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VA Benefits and Services. Briefing for Transitioning Service Members. Introduction. Content Compensation Education Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Life Insurance Home Loan Guaranty Burial & Survivor Benefits Conclusion & Contacts. Introduction. Compensation for
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VA Benefits and Services Briefing for Transitioning Service Members Introduction
Content • Compensation • Education • Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment • Life Insurance • Home Loan Guaranty • Burial & Survivor Benefits • Conclusion & Contacts Introduction
Compensation for Service-Connected Disabilities Compensation & Pension
Compensation A service-connected disability is a disease or injury incurred or aggravated while on active duty. The disability does not have to be combat or wartime related.
Compensation • Disability Examples • Torn knee ligament • Amputation • Heart disease • Post traumatic stress (including the result of sexual trauma) • Skin condition such as psoriasis Compensation & Pension
Disabilities are rated from 0% to 100% VA rating is independent of any military rating Payments begin with 10% ratings Additional allowance for dependents with 30% or higher rating Compensation Compensation & Pension
Compensation - Sample Rates S – Spouse C = Child(ren) Rates effective Dec 1, 2011 Compensation & Pension
Compensation • Compensation is tax free • Severance and/or Separation pay may be recouped (after tax amount) • Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) • Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) Compensation & Pension
Free VA health care for all rated service-connected conditions Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment services VA life insurance - $10,000 Veteran’s preference in Federal hiring VA home loan guaranty funding fee waived Possible State and local benefits for veterans Compensation - Related Benefits Compensation & Pension
Annual clothing allowance ($753)* Specially adapted homes** Automobile grant ($18,900) and adaptive equipment*** Military commissary & exchange privileges**** Compensation - Related Benefits Compensation & Pension
Contact VA for the application form by calling 1-800-827-1000 Or apply on the Internet at www.va.gov Or apply on eBenefits at www.ebenefits.va.gov Submit all documents to appropriate VA Regional Office Compensation How to Apply No time limit to apply for compensation Compensation & Pension
Education Benefits www.GIBILL.va.gov Education – Chapter 30
Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (MGIB-AD) Chapter 30, Title 38United States Code MGIB-AD - General Education – Chapter 30
Eligibility: Honorable discharge, a high school diploma or general educational development (GED), and served active duty after June 30, 1985. Plus, $1,200 military pay reduction. Benefit: Up to 36 months of benefits. Monetary benefit paid to veteran. May be used while on active duty. Expires 10 years after release from active duty Includes apprenticeship, on-the-job training, vocational training, and flight training MGIB-AD - General Education – Chapter 30
The Post-9/11 GI Bill Chapter 33, Title 38United States Code Education – Chapter 33
Post-9/11 GI Bill Eligibility • Determined by the length of active duty service after September 10, 2001 • Benefits: • Up to 36 months of benefits • 15 years to use benefits • Usable for any program at an institution of higher learning (IHL) approved for MGIB-AD • Effective October 1, 2011, usable for NCD, OJT, flight programs, and correspondence training • Transfer to spouse, children, or both in any amount up to amount transferor has available or amount approved by DoD/DHS Education – Chapter 33
Eligibility Criteria *Excludes time in Basic Military Training and/or Skill Training Education – Chapter 33
Tuition and Fees • Full tuition and fees (based on length of active duty service) for public, in-state students • Private and foreign schools cap at $18,077.50 academic year • Exception: Active duty are not eligible to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program • Paid directly to the school on student’s behalf Education – Chapter 33
Monthly Housing Allowance • Must attend more than half-time • Prorated by rate of pursuit rounded to nearest tenth • Equivalent to the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents based on school’s zip code • Distance learners (e.g., online students) can receive ½ the national average monthly housing beginning October 1, 2011 • Active duty Servicemembers are not eligible Education – Chapter 33
Books and Supplies Stipend • Pays up to $1,000 per year • If taking classes at an IHL: amount paid determined by number of credit hours, with full stipend paid for 24 credit hours per academic year • If taking a non-college degree, apprenticeship, or on-the-job training program: Pays $83/month up to $1,000 per year • $1,200 for tutorial assistance ($100 per mo.) Education – Chapter 33
Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment
