers only mandatory tuition and fees.  Course fees must be paid by you.

Does the Illinois Veterans Grant cover out of district tuition and fees?

Yes.

Can I  use the Illinois Veterans Grant at two institutions at the same time?

Yes.  You should present a copy of your eligibility letter to the appropriate office at both institutions.

Does the Illinois Veterans Grant pay for books and supplies?

No.  The Illinois Veterans Grant does not cover books and supplies.

Can IVG be used at a private college or university?

No.  The Program can only be used at Illinois state funded colleges and universities.

How long does my IVG eligibility last?

You are entitled to receive maximum benefits for the equivalent of 5 full-time academic years including summer terms.  Eligibility expires at 120 units of usage.  Entitlement is assessed by converting credit hours to "eligibility units" as follows:

Credit Hours Enrolled	Units Used
12 or more hours	12
9 to 11 hours	9
6 to 8 hours	6
3 to 5 hours	3
1 to 2 hours	1

How long does it take to get approved for the Illinois National Guard Grant?

Once you have mailed the application, the approval process takes approximately four weeks. 

How do I know I have been approved for the Illinois National Guard Scholarship?

After the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) has determined your eligibility for the ING Program, they will mail an eligibility letter directly to you.  You must submit the original to our office for payment and audit purposes.

How often do I have to apply for the Illinois National Guard Grant?

Each academic year.  Applications are available online at www.collegezone.com The application has deadline dates, so you should apply early each year.

If I am eligible for the Illinois National Guard Grant do I have to use it when I enroll?

That depends upon your eligibility for other state aid - namely the Monetary Award Program.

If you have MAP eligibility, you are required to use ING first.  No exceptions.

Do I have to be degree/certificate seeking in order to use the Illinois National Guard Grant Program?

No.  Unlike federal VA benefits, you do not have to be degree seeking to use the grant.

Can a student use the Illinois National Guard Grant at two institutions at the same time?

If both schools agree, you can complete a concurrent enrollment form. You must arrange payment of classes at the second institution.

What educational costs does the Illinois National Guard Grant Cover?

The Illinois National Guard Grant  covers only mandatory tuition and fees.  Course fees must be paid by you.

Does the Illinois National Guard Grant cover out of district tuition and fees?

Yes

Does the Illinois National Guard Grant pay for books and supplies?

No.  The Illinois National Guard Grant does not pay for books and supplies.

How long does my Illinois National Guard Grant eligibility last?

You are entitled to receive maximum benefits for the equivalent of 5 full-time academic years, including summer terms.  Eligibility expires after 120 units of usage are used.  Entitlement is assessed by converting credit hours to "eligibility Units" as follows:

Credit Hours Enrolled	Units Used
12 or more hours	12
9 to 11 hours	9
6 to 8 hours	6
3 to 5 hours	3
1 to 2 hours	1

What happens to my state VA benefits if I withdraw from a class?

For the Illinois Veterans Grant, Illinois National Guard Grant, and MIA/POW scholarship, you will use up your units of eligibility for that class that you withdraw from, but there are no further  consequences.

I used my Federal VA benefits at another school, how do I transfer them to Parkland?

To transfer your Federal VA benefits to Parkland, you need to complete a form 22-1995 (Change of Program or Place of Training), attach a member 4 copy of your DD214 or your NOBE and turn them into the Parkland Office of Financial Aid when meeting with a Financial Aid Advisor.

I used my State VA benefits at another school, how do I transfer them to Parkland?

For the Illinois Veterans Grant or MIA/POW scholarship, you just need to turn in a copy of your eligibility letter/card to the Parkland College Office of Financial Aid.

For the Illinois National Guard Grant, you will need to contact the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) at 1-800-899-4722 to change your school. Once ISAC sends you your updated letter of eligibility, you will need to bring that into the Parkland College Office of Financial Aid.  

My parent/spouse is a veteran, what benefits am I eligible for?

The Federal VA provides Chapter 35 benefits for the children/spouse of any veteran who is 100% totally and permanently disabled due to a service connected cause.

The State VA provides the MIA/POW scholarship for the children/spouse of any Illinois veteran who is either 100% totally and permanently disabled due to a service connected case, was missing in action, killed in action, or a prisoner of war. The veteran must have signed up for the
military from Illinois and returned to Illinois within six months of their date of discharge.  

I am a child/spouse of a veteran, what scholarships are available to me?

The MIA/POW scholarship is available through the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs for the children/spouse of Illinois Veterans who were killed in action, missing in action, POW’s or 100% totally and permanently disabled due to a service connected cause.

For other scholarships, you can search online at www.fastweb.com or check with your local American Legion or Veterans Of Foreign Wars Offices.

I called the VA and they said that they have not received my certification, what should I do?

Check your Parkland Connection to make sure you have been certified for the term. If you have, then the VA just needs more time to process the information. There is nothing you can do to speed up the process. If you have not been certified, check with the Parkland College Certifying Official to find out what information is needed for you to be certified.

I am attending Parkland and another school at the same time. My other school is outside the St. Louis region. What do I do?

First, determine which is your home school. Notify the supplemental school that your home school is in a different VA region. Make sure to inform the Certifying Official of the region your home school is in and provide them with a fax number so that they can submit your certification by fax. The certification can not be sent electronically as it will automatically go to the nearest VA which will delay your processing.

I have changed my program three times, with a material loss of credit each time and now the VA has discontinued my federal benefits. What do I do?

You will need to submit a Statement in Support of Claim (21-4138) to the VA explaining the reasons for your changes in program with supporting documentation attached.

I have exhausted my federal benefits, but I am still in school. Can I get an extension?

