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VA Education How to Reference Tool

VA Education How to Reference Tool.

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VA Education How to Reference Tool

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  1. VA Education How to Reference Tool • This VA Education Benefits HOW TO reference tool was designed for Active duty service members, Veterans, Reservists, Guard members, and Dependents for quick access to a whole host of GI Bill information. The How to reference tool is tailored for your particular situation by clicking on the tab that best reflects your current status as a service member or dependent. • For School Officials…. gives you access to a variety of information you can use to better manage your time, and presents to you, resource materials and information to assist you in your responsibilities. • Our Chapter 33 tabs are separated by category that allows you to receive information specific to your criteria. We broke down the categories • Ch 33 – The BASICS presents to you an overview of Chapter 33. • Specific topics for those currently on active duty or deployed active duty members. • Specific topics for those Veterans no longer serving in the military. • Specific topics for previously deployed reservists and guard members who still are drilling. • Specific topics for those spouses of active duty (or spouse transferees). • Specific topics for those children of service members (transferees). • Other Education Benefits will give you information on the following: • MGIB-AD, Chapter 30 • MGIB-SR, Chapter 1606 • REAP, Chapter 1607 • DEA, Chapter 35 • Voc Rehab, Chapter 31 • Contact Info, Web Links is your access to the most commonly used phone numbers and web sites. EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO Last Updated: September 27, 2014

  2. Other Education Benefits Chapter 30 MGIB - AD Chapter 1607 REAP Chapter 1606 MGIB - SR Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Chapter 35 Survivors and Dependents Education Assistance EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO

  3. MGIB – AD Ch 30 Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty The MGIB program provides up to 36 months of education benefits. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty. This program is also commonly known as Chapter 30. The current payments for MGIB-AD can be found by clicking on the link: Payment Rate Table You may be able to take advantage of the Work Study Program in order to “earn as you learn”. Click on the link to access details on this program: Work Study You may be able to take advantage of paid tutoring through the tutorial Assistance program. Tutorial assistance is available if you’re receiving VA educational assistance at the half-time or higher rate and have a deficiency in a subject that makes tutoring necessary. You can be reimbursed up to $100 per month up to a maximum of $1200. To apply for tutorial assistance you must complete VA Form 22-1990t, which can be found here. Your school certifying official and tutor must sign the form. Detailed Information on MGIB-AD (Ch 30) can be found by clicking on the link: MGIB-AD Ch 30 Become aware of debts and overpayments by clicking on the link: DEBTS and OVERPAYMENTS Applying for MGIB-AD ? Click on VONAPP to apply: Back to Other Education Benefits: EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO Last Updated: September 27, 2014

  4. DEA – Ch 35 Survivors & Dependents Assistance (Ch 35) Dependents' Educational Assistance provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of a Veteran who is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service connected disability (or) a Veteran with a permanent and total service connected disability who dies for any cause or if the Veteran is missing in action (or) being held (or) detained by a foreign government or power. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. If you are a spouse, you may take a correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Note: You also have another 5 months of benefits just for remedial / deficiency classes for a possible 50 months of benefits. You may be able to take advantage of the Work Study Program in order to “earn as you learn”. Click on the link to access details on this program: Work Study You may be able to take advantage of paid tutoring through the tutorial Assistance program. Tutorial assistance is available if you’re receiving VA educational assistance at the half-time or higher rate and have a deficiency in a subject that makes tutoring necessary. You can be reimbursed up to $100 per month up to a maximum of $1200. To apply for tutorial assistance you must complete VA Form 22-1990t, which can be found here. Your school certifying official and tutor must sign the form. Become aware of debts and overpayments by clicking on the link: DEBTS and OVERPAYMENTS Detailed information regarding DEA Ch 35: DEA – CH 35 Applying for DEA ? Click on VONAPP to apply: Back to Other Education Benefits: EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO Last Updated: September 27, 2014

  5. MGIB – SR Ch 1606 Montgomery GI Bill – Select Reserve (Ch 1606) The MGIB-SR program may be available to you if you are a member of the Selected Reserve. The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship / on-the-job training, and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Eligibility for this program is determined by the Selected Reserve components. VA does not determine eligibility. VA does make payments for this benefit. The current payments for MGIB-SR can be found by clicking on the link: Payment Rate Table You may be able to take advantage of the Work Study Program in order to “earn as you learn”. Click on the link to access details on this program: Work Study You may be able to take advantage of paid tutoring through the tutorial Assistance program. Tutorial assistance is available if you’re receiving VA educational assistance at the half-time or higher rate and have a deficiency in a subject that makes tutoring necessary. You can be reimbursed up to $100 per month up to a maximum of $1200. To apply for tutorial assistance you must complete VA Form 22-1990t, which can be found here. Your school certifying official and tutor must sign the form. Complete details on this program can be found by clicking on the link: MGIB-SR (Ch 1606) Become aware of debts and overpayments by clicking on the link: DEBTS and OVERPAYMENTS Applying for MGIB-SR ? Click on VONAPP to apply: Back to Other Education Benefits: EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO Last Updated: September 27, 2014

  6. REAP – Ch 1607 Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP) Reap is available to provide educational assistance to members of the Reserve components called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency (contingency operation) as declared by the President or Congress. This program makes certain reservists who were activated for at least 90 days after September 11, 2001 either eligible for education benefits or eligible for increased benefits. (a precursor to Chapter 33) The current payments for REAP can be found by clicking on the link: Payment Rate Table You may be able to take advantage of the Work Study Program in order to “earn as you learn”. Click on the link to access details on this program: Work Study Paid tutoring is currently not available to those beneficiaries receiving REAP benefits. Pamphlet on REAP (Ch 1607) can be found by clicking on the link: REAP (Ch 1607) Those of you with 6 X 2 contracts, click on the link to read about exceptions to REAP: 6 X 2 Contract Become aware of debts and overpayments by clicking on the link: DEBTS and OVERPAYMENTS Applying for REAP ? Click on VONAPP to apply: Back to Other Education Benefits: EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO Last Updated: September 27, 2014

