Los Angeles Harbor College Building

Veterans Resource Center

Admission Requirements 

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If you are new to our program, please select 'New Students' to find out how to begin using your Veteran Affairs Educational Benefits. Current students, please choose 'Current Students' for information on maintaining your Veteran Affairs Educational Benefits.

Steps to Follow for VA Benefits: A Guide to Accessing Your Education Benefits

  • Apply to Los Angeles Harbor College:
    • Complete the Online Admissions Application.
    • Submit the Online College Credit Application.
    • LAHC Application 
    • Select your Military Status (Active Duty, Veteran, etc.) correctly.

  • Receive Student ID and Enrollment Instructions:

    • You will receive your student ID# and enrollment instructions within 24-48 hours after submitting your application.

  • Meet with the Veterans Counselor:

    • Schedule an appointment with the counselor to create your Comprehensive Educational Plan.
    • Contact our front desk to schedule:

  • Apply for VA Education Benefits:

    • Complete the VA education application if you plan to use your benefits.
    • Review benefit eligibility and programs on the Veterans Affairs website.
    • VA Benefits
    • Collect necessary paperwork and apply for VA benefits online.
    • The GI Comparison Tool is a resource provided by the VA to help veterans and eligible dependents compare different GI Bill programs and education benefits. You can access the GI Comparison Tool on the VA's official website here.

  • Certify Your Enrollment Each Semester:

    • Submit the LAHC Online Certification Request Form every semester to use your GI Bill benefits.
    • LAHC Certification Form
    • Certification is not automatic; you must register and submit the form each semester.

  • Submit Required Documents:

    • Email the following documents to lahc-veterans@lahc.edu:
      • Copy of DD-214 (Member 4)
      • Certificate of Eligibility (provided by the VA after application approval)
      • Picture ID
      • Complete/upload Military Credit Petition
      • Tungsten Authorization (Chapter 31 only, submitted by the VR&E counselor)
      • Consider applying for Financial Aid (FAFSA Application recommended, it does not affect VA benefits).
  • Official Transcripts:
    • If you attended college(s) outside the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), you must submit official transcripts to Admissions and Records at the following address:
    • 1111 Figueroa Pl. Wilmington, CA 90744
    • You can be certified for your first semester at Harbor College without official transcripts on record, as long as you have an updated Student Education Plan on file

Steps for Current Students to Access VA Benefits: A Guide to Continuing Your Education Support

  • Certify Your Enrollment Each Semester:

    • Complete the Online Veterans Certification Request every semester to use your GI Bill benefits: Click Here.
    • Schedule a meeting with the veteran's counselor each semester before submitting your certification request if needed. Contact our office to set up an appointment.

  • Making Changes to Your Certification Request:

    • If you make changes to your schedule (drops, adds, section changes), submit another certification request form and select "adjustment" to the original request. Include all changes made to your schedule on the form.
    • Email us to notify that you've submitted an adjustment to your schedule.
    • Note: Waitlisted courses cannot be certified. Submit the Online Veterans Certification Request whenever you modify your class schedule.

  • Certifying Courses at Another College:

    • Before certifying a course at another college, confirm with an academic counselor.
    • Certification may be delayed if the requested courses are not listed on your educational plan as GE or major requirements. No exceptions!

  • Enrollment Verification for Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits:

    • Post-9/11 GI Bill students receiving Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) and/or kicker payments must verify enrollment monthly.
    • Verify enrollment securely via text message, email, or online at VA.gov to avoid payment withholding.
    • This requirement applies only to Post-9/11 GI Bill and not to other VA benefit programs like MGIB, VET TEC, DEA, VRRAP, or the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship.

  • Support and Contact Information:

    • For payment issues or assistance, email Program Director Jessica Cruz at cruzj@lahc.edu. We're committed to ensuring timely VA payments for all Veteran Students.

​Full time is considered the following:

Spring and Fall: 12 units
Winter (5 weeks): 4 units
Summer (5 weeks): 4 units
​Summer (8 weeks): 6 units

Education Benefits 

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

  • Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33): This program provides education benefits for veterans with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. Benefits may include payment of tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, and a stipend for books and supplies.
    • Under certain conditions, dependents of veterans can use the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) benefits. The specific program that allows dependents to use these benefits is called the Transfer of Entitlement (TOE) option.

       

  • Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (MGIB-AD, Chapter 30): This program provides education benefits for veterans who served on active duty and contributed to the MGIB-AD program while in service. Benefits are typically payable for up to 36 months and may include payment of tuition and fees.

     

  • Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR, Chapter 1606): This program provides education benefits for members of the Selected Reserve, including the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and Air National Guard. Benefits are payable for up to 36 months and are generally less than those under MGIB-AD.

     

  • Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP, Chapter 32): This program provides education benefits for veterans who entered active duty between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985, and contributed to VEAP during their military service. Benefits are generally a percentage match of contributions made and can be used for up to 36 months.

     

  • Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA, Chapter 35): This program provides education benefits to spouses and dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected condition, or who died in service or as a result of a service-connected condition. Benefits are typically payable for up to 45 months.
    • Under certain conditions, dependents of veterans can use the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) benefits. The specific program that allows dependents to use these benefits is called the Transfer of Entitlement (TOE) option.

