G1-Education Services Office

Transcription

1 G1-Education Services Office February 2015

2 MISSION: To support the strength and readiness of the WI Army National Guard by ensuring the timely processing and payment of enlistment incentives and tuition assistance programs. Promote the attainment of educational goals of Soldiers and families through advising and actively providing information which focuses on the optimal usage of both state and federal benefits.

3 Contents INCENTIVES -Select Reserve Incentive Program (SRIP) -Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) -Montgomery GI Bill Kicker (MGIB-Kicker) TUITION ASSISTANCE -Go Army Ed Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) -Wisconsin Tuition Grant Reimbursement Program (DMA) -Wisconsin GI Bill Tuition Remission Program (WDVA) GI BILL BENEFITS (Chapters 1606, 1607, 30 and 33) COUNSELING, TESTING and REIMBURSEMENT -Army Personnel Testing (AFCT/SIFT/DLAB) -DANTES (DSST/CLEP) & ACT/SAT -Licensing and Certification

4 Re-Enlistment/Extension Incentives- SLRP/KICKER/SRIP Soldiers reenlisting/extending cannot contract for more than one incentive in that extension period. Soldiers with an active MGIB Kicker contract are eligible to reenlist/extend for a Re-enlistment Bonus (REB). Soldiers with an active SLRP contract are not eligible if they will be receiving payments during the same reenlistment/extension period as the REB.

5 Re-Enlistment/Extension Bonus Reenlistment/Extension bonuses will be offered to Soldiers E-7 and below (less than 13 years TIS) if within days of their ETS. Must extend for a two or six-year term of service. 2 Year $4,000 (Lump Sum Payment 6 Year $12,000 (50/50 Payment) General Qualifications -Soldiers CAN extend within 90 days or less from ETS to receive the REB (flagging removal actions must be fully updated prior to approval of incentive) -Soldiers must hold the military grade and skill qualification for the vacancy for which reenlisting (cannot be excess). -Vacancy must be in a MTOE or Medical TDA unit -Soldiers not DMOSQ due to unit transition(reorg/inactivation/relocation) may receive the REB if otherwise eligible and must become DMOSQ within 24 months of contract date

6 Re-Enlistment/Extension Bonus Must be E-7 or below with less than 13 Years time in service (TIS) at ETS Must not be FLAGGED for any reason at the time of extension Must have a valid APFT within 18 months of ETS on contract signature date Permanent,Indefinite, Temporary Technicians (over 179 days) and AGR s are not eligible DA 4836 and GIMS automated bonus addendum must be signed and dated the same date (date of request). Payment: 2 year REB is lump sum payment on contract start date (ETS +1) 6 year REB is 50/50 payment on contract start date and fourth year anniversary * Actual payment can be expected days from ETS +1

7 Student Loan Repayment Program SLRP Benefits $50,000 maximum lifetime repayment of student loans Pays 15% of original disbursed loan amount up to $7,500 (including interest) or $500 per year, whichever is greater. May add new disbursed loans only when extending for an additional 6 year commitment at the end of the current SLRP contract term Eligibility Requirements Must have at least 1 qualifying (Title IV Federal loan) and disbursed student loan at time of enlistment or extension. Must contract while Enlisted with 6 year extension. Must be within Day ETS Window. Officers are not eligible but may retain SLRP will not be authorized Officer Bonus. Must be DMOSQ for position they are extending in Must not have previously contracted for SLRP/ELRP AGR/MIL TECH ineligible/terminated for SLRP. Same rank and TIS requirements as REB

8 Student Loan Repayment Program SLRP cont. Check for qualifying SLRP loans Required documents to contract for SLRP -- Needed for all loans! NSLDS Aid Summary Sheet NSLDS Detail Loan Information Sheet(s) Must be uploaded into GIMS when requesting SLRP Loans in default are not eligible for repayment and lose payment for the entire year. Processing Unit S-1/Career Counselor must request Pre-Approval in GIMS NLT 5 days before extension date Extension and SLRP Addendum MUST be dated the same day. ALL required documents for annual payments must be submitted through the unit using WIPAS!

