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Veteran Services
Veteran Services is here to help students navigate the paperwork necessary to apply for GI Bill® benefits. NCCC is responsible for reporting accurate and timely enrollment information to the Buffalo VA Regional Processing Office. The Buffalo RPO determines eligibility and processes payment based on this information. NCCC staff members assist with general College and GI Bill® benefit concerns and work with other college offices to expedite paperwork on behalf of our veteran population.
VA education benefits are authorized to veterans and qualified dependents under US Title 10 and 38. Each chapter has specific eligibility requirements that can be found on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website. Eligibility for benefits is determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Veterans Memorial Park Campaign
This project affords Niagara County Community College (NCCC) an opportunity to honor the greater Niagara County veteran community by providing a Veterans Memorial Park representing those who served in the armed forces. Relocating and expanding the current standalone monument enables the College to offer community programming celebrating Niagara County’s proud heritage of armed forces enlistment. Area veterans and their families along with NCCC alumni and employees would be invited to memorialize their service on the park’s monument. They would be honored annually during Veteran’s Day ceremonies. From Lockport to Niagara Falls, the impact of this project would endure for generations to come.

2. Apply for VA Benefits
- Complete your Application for VA Education Benefits
- Send your COE to the School Certifying Official
- Change your GI Bill® school or program
- Transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits
- Change your VA direct deposit
3. Apply to Niagara County Community College
- Follow the steps to complete NCCC’s application
- Qualified Veterans and Dependents: Veterans Resident Tuition Rate
4. Request your Military Transcripts
- For Army, Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard request your Joint Service Transcripts
- For Air Force, request your transcripts from The Air University
5. Apply for Federal Financial Aid
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Review and apply for scholarships
6. Certificate Of Residency (Residents Outside Of Niagara County)
From Instructions found on Cashier’s Page.
7. Complete Veteran Office Intake Paperwork
- Complete the intake data form (new or transfer veterans)
- Complete the intake data form (dependants)
- Schedule a new veteran orientation (new veterans)
- Complete the attendance form (upon registering for courses)
8. Verifying Enrollment
- Verify through W.A.V.E.
- Chapter 33 Verification Process
9. Returning Veterans
- Complete the attendance form
10. Military Tuition Assistance
- Contact your respective Educational Services Officer within your military branch to begin the Tuition Assistance process.
- Complete the necessary steps to utilize to Tuition Assistance on campus.
- Once Approved, TA users, please contact the Cashier’s Office if you plan on using Military tuition assistance for the current semester.
- Return Policy Regarding Military Tuition Assistance
Active Duty Orders: Students called to active duty should bring a copy of their orders to NCCC Veteran Services (B-103). We will work with you and other offices on campus to help you avoid academic and financial penalties. Please refer to Important Information for Service Members Called to Active Duty for more detailed information.
View frequently asked questions about Veteran Services.
General Education Mobile (GEM)
Why Choose NCCC for GEM Courses?
Niagara County Community College is proud to support the Community College of the Air Force’s (CCAF) General Education Mobile (GEM) program.
In the GEM program, Airmen have access to the CCAF’s general education courses through our innovative virtual classrooms. Courses are at the freshman/sophomore level, and they allow you to fulfill the 15 semester hours of general education requirements for the CCAF Associate in Applied Science (AAS).
- 7-1/2 week course/term length
- Affordable
- Completely online
- Easy registration
Contact
Joseph Potalivo
Success Coach and Veteran Services
Phone: 716-614-6283
Fax: 716-614-5291
Email: jpotalivo@niagaracc.suny.edu
Location: B-103
Book a one-on-one appointment
Questions about your eligibility or the status of your benefits should be directed to the Department of Veterans Administration (through the Ask a Question Page on their website).
VA Regional Processing Office
130 S. Elmwood Ave.
P.O. Box 4616
Buffalo, N.Y. 14240-4616
1-888-442-4551
Fax: 716- 551-3241
Website: www.benefits.va.gov/gibill