Handbook for Students Utilizing Veterans Education Benefits

Transcription

1 Handbook for Students Utilizing Veterans Education Benefits Veterans Education Benefits Offices Howard College Big Spring Howard College San Angelo Student Success Center Buzz Refugio, Dean of Student Services 1001 Birdwell Lane 3501 North US Highway 67 Big Spring, TX San Angelo, TX Phone: Phone: x 3326 Fax: Fax: brefugio@howardcollege.edu Available by appointment only

2 The Handbook for Students Utilizing Veterans Education Benefits is designed to assist those students utilizing some type of veterans education benefit. The information contained in this handbook is not an exhaustive collection of all information related to veterans education benefits programs. Please contact the appropriate party for more information as needed. In addition to this handbook, students are strongly encouraged to contact the Veterans Education Benefits Coordinator for their campus as well as refer to sites such as the GI Bill Benefits web site ( and the Texas Veterans Commission web site ( Act.aspx). All information regarding VA education benefits presented in this handbook was taken directly from and is presented for information purposes only. All individuals applying for VA education benefits are strongly encouraged to visit to review all benefit programs available. Benefits can also be compared by visiting Administrators, faculty, and staff of Howard College are prohibited from directing an individual as to the benefit to be selected. All information regarding the Hazlewood Act presented in this handbook was taken directly from and is presented for information purposes only. All individuals applying for exemption under the Hazlewood Act are strongly encouraged to visit to review all information including but not limited to eligibility. In addition to the Handbook for Students Utilizing Veterans Education Benefits, all students should also refer to the Howard College catalog and the Code of Student Conduct & Discipline (both located at for information including but not limited to admissions requirements, degree plans, academic calendar, and student rights. Please download and review the entire Handbook for Students Utilizing Veterans Education Benefits and consider printing the parts identified below (items with an asterisk * must be printed and submitted). Page 19: Checklist for Required Documents for VA Education Benefits (1 page) (optional) Page 26: Checklist for Required Documents for Hazlewood Exemption Processing (1 page) (optional) *Page 32: Student Information Sheet (1 page) (required for all VA benefits and Hazlewood)) *Page 33: Failing Grades Policy (1 page) (required for all VA benefits; does not apply to Hazlewood) *Page 34-35: Student Responsibilities for VA Education Benefits (2 pages) (required for all VA benefits; does not apply to Hazlewood) *Page 36: Authorization to Disclose Information (1 page) (required for all VA benefits and Hazlewood) Any forms located in the appendices should only be printed if you choose not to use the online version as identified on each appendix page Handbook for Students Utilizing Veterans Education Benefits [June 2014] 2

3 Contents Welcome to Howard College... 5 Office Hours (All Campuses)... 5 College Contacts... 5 Veterans Education Benefits Coordinators / School Certifying Officials... 5 GI Bill Contact Information... 5 OEF/OIF/OND Care Management Program... 6 Texas Veterans Commission... 6 Veterans County Service Officers Association of Texas... 7 VA Education Benefits Chart... 8 VA Education Benefits Programs... 9 Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill... 9 Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill Transfer of Entitlement Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill Chapter 1606 Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) Chapter 1607 Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) Chapter 35 Dependent s Educational Assistance Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (Voc/Rehab) Steps for Using VA Education Benefits at Howard College Checklist for Required Documents for VA Education Benefits Important Information Regarding Your Benefits Payments Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill Transfer of Entitlement Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill Chapter 1606 Selected Reserve Chapter 1607 Reserve Educational Assistance Program Chapter 35 Dependent s Educational Assistance Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (Voc/Rehab) Hazlewood Exemption Act for Texas Veterans Veteran Qualifications Hazlewood Act Application Process Eligible Institutions: Legacy Act (Child) Qualifications for Legacy Act (Child) Handbook for Students Utilizing Veterans Education Benefits [June 2014] 3

4 Legacy Act Application Process Hazlewood Act for Spouse/Child Qualifications (Spouse) Qualifications (Child) Application Process for Spouse/Child Hazlewood Act Frequently Asked Questions Checklist for Required Documents for Hazlewood Exemption Processing Additional Information Affecting All Veterans Education Benefits Steps for Admissions Into Howard College Establishing Your Veterans Benefits Student Record at Howard College Howard College Association of Veterans (San Angelo) Appendix A Application for Admission Appendix B VA Form Application for VA Education Benefits (Veterans) Appendix C VA Form e Application for Family Member to Use Transferred Benefits Appendix D VA Form Request for Change of Program or Place of Training Appendix E VA Form Dependent s Request for Change of Program of Place of Training Appendix F VA Form Direct Deposit Enrollment Appendix G Request for Certification of Enrollment Appendix H Texas Hazlewood Act Exemption Application Appendix I Texas Hazlewood Act Exemption Application for Continued Enrollment Handbook for Students Utilizing Veterans Education Benefits [June 2014] 4

