FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is eligible to receive VA benefits?
For information regarding VA eligibility and entitlement, please visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs web site at http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/benefits.htm or contact the VA Western Regional Office in Muskogee, Oklahoma directly at 1.888.442.4551.
How do I apply for VA benefits?
Eligible students may apply for VA educational benefits online via the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs web site at http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/How_to_Apply.htm. Applications are also available at the UH West O‘ahu Student Services Office.
What if I decide to change my major?
Students who would like to change their major must:
- Meet with a Student Services Academic Advisor
- Complete and submit the UH West O‘ahu Change of Major/Program Form which is available online at www.uhwo.hawaii.edu/forms
- Complete the appropriate VA form (22-5495 for Chapter 35 only and 22-1995 for all other Chapters) which is available online at www.gibill.va.gov.
Students who would like to change their home institution must:
- Complete and submit the UH West O‘ahu Student Record Update Form which is available online at www.uhwo.hawaii.edu/forms
- Complete the appropriate VA form (22-5495 for Chapter 35 only and 22-1995 for all other Chapters) which is available online at www.gibill.va.gov.
Students who are interested in taking a course at another institution or UH Campus while still enrolled at UH West O‘ahu must meet with a Student Services Academic Advisor for approval and submit the Veteran Student Concurrent Enrollment Form to the UH West O‘ahu Student Services Office.
What if my class does not run the entire length of the semester?
Students are certified as enrolled in a class for the exact attendance dates of the course(s). For example, in the fall semester, if a class ends in October, the certification will reflect the course dates not the semester dates. VA payments will be adjusted to pay for the time of the exact attendance dates.
What if I am UH West O‘ahu student preparing to transfer to another 4-year campus and would like to take courses that will satisfy their graduation requirements?
UH West O‘ahu can only certify courses that pertain to a VA approved degree and/or certificate at our campus; we cannot certify courses for a degree program at another post-secondary institution.
If I still have questions, who do I contact?
Veterans Administration, Oklahoma: 1 (888) 442-4551 (toll-free)
This is a 24 hours automated line where you can check on where the last check was set, date processed, check processed but not received, date benefits are certified, time left on entitlement, last date you can use entitlement.
UHWO Student Services Office: (808) 454-4700 or 1-866-299-8656 (toll-free)