9 SLRP (Recommendations) Soldiers that have (2) loan holders should consolidate loans immediately. This will be more advantageous for the Soldier. This is strongly encouraged to process payments more efficiently. All Soldiers should inquire with their loan holder on how to request loan/s be put in forbearance/deferment. This may help any undo financial hardship. This is solely on the loan holder to approve.

10 SLRP - Payment Process DD 2475 sent to Soldiers enterprise from WI-Education office (60-90 days from anniversary date). Soldier should contact unit on status of this paperwork if not received within 30 days of anniversary date. The Soldier is responsible for ensuring DD2475s are accurately completed by the loan holder and sent to their unit. No forms should be sent directly to EDUC office from the lender or Soldier. Unit will send a complete packet thru WIPAS containing NSLDS Summary Page, Each Individual Loan Print Out and the DD 2475/s. -Consolidated in (1) Scan with cover sheet

11 Bonus/SLRP Suspension 1. Enter period of non-availability ING (1 year for personal reasons or 3 years for missionary obligation) and must extend for non-availability time within 90 days of return to a drilling status -Only one suspension of non-availability may be granted 2. Become flagged for adverse action 3. SMP/ROTC Cadet; Bonus suspended until time of commissioning (terminated). -Does not apply to SLRP ** Reinstatement of bonus eligibility is not guaranteed. Provided Soldiers meet all requirements for participation, payments will be processed to be effective on the date the suspension is lifted or on the adjusted anniversary date of satisfactory creditable service **

12 Bonus Termination w/ Recoupment & SLRP Termination 1. 9 unexcused absences (U codes) in 12 month period or 1 unexcused absence from annual training - Solider was AWOL and now a Satisfactory Participant WILL NOT reinstate bonus based on this 2. Voluntarily separates from ARNG without completing contractual service obligation 3. Failure to return to active status within approved time period (1 year in most cases) for non-availability or failure to extend their enlistment for the time in an inactive status 4. Separation from ARNG due to death, injury, illness or impairment that is the result of SM s own misconduct 5. Failure to extend for the period of non-availability within 90 days of returning to a drilling status

13 Bonus Termination w/ Recoupment & SLRP Termination (cont) 6. Failure to stay in a valid, vacant position (SIDPERS CODE 9993) SMs placed in over strength position due to reorganization will have 24 months to be placed in valid vacancy 7. Voluntary movement out of critical skill or eligible MTOE unit 8. Discharge while under suspension of favorable action 9. Two consecutive APFT or HT-WT Failures 10. Failure to maintain medical/dental readiness or MOSQ 11. Failure to become DMOSQ within 24 months when involuntarily transferring to another MOS

14 GI Bill Kicker Monthly stipend paid with federal GI Bill benefits A current ARNG Member (Not AGR/TECH) is eligible to receive $200 rate as a standalone incentive if enlisted for a minimum period of 6 years in an MTOE or Medical TDA unit. -OR- Must reenlist between days from ETS and cannot receive with a REB or SLRP. Must be DMOSQ, primary position holder, not in over strength or excess status in the grade of E-5 or below. No flagging actions and cannot have previously received a reserve kicker.

15 GI Bill Kicker Must remain in contracted CS until completion of 6 yr drilling obligation unless become a contracted cadet in ROTC/OCS. Any voluntary changes in their CS MOS to include IST, unless due to reorganization or mobilization will result in termination. Eligible to receive $350 Kicker rate if enroll in Officer program OCS/WOCS: Complete Phase I, extend to meet 6-year contract ROTC: Must be an SMP, contract in the ROTC Advanced Course and extend for 6 year contract Officers: Have 90 days from commissioning to contract for the Kicker, must complete OSA for 6 year service obligation

16 Tuition Assistance Federal Tuition Assistance Wisconsin Tuition Grant Wisconsin GI Bill (Tuition Remission)

17 Federal Tuition Assistance Program Pays up to $ per semester credit, up to 16 credits maximum per fiscal year ($4,000 limit) Requirements: Can apply up to 60 days prior; request must be approved prior to course start date (no exceptions) Not authorized until 1 year TIS after completion AIT Not authorized for Graduate Degree until 10 years TIS (only if used FTA for an undergraduate degree) Must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA for an Undergraduate degree (15 SH) and a 3.0 cumulative GPA for a Graduate (6) School must have signed DoD MOU at to be eligible *Can be used for a degree at each level as long as it is not a lower or lateral degree

18 Applying Through GoArmyEd Soldiers can set up their account through (Instructions and videos found on the website) Required documentation; Degree Plan (With Advisor Signature), Cost Verification Statement (no bundling of fees), and current class schedule. All documents are to be uploaded into GoArmyEd (efile) by the individual Soldier For Non-LOI schools the Soldier will be responsible for printing off the approval of payment for submission to their school for invoicing directly with GoArmyEd.