5 Welcome to Howard College Thank you for choosing Howard College and for allowing us to be a part of your journey through higher education For learning, for earning for life. We are truly honored to have you as a student. Whether you are starting college for the first time, returning to college after being out for some time, or coming back to college to take courses to enhance your career (or perhaps start a new one), being a college student is not without its challenges. Rest assured, you are not alone as there are many who are pursuing a journey not so different than yours. The good news is the administrators, faculty, and staff of Howard College are here to guide you through your journey and provide assistance when needed. This is especially true for our students utilizing VA education benefits. If you have questions regarding your VA education benefits, your major, your class schedule, or any other topic, please feel free to contact us. We are here for you. Office Hours (All Campuses) During the regular fall and spring semesters, our campus offices are open from 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Thursday and 8:00am to 3:00pm on Friday. Campus offices are closed on the weekends and holidays. During the summer, our campuses are open from 7:30am to 5:00pm Monday through Thursday. Our campus offices are closed on Friday during the summer. College Contacts A full directory of our administrators, faculty, and staff can be found by visiting and the link for Directory at the top of the page. You can search for a staff member by last name and first name or just by last name. Once you find the individual, you will have access to their office phone number, address, and the opportunity to submit a message electronically. Veterans Education Benefits Coordinators / School Certifying Officials Each campus has a staff member, who serves as the Veterans Education Benefits Coordinator and/or School Certifying Official. In most cases, this individual is part of the Student Services staff such as an academic advisor. The individuals assigned at Big Spring and San Angelo are identified below: Howard College Big Spring Howard College San Angelo Student Success Center Buzz Refugio, Dean of Student Services 1001 Birdwell Lane 3501 North US Highway 67 Big Spring, TX San Angelo, TX Phone: Phone: x 3326 Fax: Fax: brefugio@howardcollege.edu Available by appointment only GI Bill Contact Information In addition to contacts at Howard College, you will also want to refer to the following contact information as it relates to VA education benefits: Benefits Information: Direct Deposit Information: Enrollment Verification (Chapter 30, Chapter 1606, and Chapter 1607): Handbook for Students Utilizing Veterans Education Benefits [June 2014] 5

6 OEF/OIF/OND Care Management Program The OEF/OIF/OND Care Management Program was established by the Department of Veterans Affairs to help veterans coordinate their care. Case managers, who are either nurses or social workers, coordinate patient care activities and help veterans navigate through the VA system. For Howard College Big Spring: West Texas VA Health Care System 300 Veterans Blvd. Big Spring, TX Phone (Toll Free): Phone: Fax: Web: For Howard College San Angelo: West Texas VA Health Care System 2018 Pulliam St. San Angelo, TX Phone: Phone: Web: Texas Veterans Commission The Texas Veterans Commission was created in 1927 as the State Service Office to assist veterans of the Indian Wars, Spanish-American War, and World War I. The Commission s purpose has always been to act as the state appointed advocate of veterans as they attempt to secure the benefits rightfully earned in exchange for their service in our nation s armed forces. The headquarters for the Texas Veterans Commission is located in Austin, Texas. The headquarters contact information is: Texas Veterans Commission P.O. Box Austin, TX Phone (Toll Free): Fax: education@tvc.texas.gov Howard College is part of Region 6 of the Texas Veterans Commission. The Region 6 representative is: Carolina A. Rivera, Program Specialist Texas Veterans Commission P.O. Box El Paso, TX Phone: Fax: Carolina.rivera@tvc.texas.gov Handbook for Students Utilizing Veterans Education Benefits [June 2014] 6

7 For Howard College Big Spring, there are two Texas Veterans Commission offices: Texas Veterans Commission Texas Veterans Commission VA Medical Center Lamun-Lusk-Sanchez Texas State Veterans Home 300 Veterans Blvd North Highway 87 Big Spring, TX Big Spring, TX Phone: Phone: For Howard College San Angelo, the Texas Veterans Commission office is located at: Texas Veterans Commission Tom Green County 111 W. Beauregard Ave. San Angelo, TX Phone: Phone: Veterans County Service Officers Association of Texas The Veterans County Service Officers Association of Texas is a 501c3-19 non-profit veterans service organization. The association s mission is to develop professional highly qualified county service officers who are dedicated to providing outstanding services, education and support to all eligible veterans, dependents and survivors. Veterans County Service Officers are trained, certified, and accredited by the Texas Veterans Commission. They are appointed by the Commissioner s Court within each county to provide professional assistance on all VA benefits and work closely with other agencies regarding VA related issues. For Howard College Big Spring, the Veterans County Service Officer is located at: Texas Veterans Commission Lamun-Lusk-Sanchez Texas State Veterans Home 1809 North Highway 87 Big Spring, TX Phone: Fax: For Howard College San Angelo, the Veterans County Service Officer is located at: Texas Veterans Commission 111 W. Beauregard Ave. San Angelo, TX Phone: Fax: Web: Handbook for Students Utilizing Veterans Education Benefits [June 2014] 7

