VA Educational Benefits

[HMC-FMF-PJ]

Like I said, the devil is in the details. Use the fine print to your advantage. Even without kickers, there could easily be $48k in educational benefits up for grabs. There are also all sorts of different types of"education" and "training" these benefits can pay for, but you will get zero dollars if you waste the opportunity and fail to usethe benefits you've earned. Depending on the fine print,education could be: college, tech, vocational, flight, medical, apprenticeship, licensing & certification,entrance exams, certain entrepreneurship or college affiliated training (including police/fire/paramedic academies and qualifying probationary periods)

VA Educational Benefits (http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/benefits.htm)
http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/benefits.htm

Lots of changes in the past couple years so everyone should re-read the fine print as it applies to their case to ensure they maximize all the benefits they are entitled to!

Chapter 30 - Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (MGIB-AD) (http://www.gibill.va.gov/pamphlets/CH30/CH30_Pamphlet_General.htm)
[] requires sign-up & $1200 investment during boot camp for eligibity and 2-3yr AD
() you're probably an idiot if you decline this program
[] full time student (12 units) = $1075 month (adjusted annually) basic plan
[] additional "kicker" and "buy-up" programs available to some
() typically its in your best interest to upgrade with any available kickers or buy-ups
[] pays up to 36 months of education benefits
[] benefits expire 10 years after discharge
[] clock starts over if called up for at least 90 continuous days of active duty after discharge

Chapter 1606 - Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) (http://www.gibill.va.gov/pamphlets/CH1606/CH1606_Pamphlet_General.htm)
[] no investment required (Min 6yr obligation)
[] full time student (12 units) = $295 month
[] pays up to 36 months of education benefits
[] benefits expire 10 to 14 years after ENLISTMENT or immediately upon change in reserve status
[] benefit clock starts over if mobilized for at least 90 continuous days on active duty at a later date

Chapter 1607 - “Reserve Educational Assistance Program” (REAP) (http://www.gibill.va.gov/pamphlets/CH1607/REAP_FAQ.htm) for mobilized Reservists
[] no investment required (Min 90 day Reserve call up since Sep 2001)
() mobilized Min 90 days = 40% MGIB-AD rate ($430)
() mobilized Min 12 months = 60% MGIB-AD rate ($645)
() mobilized Min 24 months = 80% MGIB-AD rate ($860)
[] pays up to 36 months of REAP or 48 months of any combination of education benefits
() I was told that completing the full 36 months of MGIB-AD may make you inelligible for REAP but I am not 100% sureof that.
() consider stopping MGIB-AD at 35 months to get an extra 13 months of REAP benefits worth an additional $5k-$11k (confirm first)
() consider 12 months MGIB-SR before 36 months REAP for an additional $3500 in benefits
[] can request retroactively swap with MGIB-SR benefits used after mobilization since Dec 2001 to get the higher REAP rate but may not want to swap thefirst 12 months in order to maximize benefits to a full 48 months
[] benefits expire immediately upon change in reserve status, otherwise no current end date
() benefits expire in 10yr from call up if released from Reserves for disability
[] may regain eligibility after expiration with another Min 90 day Reserve call up


Current MGIBRates (http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/rates.htm)

[bjpete]

I wanted to mention this bit of information too, be sure to check out information with your State VA offices, many states also have a lot of educational benefits for eligible veterans, in addition to home loans and other personal loans. I live in Wisconsin and the state veterans benefits for both education and buying a home have helped me out a lot. I used all of the federal GI bill benefits but if I wanted to take additional classes in the UW system I can do it and the state will pay the tuition and books.

Don't be stuck on stupid, use your educational benefits.document.write('/wowbb/images/emoticons/confused.gif (javascript:emoticon(':?', 'images/emoticons/confused.gif'))');images/emoticons/confused.gif

bjpete

[HMC-FMF-PJ]

The devil is still in the details and the GI Bill rules have changed again. One plus is that the MGIB-SR expiration date is being extended by the length of any mobilization plus 4 months. This extension applies to the 10 & 14 year time limit and any change in reserve status. MGIB-SR or REAP benefits no longer end immediately upon discharge for reservists who were mobilized.

