Military and Veteran Benefits

Use your education benefits at CLC

Welcome to CLC. We’re grateful for your service and will support you every step of your educational journey.

Using VA education benefits can feel overwhelming, but our goal is to make the process simple, clear and stress-free.

We proudly serve veterans, active-duty service members, guard, reserve and military-connected families.

Steps to get started

Step 1: Apply for federal and/or state benefits

These may be used by you, your spouse or dependent children, depending on the benefit.

NOTE: If you have previously used Federal VA benefits at another school, you will need to complete a “Request for Change of Program or Place of Training” form (VA form 22-1995 fir Veterans; VA form 22-5495 for dependents).

Tuition Assistance
1. Before enrolling in courses, meet with your respective military branch’s Education Services Officer (ESO) or unit counselor to confirm eligibility.
2. Obtain your signed and authorized TA voucher(s).
MyCAA
1. Before enrolling in courses, access the MyCAA Spouse Portal to create an account and verify eligibility.
2. Your MyCAA career coach will help you choose an eligible program and provides you with a MyCAA Education and Training Plan (ETP).
3. Upon ETP approval, obtain your signed and authorized TA voucher(s).
1. Access the Illinois Student Assistance Commission website
2. Complete and submit the appropriate application
3. Obtain your Letter of Eligibility

Available benefits for you, your spouse or dependent children

Explore the types of benefits for which you may qualify.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). For more information about education benefits offered by VA, visit the official U.S. government website.