8 VA Education Benefits Chart Handbook for Students Utilizing Veterans Education Benefits [June 2014] 8

9 VA Education Benefits Programs The following is provided to you for information purposes only. Please refer to the Education & Training Home link at and click on Education programs. It is strongly encouraged that you read about each benefit program offered before making a selection. It is possible to be eligible for more than one benefit. Be sure to research each benefit carefully before making a decision on which one to apply for. Sometimes decisions are irreversible, especially concerning Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill. You may compare benefits by visiting Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill If you have at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service after Sept. 10, 2001, and are still on active duty, or if you are an honorably discharged Veteran or were discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days, you may be eligible for this VA-administered program. For approved programs, the Post-9/11 GI Bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits, generally payable for 15 years following your release from active duty. Institutions of higher learning participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program may make additional funds available for your education program without an additional charge to your GI Bill entitlement. The following payments may also be available: Monthly housing allowance Annual books and supplies stipend One-time rural benefit payment To see the current payment rates for the Post-9/11 GI Bill visit Some service members may also transfer unused GI Bill benefits to their dependents. Visit for more information. Other Factors to Consider Full tuition and fees are paid directly to the school for all public school in-state students. For those attending private or foreign schools, tuition and fees are capped at the national maximum rate. Learn more here. If you re attending a private institution of higher learning in Arizona, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, or Texas, you may be eligible for a higher tuition reimbursement rate. Learn more here. If you're attending a private or a public institution of higher learning (either private or public) as a nonresident, out-of-state student you may be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program and entitled to additional education-related costs not covered by VA. Not everyone is eligible for this assistance. The time limit for Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill is 15 years from the last discharge or separation. Handbook for Students Utilizing Veterans Education Benefits [June 2014] 9

10 Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill Transfer of Entitlement The transferability option under the Post-9/11 GI Bill allows service members to transfer all or some unused benefits to their spouse or dependent children. The Department of Defense (DOD) determines whether or not you can transfer benefits to your family. Once the DOD approves benefits for transfer, the new beneficiaries apply for them at VA. Eligible service members may transfer all 36 months or the portion of unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits (unless DOD or the Department of Homeland Security has limited the number of transferable months). If you're eligible, you may transfer benefits to the following individuals: Your spouse One or more of your children Any combination of spouse and child Family members must be enrolled in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System (DEERS) and be eligible for benefits at the time of transfer to receive transferred benefits. The option to transfer is open to any member of the armed forces active duty or Selected Reserve, officer or enlisted who is eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and meets the following criteria: Has at least six years of service in the armed forces (active duty and/or Selected Reserve) on the date of approval and agrees to serve four additional years in the armed forces from the date of election. Has at least 10 years of service in the armed forces (active duty and/or Selected Reserve) on the date of approval, is precluded by either standard policy (by Service Branch or DOD) or statute from committing to four additional years, and agrees to serve for the maximum amount of time allowed by such policy or statute. Is or becomes retirement-eligible and agrees to serve an additional four years of service on or after Aug. 1, A service member is considered to be retirement-eligible if he or she has completed 20 years of active federal service or 20 qualifying years as computed (pursuant to section of title 10 U.S.C.). Transfer requests are submitted and approved while the member is in the armed forces. Transfer Process. While in the armed forces, transferors use the Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB) website to designate, modify, and revoke a Transfer of Entitlement (TOE) request. After leaving the armed forces, transferors may provide a future effective date for use of TOE, modify the number of months transferred, or revoke entitlement transferred by submitting a written request to VA. You can submit a TEB request now for your Service component approval by visiting _adf.ctrl-state=409hxpi26_4. (NOTE: When the milconnect Home page displays, select Education then Transfer of Education Benefits [TEB] from the menu bar.) Upon approval, family members may apply to use transferred benefits with VA by printing, completing, and mailing the VA Form e to your nearest VA regional office of applying online. VA Form e should only be completed and submitted to VA by the family member after DOD has approved the request for TEB. Do not use VA Form e to apply for TEB. Handbook for Students Utilizing Veterans Education Benefits [June 2014] 10

