How to receive your Veteran Benefits

Steps for Benefit Processing

Follow the steps below to apply for VA benefits. *Returning students skip to STEP 7

  2. Step 2 - Apply for HCC

    Complete HCC Admissions application by visiting hccs.edu/apply

  3. Step 3 - Request Official Transcripts

    Obtain official transcripts from any other Universities, colleges, trade schools and/or military Institutions you’ve attended.

    • Visit jst.doded.mil to access military transcripts.
    • For Air Force transcripts, please visit airuniversity.af.edu/Barnes/CCAF/
    • All veterans, active duty, active National Guard and Reserves, must submit military transcripts within 30 days from submitting HCC Application.

      All transcripts should be submitted to:
      Houston City College
      Office of Admission & Records
      P.O. Box 667517
      Houston, TX 77266

  5. Step 5 - Academic Advising

    Visit with an HCC academic advisor to select a VA-approved degree program or certificate plan. 

    A VMASS academic advisor is assigned by the education benefit awarded. After submitting the required documents, contact vmassonline@hccs.edu or 713.718.8522 with academic advising concerns. (Examples - Change of Degree, TSI exemption)

  6. Step 6 - Contact Us

    We're here to help you succeed. For questions or inquiries, please contact us via the Veteran & Military Affiliated Students Success (VMASS) support options. 

    Phone: 713.718.8522 

    Email us with questions regarding education benefits at Vmassonline@hccs.edu

    Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop and room systems.

    Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting (Our VMASS Zoom room is currently down) See the information above for support options.

    The VMASS department will be available on the following days and times;

    Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  8. Step 8 - Class Registration

    Register for classes on your approved degree plan.

    VA does not cover classes that are not on Your approved degree plan.

    • Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31)
    • Contact Assigned VA Voc-Rehab counselor to complete VA required steps
    • Assigned  VA Counselor will provide the student with authorization # for books/supplies
    • For Veterans & Service Member Transfer Students submit VA Form 22-1995
    • Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Transfer Student (Chapter 35) Submit VA Form 22-5495

VMASS Required Documents by Benefits & Forms

Required Documents by Benefit Chapter

Below are required documents for your VA Chapter benefits. Find the essential forms to ensure a smooth VA educational benefits application process.

Chapter 33 – Post 9/11 GI Bill

  • DD214 (not Member 1)
  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
  • Official Military Transcripts
  • Post-Secondary Transcripts (if applicable)


Chapter 30 – Active Duty

  • DD214 (not Member 1)
  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
  • Official Military Transcripts
  • Post-Secondary Transcripts (if applicable)


Chapter 31 – Service-Connected Disability

  • VA Form 28-1905
  • DD214 (not Member 1)
  • Official Military Transcripts
  • Post-Secondary Transcripts (if applicable)


Chapter 35 – Dependents

  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
  • Veteran’s DD214 (not Member 1)
  • Post-Secondary Transcripts (if applicable)


Chapter 1606/1607 – ARNG & Reserve

  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
  • Military Orders or DD214 (not Member 1)
  • Official Military Transcripts
  • Post-Secondary Transcripts (if applicable)

Statement of Intent & Change of Residency Petition

Microsoft Forms

Fill in the form

Microsoft Forms

Fill in the form

How to Request DD214

Follow these steps below to request your military records.

  1. Go to the website:
    Visit www.ebenefits.va.gov.
  2. Log in using your information.
  3. Click Manage, then choose Documents and Records.
  4. Then Military Personnel File.
  5. Select Correspondence/Documentation.
  6. Click Defense Personnel Records Information (DPRIS).
  7. Click Personnel File, then Request My Personnel File.
  8. Type your email and pick your branch of service (Army, Navy, etc.).
  9. Choose DD214 and click Submit.
  10. Note: Your DD214 will be ready in about 24 hours or less. You can download it from MilConnect.
  11. Turn it in:
    Give a copy (Member 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8) to the VMASS Office by:
  • Walking in to your campus VMASS office, or 
  • Emailing it to: Vmassonline@hccs.edu, or
  • Faxing it to: 713.718.8444.

Apply for VA education benefits

All students seeking to use one of the educational benefits provided by the U.S Department of Veteran Affairs, must submit an application at Vets.gov and call the VA at or 1.888.442.4551.

  • Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill)‌ - All veterans who served on active duty after 9/11/2001 may qualify for this benefit.
  • Chapter 30 (Active Duty)‌ - Veterans who entered the armed services after July 1, 1985 and elected to contribute $100 per month for the first 12 months of their enlistment.
  • Chapter 1606 (ARNG & Reserve)‌ Students currently serving a minimum 6-year enlistment with the Reserve or Army National Guard.
  • Chapter 1607 (REAP)‌ Activated ARNG/Reserves - Students whose Reserve or ARNG unit was activated to serve in Global War on Terrorism.
  • Chapter 35 (Dependents)‌ - Dependents (including spouses) whose parent (wife/husband) served on active duty and were 100% permanently disabled as a result of active duty or was missing or killed in action.
  • Chapter 31 (Veteran Readiness and Employment)‌ - Veterans who received a service-connected disability while on active duty.
  • Hazlewood‌ - Is a State of Texas benefit that provides qualified Veterans, spouses, and dependent children with an education benefit of up to 150 hours of tuition exemption, including most fee charges, at public institutions of higher education in Texas. This does NOT include living expenses, books, or supply fees.
  • Guests/Concurrent Student- You are considered a guest student if you are currently (or will soon be) enrolled at another college and are taking courses at HCC. Guest students take HCC courses to fulfill their parent institution's degree requirements.

 

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

Contact Us

Veteran & Military-Affiliated Student Success

The District Office of Veteran Affairs