CalArts is approved for the training of veterans and eligible persons under Title 38, US Code. Counseling for veterans is available in the Office of the Registrar. Arrangements should be made during the summer to file transfer forms and to initiate claims for the fall semester.

Contact information:
Therese Colvin
Registrar/VA Certifying Official 
Phone: 661-291-3424
Email: veterans@calarts.edu

How to Get Started - VA Benefits Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step?

Check with the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA).  If you are eligible, you should create a VA E-Benefits account.  Once created, call the VA to request your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and the VA will issue (via mail) an eligibility letter that outlines what benefits you are eligible for.

How do I contact the Department of Veterans Affairs for information?

By calling 888.442.4551 or visiting Veterans Affairs/G.I. Bill™

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More informatio nabout education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

How do I apply for VA Benefits?

By using the Veterans Online Application (VONAPP) at http://gibill.va.gov/apply-for-benefits/application/

I received my VA eligibility letter, now what?

Submit a copies of the COE, your DD214, and if you are changing the school to which your benefits are being paid, submit a copy of the VA’s Change of Program Form (link: VBA-22-1995) that you submitted to the VA, to our Certifying Official at veterans@calarts.edu. Once you have registered for classes, immediately let your Certifying Official know so your classes can be certified.

How long does it take to receive VA benefits?

First-time recipients should receive their benefits in approximately six to eight weeks. Continuing students should receive their benefits in approximately three to four weeks. If your program qualifies, BHA should start at the end of the first month of attending certified classes and the book/supply stipend should arrive with each semester/term, often with first BHA of the same semester/term.

Who do I contact if I have questions regarding my eligibility or remaining benefits?

Please contact the Department of Veterans Affairs at 888.442.4551 or visit visit the Veterans Administration website here.

How do I order my JST (Joint Services Transcript)?

Please visit the ACE (American Council on Education) website ACE Military and Veteran Students to order your JST. ACE will guide you directly to the ordering website for your military branch.

VA Change of Program/Place Form VBA-22-199

Effective August 1, 2019: Section 103, PL 115-407

Attendance and Participation While Awaiting VA Tuition and Fee Payments

Effective August 1, 2019, any student using CH31 (Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment benefits) or CH33 (Post-9/11 G.I. Bill) is protected from any penalties imposed by the Institute while waiting for the VA to make tuition and fee payments.

Under this policy, the Institute:

  • Cannot deny a student access to classrooms, libraries, or other institutional facilities
  • Cannot make the student borrow money to cover costs while waiting for payment
  • Cannot charge a student a late fee or penalty

Protection begins when the student provides the school with a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or a Statement of Benefits.

The Institute can require the student to submit:

  • the COE or Statement of Benefits no later than the first day of the program
  • a written request to use the benefits or other necessary certifications

The coverage period ends when VA make payment or 90 days after the date the Institute certifies tuition and fees.

For more information regarding this policy, contact your School Certifying Officer (SCO) Erin Collins at veterans@calarts.edu.

Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits-Chapter 31

The Vocational Rehabilitation program is a program designed to assist veterans with service connected disabilities; to overcome employment handicaps, and to maintain suitable employment.

You may be eligible for VA Vocational Rehabilitation if

  • You served on or after September 16, 1940;
  • You have been rated with a 10% service-connected disability;
  • You need Vocational Rehabilitation to overcome an employment handicap;
  • You have been approved for Vocational Rehabilitation program after applying.

Educational Benefits for Training

Once you have been approved by the VA as eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation, please contact the VA Certifying Office in the Office of the Registrar. VA will pay for tuition and fees, required books, and expendable supplies each term while approved for training. VA will also provide a monthly subsistence to help with living expenses.

How to Apply for Vocational Rehabilitation

Post-9/11 GI Bill® Chapter 33

If you have at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service after Sept. 10, 2001, and are still on active duty, or if you are an honorably discharged Veteran or were discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days, you may be eligible for this VA-administered program. The program has a few specific components, outlined below. You can also review the program pamphlet.

Benefits and Eligibility

For approved programs, the Post-9/11 GI Bill® provides up to 36 months of education benefits, generally payable for 15 years following your release from active duty. Institutions of higher learning participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program may make additional funds available for your education program without an additional charge to your GI Bill® entitlement. The following payments may also be available:

  • Monthly housing allowance
  • Annual books and supplies stipend
  • One-time rural benefit payment

See the current payment rates for the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. 

Some Service Members may also transfer unused GI Bill® benefits to their dependents.

Apply

Apply now by going to the https://www.vets.gov and completing a VA Form 22-1990.

Survivors and Dependent Assistance-Chapter 35

The Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program offers education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or of Veterans who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition.

Available Benefits and Eligibility

You may receive up to 45 months of education benefits. Effective Oct. 1, 2013, some DEA beneficiaries may be eligible for up to 81 months of GI Bill® benefits if they use the Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance program in conjunction with an entitlement from other VA education programs. View current payment rates.

Eligibility

You must be the son, daughter, or spouse of:

  • A Veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability. The disability must arise out of active service in the armed forces.
  • A Veteran who died from any cause while such permanent and total service-connected disability was in existence.
  • A Service Member missing in action or captured in line of duty by a hostile force.
  • A Service Member forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power.
  • A Service Member who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a service connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for that disability. This change is effective Dec. 23, 2006.

Apply

Apply now by going to the https://www.vets.gov and completing a VA Form 22-5490. 

VA Yellow Ribbon Program at CalArts

California Institute of the Arts is a proud participant in the Post 9/11 GI Bill™ Yellow Ribbon Program. The Yellow Ribbon Program is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans’ Educational Assistance Act of 2008. To obtain general information and eligibility requirements for the Yellow Ribbon Program, visit the Veterans Administration website here.

CalArts Yellow Ribbon Policy

During the 2019-2020 school year CalArts has pledged to contribute a maximum of $9000 in scholarship/grant funds for tuition and fees to students each year who qualify for the benefit.  The CalArts contribution is first met by institute scholarship/grant funds from your program.  If scholarship or grant funds do not meet the $9000 maximum, the institute will make up the difference in matching grant funds.  This amount is then matched by the Veterans Administration.

How to Apply

  • Apply for Financial Aid at CalArts
    Students who qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program must apply for financial aid with the
    CalArts Office of Financial Aid each year of attendance at http://calarts.edu/financial-aid/apply-financial-aid.
     
  • Submit Letter of Eligibility
    If approved by the VA for the Yellow Ribbon Program, the student will receive a Letter of Eligibility mailed directly from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The student must submit this document to the VA Certifying Official at CalArts (located in the Office of the Registrar) immediately upon receipt. Students who submit Letters of Eligibility after registration will not qualify for Yellow Ribbon benefits until the following semester. 

Please note that participation in the Post 9/11 GI Bill™ Yellow Ribbon Program is subject to annual approval by CalArts administration.