Program Objective VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program’s primary function is to help active duty service members and veterans who have service-connected disabilities become suitably employed, maintain employment, or achieve independence in daily living. Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment
Basic Eligibility • Veterans are eligible to apply with a final VA disability rating of at least 10% • Service members are eligible to apply with a 20% memorandum rating (informal rating) • Up to 48 months of entitlement • 12-year basic period of eligibility Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment
Life Insurance www.insurance.va.gov Life Insurance
Rapid financial assistance payable to members who suffer a qualifying loss due to traumatic injury Benefit of $25K-100K depending on injury Automatic for members with SGLI coverage Traumatic injury need not be combat related Traumatic injury must occur prior to separation from service TSGLI Coverage ends at separation from service Traumatic Injury SGLI (TSGLI) Life Insurance
Lifetime renewable term coverage Have 1 year and 120 days from separation to apply ** Applying within 240 days from separation = no-health review *** Veterans separating prior to 11/1/12 still have only 120 days with no-health review. Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) Life Insurance
Disability or Survivor Benefits May be available to injured active duty Regardless of where injury occurred Expedited service for Line of Duty disabilities on or after October 1, 2001 How To Apply: On-Line at www.socialsecurity.gov Telephonically at 1-800-772-1213 In-Person at Social Security Office Social Security Disability Insurance Life Insurance
Home Loan Guaranty www.homeloans.va.gov Home Loan Guaranty
Features of a VA Loan • No down payment • Limitations on closing costs • The right to prepay without penalty • Funding Fee • Negotiated interest rates • Special assistance for veterans experiencing difficulty in making loan payments Home Loan Guaranty
1. Buy or build a home Buy a residential condominium unit Buy a residential cooperative housing unit Repair, alter, or improve a residence owned by the Veteran and occupied as a home Refinance an existing loan Buy a manufactured home and /or lot Install a solar heating or cooling system or other energy-efficient improvements Loan Purposes Home Loan Guaranty
1. Find property to buy 2. Apply to a mortgage lender for a loan (must meet credit and income standards) 3. Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility 4. Obtain a VA appraisal 5. Close the loan and move in Steps to a VA Home Loan Home Loan Guaranty
Burial Benefits Burial Benefits
Burial Benefits(continued)National Cemetery Burial 120+ Cemeteries Nationwide • Gravesite • Opening and Closing • Headstone/Marker • Burial Flag • Funeral Honors • Presidential Memorial Certificates • Burial Cost Reimbursement • Perpetual Care • All at No Cost to the Family Burial & Survivor Benefits
Other Benefits and Services Other Benefits & Services
Can help complete claim forms, answer questions, act as a claims representative, assist with employment needs… Possible State benefits include: property and other tax exemptions, education programs, license tags… Each State Is Different State Veterans Affairs Offices Other Benefits & Services
Veterans Service Organizationsalso assist veterans in various ways including claims representationExamples:DAV, AmVets, VFW, PVA, VVA,The American Legion, American Red Cross, and many others Other Benefits & Services
To Reach a State Veterans Affairs Office, or Veterans Services Organization • Visitwww.va.gov, and click on “Partners” • Check local telephone directory under “Veterans Organizations” • Call VA at (800) 827-1000 Other Benefits & Services
VA on the Internet Information on all VA benefits and services is available Visit www.va.gov Conclusion & Contacts
VA on the Internet • (continued) • Apply on-line for benefits (select “Online Applications”) • Submit electronic inquiries as well (select “Contact VA”) • Visit www.va.gov Conclusion & Contacts
A New Way to Access Information eBenefits -Your Gateway To Benefit Information • Claim tracking • VA Home Loan Certificate • Access to military documents www.ebenefits.va.gov Conclusion & Contacts
Social Media http://www.facebook.com/VeteransBenefits http://twitter.com/VAVetBenefits Conclusion & Contacts
Phone VA For benefits information and assistance call toll-free 1 (800) 827-1000 TDD 1 (800) 829-4833 Conclusion & Contacts
Phone VA (continued) For health care eligibility OR general health care information, call toll-free 1 (877) 222-8387 Conclusion & Contacts
Phone VA (continued) For information & assistance on Education benefits call toll-free 1 (888) 442-4551 Conclusion & Contacts
Phone VA (continued) For information & assistance on SGLI/VGLI call toll-free 1 (800) 419-1473 Conclusion & Contacts
Phone VA (continued) For information & assistance on VA life insurance call toll-free 1 (800) 669-8477 Conclusion & Contacts
Phone VA (continued) For information & assistance on VA Home Loans call toll-free 1-888-349-7541 Conclusion & Contacts
QUESTIONS? Conclusion & Contacts