Chapter 30 – Montgomery GI Bill® (Active Duty)
- Available to veterans who served at least two years of active duty on or after July 1, 1985.
- Provides up to 36 months of benefits and covers tuition and mandatory fees.
- Monthly stipend paid directly to you based on your rate of pursuit.
- You are responsible for setting up payment plan and paying CLC tuition using those funds.
- You must verify monthly enrollment to the VA via text message, email, phone or online through Ask VA.
Learn more about Chapter 30 – Montgomery GI Bill® (Active Duty) benefits.
Learn more about Chapter 30 – Montgomery GI Bill® (Active Duty) monthly rates.
Chapter 1606 – Montgomery GI Bill (Selected Reserve)
- Available to students who are members of the National Guard or Selected Reserve. Generally lasting 14 years from your eligibility date, or until you leave the Selected Reserve.
- Provides up to 36 months of benefits and covers tuition and mandatory fees.
- Monthly stipend paid directly to you based on your rate of pursuit.
- You are responsible for setting up payment plan and paying CLC tuition using those funds.
- You must verify monthly enrollment to the VA via text message, email, phone or online through Ask VA.
Learn more about Chapter 1606 - Montgomery GI Bill (Selected Reserve) benefits.
Learn more about Chapter 1606 - Montgomery GI Bill (Selected Reserve) monthly rates.
Chapter 33 – Post-9/11 GI Bill®
- Available to tose who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001. Benefits are payable for training pursued on or after August 1, 2009.
- Provides up to 36 months of benefits and covers tuition and mandatory fees.
- Pays your tuition and fees to the school directly.
- Receive a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) based on the rate of pursuit.
- Get a one-time books and supplies stipend each semester based on rate of pursuit.
- Student must verify monthly enrollment to the VA via text message, email, phone or online through Ask VA.
Learn more about Chapter 33 – Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits.
Rate of pursuit (Post-9/11 GI Bill®)
Your rate of pursuit is based on enrolled credit hours and determines your eligibility for the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA).
Undergraduate (15–19 weeks):
- Full-time = 12+ credits (100%)
- 3/4 time = 9-11 credit hours
- 1/2 time = 6-8 credit hours
- Less than 1/2 time = 1-5 credit hours
Note: If you register for more than half time (7-11) hours, you will receive your MHA but not at the full-time rate. To receive 100% of the rate, 12 credit hours is the minimum credit hour amount. For more information about rate of pursuit please contact the VA directly as MHA is calculated and determined by the VA.
Learn more about Chapter 33 monthly housing allowance.
Your rate of pursuit does not affect the amount of tuition the VA pays. Tuition is paid based on your eligibility percentage.
Available to children and spouses of veterans who died or are permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability and to the children and spouses of veterans who have been listed as a POW or MIA for a period of 90 days.
- Provides up to 36 months of benefits and covers tuition and mandatory fees.
- Monthly housing allowance paid directly to you based on your rate of pursuit.
- You are responsible for setting up payment plan and paying CLC tuition using those funds.
- You must verify monthly enrollment to the VA via text message, email, phone or online through Ask VA.
Learn more about Chapter 35 benefits.
Learn more about Chapter 35 monthly rates.
Available to veterans who have been determined eligible by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Covers tuition, fees, books and supplies.
- Email Academic Planning Worksheets to Veteran Student Services at CLC. They will be completed by your CLC academic advisor and SCO.
- You must remind your VR& E Counselor to enter the Purchase Order (PO) number into Tungsten.
- You must submit your Request for Certification (R4C) each semester.
- After certification has been submitted to the VA by the School Certifying Official (SCO), our Business Services and Finance Department invoices the VA for CLC bookstore charges and tuition and fees.
- Monthly housing allowance is paid directly to you based on your rate of pursuit.
Learn more about Chapter 31 benefits.
Learn more about Chapter 31 subsistence allowance rates.
Tuition assistance
- Available to Active-Duty Service members.
- You must apply for tuition assistance 45 days before the course start date.
- You must meet with your respective military branch’s Education Services Officer (ESO) or unit counselor to confirm eligibility and request TA voucher(s).
- Benefit may cover full or partial tuition and mandatory fees.
- Email your authorized TA voucher to Veteran Student Services at CLC.
- VSS forwards vouchers to the Business Services and Finance (BSF) department where BSF invoices the DOD and your student account is adjusted accordingly.
MyCAA Scholarship
- Available to eligible Active-Duty Service members’ spouses.
- Benefit may cover full or partial tuition.
- You must apply for tuition assistance 45 days before the course start date.
- Request the MyCAA Scholarship from the MyCAA Spouse Portal website.
- Email your MyCAA Authorization Letter to Veteran Student Services at CLC.
- VSS forwards the authorization letter(s) to the Business Services and Finance (BSF) department where BSF invoices the DOD and your student account is adjusted accordingly.
At CLC, the IVG covers eligible tuition and mandatory (comprehensive) fees. Students are responsible for any other charges not covered by the IVG, including digital and course fees.
Eligibility
Must be a veteran, National Guard or reserve member who:
- Served at least one year of active duty, or served in a foreign country during hostilities, or received a medical discharge for service-related reasons.
- Received honorable discharge for each period of service.
- Was an Illinois resident at the time of entering service, or within six months prior to entering, or resided in Illinois for at least 15 consecutive years after leaving active duty.
- Returned to Illinois within six months of discharge, unless meeting the 15-year residency exception.
- Is not in default on any student loan or owes a refund on a federal/state grant.
Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Students on probation have one semester to regain eligibility.
Award Amount
The IVG is valid for up to 120 eligibility units (1 point per credit hour, max 12 points per semester), equivalent to four-years of full time enrollment. Must be used at Illinois public colleges or universities.
How to Apply
- Submit the one-time IVG application through the ISAC Student Portal.
- Upon approval from ISAC, submit your letter of eligibility to Veteran Student Services at CLC.
Learn more about Illinois Veterans Grant (IVG) benefits.
At CLC, the ING covers eligible tuition and mandatory (comprehensive) fees. Students are responsible for any other charges not covered by the ING, including digital and course fees.
Eligibility
Must be an Illinois National Guard or a current active-duty member who:
- Served at least one full year in the Illinois National Guard or at least five consecutive years in the Illinois National Guard and were called to federal active duty for at least six months. Those who are within 12 months of discharge are also eligible.
- Has completed one full year of service in the Illinois National Guard.
- Is an enlisted member or an officer.
- Is not in default on any student loan or owes a refund on a federal/state grant.
- Maintains a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Award Amount
- For those with less than 10 years of active-duty service, the ING is valid for up to 120 eligibility units (1 point per credit hour, max 12 points per semester). This is approximately up to 4 years of full-time enrollment.
- Those with 10 or more years of active-duty service may qualify for up to 180 units (approx. 6 years).
- Must be used at Illinois public colleges or universities.
How to Apply
- Each academic year you must submit a new ING application to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) to be eligible to receive this grant.
- Upon approval from ISAC, each academic school year you must email your letter of eligibility to Veteran Student Services at CLC.
Learn more about Illinois National Guard Grant (ING) benefits.
At CLC, the MIA/POW scholarship covers eligible tuition and mandatory (comprehensive) fees. Students are responsible for any other charges not covered by the MIA/POW, including digital and course fees.
Eligibility
Applicant must be a spouse or child (natural, adopted or step) of a veteran or service member who:
- Was an Illinois resident at the time of entering active military service, an Illinois resident within six months after entering active military service, or a resident of Illinois for at least 15 consecutive years after entering active duty as of the date of application.
- Has been declared by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs as meeting one of the following criteria:
- Eligible veteran children using the MIA/POW scholarship must:
- Eligible veteran spouses using the MIA/POW scholarship must:

Step 2: Apply to CLC

It's easy and free!