11 Other Factors to Consider Marriage and Divorce A child s subsequent marriage will not affect his or her eligibility to receive the educational benefit; however, after an individual has designated a child as a transferee under this section, the individual retains the right to revoke or modify the transfer at any time. A subsequent divorce will not affect the transferee s eligibility to receive educational benefits; however, after an individual has designated a spouse as a transferee under this section, the eligible individual retains the right to revoke or modify the transfer at any time. Nature of Transfer Family member use of transferred educational benefits is subject to the following rules: Spouses May start to use the benefit immediately May use the benefit while the member remains in the Armed Forces or after separation from active duty Are not eligible for the monthly housing allowance while the member is serving on active duty Can use the benefit for up to 15 years after the service member s last separation from active duty Children 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 May use the benefit while the eligible individual remains in the armed forces or after separation from active duty May not use the benefit until he or she has attained a secondary school diploma (or equivalency certificate), or he or she has reached age 18 Is entitled to the monthly housing allowance stipend even though the eligible individual is on active duty Is not subject to the 15-year delimiting date, but may not use the benefit after reaching 26 years of age Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill provides education benefits to Veterans and service members who have at least two years of active duty. Assistance may be used for college degree and certificate programs, technical or vocational courses, flight training, apprenticeships or on-the-job training, high-tech training, licensing and certification tests, entrepreneurship training, certain entrance examinations, and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Benefits are generally payable for 10 years following your release from honorable active service. Eligible service members may receive up to 36 months of education benefits. The monthly benefit paid to you is based on the type of training you take, length of your service, your category, any college fund eligibility, and if you contributed to the $600 buy-up program. You usually have 10 years to use your MGIB benefits, but the Handbook for Students Utilizing Veterans Education Benefits [June 2014] 11

12 time limit can be fewer or more years depending on the situation. View current payment rates at Some service members may contribute up to an additional $600 to the GI Bill to receive increased monthly benefits. For an additional $600 contribution, you may receive up to $5,400 in additional GI Bill benefits. The additional contribution must be made while on active duty. View increased monthly rates at and contact your personnel or payroll office. You may be an eligible if you have an honorable discharge; AND you have a high school diploma or GED or in some cases 12 hours of college credit; AND you meet the requirements of one of the categories below: CATEGORY I Entered active duty for the first time after June 30, 1985 Had military pay reduced by $100 a month for first 12 months Continuously served for three years or two years, if that is what you first enlisted for or if you entered the Selected Reserve within a year of leaving active duty and served four years (the 2 by 4 program) CATEGORY II Entered active duty before January 1, 1977 Served at least one day between 10/19/84 and 6/30/85, and stayed on active duty through 6/30/88, (or through 6/30/87 if you entered the Selected Reserve within one year of leaving active duty and served four years) On 12/31/89, you had entitlement left from Vietnam-era GI Bill CATEGORY III Not eligible for MGIB under Category I or II On active duty on 9/30/90 AND separated involuntarily after 2/2/91 OR involuntarily separated on or after 11/30/93 OR voluntarily separated under either the Voluntary Separation Incentive (VSI) or Special Separation Benefit (SSB) program Before separation, you had military pay reduced by $1,200 CATEGORY IV On active duty on 10/9/96 AND you had money remaining in a VEAP account on that date AND you elected MGIB by 10/9/97 OR you entered full-time National Guard duty under title 32, USC, between 7/1/85, and 11/28/89, AND you elected MGIB during the period 10/9/96-07/08/97 Had military pay reduced by $100 a month for 12 months or made a $1,200 lump-sum contribution The time limit for Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill is 10 years from the last period of active duty. Handbook for Students Utilizing Veterans Education Benefits [June 2014] 12

13 Chapter 1606 Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) The MGIB-SR program provides education and training benefits to eligible members of the Selected Reserve, including 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. Eligibility for this program is determined by the Selected Reserve components and VA makes the payments. Assistance may be used for college degree and certificate programs, co-op training, technical or vocational courses, flight training, apprenticeships or on-the-job training, high-tech training, licensing and certification tests, entrepreneurship training, certain entrance examinations, and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. You may be entitled to receive up to 36 months of education benefits. View current payment rates at To qualify, you must meet the following requirements: Have a six-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve signed after June 30, If you are an officer, you must have agreed to serve six years in addition to your original obligation. For some types of training, it is necessary to have a six-year commitment that begins after Sept. 30, Complete your initial active duty for training (IADT). Meet the requirement to receive a high school diploma or equivalency certificate before completing IADT. You may not use 12 hours toward a college degree to meet this requirement. Remain in good standing while serving in an active Selected Reserve unit. You will also retain MGIB-SR eligibility if you were discharged from Selected Reserve service due to a disability that was not caused by misconduct. Your eligibility period may be extended if you are ordered to active duty. Other Factors to Consider Your eligibility for the program normally ends the day you leave the Selected Reserve. An exception exists if you are mobilized or recalled to active duty from your reserve status in which case your eligibility may be extended for the amount of time you are mobilized PLUS four months. For example, if you are mobilized for 12 months, your eligibility period is extended for 16 months12 months of active duty PLUS four months. Even if you leave the Reserves after mobilization, you may have additional eligibility under the MGIB-SR. If your unit is deactivated during the period beginning on Oct. 1, 2007, through Sept. 30, 2014, or you are involuntarily separated for reasons other than misconduct you will retain your original period of eligibility, which is 14 years from the date of your first six-year obligation with the Selected Reserves. For this program, you must acquire the DD Form , Notice of Basic Eligibility, when you become eligible for the program. The time limit for Chapter 1606 Selected Reserve is 14 years from the date of eligibility for the program, or until released from the Selected Reserve or National Guard, whichever comes first. Handbook for Students Utilizing Veterans Education Benefits [June 2014] 13

