How to Apply

How to Apply to College of the Desert

Go to COD Admissions Page for information
or to begin your application: CCCapply

Check out our Checklist to follow the steps to attend COD:
*Veterans Office New Student Checklist

How to Apply
for your VA Education Benefits

DVA Seal

To determine which GI Bill is to YOUR advantage,
please visit the VA website at www.gibill.va.gov
Choose Carefully!

Check out their "Road Map for Success"
Road Map
This “Road Map” will help you determine what benefit is best for you and how to apply for it!

Your initial application for Chapter 30, 33, 35, 1606, 1607 or 31 VA educational benefits can be done online at: www.gibill.va.gov

Choose "Apply Online" or to go directly there, click on: VONAPP Your signature page and a copy of your DD-214 (also you NOBE DD-2384 if Chapter 1606) must be submitted to the VA to complete the application process. We can assist you with this if you like.

CHAPTER 33 (POST-9/11 GI BILL)

Must have Active Duty Service after September 10, 2001
Check out the VA's GI Bill website for more information or their brochures:
Ch. 33 Guide to using Post-9/11 GI Bill
Watch the Video about it from "The American Veteran" (please note, this not from the VA) - video

CHAPTER 30 (MONTGOMERY GI BILL - ACTIVE DUTY)

Complete VA form 22-1990 – Application for VA Education Benefits or apply online
- to go directly there, click on: VONAPP
Provide us with a copy of page 4 of your DD-214

Note: if you have previously applied for Ch. 30 benefits, complete VA form 22-1995 - Request for Change of Program or Place, instead of 22-1990.

CHAPTER 31 (VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION & EMPLOYMENT)

Complete VA form 28-1900 – Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation if:

You have a V A combined service-connected disability rating of 20 percent or more.
You believe that you are disabled due to your military service and have an application pending for service connection or are filing one with you vocational rehabilitation claim.

CHAPTER 35 (DEPENDENTS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE)

Complete VA form 22-5490 - Application for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance
Must be done using paper application, this benefit cannot be applied for online at this time.

Note: if you have previously applied for Ch. 35 benefits, complete VA form 22-5495 - Request for Change of Program or Place of Training Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program.

CHAPTER 1606 (MONTGOMBERY GI BILL - SELECTED RESERVES)

Complete VA form 22-1990 – Application for VA Education Benefits
Provide us with a copy of your “NOBE” (Notice of Basic Eligibility) DD form 2384-1

Note: if you have previously applied for 1606 benefits, complete VA form 22-1995 - Request for Change of Program or Place, instead of 22-1990.

CHAPTER 1607 (RESERVE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM)

Complete VA form 22-1990 – Application for VA Education Benefits
Write "REAP" in section one. If applying online using VON-APP, write "REAP" on top of signature page you are submitting.

Note: if you have previously applied for any VA Educational programs, complete VA form22-1995 - Request for Change of Program or Place, instead of 22-1990. Write "REAP" on top of form.
Provide us with a copy of page 4 of your DDDD-214 and copies of all orders for the period(s) you will use to claim eligibility.

PROCESSING TIME

Processing of the initial VA application takes at least 8 to 10 weeks with the VA.
Subsequent certifications usually takes between 4 to 6 weeks.

FORMS Page