Complete the application form to start your journey at CLC.
A Career and College Navigator (CCN) will reach out to answer your questions and get you onboarded. Explore steps to apply at CLC.
Apply to CLC
Once your admission form has been processed (usually within one business day), you will be given a CLC student username and temporary password.
Use your username and temporary password to sign into the CLC student portal. Need help? Connect with the Help Desk at 847-543-4357.
- Email official/unofficial high school transcripts to CLC Admissions.
- Email official college/university transcripts to CLC Records.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to learn if you qualify for grants, scholarships and other aid. If you do not have a social security number, complete the Illinois Alternative Application.
You can use financial aid to pay for college, in addition to your federal and/or state education benefits.
FAFSA and Illinois Alternative application checklist
You'll need the following to complete the application:
- Student FSA ID (If applicable)
- Parent FSA ID (if applicable)
- College of Lake County federal school code: 007694
- Your tax forms (2 years prior)
- Parent’s tax forms (2 years prior, if applicable)
- Your driver’s license or state ID
- Social security number (if applicable)
- Asset/Investment Information (if applicable)
Regularly check your email and student portal for action items from CLC Financial Aid.
Learn more about financial aid at CLC.
Apply for CLC scholarships
- Complete the CLC Foundation Scholarship application
- Apply by the deadline for full consideration for scholarship awards. Applications may continue to be accepted after these dates for consideration as funds allow. Some scholarship opportunities may have more specific deadline dates.
Learn more about CLC scholarships.
Apply for private scholarships
Additional scholarship opportunities for veterans, service members and dependents:
- American Legion Legacy Scholarship
- Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
- Folds of Honor Scholarships
- Nitro Military Dependent Scholarships
- Nitro Veteran Scholarships
- FRA Scholarships
- Navy League Scholarships
- Scholarships.com – Military Scholarships
- Military.com – Military Scholarships
- Top Military Scholarships – Bold.org
- U.S. Veterans Magazine – Scholarships
- Air Force Association Scholarships
Disclaimer: This list of private scholarships is provided for informational purposes only and is not an endorsement of any specific agency. Eligibility for scholarships does not guarantee an award. All applicants must meet the specific criteria and requirements set by each individual scholarship.
Learn about areas of study at CLC. Explore programs of interest to you. Discover available classes. This will help you plan your academic journey.
Work with your College and Career Navigator to take a career assessment. You'll learn about career paths that best match your strengths and interests.
Use the GI Bill® Comparison Tool to explore VA-approved programs of study at CLC.
Schedule a time to meet with your College and Career Navigator (CCN). Your CCN will help you choose and register for classes.
Meet your CCN
Your CCN sets up your first-semester classes. Then your Academic Success Advisor (ASA) takes over to help you choose classes going forward. Your ASA sticks with you through graduation and helps you stay on track to reach your college goals.
After registering for classes, attend the New Student Orientation.

Learn college success strategies and resources, meet other students, faculty and Academic Success Advisors, take an interactive campus tour, and more. Attend the orientation and get ready for your first day of classes!

Check your CLC student email for more information about the New Student Orientation, which take place a few weeks before the start of classes.

Use your CLC ID number and student email to complete New Student Orientation modules online.
Students using CH 30, 35, and 1606 benefits must set up a payment plan to pay for tuition and fees. Access payment links by logging into the Student Portal.

Step 3: Submit your Request for Certification

To use any type of military or veteran benefit at CLC, you must submit a Request for Certification through the Student Portal.

Log in to the CLC Student Portal
Select Student Center > Financial Aid > CLC Veteran Benefits
Choose the semester for which you're requesting certification

You must submit a Request for Certification of benefits for each semester you are enrolled at CLC and would like to use your benefits. Your funds will not be applied until this step is completed. Request for Certification must be completed as soon as possible and before the end of the semester.

Step 4: Connect with Veteran Student Services (VSS) at CLC

Get full support for your academic journey at CLC all in one place. Our Veteran Student Services (VSS) experts work closely with Financial Aid, Academic Advising, Access and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), Student Activities and more to help you:

Apply to CLC and register for classes
Use federal or state education benefits
Successfully transition to college and navigate campus resources
Access academic support services and military-connected student programs, including the Veterans Lounge
Understand and utilize local, state and federal resources
Gain a clear understanding of how VA, state and tuition assistance benefits are applied

Our mission: Support the unique needs of military-connected students through advocacy, accurate benefit management, and access to resources that help every student succeed.

