MGIB-SR and REAP Monthly Verification

[HMC-FMF-PJ]

This is just a reminder that the procedures for "Reserve" VA Educational Benefits recently changed. Students receiving MGIB-SR or REAP must now verify their class enrollment each month in the same manner as MGIB-AD recipients. You cannot be paid your educational benefits until verify that you attended class.

[] Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE), or
https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/default.cfm

[] Interactive Voice Response (IVR) toll free telephone line at 877-823-2378 (877 VA-ECERT).


March verifications were completed automatically under the old process. However, you will need to verify April's attendance. If you attended classes for the full month you cannot verify your attendance before the last calendar day of the month. If you attended classes for a partial month you can verify your attendance anytime after your enrollment ends.

First Time WAVE Users should review the Log-in Instructions at https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/help.cfm

NOTE: The WAVE and IVR systems do not update account information instantly. Instead, verifications and other submissions are stored and processed manually. Due to system procedures, it may take 2-3 workdays for the WAVE and IVR systems to reflect updates to your account.

All automated Email messages generated by the WAVE application will come with a “FROM” address of: WAVE@vba.va.gov. If you are using any Email filters, you may need to adjust your filters to allow these messages to be placed in your “inbox”.

[HMC-FMF-PJ]

As you should know, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 (NDAA08) made key improvements to the Montgomery GI Bill for Selected Reserves (MGIB-SR) and the Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP). Unfortunately Reservists cannot take advantage of the legislative changes until new instructions are published. Each military branch is currently drafting service specific policies to implement the new changes to the law. I spoke with the Navy's representative Wednesday and he stated that the draft policy has been forwarded for approval and he hopes it will be finalized within the next 90 days. The new policies should be in place for all branches prior to the Fall 2008 school semester.


REAP Participants Now Eligible for $600 GI Bill “Buy-Up”
Eligible reservists may make contributions of up to $600 to increase their monthly rate of pay by as much as $150.00 per month or $5,400 (total). Only REAP eligible members of a Ready Reserve component (Selected Reserve, Individual Ready Reserve, or Inactive National Guard) and active-duty/mobilized service members are eligible to participate in the “GI Bill Buy-Up” program. The VA site states that this "increased benefit is effective January 28, 2008, the effective date of the law" but most services have no way of enrolling Reservists into the program right now. Students currently attending school and wishing to participate in the Buy-Up program should work with their Educational Service Officer to determine the best way of documenting their intent so the benefit may be applied retroactively once service specific policies are published. (otherwise the delay may cost them $150/month in lost benefits)


REAP Benefits Increased for Extended Tours and Multiple Tours
The new legislation makes the 80 percent rate available to anyone who was mobilized for at least 2 continuous years of active duty OR served multiple mobilizations totaling 36 months or more. All qualifying mobilization periods beginning on or after Sept. 9, 2001 may be used to determine eligibility for the 80% rate. Current students should contact their school's Veterans' Office for guidance at their earliest convenience. (Reservists mobilized for 2 continuous years should be eligible for full MGIB-AD benefits and must make every attempt to buy into the MGIB-AD program prior to demobilization.)


REAP Benefits Extended by 10 Years
The new law permits REAP participants who separate from the Selected Reserve after completing their service contract to retain their REAP benefits for 10 years after they are separated from the Selected Reserve. This provision of the law is retroactive to Sept. 9, 2001.


Retention of REAP During Breaks in Service
Members may be eligible for REAP during the break in service; however DoD or DHS make the eligibility determination, members can contact their unit for more information. This provision of the law is retroactive to Sept. 9, 2001.


Accelerated GI Bill Payments for MGIB-SR/REAP
Effective Oct. 1, 2008, MGIB-SR or REAP eligible Guard/Reserve members will be able receive accelerated payments for a non-degree program lasting 2 years or less. More information will be provided as it comes available.


REFERENCE:
http://www.gibill.va.gov/
http://www.gibill.va.gov/NDAA2008.html
http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/rates.htm
http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/rates/600_buyup.html
http://education.military.com/money-for-school/gi-bill/new-law-improves-reserve-gi-bill