The Veteran Resource Center (VRC) is temporarily closed for in-person service due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More information to follow on the return of in-person service.
What are the procedures for receiving my veteran benefits?
Contact your local Department of Veteran Affairs Office to determine your eligibility. They are located at 1301 Clay Street in Oakland. They can be reached by calling 1-800-827-1000.
Orientation: All orientations will be online via ZOOM. To view orientation dates, please check our events page HERE.
Counseling Department: All veterans are required to see our assigned VA counselor Kimm Blackwell to develop a Student Educational Plan prior to or during the first semester of attendance. If you do no seek counseling services prior to your first semester, you can only enroll in General Education courses such as Mathematics, English, History, etc. for payment until your Student Educational Plan has been developed.
To make an online appointment with our assigned VA counselor, please click HERE.
Transcripts from other institutions must be on file before the end of the first semester of attendance. These transcripts will be submitted to the District Admissions & Records Office for evaluation of prior credit. All units applicable will be counted toward your declared major at Laney College.
When do I receive my first check after certification?
Payment by the Veterans Administration will approximately take 6 to 8 weeks for new students. 4-5 weeks for continuing students. The waiting period for concurrent enrollment veterans is 6-8 weeks for the secondary institutions certification.
All questions about your VA payment should be directed to the Veterans Administration at 1-800-827-1000.
Does your college offer advanced pay?
Laney College does not offer advanced pay for VA benefits.
Can I also apply for financial aid?
Veteran dependents are eligible to apply for a California Fee Waiver through your local county VA office or the California College Promise Grant from the Financial Aid Office. Veterans cannot apply for the California Fee Waiver, but they can apply for the California College Promise Grant. I also encourage Veterans & Dependents to contact our Financial Aid Representative Mohamed Sovula at msovula@peralta.edu. to assist you with any financial aid questions.
To apply for the California College Promise Grant, please click HERE for the online application.
What should I do if I decide to withdraw from a class or change my enrollment?
If you are receiving GI Bill® education benefits and voluntarily withdraw from a class or change your enrollment, you MUST notify Jean Carey, VRC coordinator at jcarey@peralta.edu immediately for assistance. I will be happy to assist you in making the best decision based on your situation.
What is a Student Educational Plan?
A Student Educational Plan is a listing of courses approved for your declared major, developed by appointment with a counselor. The courses listed on your Student Education Plan are approved for payment by the Veterans Administration.
What is concurrent enrollment?
Concurrent enrollment is when you decide to enroll at two colleges for one semester. You must choose one college as your primary college for veteran benefits. This college will process all your paperwork for certification of benefits indicating to the second institution the courses you will be taking there are applicable for payment.