Current CLC students can access these resources in the Student Portal.

Frequently asked questions

Step 1: Meet with your advisor
To certify your benefits, you first must meet with your CLC advisor for assistance in choosing a VA-approved degree or certificate program, as well as course advisement. Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool (Search College of Lake County) to confirm your degree or certificate program is VA-approved.
Step 2: Submit a Request for Certification
After you have chosen your courses and enrolled, submit your Request for Certification via the CLC student portal.
Step 3: Provide documentation and information
- If you're using federal benefits (CH 33, 30, 35, 1606), email your Certificate of Eligibility to Veteran Student Services at CLC. If you're using state benefits (ING, IVG, MIA/POW), email your Letter of Eligibility to VSS at CLC.
- If you are using CH 31 (VR&E), email the PO number for your specific semester and your VRC’s email to VSS at CLC.
- If you are an Active-Duty Service member using Tuition Assistance (TA), please touch base with your Education Services Officer (ESO) and then email your approved TA voucher(s) to VSS at CLC. VSS will forward your voucher(s) to our Business Services and Finance department for processing.
- If you are using MYCAA, your advisor can help you fill out your Education and Training Plan (ETP) sheet. Then email your approved TA vouchers to VSS at CLC. VSS will forward your voucher(s) to our Business Services and Finance department for processing.
After these steps have been completed, your name will be added to the certification list. The School Certifying Official (SCO) will then submit certifications based on the order of the date you submitted your request for certification.
- Once the School Certifying Official (SCO) submits your enrollment to the VA, it generally takes about 4-8 weeks for the VA to process, with 30 days being a common average for processing.
- Post 9/11 GI Bill (CH 33) payments (MHA allowance and book stipends) are generally processed on the first of the month.
- Submitting certifications in August or right before the term starts can lead to payment delays due to enrollment processing peak periods.
- For monthly enrollment verification (CH 30, 1606, and 35), payments are released after verification, often arriving within 5 days.
- Direct deposit is the fastest method or receiving your funds, which can take 7-10 business days following the verification of enrollment.
CLC awards credit for military education and training using the American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations.
Submit your transcripts to:
College of Lake County – Office of Student Records
19351 W. Washington St.
Grayslake, IL 60030
Phone: (847) 543-2061
Fax: (847) 543-3061
Important: If you are using VA education benefits, all college transcripts must be submitted and evaluated.
Order your military transcripts:
- Order transcripts from the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard
- Order transcripts from the Air Force
Physical Education Credit: Veterans using the GI Bill® or with two years of active duty may receive 2 semester hours of PE credit.
DSST/CLEP exams for college credit:
Offered at CLC Grayslake, Lakeshore and Naval Station Great Lakes.
Transfer opportunities
Start at CLC to earn an associate degree, then transfer to a 4-year school to get your bachelor's degree.
- Explore transfer planning at CLC
- Learn how to transfer credits from CLC to a 4-year college
Yes. You can use VA benefits if you are a student pursuing a degree at another institution but taking courses at CLC. For instance, you may be a guest student taking classes at CLC during summer break.
To be certified:
1. Request an authorized parent letter (also known as a consortium agreement) from your home institution.
2. Email the authorized parent letter and your CLC ID number to Veteran Student Services at CLC.
3. Submit a Request for Certification each term through the CLC Student Portal.
4. Once the School Certifying Official (SCO) receives the above information, they can certify your enrollment to the VA as a guest student at CLC.
In compliance with the Isakson & Roe Act, CLC provides clear and transparent information to help you understand potential education costs. Estimates for tuition, fees, living expenses and financial aid vary by program, funding availability and your personal situation.
Cost of courses
Course at CLC have costs for tuition and fees. These vary depending on where you live and the types of courses you take.
Explore tuition and fees
Total cost of attendance (COA)
COA estimates include costs for tuition, books, housing, transportation and supplies.
View cost of attendance at CLC
Learn more about financial aid at CLC:
The Post-9/11 GI Bill® will not pay for a study abroad program unless it is a required part of your degree program.

Talk to the chair of your academic department and Veteran Student Services (VSS) contact before applying.
If you need to withdraw from courses, notify your instructor(s), CLC Academic Success Advisor, and Veteran Student Services (VSS) immediately to understand the implications of course withdrawal.
Depending on how long you were enrolled and what benefit(s) you used, you may owe money to both the VA and CLC if you withdraw from your courses.