14 Chapter 1607 Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) REAP provides educational assistance to members of the Reserve components called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency declared by the president or Congress. Reservists are eligible for education benefits or increased benefits to pursue college degrees and other training. Certain Reservists who were activated for at least 90 days after Sept. 11, 2001, may be eligible for benefits. View current payment rates at Some service members may contribute up to an additional $600 to the GI Bill to receive increased monthly benefits. For an additional $600 contribution, you may receive up to $5,400 in additional GI Bill benefits. The additional contribution must be made while on active duty. View increased monthly rates at and contact your personnel or payroll office. There is not a time limit for Chapter 1607 Reserve Educational Assistance Program as long as individual remains in the same level of the Ready Reserve from which called to active duty. There are exceptions for discharge due to disability or transfer from IRR to the Selected Reserve. REAP participants who separated from the Selected Reserve after completing their service contract under other than dishonorable conditions are now eligible for REAP benefits for 10 years after they are separated from the Selected Reserve. Chapter 35 Dependent s Educational Assistance The Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program offers education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or of Veterans who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition. 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. Those eligible for DEA benefits may also be eligible for this additional assistance: Special Restorative Training VA may prescribe special restorative training where needed to overcome or lessen the effects of a physical or mental disability for the purpose of enabling an eligible person to pursue a program of education, special vocational program, or other appropriate goal. Medical care and treatment or psychiatric treatments are not included. Special Vocational Training VA may also approve these benefits for an eligible person who is not in need of special restorative training, but who requires such a program because of a mental or physical disability. Section 301 of Public Law adds a new category to the definition of eligible person for DEA benefits. The new category covers the spouse or child of a person who VA determined has a serviceconnected permanent and total disability; and is at the time of VAs determination is a member of the armed forces who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient medical care, services, or treatment; and is likely to be discharged or released from service for this service-connected disability. Persons eligible under this new provision may be eligible for DEA benefits effective Dec. 23, 2006, the effective date of the law. Handbook for Students Utilizing Veterans Education Benefits [June 2014] 14

15 You may receive up to 45 months of education benefits. Effective Oct. 1, 2013, some DEA beneficiaries may be eligible for up to 81 months of GI Bill benefits if they use the Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance program in conjunction with an entitlement from other VA education programs. View current payment rates at You must be the son, daughter, or spouse of: A Veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability. The disability must arise out of active service in the armed forces. A Veteran who died from any cause while such permanent and total service-connected disability was in existence. A service member missing in action or captured in line of duty by a hostile force. A service member forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power. A service member who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a service connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for that disability. This change is effective Dec. 23, Other Factors to Consider If you are a son or daughter and wish to receive benefits for attending school or job training, you must be between the ages of 18 and 26. In certain instances, it is possible to begin before age 18 and to continue after age 26. Marriage is not a bar to this benefit. If you are in the armed forces, you may not receive this benefit while on active duty. To pursue training after military service, your discharge must not be under dishonorable conditions. VA can extend your period of eligibility by the number of months and days equal to the time spent on active duty. This extension cannot generally go beyond your 31st birthday, there are some exceptions. If you are a spouse, benefits end 10 years from the date VA finds you eligible or from the date of death of the Veteran. If VA rated the Veteran permanently and totally disabled with an effective date of three years from discharge, a spouse will remain eligible for 20 years from the effective date of the rating. This change is effective Oct. 10, 2008, and no benefits may be paid for any training taken prior to that date. For surviving spouses of service members who died on active duty, benefits end 20 years from the date of death. Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (Voc/Rehab) You may receive vocational rehabilitation and employment services to help with job training, employment accommodations, resume development, and job seeking skills coaching. Other services may be provided to assist Veterans in starting their own businesses or independent living services for those who are severely disabled and unable to work in traditional employment. Services that may be provided by the VR&E Program include: 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 Handbook for Students Utilizing Veterans Education Benefits [June 2014] 15