You will need to submit a Statement in Support of Claim (21-4138) to the VA explaining the reasons for your changes in program with supporting documentation attached.

How do I request a copy of my DD214?

Instructions on how to obtain a copy of your DD214 are available from the National Archives.

How long does it take to get approved for the MIA/POW scholarship?

Once you have submitted your application to the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, it should take approximately four weeks to receive your notice of eligibility.

How do I know if I’ve been approved for the MIA/POW scholarship?
           
If you are approved for this benefit, the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs will mail you an eligibility card.

How often do I have to apply for the MIA/POW scholarship?

You only need to apply for this benefit once.

Do I have to be degree/certificate seeking in order to use the MIA/POW scholarship?

No, there is no requirement that you have to be degree seeking.

What does the MIA/POW scholarship cover?

The MIA/POW scholarship covers in-district mandatory tuition and fees only.

Does the MIA/POW scholarship cover out of district tuition and fees?

No, the MIA/POW scholarship covers in-district tuition and fees only.

Does the MIA/POW scholarship pay for books and supplies?

No, the MIA/POW scholarship does not pay for books and supplies.

Can the MIA/POW scholarship be used at a private college or university?

No, the MIA/POW scholarship can only be used at Illinois public colleges or universities.

What are the eligibility requirements for the MIA/POW scholarship?

The qualified applicant must be the spouse/child of a veteran who signed up for the military from Illinois and returned to Illinois within six months of the date of discharge. The discharge must be honorable and the veteran must have been either killed in action, missing in action, a prisoner of war, or 100% totally and permanently disable due to service connected causes.

What are the eligibility requirements for the Illinois Veterans Grant?

Generally, anyone who was a resident of Illinois at the time of entering federal active duty or was a student at an Illinois public university or community college at the time of entering federal active duty, served at least one year of honorable service, and established or plans to establish Illinois residency within six months after separation from the Armed Forces, or if married to a person in continued military service applied for this grant within six months after and including the date that the spouse was stationed within Illinois; or established residence with six months after and including the date the spouse was separated (if the spouse was stationed outside Illinois) will qualify for the Illinois Veterans' Grant. The grant covers tuition and mandatory fees for credit classes, excluding course fees) at Parkland College. You do not need to be degree-seeking through Parkland or registered full-time to qualify for this state-funded grant. Note: If you are eligible for the Illinois Veterans' Grant, you cannot use the Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant.

What are the eligibility requirements for the Illinois National Guard Grant?

Members of the Illinois National Guard or the Illinois Naval Militia who have served at least one year and who are currently in the guard or militia may apply for this grant which covers tuition and certain fees for credit classes for eight semesters of full- or part-time study. This grant is open to all officers, as well as enlisted personnel. Note: If you are eligible for the Illinois National Guard Grant, you cannot use the Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant.

How long does my MIA/POW scholarship eligibility last?

The total benefit provided shall not exceed the cost equivalent of four
calendar years of full time enrollment at the University of Illinois
(including summer terms).

Who works with ROTC students at Parkland?

If you have questions about ROTC, you should contact the Associate Director of Admissions.

I have tuition assistance from the military-not the Illinois Veterans Grant or Illinois National Guard Grant. Who should I talk to?

You should contact the Business Office.

How do I apply for Chapter 1607?

If this is your first time applying for federal VA educational benefits, you will need to submit the 1990 with your DD214 attached to the Certifying Official. If you are already receiving Chapter 1606 benefits, you will need to complete a form 22-1995 indicating chapter 1607, attach a copy of your DD214 and submit them to your Certifying Official.

Is Parkland a Service Members Opportunity College? Who is the point of contact?

Yes. Parkland is a Service Members Opportunity College. If you have questions, you should contact an Associate Director in Admissions.

Who should I contact about Vocational Rehabilitation?

If you think you may be eligible for VA Vocational Rehabilitation, you can contact a case manager at (309)688-6158.

What does VA Vocational Rehabilitation cover?

VA Vocational Rehabilitation covers tuition, fees, books, and supplies for approved courses. You will also receive a stipend to assist with living expenses.

How do I get my military hours evaluated?

If you would like to have your military hours evaluated, you should contact an Associate Director in Admissions. Note: all hours transferred into Parkland will be counted toward your maximum of 96 attempted hours for financial aid.

I’m being deployed and my teacher won’t work with me. Who do I contact?

If you’ve attempted to work with your instructor and your matter is not resolved, you should speak with the Department Chair. If the matter is still not resolved, contact the Dean of Academic Services.

Where can I get more information about the Troops to Teachers program?

You can find information on the Troops to Teachers website.

What is the best way to contact the VA?

The best way to contact the VA is by going to the GI bill website. Then, click on ask a question and email your question to the VA. If you do not want to use email, then you can call them at 1-888-442-4551. Make sure you call from a phone with an area code in St. Louis’ region. Otherwise, your call will automatically be directed to the Regional Office associated with that area code.

Can I transfer my GI bill entitlement to someone else?

No. Normally you can not transfer your entitlement to anyone. However, the Air Force and the Army have allowed a few people to transfer entitlement to their spouses if they meet strict criteria. If you were authorized to do this, then you must submit paperwork that was given to you at the time you signed up for this.

Can I receive financial aid and Veterans benefits at the same time?

Yes, if you are eligible you can receive veterans benefits and financial aid.

My income has changed since I am no longer active duty, but I have to use last year’s taxes to apply for financial aid. Is there any way the financial aid application can evaluate me based on my new income?

Yes, if you are making less this year than you did on your most recent tax forms, you can complete a special circumstance form and submit it along with the required documentation to the Office of Financial Aid. We will then change the information on your FAFSA to reflect your current income and re-evaluate your aid eligibility.