10 Easy Steps for VA Educational Benefits

Are you a Veteran? Do you want to find out if you qualify for educational benefits while attending North Shore Community College? If so, please follow these ten easy steps:

Step 1

Find out if you qualify for Educational Benefits. Go to the Veterans web site and click on the link for Educational Benefits.

Step 2

If you are eligible, please contact the college’s Veterans Representative, Dawn Wendell at dwendell@northshore.edu or (781) 477-2199.

Step 3

After contacting the college’s Veterans Representative, you need to apply for Admission to the college. You can apply either online or by visiting the Enrollment Center at the Lynn or Danvers campus. To speed up the process please bring a copy of your high school diploma, transcript or G.E.D. scores.

Step 4

After you apply for Admission, you will receive an acceptance letter from the college. When you receive your acceptance letter, re-contact the Veterans Representative, Dawn Wendell to begin the VA process. Please bring with you one of the following that applies to you:

• Copy of your DD214 (discharge papers), or
• Notice of Eligibility to Benefit from your Unit Commander if you are in the National Guard

Step 5

Complete an application to begin your VA benefits. You can do this in one of three ways:

1. Complete the online application. Please print the completed paper form.
2. Complete the application with the college’s VA Rep, Dawn Wendell (please call for an appointment).
3. Have an application mailed to you.

Submit your completed online or paper Application for Educational Benefits to Dawn Wendell (NSCC, One Ferncroft Road, Danvers, MA 01923-0840).

Step 6

Wait until you are contacted by the Enrollment Center to set up a time to take your proficiency testing and/or Orientation for the semester for which you are applying.

Step 7

After you complete testing, orientation and register for classes, contact Dawn Wendell and inform her that you are now registered. She will then make sure that you have $25 per credit waived from your bill. (In most cases, you will be required to pay the following charges: college fees ($91 per credit), textbooks and supplies. Dawn will also contact the VA regional office in Buffalo, New York, to verify your enrollment.

Step 8

At the end of every month you are required to verify your enrollment directly with the VA. You can do this in one of two ways:

1. Complete a Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (W.A.V.E) online each month.
2. Contact the VA office at its toll-free number: (877) 823-2378

Step 9

Important! Please contact the college’s VA Rep if you have any changes in your course schedule or change of address during the semester. It is important to maintain the lines of communication between yourself, the college and the VA regional office in Buffalo.

Step 10

If you wish to continue with your education at NSCC for the next semester, please contact your Academic Advisor at the college. If you need to know who your advisor is contact the Student Support Center on the Lynn or Danvers campus.

IMPORTANT: You may qualify for additional federal and/or state financial aid in addition to Veterans Benefits. Find out more and how to apply for additional financial aid.

For more information, please contact us at (978) 762-4189 or (781) 477-2191 or fin-aid@northshore.edu.