Processing Time
The WITCC Veterans' Representative processes and submits certifications to the VA, on-line, within one week; during peak periods the process may take up to two weeks. Initial VA processing takes appropriately 8 to 12 weeks, so be sure to plan ahead. Continuing student processing may be shorter.

Payment Information
VA Benefit checks are sent direct deposit or to the address indicated on your VA application. Payment is based on actual class meeting dates according to the class schedule. Payment of benefits usually occurs between the 1st and the 15th of each month and is paid for the previous month. The VA Regional Office does not consider checks to be late until after the 10th of the month. Payment inquiries should be made directly to the VA Regional Office by calling their toll free number: 1-888-442-4551.

Once you have verified your enrollment (monthly verification), allow two weeks for payment. Federal holidays may delay student verification of enrollment and/or your check.

Student Attendance and Avoiding Overpayment

  • If you do not attend class - you are not entitled to benefits.
  • If you stop attending a class, you must drop officiallythrough the WITCC Admission Office and report the drop to the WITCC Veterans' Representative. Federal law requires that students report any change in enrollment status, which might affect VA educational benefits.
  • Any withdrawals or class changes may result in anoverpayment. In order to prevent the possibility of an overpayment, promptly notify us of any changes in your enrollment. If you are overpaid, you will be required to pay back the overpayment immediately. The RegionalOffice in St. Louis will contact you by mail on what type of payment options are available.
  • When there is an overpayment, the VA will generallywithhold future payments or ask for repayment of the overpaid benefits. Depending on the situation, they can take you to court, charge interest, as well as withhold future tax refunds, attach wages, put a lien onproperty or deny home loans.
Although the WITCC Veterans' Representative monitors student attendance, it is imperative that you report any enrollmentimmediately.

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on-line to determineeligibility for financial aid programs (www.fafsa.ed.gov) the FASFA and the GI Bill are completely separate programs, and one does not affect or determine the other.

Request Your Benefits Each Semester
Certification is not automatic, so make sure to complete the Request for Benefits form beforethe start of each semester.

Report Any Changes
Always contact the WITCC Veterans' Representative to report any change in yourenrollment. Changes such as Add/Drop or Withdrawals, switching courses, etc. need to be reported immediately so that students do not end up owing money back to the VA.
Western Iowa Tech Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other protected basis as defined in Iowa or federal law as amended from time to time in its educational programs, activities, admission procedures or employment practices. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College's Grievance or Complaint Procedures. Complaint or Grievance Forms and Procedures may be obtained from the
WITCC Human Resources Department, Dr. Robert H. Kiser Building, Room A242, (712) 274-6400, Ext. 1220.