Whenever checking on the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB), be sure to also ask about:
[] Buy-up Program (certain specialties may invest a little more to get paid a lot more)
[] Kickers (certain specialties may apply to get paid extra)
[] College Fund Program (primarily Army only)

Military.com Learn to Use Your GI Bill
http://education.military.com/money-for-school/gi-bill/learn-to-use-your-gi-bill?wh=wh

VA Educational Benefits
http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/benefits.htm

VA Veterans Benefits Counselor
1-888-442-4551

Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents (list of all VA benefits)
http://www1.va.gov/OPA/vadocs/current_benefits.asp

[old navy]

What if someone finishes a Bachelor's in less than 36 months? Can they still use VA benefits for a Master's using the remaining time?

[Da-Chief]

Old Navy,
yes you can as long as your in your window (10 Years) of using it.

Make sure you contact the VA via phone.(It is like a Plinko on the Price is right with the buttons you have to push) but get someone on the line and they will tell you how many months you have left.

You going for a Masters now?

Later
Darrell

[old navy]

Soon I hope. MBA, management, human resources, something along that vein.

[RedHeadedDOC]

Hey Chief,

I need some help w/ my MGIB... can ya give me a hand?

[HMC-FMF-PJ]

I need some help w/ my MGIB... can ya give me a hand?

Hopefully we can get you taken care of. Detail your problem here or send a PM after you browse through some of the info at these two sites:

VA Educational Benefits
http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/benefits.htm

Military.com Learn to Use Your GI Bill
http://education.military.com/money-for-school/gi-bill/learn-to-use-your-gi-bill?wh=wh

[RedHeadedDOC]

I've done TONS of research, and even talked to the district office in ATL.

My problem is: I sep'd .... 30MAR07 - I went and enrolled in school and we applied for my MGIB, b/c a req' has to come through the school.

Well, it's not July, and no $$. LOL, school tuition is due, and they are deferring payment right now, but ATL is still saying they don't even have the request.

(The request doesn't even ENTER the system until it's been approved). I don't know if the error is me, or the VA. :) But I'd like to take a guess. haha. I don't have a VA office close to where I am... I'm thinking the problem is that my last name is different now that i'm married...but they should go by my social....right????

[HMC-FMF-PJ]

My problem is: I sep'd .... 30MAR07 - I went and enrolled in school and we applied for my MGIB

You have to qual. The school has to qual. The course/training has to qual. Then everyone needs to have your paperwork in order. (You, Mil, School, & VA)

MGIB qualifications and requirements are rather specific so we'll start this by playing 20 questions to see what program(s) you may qualify for.

What MGIB program do you think you qualify for? (AD, SR, REAP) In what duty status and enlistment program were you serving prior to 30Mar2007? (AD, FTS, SelRes, blah, blah) How long? What is your current military status? (drilling reserve, IRR, etc) Were you married prior to your sep and was DEERS updated with that new info?

Have you logged into and tinkered around these two VA sites?

VA Veterans ON-line APPlications (VONAPP) website
http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp

VA Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE)
https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/default.cfm
https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/wave_FAQ.cfm

Do you have in your possession:
- DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty
- DD 2384, Notice of Basic Eligibility (if Reservist)
- VA 22-1990, Application for VA Education Benefits (2005)
- VA 22-1999, Enrollment Certification
- Complete copy of your Service Record
- Bank account for Direct Deposit

[RedHeadedDOC]

First, thank you for the help.

So, I qual, the school quals, and the program quals.

I qual'd for the AD MGIB, and I came on AD July 8, 2002. I was on AD for 4 years and almost 8 months. I am currently sep'd from the Navy w/ an Honorable Separation. I was married March 16, 2006 - and sep'd March 30, 2006. Deers may not have been updated, because I was on House hunting leave (30 days). Deers in NOW updated to reflect my husband (who is AD) info...and visa versa.

I have logged on, but VONAPP - says not to resubmit a claim, and the other will not let me log on stating I don't have any student info on file.

Do you have in your possession:
- DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty - yes
- VA 22-1990, Application for VA Education Benefits (2005) - completed and submitted.
- VA 22-1999, Enrollment Certification - submitted.
- Complete copy of your Service Record - yes
- Bank account for Direct Deposit yes

Does this help??? LOL

Thank you... Victoria

[RedHeadedDOC]

Here's antoher ?? for ya. How do I get my Navy College Fund added to my MGIB??