View federal financial aid withdrawal policy (Title IX)
CLC is in full compliance with the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students (HEROS) Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-76). The HEROS Act of 2003 is intended to ensure that service members who are receiving federal student aid are not adversely affected because of their military status and to minimize the administrative burden placed on such individuals.
Prior to deployment, students are encouraged to meet with Veteran Student Services (VSS) and their Academic Success Advisor to discuss their academic and financial standing.
View course withdrawal information in course catalog
Complete the Withdrawal Request for Military Deployment form

Fair recruitment & enrollment activities

The recruitment and enrollment activities conducted at CLC reflect our integrity. We adopt this procedure as part of our efforts to ensure fair and transparent marketing to prospective students.

Staff at the college conducting recruitment and enrollment activities, including Student Recruitment and Onboarding, Academic Advising and Retention, Veteran Student Services, Financial Aid and third-party contractors are subject to and must comply with this procedure.

CLC avoids engaging in same-day recruitment and registration activities for the purpose of securing enrollment of Service members.

Learn more about military and veteran recruitment and enrollment activities

Succeed at financial aid with tips from CLC experts

Veteran and military-connected students: Good reasons to maximize your education benefits at CLC

CLC is a top choice for veterans and military-connected students. Learn why and get expert tips for using your education benefits and avoiding common issues.
Your complete guide to understanding and paying for college at CLC

College is one of the most meaningful investments you can make in your future. But figuring out how to pay for it can feel overwhelming. Don't navigate the process alone. CLC experts offer helpful tips and guidance for financial aid success.

What servicemembers say about CLC

Joshua Cardin
Graduate
“While I was in the Coast Guard, I’d take a class here or there online with other colleges. None of them hold a candle to CLC. It’s unbelievable how far the college is looking forward. And how many opportunities are available for the people of Lake County.”
Joshua studied Fire Science Technology at CLC after serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. He now works as a firefighter and is studying Emergency Medical Technology to also become a paramedic.
Read Joshua's story

Questions about using your benefits at CLC? Ask us!

Reach out after applying for federal or state benefits. Then we can help answer your specific benefits questions.

Email: veterans@clcillinois.edu

Genesis Silva
Financial Aid Coordinator
(847) 543-2063
gsilva7@clcillinois.edu

Veteran & Military Personnel Benefits

Use your education benefits at CLC

Steps to get started

Step 1: Apply for federal and/or state benefits

Veterans Affairs (CH 30, 31, 33, 35, 1606)

Department of Defense (DOD)

Tuition Assistance

MyCAA

State of Illinois (IVG, ING, MIA/POW)

Available benefits for you, your spouse or dependent children

GI Bill®

Chapter 30 – Montgomery GI Bill® (Active Duty)

Chapter 1606 – Montgomery GI Bill (Selected Reserve)

Chapter 33 – Post-9/11 GI Bill®

Rate of pursuit (Post-9/11 GI Bill®)

Survivor and Dependent Educational Assistance (DEA) - Chapter 35

Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) - Chapter 31

Department of Defense (DOD) tuition assistance

Tuition assistance

MyCAA Scholarship

Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG)

Eligibility

Award Amount

How to Apply

Illinois National Guard Grant (ING)

Eligibility

Award Amount

How to Apply

Illinois Deceased, Disabled and MIA/POW Veteran's Dependent Scholarship

Eligibility

Award Amount

How to Apply

Step 2: Apply to CLC

1. Complete the application

2. Log into the student portal

3. Submit transcripts and test scores

4. Fill out Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for scholarships

FAFSA and Illinois Alternative application checklist

Apply for CLC scholarships

Apply for private scholarships

5. Explore areas of study, programs and classes

6. Register for first semester classes

7. Attend New Student Orientation

8. Pay tuition and fees

Step 3: Submit your Request for Certification

Step 4: Connect with Veteran Student Services (VSS) at CLC

Frequently asked questions

How does certification work at CLC?

Step 1: Meet with your advisor

Step 2: Submit a Request for Certification

Step 3: Provide documentation and information

What is the VA payment timeline?

Can I get transfer credits for military training?

DSST/CLEP exams for college credit:

Transfer opportunities

Can I use VA benefits as a visiting student at CLC?

How much does it cost to attend CLC?

Cost of courses

Total cost of attendance (COA)

What do I need to know about paying for college at CLC?

What is the study abroad policy for veterans?

What happens if I need to withdraw from courses?

What happens if I am called into active duty while enrolled?

Fair recruitment & enrollment activities

Succeed at financial aid with tips from CLC experts

Veteran and military-connected students: Good reasons to maximize your education benefits at CLC

Your complete guide to understanding and paying for college at CLC

What servicemembers say about CLC

Joshua Cardin

Questions about using your benefits at CLC? Ask us!