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Veteran’s services

Most Pierce College programs of study are approved for the training of veterans and other eligible persons under Chapters 31, 32, 35, 1606, and 30, and section 901 of Title 10 and Title 38, U.S. Code.

The veterans services offices (VSO) at Fort Steilacoom and Puyallup help student veterans complete their applications and request forms for benefits from the Veterans Administration.

You must state a VA approved program of study on your application, and register only for classes listed on your approved curriculum, in order to receive benefits. A list of VA approved programs is available at the VSO at either college.

All students receiving VA educational benefits must come to the VSO at the college they are attending. Students under Chapter 31 benefits (Vocational Rehabilitation) or students attending exclusively at military extension sites (Fort Lewis/McChord AFB) need to submit paperwork at the Fort Steilacoom VSO. Current students must submit an "Annual Survey Form" at the college where their VA file has been established.

Payment of VA Educational Benefits

Payment of benefits is made directly to the student veteran. You should be prepared to meet the cost of tuition, fees and other expenses while applications are being processed.

Advance payments of up to two months of benefits may be requested upon initial applications or renewal of benefits. The request may be submitted 120 days prior but not less than 30 days prior to the first day of the quarter in which you intend to enroll. Advance payment checks are sent to the college where you applied for benefits and issued to you upon ID verification for the purpose of registration.

If you do not request advance payment, you will normally receive the initial benefit check approximately 60 days after you apply or 10 days after the first month of enrollment, whichever is later. This is normal VA processing time, which neither college controls.

Except for advance payments, all VA benefit checks are mailed directly to your residence or are directly deposited at a financial institution of your choice. Payments are made at the end of each month of school attendance for as long as you are enrolled and making satisfactory progress.

Information about quarter credit/class session requirements for benefits may be obtained from either VSO.

Contact information