Veterans' Benefits
The CFFJAC Apprenticeship Training Program is approved by the Veteran's Administration (VA). Apprentices who have separated from the military within the past 10 years may be eligible to receive benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30). Veterans who are active reservists may be eligible to receive benefits under the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 16).
Benefits are paid for the term of apprenticeship, or until benefit eligibility ceases, whichever comes first. Veterans who receive VA benefits through the CFFJAC must comply with VA reporting requirements. For each month that benefits are claimed, the apprentice must send official verification of salary, the number of hours worked and documentation of training for that period. If you think you are eligible for VA Educational Benefits, please contact CFFJAC at cffjac@cpf.org.
The following are frequently asked questions and answers about Veterans’ Benefits. If your question is not on this list, or if you need more information, please contact the CFFJAC at cffjac@cpf.org or phone (916) 648-1717.
Q: How can I find out about my eligibility for Veterans' Benefits?
A: The CFFJAC has nothing to do with determining a veteran's basic eligibility for benefits. All questions regarding benefits should be directed to the VA. The VA web site, www.gibill.va.gov, can be used to obtain information about basic benefit eligibility. This site is not associated with CFFJAC.
Q: How do I know if I qualify for my GI Bill benefits through CFFJAC?
A: First, your department must be a participating CFFJAC department. If your fire department is not a participating department in the CFFJAC, the veterans in your department will not be eligible for VA benefits under this program. The veterans should contact VA to learn about other education reimbursement programs for which they may qualify.
Second, you must qualify as an apprentice in an apprenticeable occupation. See CFFJAC rules and regulations for apprenticeable occupations and qualifications.
Q: What do I do if my department does not participate in the CFFJAC program?
A: Your fire chief, training officer or other authorized individual should contact CFFJAC for information on participating in CFFJAC.
Q: My department participates in CFFJAC and I qualify as an apprentice - how do I qualify for my VA benefits during this training?
A: If you have separated from the military within the past 10 years or are an active reservist, complete a Veteran's Information Form and return it to CFFJAC, not VA.
After confirming the information and eligibility for the apprenticeship participation, CFFJAC will send you a packet of VA forms to complete and sign. The completed forms, along with a copy of your DD-214, paystubs (which include details of hours worked and gross pay), verification of training completed and a voided personal check (for VA to send benefits via direct deposit) are to be returned to the CFFJAC, not the VA. CFFJAC will forward your information to VA for processing. VA will determine final eligibility.
VA will send you either an eligibility award letter or a letter explaining non-eligibility. The initial process through VA can take up to four months.
Q: What role does CFFJAC have in my VA Benefit process?
A: The California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (CFFJAC) is the state-approved firefighter apprenticeship program by the Department of Industrial Relations - Division of Apprenticeship Standards. As such, the VA recognizes an individual from the CFFJAC as the Certifying Official for veterans who are enrolled in and qualify for benefits as firefighter apprentices. The CFFJAC is responsible to:
• insure that all apprentices are covered by a written Apprentice Agreement
• notify VA in writing of any interruption or termination of training by each apprentice
• certify hours worked and training hours received each month
• maintain records as required by VA
Q: Will VA pay for the apprenticeship training that was completed prior to applying for VA benefits?
A: Generally, retroactive benefits may be paid up to one year prior to the date the VA receives the Enrollment Certification (VA form 22-1999).
Q: Who should I contact with questions regarding my paperwork?
A: Contact the CFFJAC veteran representative directly at (916) 648-1717 or cffjac@cpf.org. Out of respect for your confidentiality, the CFFJAC veteran representative will provide information only to you. Do not have someone else call on your behalf.
Q: I can't find pay stubs / payroll history. Can I still file for VA benefits under the apprenticeship program?
A: No. VA benefits are based on monthly payroll records and training reports. CFFJAC must verify and certify those records and reports. Check with your human resources/payroll department for copies.
Q: Why can't I send my monthly reports directly to VA?
A: VA requires that all apprenticeship training be verified and certified by the training program. Your "Monthly Certification of On-the-Job and Apprenticeship Training" must be signed by the "Certifying Official" at the CFFJAC office. If the monthly reports are sent directly to VA, they cannot be certified by CFFJAC. VA will not process the forms that are not certified and you will not be paid.
Q: What must I do to assure timely receipt of my VA benefits?
A: Each month, send us the "Monthly Certification of On-the-Job and Apprenticeship Training" form which you have received from the VA. Return this form, along with your pay stub(s) (which include details of hours worked and gross pay) and training reports for the month. Be sure all forms are completed according to the instructions. If you have not received your "Monthly Certification of On-the-Job and Apprenticeship Training" form, send pay stub(s) and training hours to CFFJAC. Forms can be mailed to the address below or faxed to (916) 922-0972.
CFFJAC
1780 Creekside Oaks, #201
Sacramento, CA 95833
Q: What should I do when I have not received my VA benefits in a timely manner?
A: CFFJAC certifies and forwards your forms and claims to the VA. We have no control over payments and timing of payments.
First, be sure that your "Monthly Certification of On-the-Job and Apprenticeship Training" form, pay stub(s) and apprenticeship training records for the month have been sent to CFFJAC.
If CFFJAC confirms that information has been received and has been forwarded to VA, wait. The VA process may take up to 45 days to process each monthly certification.
Q: I want to purchase a house and I need proof of veterans' income. Do you provide something I can give to my lender?
A: CFFJAC doesn't provide income documentation but the Award Letter you receive from VA shows the approximate monthly payments you will receive.
Q: What if I don't receive payment?
A: Contact CFFJAC and let us know when you last received a payment. If sufficient time has passed since VA was billed, we will contact VA for an explanation of the non-payment.
Q: What if I have a change of address or phone number?
A: Notify CFFJAC and we will send the information to VA for you.