  7. Tutorial Assistance Tutorial Assistance Program You may be able to take advantage of paid tutoring through the tutorial Assistance program. Tutorial assistance is available if you’re receiving VA educational assistance at the half-time or higher rate and have a deficiency in a subject that makes tutoring necessary. You can be reimbursed up to $100 per month up to a maximum of $1200. To apply for tutorial assistance you must complete VA Form 22-1990t, which can be found here. Your school certifying official and tutor must sign the form. EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO Last Updated: September 27, 2014

  8. Ch 1607 – 6 X 2 Contracts Exceptions to eligibility of Ch 1607 -- A member who is called-up from the Selected Reserve would not remain eligible for REAP if the member goes into the Individual Ready Reserve. The Selected Reserve member must remain in the Selected Reserve to maintain eligibility for REAP. For those with 6 X 2 contracts, you will no longer be eligible for Ch 1607 after you transfer to the Inactive Ready Reserve after 6 years of drilling. You will receive Ch 1606 benefits once you transfer to the inactive Ready Reserve for a total of your deployment period plus 4 months. Example: You enlisted in your service component on 10/01/2000 with a 6 X 2 contract. During your six year commitment, you were deployed for 12 months. On 10/01/2006, you transferred to the IRR. You would now have eligibility for 16 months of Ch 1606 (MGIB-SR) benefits starting on 10/01/2006. For those who separate after 8 years, you will have 10 years after separation to use Ch 1607 benefits.. There is no fixed time period for persons eligible under REAP to use this benefit. There is one exception: If a member is separated from the Ready Reserve for a disability which was not the result of the member’s own willful misconduct, he or she is entitled to REAP benefits for 10 years after the date of eligibility. EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO Last Updated: September 27, 2014

  9. Voc – Rehab Ch 31 • Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Service • The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) VetSuccess Program is authorized by Congress under Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 31. It is sometimes referred to as the Chapter 31 program. The VetSuccess program assists Veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs. For Veterans with service-connected disabilities so severe that they cannot immediately consider work, VetSuccess offers services to improve their ability to live as independently as possible. • Services that may be provided: • Comprehensive rehabilitation evaluation to determine abilities, skills, and interests for employment • Vocational counseling and rehabilitation planning for employment services • Employment services such as job-training, job-seeking skills, resume development, and other work readiness assistance • Assistance finding and keeping a job, including the use of special employer incentives and job accommodations • On the Job Training (OJT), apprenticeships, and non-paid work experiences • Post-secondary training at a college, vocational, technical or business school • Supportive rehabilitation services including case management, counseling, and medical referrals • Independent living services for Veterans unable to work due to the severity of their disabilities • Information on Voc –Rehab (Ch 31) can be found by clicking on the link below. Included in the information is a link to payment information as well. Voc-Rehab (Ch 31) Back to Other Education Benefits: EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO Last Updated: September 27, 2014

  10. Pamphlets, Posters, Brochures Pamphlets, Posters, and Brochures You may find that your students have questions about education benefits. VA has put together an excellent collection of pamphlets, posters and brochures for easy download or view. Click on the following link to access the collection of these helpful documents. Feel free to print off copies for your Veteran students, dependents or any one with an interest in learning more about education benefits. Pamphlets, Posters, Brochures EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO Last Updated: September 27, 2014

  11. Returning funds to VA Institutions may return tuition and fee payments to VA by: a)Returning the electronically received Automated Clearinghouse (ACH) payment using ACH return code R31. Note: Schools may only return a full payment to VA using the R31 ACH return code. If a student died during a term and would have only been eligible for a partial refund, the school must send the appropriate amount to the RPO of jurisdiction (see paragraph c)). b)Returning the paper check to the: Note: Institutions should only return government issued paper checks received for a student to the Department of Treasury. All other checks for return of tuition and fees should be forwarded to the appropriate Agent Cashier. Sending a check to the Agent Cashier of the Regional Processing Office of jurisdiction. The check must include student’s full name and social security number. US Department of the Treasury Financial Management Service PO BOX 51318 Philadelphia PA 19115-6315 Attn: Agent Cashier St Louis Regional Processing Office 400 S 18th Street St Louis MO 63103 EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO Last Updated: September 27, 2014

  12. Yellow Ribbon Yellow Ribbon Program The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program allows institutions of higher learning to voluntarily enter in an agreement with VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate rate as published on our website HIGHEST INSTATE RATE If your school is interested in participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program, please click on the following Yellow Ribbon Link. You can access the agreement form through the link. Yellow Ribbon Program EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO Last Updated: September 27, 2014

  13. Sending back funds or Refund ? • Sending back funds or refunding the student ? • If you receive an amount of funds for either tuition, fees, or yellow ribbon that exceeds what what expected for your student, we have 4 reasons to return fund to VA (see below). Otherwise, refund the student the overpayment. • REASONS to send funds back to VA • The student died during the term and would have been due a refund. • The student never attended. • The institution received a payment for an individual that is not a student. • The institution received a duplicate payment for a student. “Duplication” defined as receiving the exact same amount for the exact same period or term. • NOTE: Other than the 4 reasons stated above, all other overpayments will be refunded to the student. There are no exceptions to this policy. • RETURNING FUNDS TO VA EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO Last Updated: September 27, 2014

  14. School Direct Deposit School Direct Deposit With Chapter 33, schools have the ability to have funds such as tuition and fees as well as yellow ribbon funds directly deposited into your school’s banking account. In order to take advantage of the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), you must contact your Education Liaison Representative (ELR). Click on the ELR link to locate your ELR ELR Contact Link You will need to request the VA Form – VA Form 22-8794a – Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Information from your ELR. The responsible person at your school will complete the form and sign it. You can then fax the completed form back to your ELR. Once your ELR has your completed EFT form, he/she will forward the form to our processing office in St Louis in order to establish the EFT for your school. EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO Last Updated: September 27, 2014

