Frequently Asked Questions   Veterans Affairs

Eligibilty

Initiating benefits

Active duty

Returning to school

Where do I go at UCLA for veterans services, assistance, and information?

See the UCLA Registrar's Veterans Affairs Coordinator, 1113 Murphy Hall during regular business hours (no appointment required). The coordinator can provide assistance with benefit information, waivers, certification, and more.

Be sure to visit the UCLA Veterans Resource Office website, or visit them in person at B44 Student Activities Center, for additional resources.

Also visit the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) GI Bill website for essential information.

How do I become eligible for veterans benefits?

Eligibility for education benefits is determined solely by the VA. Visit the GI Bill website for answers to most questions regarding benefits. You can also call the VA Education Hotline/Call Center at 1(888) GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) to inquire about education benefits.

How do I initiate veterans benefits?

Apply for veterans education benefits directly with the VA. The GI Bill is available to eligible veterans and eligible dependents/spouses of veterans. Visit the GI Bill website to apply for these benefits. You can also call the VA Education Hotline/Call Center at 1(888) GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) to inquire about education benefits. If you are approved for the GI Bill, the VA will send you a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) award letter.

How can I certify my student enrollment at UCLA?

Student enrollment must be certified by a school certifying official. Visit the UCLA certifying official—the Veterans Affairs Coordinator—at the Registrar’s Office, 1113 Murphy Hall, for assistance with certification.

Submit a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) award letter to the UCLA certifying official. You may also fax this document to (310) 206-4520.

New transfer students who used GI Bill benefits at their previous institution and wish to continue using GI Bill benefits at UCLA must submit a VA Form 22-1995 (Request for Change of Program or Place of Training) with the COE. Form 22-1995 is also available at the Registrar’s Office.

Who is the UCLA campus certifying official?

The UCLA certifying official is Bernard Llanos. He is located at the Registrar's Office, 1113 Murphy Hall, and may be contacted by E-mail.

Note: UCLA Extension and UCLA Center for Prehospital Care (CPC) each maintain a separate office for all services to veterans enrolled in Extension programs and courses. If you are enrolled in UCLA Extension, contact the Extension VA Office at (310) 825-4246. If you are enrolled in the CPC emergency medical technicial (EMT) or paramedic education programs, contact the CPC certifying official at (310) 312-9318.

What VA benefits are available to dependents of veterans?

Dependents and spouses of veterans may also be eligible for the GI Bill; see the GI Bill website for eligibility information. You can also call the VA Education Hotline/Call Center at 1(888) GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) for eligibility information. 

If you are a dependent or spouse of a service-connected disabled or deceased veteran, you may be eligible for the College Fee Waiver Program (Cal Vet). For detailed information, visit the California Department of Veterans Affairs website.

If you are approved for the College Fee Waiver Program, you will receive a College Fee Waiver Authorization award letter from your local veterans service office. Submit a copy of this document to the the UCLA certifying official at 1113 Murphy Hall. You may also fax this document to to (310) 206-4520.

How long does it take to receive VA benefits?

First-time recipients should receive their benefits in approximately six (6) to eight (8) weeks. Continuing students should receive their benefits in approximately three (3) weeks.

What if I am called to active duty and I have already paid registration fees and/or enrolled in classes?

If you are receiving VA benefits and are called to active duty, it is extremely important that you provide a copy of your military orders to the Veterans Affairs Coordinator in 1113 Murphy Hall so that the VA can be notified of your new status.

What if I am called to active duty and I have already paid registration fees and/or enrolled in classes?

A continuing student who has been called to compulsory military service should notify the University based on the following guidelines:

1. If you have paid registration fees prior to the beginning of instruction, complete a Cancellation of Registration form (available online or at 1113 Murphy Hall). File this form in person at 1113 Murphy Hall. Submit a copy of your military orders with the form. You are eligible for a 100% refund less a $10 cancellation fee.
    
   
2. If you have paid registration fees and are called to active duty after instruction begins, undergraduate and professional school students should obtain a withdrawal form at their College or school office; academic graduate students should obtain a withdrawal form at their department office. Follow the instructions on the form for completion and filing information. Submit a copy of your military orders with the form. You are eligible for a 100% refund less a $10 cancellation fee. For guidance about how withdrawal will affect your academic progress, contact your academic counseling unit.
    
   
3. If you have NOT paid registration fees, you may declare nonattendance through URSA.

How do I notify UCLA when I am ready to return to school?

Undergraduate Student

If you are absent for one term, no specific notification is required. Your registration information is automatically generated for the next term. Check the Registrar’s Office website for enrollment appointments and fee deadlines.

If you are absent for more than one term, you must apply for readmission. The readmission application can be requested by telephone at (310) 825-1091, option 6 or by e-mail; this form is not available online. Readmission deadlines are

Fall Quarter           August 15
Winter Quarter      November 25
Spring Quarter      February 25

For more information about undergraduate admissions for veterans, see the UCLA Undergraduate Admissions website.

Graduate Student

If you ever registered as a graduate student at UCLA, whether or not you completed a graduate program, you must complete the online graduate admissions application and submit the appropriate application fee.

Formal application for readmission is not required of a UCLA graduate student returning from an official leave of absence, nor of a currently enrolled UCLA graduate student changing from one major to another.

For more information on returning to graduate programs and the online graduate admissions application, see the Graduate Division admissions website.

Am I eligible for priority enrollment through URSA?

Yes. Pursuant to section 66025.8 of the California Education Code, active members of the U.S. Armed Forces and former members who have left service (with any discharge except dishonorable or bad conduct) within the last four years and who are residents of California may enroll during the undergraduate priority pass. Veteran and active military students who currently receive GI Bill benefits are automatically assigned a priority enrollment appointment. Veteran and active military students who do not currently receive GI Bill benefits must present proof of their veteran or active military status (DD Form 214 or military ID) to the UCLA certifying official to receive priority enrollment.