Step 1: Apply to Saddleback College

Step 2: Come in to the Saddleback College Veterans Office (GW 123) to initiate your VA education benefits.

Montgomery GI Bill®

NOTE: 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 website at: http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Montgomery GI Bill®: Chapter 30

Student with NO prior college credits please bring in the following:

  • DD 214 Copy Member-4
  • My Academic Plan (Obtain this from VETS Center counselor)

Student with prior college credits please bring in the following:

  • DD 214 Copy Member-4
  • My Academic Plan (Obtain this from VETS Center counselor)
  • All college transcripts

Vocational Rehabilitation: Chapter 31

Student with NO prior college credits please bring in the following:

  • DD 214 Copy Member-4
  • My Academic Plan (Obtain this from VETS Center counselor)
  • VA 28-1905


Student with prior college credits please bring in the following:

  • DD 214 Copy Member-4
  • My Academic Plan (Obtain this from VETS Center counselor)
  • All college transcripts
  • VA 28-1905

Post 9/11 GI Bill®: Chapter 33

Student with NO prior college credits please bring in the following:

  • DD 214 Copy Member-4
  • My Academic Plan (Obtain this from VETS Center counselor)

Student with prior college credits please bring in the following:

  • DD 214 Copy Member-4
  • My Academic Plan (Obtain this from VETS Center counselor)
  • All college transcripts 

Dependent of Eligible Veteran: Chapter 35

Student with NO prior college credits please bring in the following:

  • Disabled/deceased veteran’s information (name, military service number)
  • VA Certification of Eligibility (if available)
  • My Academic Plan (Obtain this from VETS Center counselor)

Student with prior college credits please bring in the following:

  • Disabled/deceased veteran’s information (name, military service number)
  • VA Certification of Eligibility (if available)
  • My Academic Plan (Obtain this from VETS Center counselor)
  • All college transcripts 

Selected Reserve: Chapter 1606

Student with NO prior college credits please bring in the following:

  • DD-2384 Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE)
  • My Academic Plan (Obtain this from VETS Center counselor)


Student with prior college credits please bring in the following:

  • DD-2384 Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE)
  • My Academic Plan (Obtain this from VETS Center counselor)
  • All college transcripts

The VA requires that you declare a major in order to receive VA education benefits. You can change your major in the future if necessary.

If you're undecided on a major, make an appointment with a VETS counselor in the Student Services Center, room 207 (SSC 207) to discuss career options and major selection.

The college catalog contains information on majors related to associate degrees (2 year degrees) and to certificate programs (See the “Certificates and Degrees” section of the catalog). For majors related to bachelors degrees (4 year degrees), see the “Articulation/ Transfer Patterns” section of the catalog.

You can enroll in classes on the college website using the MySite Student Portal OR you can enroll on-campus at the Admissions and Records Office.

Enroll in general education courses and major courses that meet your education goal. Aside from electives (if your education goal has room for them), the VA will not pay for courses that are not required.

The counselors in the VETS (Veterans Education & Transition Services) Center can assist you with course selection. To make an appointment with a veteran's counselor, call the VETS Center at 949-582-4252.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Saddleback College Veterans Office each semester that they want their educational benefits to continue.

NOTE: Inform us as soon as you enroll in classes. This will speed up your benefit payments.

For all chapters, you must notify the college Veterans Office each semester you wish your education benefits to be continued. If you are using your education benefit, you also must notify the college Veterans Office if you add/drop a class, or withdraw from college. In addition, for Chapters 30 and 1606, you must verify your enrollment with the VA via WAVE every month.

Yes, if the courses are equivalent to courses needed for your education goal. Contact the college Veterans Office for details and reporting requirements.

For payment rates, click on the applicable link.

Yes. If you are placed on academic/progress probation for 2 complete semesters, your VA education benefits will be suspended.

For information on replacing a DD 214, click here to visit VA's EBenefits homepage, log in or create an account, and then follow the instructions under "Military Personnel File."

Up to six units of credit can be awarded by this college for electives only. If after satisfying all required coursework for your major, both general education and major courses, and you still do not meet the minimum sixty units required for a degree, up to six elective units can be used to make up the difference. These units cannot be used in lieu of required courses.

Once you have completed 12 units at Saddleback College, the Admissions and Records Office will evaluate any military coursework on your SMART transcript for possible college credit (you will need to provide the SMART transcript).

The college Veterans Office is open from 8 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Friday. No appointment is necessary. Come in, or call us at (949) 582-4870.