16 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 Active Duty Service Members are eligible if they: Expect to receive an honorable discharge upon separation from active duty Obtain a memorandum rating of 20% or more from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and Apply for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) services Or (until December 31, 2014) Are participating in the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) or are certified by the military as having a severe injury or illness that may prevent them from performing their military duties Apply for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) services, and Report for an evaluation with a VR&E counselor before separating from active duty Veterans are eligible if they: Have received, or will receive, a discharge that is other than dishonorable Have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10%, or a memorandum rating of 20% or more from the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Apply for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) services Basic period of Eligibility Date of separation from active military service, or Date the veteran was first notified by VA of a service-connected disability rating. The time limit for Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment is generally 12 years from VA notice to veteran of at least 10% disability rating. If you have further questions about Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (Voc/Rehab), contact the regional office in Abilene at: U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs 400 Oak Street, Suite 103 Abilene, TX (325) Fax: (325) Handbook for Students Utilizing Veterans Education Benefits [June 2014] 16

17 Steps for Using VA Education Benefits at Howard College STEP 1 Apply for VA Education Benefits by going to Applying on line is recommended (click Apply for Benefits and then click Apply Online (VONAPP) ) to expedite your claim. A paper application ( ) may be printed and submitted, but it then has to be mailed to the VA Regional Office in Muskogee, Oklahoma and will take longer for the VA to process. The VA web site has several methods in place to help you determine which benefit is best for you. Please study these carefully. By virtue of guidance from the VA, and effective October 1, 2013, Howard College cannot provide any recommendations regarding education benefits since you are the only person who can choose which program best meets your needs. NOTE Your VA Education Benefits paid directly to you will be paid by check or direct deposit. Payments are made one month behind (i.e., September is paid in October, October is paid in November, etc.). Use the website ( to complete a Change of Program or Place of Training if you have used VA Education Benefits at another college. STEP 2 Wait It will take the VA 2-3 weeks to process electronic applications. Paper applications will take 6-8 weeks or longer. After your application is processed, VA will send you two (2) copies of your Certificate of Eligibility. Bring one copy your Certificate of Eligibility and your DD-214 (Member 4 or Copy 4) to the School Certifying Official for Howard College. STEP 3 Complete Admissions Requirements to Howard College and Register for Classes The admissions requirement for Howard College includes: 1. Complete and submit the application for admissions (printed copy is available at see Appendix A, or you can apply at 2. Submit an official copy of your high school transcripts and placement scores 3. Submit an official copy of college transcripts from previous colleges attended 4. Visit and request your official military transcripts be sent to Howard College 5. Provide proof of vaccination for bacterial meningitis (or proof of exemption) a. As of January 1, 2014, this requirement applies only to individuals 22 years of age or younger Once your admissions packet is complete, you will need to meet with an academic advisor to discuss your intended degree plan and then register for classes. After you have registered for classes, visit <Site> to complete and submit the Request for Certification of VA Benefits. This form is confirmation that you are enrolled and that you wish to use VA Education Benefits. The Request for Certification of VA Benefits is only valid for one term, so you must submit a new one every time you register for a new term. If you do not complete and submit the Request for Certification of VA Benefits each term, you will not receive payments from the VA. You will receive an notification from the VA as soon as Howard College has submitted your enrollment information so ensure that your address is correct when you submit your Request for Certification of VA Benefits. Handbook for Students Utilizing Veterans Education Benefits [June 2014] 17

18 STEP 4 Verify Your Enrollment on WAVE (Web Automated Verification Enrollment) (For Chapter 30, Chapter 1606, and Chapter 1607 only) If you are receiving VA Education Benefits under Chapter 30, Chapter 1606, or Chapter 1607, you will need to visit (click Verify Attendance ) or call to verify your attendance on or after the last day of each month while attending school. If you do not verify your attendance/enrollment, the VA will not pay you. If you are receiving VA Education Benefits under Chapter 33 Post 9/11, you do not need to verify attendance. STEP 5 Maintain Communication with the School Certifying Official at Howard College If you have submitted a Request for Certification of VA Benefits and you make changes to your schedule (i.e., adding or dropping a course), you must advise the School Certifying Official at Howard College so that such changes can be reported to the VA. If you have missed three or more consecutive days of class or classes, change your contact information (address/phone/ ), change your banking information, or completely withdraw from school, you must advise the School Certifying Official at Howard College so that changes/updates can be reported to the VA. Failure to maintain communication with the School Certifying Official at Howard College may result in an over payment, which must be returned to the VA. NOTE If you drop a course after the census day of the semester, you will owe money back to the VA. STEP 6 Stay Informed Your WAVE account will give you information about your VA Education Benefits. You can also use your WAVE account to update your mailing address, your direct deposit account number, see if a payment has been mailed or deposited, and see if you have pending documents to be processed by the VA. The GI Bill website is a great resource of information. The site offers links to frequently asked questions, live chat, submitting a question, announcements, benefits calculation, applying for benefits, VA contact information, and much more. It is in your best interest to study all aspects of the benefits offered by the VA to make the best choice. Handbook for Students Utilizing Veterans Education Benefits [June 2014] 18