       

  • Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program, which is also known as "VA Voc Rehab." It is a comprehensive program that assists veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, find, and maintain suitable employment, or to achieve independence in daily living if employment is not feasible. Veterans must have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% or a memorandum rating of 20% or more from the VA. Veterans with a serious employment handicap (SEH) may also qualify for services even if their disability rating is less than 10%.
    • Veterans interested in VR&E services must apply through their local VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment office. A VA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) will work with each veteran to develop an individualized rehabilitation plan (IRP) that outlines the specific services needed to achieve their employment or independent living goals.

       

These are some of the primary VA Chapter benefits available, each with specific eligibility criteria and benefits. Veterans and their dependents interested in these programs should contact the VA or visit their website for detailed information on eligibility, application procedures, and benefits available under each chapter.

Verify School Enrollment for G.I. Bill Benefits 

Post-9/11 GI Bill® students who receive Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) and/or kicker payments are required to verify their enrollment to continue receiving their payments. 
Enrollment verification is a requirement for Post-9/11 GI Bill students to verify that they have remained enrolled in the same courses or training each month. Students who receive MHA/kicker payments will have their payments withheld if they fail to verify or report that they are no longer enrolled in their courses or training. To streamline the process, VA is providing the options to verify enrollment easily and securely via text message, email, and online at VA.gov. 
This requirement is only for Post-9/11 GI Bill and does not impact other benefit programs, such as the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB), Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC), Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA), Veterans Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP), or the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship.  
Enrollment Verification 
It is our priority to ensure all our Veteran Students receive on time payments from the V.A. office. If you encounter any issues with your payment, please email the Program Director (Jessica Cruz) at: @email We will do our best to assist you.

Official Transcripts

  • You must submit official transcripts if you attended college(s) outside the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD). Transcripts must be mailed to Admissions and Records:
    • 1111 Figueroa Pl. Wilmington C.A. 90744
  • You can be certified without official transcripts on record only the first semester at Harbor as long as you have an updated student ed plan on record.
  • For more information, contact Admission and Records Office. 
    • Email: @email
    • Phone: (310) 233-4090
Admissions and records | LAHC

CalVet Veteran Services College Fee Waiver

​The College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents benefit waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at any State of California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus. This program does not cover the expense of books, parking or room and board. There are four plans under which dependents of Veterans may be eligible. Veterans must meet certain eligibility criteria, including having served in the military and meeting residency requirements in California. Dependents of service-connected disabled or deceased veterans may also qualify under certain conditions. For more information click the link below. 
CalVet Plans 
To apply download an application (PDF)​, then go to your local CalVet Veteran Services CVSO Locations. 

CalVet Update | California American Legion

Certification of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD-214)

1. Online Request: The most convenient method is through the eVetRecs system on the National Archives website. Here’s how you can do it:
  • Go to the National Archives eVetRecs website (https://vetrecs.archives.gov/VeteranRequest/home.html).
  • Follow the instructions to create an account or log in if you already have one.
  • Fill out the online request form for your DD 214. You’ll need to provide your personal information and details about your service.
  • Submit the request electronically.
When requesting your DD 214, ensure you have any necessary identification and details about your service, such as dates and branch of service. Processing times can vary, so it’s advisable to request your DD 214 well in advance if you have upcoming needs for it.

Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

If you need a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for VA education benefits, here’s how you can obtain it:
  1. Online through eBenefits: You can log in to your eBenefits account (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage) and access your COE electronically. If you don't have an eBenefits account, you can create one on the same website.
  2. Through the VA's website: You can also access your COE through the VA's official website. Visit the VA's Education and Training benefits page (https://www.va.gov/education/) and navigate to the section related to your specific benefit program (e.g., Post-9/11 GI Bill).
  3. By contacting the VA: If you prefer to speak with someone directly, you can contact the VA Education Call Center at 1-888-442-4551. They can assist you in obtaining a copy of your COE or provide guidance on how to access it online.
  4. Mail request: If you cannot access your COE electronically or prefer to receive a physical copy by mail, you can submit a request by mail using VA Form 22-1990. This form is typically used to apply for VA education benefits, but you can also use it to request a copy of your COE. You can download VA Form 22-1990 from the VA's website or request a form by contacting the VA Education Call Center.
  5. In person: You can visit your nearest VA regional office or Veterans Affairs office and request a copy of your COE in person. Make sure to bring valid identification and any other necessary documentation related to your military service and education benefits application.
Obtaining your COE is essential for verifying your eligibility for VA education benefits and ensuring that your educational institution has the necessary information to process your benefits. If you encounter any issues or have specific questions about your COE, contacting the VA directly is recommended for personalized assistance.

eBenefits

Creating an eBenefits account provides convenient access to important VA services and benefits information, helping you manage your benefits effectively online. eBenefits account is an online platform provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that allows veterans, service members, and their families to access a variety of VA services and benefits information. Here’s how you can create and use an eBenefits account:
  1. Visit the eBenefits Website: Go to the eBenefits website at https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage.
  2. Register for an Account
  3. Verify Your Identity

Using Your eBenefits Account

Once logged in, you can access a range of services and information through eBenefits, including:
  • Managing VA Benefits: Check the status of your VA disability compensation, pension, education benefits, and other claims.
  • Healthcare Services: Access health records, schedule appointments, and refill prescriptions through the VA's health care system.
  • Education Benefits: Apply for and manage VA education benefits, such as the GI Bill.
  • Military Records: Request copies of military records, including your DD 214.
  • Disability Ratings: View your VA disability rating and information related to your service-connected disabilities.
  • Forms and Applications: Download VA forms and submit applications for benefits onlin