After the Veterans Affairs Regional Processing Office (RPO) has received the application for benefits and the necessary supporting documentation, the claim will be processed and a file (claim) number will be established (usually the veteran's Social Security number; eligible dependents will use their sponsor's file number). Eligible applicants will receive a Certificate of Eligibility. This certificate will indicate the claim number, type of benefit, number of months of eligibility remaining and the date the eligibility expires. Students should submit a copy to the St. Petersburg College (SPC) Financial Assistance Services (FAS) office.

CERTIFICATION PROCESS

After the appropriate VA application and supporting documents are returned to the SPC FAS office, the original documents are mailed to the VA Regional Processing Office (RPO) in Atlanta. A file is established in the FAS office that contains copies of all documents forwarded to the RPO. All VA students must submit VA schedule verification. This service is accessible through MySPC for your convenience. After you have registered for classes, submit your schedule for VA Verification online! Log in to MySPC at my.spcollege.edu – Veteran’s Services - (727) 302-6400. It is the responsibility of the student to insure that he/she provides the VA schedule verification to be certified.

No VA schedule verification = No Certification = No Money!

After a student registers and provides the stamped registration form, a VA Form 22-1999, Enrollment Certification, is transmitted electronically to the RPO. A copy is placed in the student's VA file. It can take at least eight weeks for the RPO to process enrollment claims. At times the VA Form 22-1999 will need to be sent by mail.

Once entitlement is established, the RPO will send the veteran or dependent an award letter. This letter outlines the amount of money to be received and the entitlement, based on the enrollment that was reported by the college. Payments are mailed monthly to the address on record with the VA or direct deposited into a bank account established with the VA. Chapter 30 and 1606 students must complete Monthly Verification and send it to the RPO. The VA uses a post-payment system and payment will not be made until the Monthly Verification is received and processed by the RPO.

Chapter 30 and 1606 VA Monthly Verification Procedures

Chapter 30 and 1606 beneficiaries have two methods available for submitting their VA Monthly Verifications. Monthly verifications cannot be accepted before the last day of the month. Please submit only once each month.

• Use WAVE (Web Automated Verification of Enrollment) to submit VA Form 22-8979 electronically. Access WAVE at https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/default.cfm.

• Use the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system on the phone. Dial 1-877-823-2378 and follow instructions.

The IVR is to be used only for "No Change" verifications.