  15. New Certifying Officials • “Congratulations on your new role as a certifying official at your school.” • You are a key member of your school’s organization in regards to your Veteran students. With your new role as school certifying official, you have some basic responsibilities in regards to your duties as certifying official. • Keep VA informed of the enrollment status of Veterans and other eligible persons. Certifying officials complete VA forms or use VA ONCE to report tuition, fees, enrollment dates and term dates. • Keep VA informed when Veterans change their enrollment status. Certifying Officials submit changes to enrollments and report those changes to VA within 30 days of the effective date of the change. • Organize your Veteran’s academic files and VA files. Successful Certifying Officials keep accurate and complete records of their Veterans in order to monitor the student’s program, grades, progress, and academic conduct. Your education Liaison Representative (ELR) can give you some good advice and recommendations on methods to better track your Veterans. • Keep your State Approving Agency (SAA) informed. Your SAA plays a critical role in approving new programs at your school as well as reviewing any changes in your academic policies and procedures, changes in addresses, phone numbers and certifying officials. SAA Contact List • Keep up to date on current VA rules and regulations. Provide your ELR with your email address to keep informed of ongoing changes with VA benefits. Our web site: www.gibill.va.gov has a wealth of information on our benefits as well as training resources for our new certifying officials. Take advantage of the workshops available for certifying officials. Your ELR can tell you all about it. • To better get you acquainted with the VA and education benefits, please click on: • Online Training for New Certifying Officials EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO

  16. For School Certifying Officials Click on the picture to access information on the subject I need more info on Parent/Guest schools Yellow Ribbon Program New Certifying Officials Start Up Adding / Changing certifying officials I have been using paper enrollments. I want to switch to VA ONCE My school already uses VA ONCE. I want to access VA ONCE or I have questions about VA ONCE. 2010 School Certifying Officials Quick Reference Guide Calculating training time Break and Interval Pay Pamphlets, Posters, Brochures Sending back funds to VA or refund the student ? School Direct Deposit EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO

  17. Ch 33 for Active Duty Click on the picture to access information on the subject I want to apply for Ch 33 ‘Kickers’, College Funds, Buy-Up Does the VA know when I am leaving active duty ? Debts and Overpayments When can I start using Ch 33 ? Tell me about payments going to me ? How to figure out the benefit percentage What types of Training can be considered ? What is the The Fry Scholarship ? Can I compare Ch 33 to other benefits ? Will the VA pay for tutoring assistance ? Who is eligible ? Months of eligibility and Delimiting dates All about Transferring Benefits. Including a step by step guide to applying Tell me about Tuition Assistance, or TOP UP EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO

  18. Ch 33 for Veterans Click on the picture to access information on the subject I want to apply for Ch 33 Tell me about payments going to me ? Will the VA pay for tutoring assistance ? Debts and Overpayments Tell me about the payments going to my school ? What is Work Study and how do I apply for it ? How to figure out the benefit percentage What types of Training can be considered ? Can I compare Ch 33 to other benefits ? Who is eligible ? All about Transferring Benefits. Including a step by step guide to applying Months of eligibility and Delimiting dates EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO

  19. Ch 33 for Reserve / Guard Click on the picture to access information on the subject I want to apply for Ch 33 Tell me about payments going to me ? Will the VA pay for tutoring assistance ? Debts and Overpayments Tell me about the payments going to my school ? ‘Kickers’, College Funds, Buy-Up How to figure out the benefit percentage What types of Training can be considered ? What is Title 32 service ? Why doesn’t it count ? Who is eligible ? I have tuition assistance available. How does that work ? What is Work Study and how do I apply for it ? All about Transferring Benefits. Including a step by step guide to applying Can I compare Ch 33 to other benefits ? Months of eligibility and Delimiting dates EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO

  20. Ch 33 for Spouses Click on the picture to access information on the subject Who is eligible ? MY SPOUSE IS NOT CURRENTLY ON ACTIVE DUTY MY SPOUSE IS CURRENTLY ON ACTIVE DUTY When am I eligible to use Ch 33 ? Tell me about my benefits Tell me about payments going to me ? Debts and Overpayments I need information on MYCAA ? Tell me about the payments going to my school like tuition, fees, yellow ribbon? What types of Training can be considered ? What is Work Study and how do I apply for it ? Will the VA pay for tutoring assistance ? All about Transferring Benefits. Including a step by step guide to applying EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO

  21. Ch 33 for Children Click on the picture to access information on the subject Who is eligible ? Tell me about payments going to me ? Will the VA pay for tutoring assistance ? When am I eligible to use Ch 33 ? Tell me about the payments going to my school ? What is Work Study and how do I apply for it ? What is The Fry Scholarship ? Debts and Overpayments What types of Training can be considered ? All about Transferring Benefits Including a step by step guide to applying EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO

  22. When can I start using Ch 33 Active Duty Service Member You can use the Post-9/11 GI Bill on active duty provided you have completed at least 90 days of service (excluding basic entry level & skill training).  The tuition payment cannot exceed the amount paid by military tuition assistance and/or the total amount of tuition & fees. EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO Last Updated: September 27, 2014

  23. Comparing education benefits • Comparing education benefits • Imagine you are a service member who had received an honorable discharge after 3 years in the active duty, then enlisted for the Reserves to continue to serve part time. You are called up for deployment and are mobilized for one year. You arrive back home to start drilling again. You find out that you have 4 education benefits available: Ch 1606, Ch 1607, Ch 30, and Ch 33. What do you do ? • Here are some recommendations when you have more than one benefit available. What benefit to use: • Educate yourself on what benefits are available for you based on your background. Find your education office and speak with a counselor. Go to our web site www.gibill.va.gov and become familiar with all that your education benefits can do for you. Use this How to reference tool to assist you in zeroing in on the benefits. • What are your educational goals ? Are you looking at getting your 2 or 4 year degree or perhaps looking at a graduate degree, or is a vocational career in your sites ? Will your available education benefit take care of all or part of your school costs or will you need to find other sources of assistance such as tuition assistance or student loans to pay for your schooling. • You understand the benefits, know what your goals are. You need to find a school that fits you and lets you complete your goals. Click on find a school to see about your FIND A SCHOOL When you click on the school of your choice, you will find a link to VA approved programs at your school. • By now, you have a good idea of what you would like to accomplish and how you are going to accomplish your goal. It’s a good time to compare benefits to make sure you are using the best benefit available to you. Click on BENEFIT COMPARISON TOOLS VA has a great tool to help you ensure that you are heading down the right path for your education benefits. EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO Last Updated: September 27, 2014