[HMC-FMF-PJ]

It can be pretty tough exchanging info like this, so let me see if I've got the story straight:

Went AD on 8Jul2002. Paid the $1,200 for MGIB-AD and served 4+ years. Married to AD member. Separated 30Mar2006 (not 2007?) with honorable. DEERS info was probably wrong, but is now current for both you and your husband. (Yes it is possible your husband's record could be correct while your record is still incorrect.)
[] You are not in the Reserves and have no remaining military obligation.
[] You enrolled in qualified training (dt unk) and submitted paper VA Form 22-1990 via school's VA coordinator (dt unk, copy unk) for the school to send to the regional office.
[] Your school's VA "Certifying Official" completed and submitted a VA Form 22-1999 (dt unk, copy unk) confirming you were enrolled.
[] You have a current bank account and completed VA Form 24-0296, Direct Deposit Enrollment, or another appropriate form for DD/EFT.
[] You contacted the VA each month via web WAVE or phone IVRS to verify your continued enrollment status in school, but never received any MGIB payments.
[] Some time later you contacted the VA Regional Processing Office in Atlanta (dt unk) by phone and were told you have no 22-1990 pending.
[] It has been over 60 days since you submitted your 22-1990 and no one knows the status, location, or if it was even received/sent.

First off: Document, document, document.
() If it is not on paper then it does not exist.
() If you do not have a copy of the paper then it does not exist.

If you do not have one already, start keeping a log/journal and build a file of all pertinent info. Remember that it is worth over $1,075 a month so put some effort into it. Who, what, where, when, and then some... Keep originals in a safe place, but at least have copies readily available whenever you talk to a school, VA, or mil rep about your educational benefits. Be specific and include important details like names & contact info. (ie. [date] [time] I called 987-654-3210 and spoke to ECM John Smith who told me blah, blah, blah. I faxed a copy of my DD214 to him at 987-654-0123)

Next, call 1-888-GIBILL1 (442-4551) to speak with an Education Case Manager.
(1) Have the ECM confirm that they received your VA Form 22-1990, Application for VA Education Benefits, and ask for a status check on your application.
(2) Can the ECM confirm your eligibility for MGIB-AD educational benefits? If not, what do you need to supply the ECM to get a confirmation?
(3) If no 22-1990 application is on file with them, ask the ECM for advice on the best way to get the ball rolling again.
[3a] Should you submit a copy of your previous 22-1990 or fill out a new one?
[3b] Will the ECM allow you to fax a copy of your 22-1990 and other forms directly to him for action?
[3c] Does the ECM recommend a paper 22-1990, or using the web-based VONAPP?
[3d] Does the ECM recommend applying under your married name or your maiden name under which you became entitled to the MGIB?


http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/who_uses.asp
"If you have a pending application, don't use VONAPP to resubmit your claim. It will slow down processing. If you would like to know the status of a pending claim, contact the Regional Processing Office by calling 1-888-GI BILL 1 (1-888-442-4551)."

However, if the ECM tells you that you do NOT have a pending application, then this "don't use VONAPP" clause does not apply to you. In fact, if no one is able to get a confirmed visual on your app, then I would assume it was eaten by the system and start from scratch again. Remember, if requested by the student, VA educational benefits can be paid for course enrollments up to one year prior to the date the VA received a student’s application.

For electronically submitted app, you may fax the Regional Processing Office (RPO) the signature page(s) from your printed form. Be sure that they contain the automatically generated VONAPP confirmation information at the bottom of the page(s)--your name, date, and confirmation number. Add your SSN and/or VA File number. Contact the RPO at 1-888-GIBILL1 (442-4551) to get fax numbers. Ensure that you print out a copy of your VONAPP application or copy your application to your hard drive before you submit it.

If you want to use paper, then coordinate with your school's Certifying Official so the following forms may all be sent in a single package. Obtain a copy of everything for your records before it hits the mail.
(-) VA 22-1990, Application for VA Education Benefits (2005)
(-) VA 22-1999, Enrollment Certification (completed by school's Certifying Official)
(-) VA 24-0296, Direct Deposit Enrollment
(-) copy DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty
(-) copy Marriage Cert (or other legal doc to help clarify name change)
(-) copy of MGIB agreement from Service Record (Pg 13, MOU, SOU, NOBE, whatever) to help support your app
(-) copy of anything else available as evidence of qualifying service and MGIB-AD entitlement.
[(-) optional self-addressed stamped envelope or postcard the VA may or may not elect to mail back to you confirming they received your app package.]

