Maintain eligibility
Here is what you need to do throughout the term to stay eligible.
Report changes in your class schedule
Try not to change your schedule once you submit it in MyPCC. Changes can result in confusion, delays, and owing money to the VA.
Some changes are unavoidable, so notify the Veterans Education Benefits Office of any schedule changes, such as:
- adding or dropping classes
- getting off a waitlist
- making a section change to a class
Remember: contact the Veterans Education Benefits Office quickly so that they can notify the VA.
Don’t drop or withdraw from classes
The VA will expect repayment of education benefits for classes that you drop during the term. You will have to repay benefits if you withdraw from a class or stop attending a class that has been certified for education benefit payments. If you need to leave a class, contact the Veterans Education Benefits Office to find out how it will affect your transcript and benefits.
Attend your classes
If you are in danger of failing a class – don’t stop attending! Seek tutoring, get help, keep learning and continue to go to class. If you attend the entire term and receive an “F” in the class, the VA will pay for that class.
Submit your transcripts
Remember to submit your transcripts from all prior colleges to PCC Student Records. Prior college transcripts must be received and evaluated by PCC Student Records by the end of your first term to avoid delays in certifying your second term of VA Education Benefits. Once PCC has your transcripts, request a transfer credit evaluation in MyPCC.
Check your MYPCC email often
PCC’s official contact method is your PCC email account. Information can often be time sensitive, so your response is important to avoid delay of benefit payments. Keep your personal contact information up-to-date – go to My Profile in MyPCC and update your phone number and address. This helps us have the correct information when we need to contact you.
Watch for holds
To see if you have holds, visit the MyPCC Home tab and click See when (and if) you can register
VA students are required to meet with an academic advisor every three terms to develop and monitor an academic plan. A registration hold will be placed on your account, reminding you to meet with an advisor. You will receive a notification by email and can check for holds in MyPCC.
Beware if you change your grading options
Some classes will allow you to change your grading option from the standard A-F letter grade to a Pass/No Pass option (P/NP). If you choose the P/NP grading option, be confident you are going to pass. If you earn an “NP”, you will need to repay the VA for that class. Also, be aware there is a limit to the number of pass credits that can apply toward a degree or certificate.
Watch for any overpayment notices from the VA
If you receive a notice of overpayment from the VA, don’t ignore it! The VA can withhold future benefit payments until the debt has been settled. You can contact the Department of Veterans Affairs Debt Management Center and set up a payment plan to minimize any financial impact. See the VA Debt Management Center site for help.