  24. Training Time Calculators and more • Training Time for standard terms • In order to determine the training time of a traditional quarter or semester term, you will need to know the number of credits your student is enrolled in and the start and end date of the term. Once you have that information, click on our training time calculator to retrieve job aids. Once you are in job aids, click on Non-standard term credit hour equivalence computation spreadsheet and follow the steps below:: • Add the begin date of the term • Add the end date of the term (plus 1 day) • Add the holiday break (e.g. winter break during the term) • Add the number of credits (semester or quarter) Training time will be shown at the bottom of the worksheet. • Training Time for accelerated (non-standard) terms • It should be noted that many colleges and universities have increased their use of accelerated (non-standard) terms. With these terms starting and ending on various dates, it is difficult to calculate training time unless you understand the concept of how VA calculates training time. You need to know the start and end date and number of credits for each non-standard term. Click on the calculator to find job aids then click on Non-standard term credit hour equivalence computation spreadsheet to find the training time for each course. Add training times together to determine total training time for that period of time • EXAMPLE: • 3 semester credit course: 1/15/10 – 3/15/10 = ½ time training time • 4 semester credit course: 3/1/10 – 4/15/10 = ¾ time training time • VA pays benefits by adding up training times: • 1/15/10 – 2/28/10 = ½ time. 03/01/10 – 03/15/10 = ½ + ¾ = Full time. 03/16/10 – 4/15/10 = ¾ time. EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO Last Updated: September 27, 2014

  25. Break (Interval) Payments Break (Interval) Payments Break pay (also known as interval payments) is a payment made to students between quarters, semesters, and sessions. With the advent of Ch 33, many students are inquiring about whether or not they will receive housing payments between terms. With other benefits such as Ch 30, Ch 1606, Ch 1607, or Ch 35, questions arise on whether or not those beneficiaries will receive a continuation of benefits between terms. Our School Certifying Officials Quick Reference Guide (pages 68 – 71) has an excellent description of interval payments, the rules that govern interval payments, special summer rules, and a flow chart that may guide you along in determining whether a student will receive break pay. Click on the book and page through to page 68 to obtain the rules of break pay EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO Last Updated: September 27, 2014

  26. The basics of Ch 33 education Benefits • What is the Chapter 33 education benefit ? Chapter 33, also known as Post 9/11 GI Bill, was established by Congress (Public Law 110-252) authorizing education benefits to those individuals who have military service subsequent to 9/10/2001 from either active duty service or federal deployments for the guard / reserves. • When did Chapter 33 benefits become effective ? Congress established that Chapter 33 benefits would commence on August 1, 2009 • Where can you use Chapter benefits ? Chapter 33 benefits can be obtained by attending Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL) both in residence or online or the combination thereof. Benefits can be used for approved licensing and certifications. • What benefits are covered under Ch 33 ? This comprehensive benefit program consists of the following benefits: • Tuition and Fees: Tuition and fees are paid directly to the school. The amount of tuition and fees paid is determined by your eligibility, not to exceed the most expensive in-state undergraduate tuition and fees at a public IHL. An optional Yellow Ribbon feature may allow some individuals additional tuition and fees benefits. • Monthly Housing Allowance: The amount of housing allowance is determined by the physical location of your school (zip code). VA uses the published per-diem rate of E-5 with dependents to determine the housing allowance. • Book Stipend: A book stipend is paid based on the number of credits you are enrolled in during the academic year. You may be eligible up to $1000 per academic year for a book stipend. • Rural Relocation Benefit: Certain individuals may be able to receive up to $500 for relocating from rural areas with limited populations. • The Federal Register dated March 31, 2009 is the final ruling on Chapter 33. You can click on the link to download a copy of the Federal Register • Federal Register regarding Ch 33 EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO Last Updated: September 27, 2014

  27. Title 32 Service Title 32 Service. Much confusion lies with Title 32 service and how that applies to Ch 33 eligibility. In general, Title 32 service is military service conducted under the authority of the Governor of your state of residence or where you perform your duties as a member of the National Guard. Title 32 service includes full-time Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) service members of the National Guard. Therefore, while performing duties through a state mobilization effort or a member of the AGR (Guard), your service will NOT count toward eligibility for Ch 33. By law, Title 32 service is not considered as qualifying service for determining Ch 33 eligibility. Only Title 10 service qualifies for eligibility purposes of Ch 33. What that means to you. If you are mobilized under a federal call-up and deployed under Title 10 orders, that time will count for eligibility purposes. Example 1: You are a drilling national guard member and you are called up to assist with flood control in Fargo North Dakota. You are placed on Title 32 orders with the authority granted from your state to assist with flood control efforts for 3 weeks. This service can not counted in regards to Ch 33 eligibility. Example 2: You are a drilling national guard member and you are mobilized for a one year tour in Afghanistan. The orders authorizing your deployment are Title 10 orders. This service will count in regards to Ch 33 eligibility. Example 3: You are a full-time AGR guard member. You are not called up under any federally authorized contingency order. Your service as a full-time guard member does not count in regards to Ch 33 eligibility. Example 4: You are a full-time AGR guard member. You are mobilized for a one year tour in Afghanistan. The orders authorizing your deployment are Title 10 orders. This service will count in regards to Ch 33 eligibility. EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO Last Updated: September 27, 2014

  28. Does the VA know I left Active Duty ? • When you separate from active duty, whether your commitment is up, your retirement papers came in, or your have just come off deployment from the Reserves / Guard, in many instances, VA may not become aware of your active duty service. • VA receives service member information from Department of Defense (DOD). Service members DOD records are only as good as how well your particular military service keeps DOD updated. • The problems arise for VA processors in determining eligibility for service members wishing to use education benefits. This is especially true when calculating Ch 33 eligibility as the percentage benefit calculation is based on the months of active duty you performed after 09/10/2001. • For those reserve / guard members with less than 3 years of active duty deployments, the percentage benefit rate can vary with each deployment. It becomes very important that VA is kept up to date on those deployments as we will add deployment periods in order to detemine eligibility percentage rates. • How do I keep VA up to date on my active duty service ? • If you have never received education benefits from the VA • When you complete your application for benefits, attach a copy of your DD214s or other proof of active duty service so our processors have the most current service information from you. • If you have received education benefits from the VA • Send supporting documentation to VA such as your DD214 your recently received to our processing office in St Louis. Our processors can add your documentation to your record and ensure that your benefits are accurate and up to date. The address for accepting documentation: • US Department of Veterans Affairs • Regional Processing Center • PO BOX 66830 • St Louis MO 63166 EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO Last Updated: September 27, 2014