(Only school rep's who have completed VA 22-8794, Designation of Certifying Officials, are authorized to sign the VA 22-1999, Enrollment Certification)

Contact your school's rep and VA ECM periodically for updates until you start getting paid. Kill 'em with kindness and drown 'em in documentation. Make the appropriate official and unofficial compliments and complaints up their chain as warranted. Be a polite professional pain in the tush until you receive your entitled benefits.

Then, once the money starts, continue contacting the VA each month via web WAVE or phone IVRS to verify your continued enrollment in accordance with MGIB-AD requirements.

- - - - - - - - - - -

You can also go to your school's VA office and have the coordinator run a Certification Inquiry on you using this website:
http://www.vba.va.gov/ro/Atlantarpo/certinquiry.htm

VA-ONCE
https://vaonce.vba.va.gov/vaonce_student/default.asp
http://www.gibill.va.gov/School_Info/once/index.htm
VA-ONCE is for the school, what VONAPP is for the student. VA-ONCE is an enhanced alternative for schools to submit VA Forms 22-1999

- - - - - - - - - - -

Since you are already out of the military, I do not know any way for you to obtain additional benefits (ie. Navy College Fund) for your MGIB. However, be sure to ask the ECM and your school's VA rep about how to do it too. I don't think you can, but that shouldn't stop you from asking.

Confirm all DEERS info is correct. Some rep's are more helpful than others, but ask for a search under your maiden name, married name, and spouse's name.

- - - - - - - - - - -
[] For additional reference doc's and information on how the MGIB system works

2007 Workshop for New Certifying Officials (California)
(check out the record keeping requirements as an example for maintaining your personal file)
http://www.vba.va.gov/ro/sandiego/Edu/Images/2007%20Workshop%20for%20California%20Certifying%20 Officials.ppt

Web Automated Reference Materials System
http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/

- - - - - - - - - - -
[] Additional offices & organizations to contact for assistance

Directory of Veterans Service Organizations
VA-recognized and non-recognized service organizations
http://www1.va.gov/vso/

State Veterans Affairs Offices
http://www.va.gov/statedva.htm

- - - - - - - - - - -

Clear as mud?

Zap me a PM if you need more info and let me know how it turns out.

[RedHeadedDOC]

Some times the best answers, totally clear as mud.

you're the best. thanks so much. me and our little email chain are headed to financial aid now. :) YAY.

V

[RedHeadedDOC]

OH!!! And it was March of 2007 - married and seperated from the Navy.

[AndiRRT]

I've done TONS of research, and even talked to the district office in ATL.

My problem is: I sep'd .... 30MAR07 - I went and enrolled in school and we applied for my MGIB, b/c a req' has to come through the school.

Well, it's not July, and no $$. LOL, school tuition is due, and they are deferring payment right now, but ATL is still saying they don't even have the request.

(The request doesn't even ENTER the system until it's been approved). I don't know if the error is me, or the VA. :) But I'd like to take a guess. haha. I don't have a VA office close to where I am... I'm thinking the problem is that my last name is different now that i'm married...but they should go by my social....right????


I know from experience on this one because of the Marine.haha. It takes forever to get it started, but once it is, as long as you stay on top of the paperwork, it will run pretty seamlessly. The only thing of John's that they ever declined to pay for was a class he ahad passed, but wanted to reatake for a higher grade.

[HMC-FMF-PJ]

me and our little email chain are headed to financial aid now.

So now that it's been a couple weeks, did you get your paperwork squared away and package submitted?

[RedHeadedDOC]

So, here's the update. It actually wasn't my fault AT ALL. LOL It was all on the school. They fudged the package. But it's all straightened out now. I have now gotten 2 MGIB direct deposits, with my kicker from my Navy College Fund.

As another update, I have changed my Major to PreMed, I have lost the 1 lb that got me ADMIN Sep'd, along with 29 other pounds and I am coming back in the Navy, as long as I can get into USUHS for Medical School. :)

I miss the Navy everyday, and I am really hoping to come back in.

Da'Cheif, I'm going to PM you, or myspace message you - I've gotta question about Officer Recruiting.