19 Checklist for Required Documents for VA Education Benefits In order to receive your VA education benefit payments while enrolled at Howard College, you must submit the following documents to the VA benefits coordinator at your campus. Your enrollment cannot be certified to the VA for payment until these documents are on file. The following serves as a check-list: [SUBMIT] Certificate of Eligibility (COE). This document is mailed directly to you from the VA in response to your application for benefits on VONAPP. If you do not receive this document within 30 days of applying for benefits, call the Regional Processing Office in Muskogee, OK at (press 1, then 0 to get a customer service rep.) [SUBMIT] Student Information Sheet (Page 31), Failing Grades Policy (Page 32), Students Responsibilities for VA Benefits (Page 33-34) and Authorization to Disclose Information (Page 35). Be sure to sign where indicated and provide complete information, especially contact information (phone, , correct address). You must contact your VA school coordinator anytime this information changes to update your VA file. [SUBMIT] A copy of your DD-214 Member 4 or Form 2384 NOBE (notice of Basic Eligibility; for reservists). Submission of the DD-214 Member 4 or NOBE applies only to the veteran. If you are the spouse or child/dependent of the veteran and using the veteran s benefits, you do not need to submit either document. If the veteran needs to request another copy of his/her DD-214, he/she must visit [SUBMIT] Military Transcripts must be submitted if the veteran is the individual utilizing benefits. If you are the spouse or child/dependent of the veteran and using the veteran s benefits, you do not need to submit military transcripts. To order Army (AARTS) or Navy/Marine (SMART) transcripts, go to To order Coast Guard (CGI) transcripts, go to To order Air Force (CCAF) transcripts, go to [SUBMIT] Other College Transcripts (if any other were attended before or after the military) [SUBMIT] VA Form Request for Change in Program or Place of Training or VA Form Dependent s Request for Change of Program or Place of Training only if you have used your VA Benefits at another institution before transferring to Howard College. Degree Plan signed and dated by you and your advisor. If you are taking courses at Howard College to transfer to a specific degree plan at a different institution, while also taking classes at that institution in the same semester, you must provide a Parent Letter from the other institution. Also, if you are only taking courses at HC for transfer to another institution, but the courses do not fit an HC degree plan, you must also provide a Parent Letter from the other institution in order to be certified for payment. Ask your VA benefits coordinator for further details. Handbook for Students Utilizing Veterans Education Benefits [June 2014] 19

20 Important Information Regarding Your Benefits Payments Your monthly benefit payments will come directly to you from the Department of Veteran Affairs, either by check or direct deposit (depending which method you indicated on your application). Payments that come directly to you are determined by the program you are covered under, as follows: Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill Transfer of Entitlement The Department of Veteran Affairs pays your tuition/fees directly to Howard College, according to your percentage of eligibility (40%-100%) as indicated on your Certificate of Eligibility letter. If your percentage of eligibility is less than 100%, you will be responsible for the remaining percentage of tuition/fees, unless you are also covered under another grant/scholarship program besides VA. (EX: PELL Grant, institutional scholarship, Hazlewood, etc.). Your monthly housing allowance (MHA) will be paid directly to you based on your percentage of eligibility. For example, if your percent of eligibility is 70%, you will only receive 70% of the MHA. You must be enrolled at a rate of pursuit of 51% or greater each semester in order to receive the MHA. NOTE: Beginning August 1, 2011 the MHA rate of pay will be paid according to the same level of enrollment. Example: you can only be paid the full rate for MHA if you are enrolled in 12 hours or more. If you are enrolled at 51%, but less than 100%, rate of pursuit, the VA will only pay the percentage of MHA equivalent for your school based on your rate of pursuit. For example, if you are enrolled in 7 hours (half-time) you will be paid HALF of the MHA allotted amount for your school. In addition to the MHA, the VA will also pay directly to you a one-time-per-semester payment for books and supplies. Your book/supplies payment is based on a fixed rate ($41.67) that is multiplied by the number of hours you are enrolled in. The book/supplies payment cannot exceed $1,000 per academic year. As such, if you received the book/supplies payment for fall and spring, you will most likely have exhausted the payment for the academic year. If you are taking summer school and your books/supplies payment has been exhausted, you will not receive the books/supplies payment for the summer. Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill Chapter 1606 Selected Reserve Chapter 1607 Reserve Educational Assistance Program Chapter 35 Dependent s Educational Assistance The Department of Veteran Affairs pays your benefit directly to you AFTER the semester begins at the rate in which you are enrolled. Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill o Chapter 1606 Selected Reserve o Chapter 1607 Reserve Educational Assistance Program o Chapter 35 Dependent s Educational Assistance o Handbook for Students Utilizing Veterans Education Benefits [June 2014] 20