  29. Work Study Work Study This program provides part-time employment to students receiving VA education benefits who attend school three-quarter time or more. The student may work at the school veterans' office, VA Medical Facilities, the VA Regional Office, or at approved State employment offices. Work-study students are paid either the State or Federal minimum wage, whichever is greater. More information about this program, including how to apply, can be found by clicking  HERE. NOTE: Active Duty Military are not eligible for this program. EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO Last Updated: September 27, 2014

  30. Kickers, College Funds, Buy-ups Kickers, College funds, Buy-ups explained Much confusion lies in the difference between a ‘kicker’, a ‘college fund’ or a ‘buy-up’. Understanding the difference will help you better understand if one of these additional payments will affect your overall benefit payout. KICKER: (aka College Fund) - An individual's branch of service may offer the College Fund (also known as a "kicker") as part of an enlistment or reenlistment contract, or for other reasons. The College Fund is an additional amount of money that increases an individual's basic monthly benefit and is included in his or her VA payment.Each service branch (and not VA) determines who receives the College Fund and the amount received. It may be necessary to send VA a copy of your College Fund contract to ensure the correct amount is added to your monthly benefit. NOTE:Typically, College Fund contracts are found within your enlistment contract. BUY-UP: - Members eligible for the active duty GI Bill, or REAP are able to participate in the additional $600 contribution program.  Eligible members may contribute up to $600 total (in increments of $20) to their service branch. Based on the amount of their extra contribution, members may receive up to an additional $150 per month in their GI Bill payments. To see a chart detailing the additional monthly amount, please click here. ACTIVE DUTY GI BILL PARTIPANTS must be on active duty to contribute. REAP PARTICIPANTS must be part of the Selected Reserve, Individual Ready Reserve or Inactive National Guard to contribute NOTE: Buy-up benefit payments are not added to your benefit package under Ch 33. You can not obtain a refund of the additional amount deposited for the buy-up. EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO Last Updated: September 27, 2014

  31. VA ONCE (with MOU) • VA ONCE is an enhanced means for submitting VA Form 22-1999 (Enrollment Certificates), VA Form 22-1999b (Change of Student Status) VA ONCE allows you, the certifying official, to quickly and effectively submit enrollments, amendments, adjustments, and terminations to VA. VA ONCE allows you to better track your Veteran Students enrollments sent to VA. • What is needed to run VA-ONCE? To use VA-ONCE, you must have a recent version of either the Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE 5.5 SP2 or higher) or Netscape Navigator (NN v6.02 or higher) browsers installed on your computer. • How to gain access (VA ONCE has not been implemented at your school before). • Your authorized school official must complete a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to gain access to the VA ONCE application. Click on the following link for a copy of the MOU. • http://www.gibill.va.gov/School_Info/once/mou.htm • You should complete the MOU form on-line, PRINT it, obtain the appropriate signature(s), and mail it to your Education Liaison Representative (ELR). • Your Education Liaison Representative (ELR) will contact you once he/she has received your completed MOU and your VA ONCE account has been established. Your ELR will assign you a user log on name and temporary password. Once you have been set up with your VA ONCE account with log on name and password, you will be able to access VA ONCE by clicking on the following link: • https://vaonce.vba.va.gov/vaonce_student/default.asp • Contact your ELR for a copy of theVA ONCE Quick Reference Flip Book in order to better understand the features of VA ONCE. The flip book will also guide you through all the steps involved in setting up your VA ONCE account tailoring your account based on your school’s requirements. EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO

  32. VA ONCE assistance • VA ONCE is an enhanced means for submitting VA Form 22-1999 (Enrollment Certificates), VA Form 22-1999b (Change of Student Status) VA ONCE allows you, the certifying official, to quickly and effectively submit enrollments, amendments, adjustments, and terminations to VA. VA ONCE allows you to better track your Veteran Students enrollments sent to VA. • What is needed to run VA-ONCE? To use VA-ONCE, you must be using a recent version of either the Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE 5.5 SP2 or higher) or Netscape Navigator (NN v6.02 or higher) browsers. • To Access VA ONCE: • https://vaonce.vba.va.gov/vaonce_student/default.asp • Contact your ELR for a copy of theVA ONCE Quick Reference Flip Book in order to better understand the features of VA ONCE. The flip book will also guide you through all the steps involved in setting up your VA ONCE account tailoring your account based on your school’s requirements. • For further assistance: • VA ONCE FAQ (training guides, User Tips) • Education Liaison Representatives EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO

  33. Adding / Changing Certifying Officials VA requires schools to keep us up to date with authorized certifying officials at your school. You may find that you need to add, delete, or change a certifying official at your school. VA uses VA Form 22-8794 “Designation of Certifying Official(s) in order to keep accurate records of current certifying officials at your school. The form must only be completed by the RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL with the authority to designate certifying officials for your school. The form must be completed whenever there is a change in any of the required information. Include the names, titles, and signatures of all certifying officials, not just the changed information. Click on the link below to obtain the VA Form 22-8794. http://www.gibill.va.gov/School_Info/once/forms/22-8794.pdf Once your school’s designated official has completed the form, you will need to mail the form to your Education Liaison Representative (ELR). The link for your ELR can be found below: http://www.gibill.va.gov/School_Info/elr.htm EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO

  34. Parent- Guest Schools • Veterans and Dependents may be able to attend two schools concurrently. For VA to pay benefits, we consider this to be based on a Parent – Guest (secondary) school relationship. To better understand this relationship, it is important to understand the requirements. • Parent School: The parent school is the school where the beneficiary is pursuing his/her degree, certificate, or diploma. • Guest (Secondary) School: The guest (secondary) school is the school where the beneficiary is attending in which the credits received will be accepted at the Parent school. • It is important for the beneficiary to communicate to both the parent and guest school of his/her intent. VA requires the following action be taken by the parent and guest schools: • If you are the Parent school: You must prepare a letter (called the parent school letter) addressed to the VA certifying official at the guest school. The letter will include the following: (1) Your school name and facility code; (2) Identity of the student, SSN; (3) List of courses that will be accepted at your institution for the program the student is taking. A copy of the letter should be either mailed, emailed, or hand delivered by the student to the certifying official at the guest school. Keep a copy for the student’s records. Ensure a transcript is obtained from the guest school. • If you are the Guest school. You will adopt the student as a “guest student” and certify his/her enrollment. In the remarks field, add “Supplemental enrollment. Parent letter from <insert parent school name and facility code> is on file”. EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO

  35. The Fry Scholarship • Fry Scholarship • Public Law 111-32, The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship, amends the Post-9/11 GI Bill (chapter 33) to include the children of service members who die in the line of duty after Sept. 10, 2001. The benefit is effective August 1, 2009; the same day the Post-9/11 GI Bill took effect. Eligible children attending school may receive up to the highest public, in-state undergraduate tuition and fees, plus a monthly living stipend and book allowance under this program. • Eligibility: • Children of an active duty member of the Armed Forces who has died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001, are eligible for this benefit. A child may be married or over 23 and still be eligible. • are entitled to 36 months of benefits at the 100% level • have 15 years to use the benefit beginning on his/her 18th birthday • may use the benefit until his or her 33rd birthday • cannot use the benefit before age 18, even if he or she has completed high school • are not eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program • Fry Scholarship beneficiaries are certified just like Chapter 33 beneficiaries. • To apply for this benefit, you need to click on the following link:VA VONAPP Website EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO

  36. Tuition Assistance & Top-Up Military Tuition Assistance Programs: (TA) Eligible members of the Military may receive additional assistance from their branches of service for education programs. Each service has its own criteria for eligibility and application procedures. NOTE: IF you are currently receiving CH 33 benefits, the amount of TA must be deducted from the amount reported to VA. Information on each service’s Tuition Assistance programs can be accessed by clicking on the links: ARMYAIRFORCENAVY MARINESCOAST GUARD Top Up Eligible Active Duty members can use Tuition Assistance Top-Up which allows VA to pay a Tuition Assistance Top- up benefit. The amount of the benefit can be equal to the difference between the total cost of a college course and the amount of Tuition Assistance that is paid by the military for the course. Our Q/A link has some excellent information on Top-Up. Click on the link to view the info: TOP-UP See your military education counselors for more information. EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO Last Updated: September 27, 2014

  37. Transferring Ch 33 Benefits • Transferring Benefits • Dependents of active military members (active – drilling reservists, national guard, active duty) may be eligible to receive Ch 33. • Here are a few basic rules to consider in regards to transferring benefits to a dependent: • Is the service member currently in an ‘active’ status ? A service member must be actively serving in order to transfer the benefit. Those members who have already separated or retired cannot transfer the benefit • Does the service member have enough time in service to transfer ? Generally, a member must have at least 6 years of service and agree to serve 4 more years. • How many months of eligibility can be transferred to dependents ? The service member can elect to transfer up to a total of 36 months of benefits between himself and his dependents. He can split up the 36 months between himself and his dependents in any number of ways not to exceed 36 months. • What dependents are eligible for the transferred benefit ? A family member must be enrolled in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System (DEERS). The service member can check this out with his military DEERS office. • When can a spouse use the benefit ? Once the service member becomes eligible, the spouse can use the benefit immediately. • When can a child use the benefit ? The service member must have served 10 years before a child can use the benefit. The child must have received a high school diploma (GED) prior to using the benefit. The limit to use the benefit for a child is up to age 26. The child must not be married at the time of the transfer. The transfer must occur prior to the child’s 23rd birthday. • Click on the link for detailed information on transferring: Transferring Ch 33 benefits • We also have included a step by step guide for you and your dependent to transfer benefits: Step-by-Step EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO Last Updated: September 27, 2014

  38. Applying for Ch 33 Benefits • Applying for Ch 33 benefits. • Applying online for Ch 33 benefits streamlines the process and allows for a faster turn around. The application process takes around 30 minutes from start to finish. Consider the following as you prepare to apply: • Have you become aware of the various benefits available to you. Have you chosen the ‘right’ benefit based on your eligibility and goals. Did you read over information through this site, visited an education counselor, and are satisfied that Ch 33 is right for you ? • Our online application allows for you to attach documents electronically. Adding your DD214(s) to your application will ensure that you get the highest percentage benefit rate you are eligible for. If you have a ‘kicker’ contract, adding a copy of this contract will ensure that your ‘kicker’ payments go out on time and accurately. • Direct deposit ensures a secure, safe, and faster method to receiving your benefit payments. Have your banking information available such as routing and account number. • What school are you planning on attending. The application allows you to state your intended school and program. We will need to know when you plan on attending as well. • When you are ready to apply click on the VONAPP link • You will be able to launch VONAPP to apply for benefits • Instructions to apply and submit your application can be found on our VONAPP site. • When you have completed filling out the application, attached any supporting documentation, and submitted your application, don’t forget to print off a completed copy of the application for you and a copy for your school. EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO Last Updated: September 27, 2014

  39. Step-by-Step to transferring Ch 33 Benefits • For the Service Member • Step • Verify that you are eligible to transfer the benefit. Requirements found here: Requirements • (2)Verify that your dependent is eligible. Check DEERS at your military installation. • (3)Transfer the benefit to your dependent(s) by visiting the DOD TEB WEBSITEYou will find a transferability application. Once you submit the application, you will log back in and determine if your application was approved. An official letter will be generated by DMDC letting you know that you have successfully transferred the benefit. • 4)Print off a copy of the approval letter for your records and a copy for your dependent(s). Inform you dependent of your successful transfer and give a copy of the successful transfer letter to your spouse, son or daughter. • NOTE: A service member does not need to apply for benefits for themselves prior to transferring. DOD will determine if you qualify to transfer when you submit the application to DOD. For the dependent Step (1)Once your parent or spouse has successfully transferred, he/she will hand you a copy of the successful transfer letter showing you as a transferee, the date the benefit starts and the number of months of eligibility. (2)Visit our website www.gibill.va.gov to learn about the GI Bill. You will find lots of information on Ch 33 (Post 9/11). (3)Apply online through our website. Here is the shortcut link for applying online: Application (4)Print off a completed copy of the submitted application. (5)Ask your parent or spouse for any documents that may assist the school in determining the percent of eligibility. (e.g. DD214) (6)Visit your school and ask for the school’s VA certifying official so she/he can submit your enrollment for your upcoming term. Processors will then work your claim in a timely manner and process benefit awards on your behalf. EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO Last Updated: September 27, 2014

  40. MYCAA MYCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Account) Eligible military spouses are able to receive up to $6,000 of MyCAA Financial Assistance (FA) that can help them pursue education, training, licenses, certificates and degrees leading to employment in Portable Career Fields. Spouses of DoD Active Duty members and activated members of the National Guard and Reserve Components who are on Title 10 orders are eligible to receive MyCAA Financial Assistance (FA). NOTE: If the spouse is currently receiving a Transferred Ch 33 benefit, the amount of MYCAA will be deducted from the amount reported to VA. For more information see the MYCAA website: MYCAA Website EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO

  41. Months of Entitlement / Delimiting Date Months of eligibility cannot exceed 36 months. However there are stipulations to this rule based on the benefit a Veteran is relinquishing. A Veteran relinquishing Chapter 30: Generally, Veterans relinquishing Ch 30, paid in $1200 while on active duty in order to receive 36 months of Ch 30 (MGIB-AD) benefits. Those Veterans requesting Ch 33 can receive up to 36 months of Ch 33 benefits if they have not used any previous Ch 30 benefits. Those Veterans whom have used a portion of their Ch 30 benefits will receive the remaining months of entitlement under Ch 33, not to exceed 36 months between both benefit types. Example: Sgt Jones used 12 months of Ch 30 and relinquished the remaining 24 months of entitlement for Ch 33. Sgt Jones will now receive 24 months of Ch 33 benefits. A Veteran relinquishing Ch 1606 or 1607: Generally, Veterans whom have served in the National Guard or Reserves may have Title 10 service that would allow the Veteran to relinquish an eligible benefit. Those Veterans may have one or more benefits such as Ch 1606 and Ch 1607. The National Guard member or Reservist may relinquish the lesser of the two benefits and receive up to 36 months of benefits under Ch 33. The total months of entitlement in two or more programs is no more than 48 months. Example: Sgt Green is currently serving in the Army Reserve. He was deployed for one year in 2004. He is eligible for both Ch 1606 (MGIB-SR) and Ch 1607 (REAP). He has not used any benefit. He can now relinquish Ch 1606 and receive 36 months of Ch 33 and still have another 12 months of Ch 1607. Delimiting Date for Ch 33: Veterans will have 15 years to use Ch 33. The time to use the benefit starts upon separation from active duty. Future periods of active duty will allow the Veteran to regain a new period of 15 years. EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO

  42. When can transferees use the transferred benefit Ch 33 basic rules for Spouses (transferee) (1) May start to use the benefit immediately. (2) May use the benefit while the member remains in the Armed Forces or after separation from active duty. (3) Is not eligible for the monthly stipend or books and supplies stipend while the member is serving on active duty. (4) Can use the benefit for up to 15 years after the service member’s last separation form active duty. Click on the following link for all details associated with transfers DOD TRANSFER SITE Ch 33 basic rules for Children (transferee) (1) May start to use the benefit only after the individual making the transfer has completed at least 10 years of service in the Armed Forces. (2) May use the benefit while the eligible individual remains in the Armed Forces or after separation from active duty. (3) May not use the benefit until he/she has attained a secondary school diploma (or equivalency certificate), or reached 18 years of age. (4) Is entitled to the monthly stipend and books and supplies stipend even though the eligible individual is on active duty. (5) Is not subject to the 15-year delimiting date, but may not use the benefit after reaching 26 years of age. (6)Must not be married at the time of the transfer and must not have turned 23 or older at the time of the transfer Click on the following link for all details associated with transfers DOD TRANSFER SITE EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO

  43. The payments to my school • Chapter 33 allows for Tuition and Fees and Yellow Ribbon payments paid directly to your school. We have summarized the payments below: • Tuition and Fees: Tuition and fees are paid directly to your school based on the amount your school reports and the percentage of benefits payable to the Veteran. The amount of tuition and fees payable cannot exceed the highest instate rate as published yearly on our web site. To check the highest instate rate for your state, click on the following link: Maximum T/F In-State Rates. • Yellow Ribbon payments: Yellow Ribbon (YR) payments are payments made directly to the school. YR payments are based on the amount of tuition and/or fees above the maximum in-state rates as published. For example, If your Tuition per credit is $500 and the maximum in-state rate is $300. YR payments would be considered for the amount above $300 or in this example $200 per credit. This additional YR payment is based on a joint agreement between your school and the VA. Remember that only those Veterans receiving 100% benefit rate can qualify. The following link will give you details about Yellow Ribbon: Yellow Ribbon Program • If your school would like to participate in the Yellow Ribbon program, your school must apply to the VA (typically in spring of the year prior to the upcoming academic year). The following link will give your school details on applying for the Yellow Ribbon Program: Yellow Ribbon Application Procedures • School Officials are required to report tuition and fees to VA. This is a critical step in the process of ensuring that the correct amount of tuition and fees is paid to your school. Please click on the light bulb to learn more about Reporting Tuition and Fees: EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO

  44. I: Housing Allowance Many beneficiaries receiving Chapter 33 benefits can receive 3 types of payments: A housing allowance; A book stipend; and a kicker payment.We have summarized the payments below: Housing Allowance: A monthly housing allowance is paid to beneficiaries while enrolled in school. Not all Chapter 33 beneficiaries will qualify for the housing allowance. The following summarizes eligibility issues for the monthly housing benefit: 1. Student must be enrolled at over-half time training time (51% or more). More information on this requirement can be found here: 51% Training Time 2. Student must be taking at least one credit in residence (classroom). 3. Student cannot be currently on active duty. 4. Transferee (Spouse) of active duty member will not receive the housing allowance. Housing allowance payments are paid out based on the percent of benefit payable to the beneficiary and the physical location of the school: VA uses government per diem data to calculate the housing allowance based on the E-5 with dependent rate. To figure out the housing rate for your school’s location, you will need to go to the official DOD per diem site, add the current year, zip code of your school and pay grade of E-5. Once you click ‘execute’, you will find two columns (E-5 with dependents: E-5 without dependents). Your housing rate will be located under E-5 with dependents. Here is the link to the DOD per diem site: Housing allowance Link We will now look at the Book Stipend and Kicker Payment. Click on happy book to find out more about these benefits. EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO

  45. 51% Training Time What does it mean to be at 51% or more training time ? With Chapter 33, being enrolled in at least 51% training time is the difference of receiving a housing allowance benefit or not. There are many variables that can either add a housing allowance or keep you from the housing allowance. Consider these requirements when determining if you will be eligible for a housing allowance: For undergraduate students: Generally, a two year or four year institution of higher learning (e.g. college, university) considers 12 credits per standard term to be full-time. In order to receive a housing allowance, you would need to be enrolled in at least 7 credits. For graduate students: Graduate schools have specific requirements for determining full-time training. Schools will inform VA of what is considered to be full-time at their institutions. Graduate students will need to become aware of the full-time credit load in order to determine if a housing allowance is available to them (based on 51% or more of the full-time credit load). Residence and Online Courses: Those enrolled in online only courses will not receive a housing allowance. You must be enrolled in at least one residence course during any term in order to receive the housing allowance. For example, an undergraduate student who is enrolled in 6 online credits and 1 residence credit (total of 7 credits) would receive the housing allowance. However, a student taking 12 online credits and 0 residence credits would not receive a housing allowance. Length of Term: While typical quarter or semester terms consists of between 12 and 16 weeks respectively, many institutions offer accelerated (non-standard) terms. The length of the term may change the training time based on the formula VA uses. For example, an accelerated term may consist of just a few weeks and perhaps only one course would qualify for a housing allowance. You may be able to better understand how VA determines training time by clicking on the link that will give you some training aids to determine training time: Training Time Tools Available is a non-standard term spreadsheet and both a semester and quarter hour matrix that may assist you in determining if your course training time. Multiple courses with varying start and end dates may cause you to either receive a housing allowance or end your housing allowance as VA will calculate training times on a daily basis. Contact our education hotline at 1-888-442-4551 if you have questions on your particular situation. EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO

  46. Ch 33 payments for Active duty / spouse Active duty service members Tuition and Fees: 100% of tuition and fees is paid to an active duty service member (regardless of the cost) at any approved program. Housing Allowance: Those currently on active duty are not entitled to a separate housing allowance while on active duty. Book Stipend: A book stipend is not payable to those service members on active duty. Kicker Payment: Some enlistment contracts include an additional kicker payment. Spouse of active duty member (Transferee) If your spouse (currently on active duty) has transferred Ch 33 benefits to you – Tuition and Fees: 100% of tuition and fees is paid to the spouse of an active duty service member (regardless of the cost) at any approved program. Housing Allowance: Spouses are not entitled to a separate housing allowance.. Book Stipend: Spouses are not entitled to a book stipend. Kicker Payment: Some enlistment contracts include an additional kicker payment. EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO

  47. II: Book Stipend / Kicker Payment Veterans receiving Chapter 33 benefits will receive a book stipend. The book stipend payments are based on a rate of $41.67 per credit if the Veteran is at the 100% benefit rate. Veterans at a lower percentage rate receive the reflected percentage of the book stipend payment. With the book stipend, there are some considerations and summarized below: Book Stipend 1. Up to 24 credits of book stipend payable each academic year (August 1 – July 31) 2. $41.67 per credit paid directly to the Veteran if at the 100% benefit rate. (a Veteran receiving 50% benefit rate, for example, would received 50% of $41.67) 3. Veterans currently on active duty or transferee (Spouse) of active duty Veteran will not receive the book stipend Kicker Payment An individual's branch of service may offer the College Fund (also known as a "kicker") as part of an enlistment or reenlistment contract as an added benefit. The College Fund is an additional amount of money that increases an individual's basic monthly benefit and is included in his or her VA payment. Each service branch (and not VA) determines who receives the College Fund and the amount received. NOTE:Typically, College Fund contracts are found within your enlistment / reenlistment contract EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO

  48. I: Tuition Considerations • Tuition: The actual established cost for tuition that similarly circumstanced non-veterans enrolled in the program of education are required to pay. • What should be deducted from the Tuition amount reported to VA ? • VA regulations requires that certain student Federal funds be deducted from the amount reported to VA for tuition. The following list of Federal funds that must be deducted from the tuition amount reported are: (The list in not all-inclusive. Check with your ELR if you have questions on a particular federal program) • Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) scholarships • Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MYCAA) • Health Professionals Scholarship Program (HPSP) • Government Employees Training Act (GETA) • What should NOT be deducted from the Tuition amount reported to VA ? • Title IV Funds are excluded from the deduction reported for Tuition. Do not deduct Title IV funds from the amount reported such as: • Unsubsidized / Subsidized Federal student Loans; Perkins Loans; Direct PLUS Loans • Federal Pell Grants; Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants • Click on the light bulb to learn more about Fees: EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO

  49. II: Fees Considerations • FEES • General Rules for reporting fees: • Fees: The mandatory charges (other than tuition, room, and board) applied by the school for pursuit of an approved program of education. Fees include, but are not limited to: • –    health premiums, • –    freshman fees, • –    graduation fees, and • –     lab fees. • _ Tool Kits, Uniforms fees (if listed on the student invoice) • Fees do not include those charged for a study abroad course(s) unless the course(s) is a mandatory requirement for completion of the approved program of education. • NOTE: If the fee is listed on the invoice sent to the student, then VA can pay it. • (If you are unsure, check with your Education Liaison Representative). EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO

  50. Ch 33 Benefit Percentages Ch 33 benefits are determined by the number of months of aggregate active duty service as of 09/11/2001, The information below summarizes the percent of maximum benefit payable for Veterans. Service Requirements (Aggregate active duty after 9/10/01) % Of Maximum Benefit Payable At least 36 months 100 At least 30 continuous days on active duty (Must be discharged due to service-connected disability) 100 At least 30 months, but less than 36 months 90 At least 24 months, but less than 30 months 80 At least 18 months, but less than 24 months 70 At least 12 months, but less than 18 months 60 At least 06 months, but less than 12 months 50 At least 90 days, but less than 06 months 40 NOTE: Reservist - National Guard cannot use Basic training / Advanced training as part of the calculation EXIT VBA Education Benefits Staff, St Louis MO

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