21 Unless you are covered under another financial aid program (PELL grant, DOD tuition assistance, Hazlewood exemption for Texas residents, etc.), you are responsible for paying Howard College at least half (50%) of your tuition/fees out of pocket before the semester begins. Failure to pay half (50%) of your tuition/fees will result in your classes being dropped. If you are dropped for non-payment, it is your responsibility to get reinstated in your classes. You would meet with your advisor again to make sure the courses are still open, register and pay the amount required on that same day. It is ALSO YOUR responsibility to notify your campus VA benefits coordinator that you have been reinstated for enrollment certification with the VA. Enrollment Verification (Chapter 30, Chapter 1606, and Chapter 1607) If you are receiving benefits under the Chapter 30, Chapter 1606, or Chapter 1607 program, you are required to verify your enrollment monthly on WAVES. Failure to verify your enrollment will delay your next benefit payment. If the number of hours posted on WAVES is different from your actual enrollment, contact your campus VA benefits coordinator. To verify your enrollment, go to or phone in your verification at on the last day of each month, even if it falls on a weekend. Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (Voc/Rehab) The Department of Veteran Affairs/Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program provides payment of all tuition/fees directly to Howard College each semester. Cost of books and supplies is also covered under this program. The VA will send a monthly stipend to you, according to your contract with the VA Office. Howard College must have an authorization from the Vocational/Rehabilitation Division of the Department of Veteran Affairs before you can be eligible for this program. For more information, call the Abilene Regional Office at Handbook for Students Utilizing Veterans Education Benefits [June 2014] 21

22 Hazlewood Exemption Act for Texas Veterans The following is provided to you for information purposes only. All individuals applying for exemption under the Hazlewood Act are strongly encouraged to visit to review all information including but not limited to eligibility. The Hazlewood Act is a State of Texas benefit that provides qualified Veterans, spouses, and dependent children with an education benefit of up to 150 hours of tuition exemption, including most fee charges, at public institutions of higher education in Texas. This does NOT include living expenses, books, or supply fees. If you declared Texas as your Home of Record (HOR) or were a Texas resident when you entered the military and served at least 180 days, you may be eligible to receive the Hazlewood exemption of tuition and MOST fees (all course-related fees). You must have no federal Veteran s education benefits, or have no federal Veterans education benefits dedicated to the payment of tuition and fees only (such as Chapter 33 or 31; Pell and SEOG are not relevant) for term or semester enrolled that do not exceed the value of Hazlewood benefits. If you are covered under Chapter 30, 35, 1606 or any other program that does not provide tuition assistance, you may apply for Hazlewood exemption. The Texas Hazlewood Act Exemption Application can be found in Appendix H. All individuals utilizing Hazlewood Exemption must submit the Texas Hazlewood Exemption Application for Continued Enrollment (Appendix I) for each semester registered in which the exemption is to be used. Veteran Qualifications A Veteran must: At the time of entry into the U.S. Armed Forces, designated Texas as Home of Record; or entered the service in Texas; or was a Texas resident; Have received an honorable discharge or separation or a general discharge under honorable conditions; Served at least 181 days of active duty service (excluding training); Have no federal Veteran s education benefits, or have no federal Veterans education benefits dedicated to the payment of tuition and fees only (such as Chapter 33 or 31; for term or semester enrolled that do not exceed the value of Hazlewood benefits; Not be in default on a student loan made or guaranteed by the State of Texas; Enroll in classes for which the college receives tax support (i.e., a course that does not depend solely on student tuition and fees to cover its cost), unless the college s governing board has ruled to let Veterans receive the benefit while taking non-funded courses; and Make satisfactory academic progress toward a degree or certificate in accordance with the institution's policy regarding eligibility for financial aid. (Effective fall 2014) Veterans who are granted their first Hazlewood Act exemption beginning fall, 2011 must reside in Texas during the semester or term for which the exemption is claimed. This requirement does not apply to the Veterans who either received the exemption prior to the academic year, have reenlisted into active duty, or reside with a spouse who is on active duty. Handbook for Students Utilizing Veterans Education Benefits [June 2014] 22