19 GoArmyEd FTA will cover an Associates and Bachelors degree OR up to 130 semester hours of undergraduate credit, whichever comes first. It will also cover a Masters degree OR up to 39 semester hours of graduate credits, whichever comes first. FTA is no longer authorized for First Professional Degree or Doctoral programs of study. Money will be recouped for any failed courses, withdrawals from courses not for military reasons, and incompletes after 120 days. Masters degree courses will be recouped if Soldier receives a D The number of credits above will only include college credits funded by using FTA. Holds will be placed on any application in GoArmyEd for Soldiers who are on any flagging action.

20 WI Tuition Grant Program Will reimburse a Soldier the cost of their tuition (not fees) at an in state school, up to the UW-Madison rate, whichever is the least of the two rates (up to $4, per semester for the 2015 school year) 8 semesters of full time study Officers and Soldiers with a bachelors degree are not eligible. DMA Form 189-E and list of qualifying schools can be found at Form must be received at DMA NLT 90 days after course completion. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!! Soldiers will ONLY get reimbursed for money paid out of pocket

21 WI GI Bill Overview Benefits Qualifying Soldiers can receive 100% remission of tuition and fees for up to 8 full-time semesters or 128 credits. (Tuition is charged as a zero balance) Dependents may also be eligible for these benefits (under specific circumstances) Eligibility Must serve on Active Duty for more than 90 days Must be a Wisconsin resident when called to Active Duty Must be a WI resident at time of usage Must attend a WI Technical College, 2-year UW College, or 4- year UW School If you are eligible for Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits, you must apply for that before you can receive the WI GI Bill.

22 WI GI Bill Important Info The WI GI Bill (a state remission program) should not be confused with the WI Tuition Grant (a state reimbursement program) or the Federal GI Bill (a federal benefit). This program is not run through the WI National Guard. Wisconsin Department of Veteran s Affairs certifies eligibility the individual school runs this program. There is no delimitating date to use these benefits. Soldiers may apply for this benefit by taking their DD214 to the County Veterans Service Officer or by contacting the WI DVA For additional information, contact the Veterans Benefits Resource Center WIS-VETS

23 GI Bill Programs CH 1606 (Select Reserve) CH 1607 (REAP) CH 30 (Active Duty) CH 33 (Post 9-11) GI Bill Kicker (Incentive)

24 24 Important Info for all GI Bill Programs Soldiers are eligible to receive a maximum of 36 months of benefits (full-time study) for any one GI Bill Program Can only use a total of 48 months combined of multiple benefits Can only use one benefit at any particular time GI Bill Benefits may be used in conjunction with state tuition assistance programs (Tuition Reimbursement, etc) Soldiers must submit VA Form 1990 (to start benefits) or VA Form 1995 (to change schools or level of education) along with supporting documents (NOBE or DD214) to the federal VA through the online application of benefits (VONAPP) Application, current payment rates and enrollment verification found at (1-888-GIBILL1) GI Bill benefits can also be used for: -apprenticeships and On the Job Training -flight training -testing/licensing reimbursement

25 25 GI-BILL CH Eligibility Requirements 6-year Contract (enlist, re-enlist, extend to meet) or 6-year Officer Service Agreement High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED, HSED) Complete IADT (Basic and Advanced Training) or OBC Be in Good Standing (NO AWOLs) AGR Soldiers not eligible Can receive MGIB Kicker with monthly stipend if qualified The recommended GI Bill to give up if electing Post 9-11 Cannot use this program once discharged from the National Guard unless: Mobilized and then discharged (Number of months activated plus 4 months) Medically Discharged as stated on orders (provide to VA)

26 CH Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) Eligibility Requirements Serve at least 90 days in support of a contingency operation (Title 10 orders for OIF, OEF, ONE) after September 11, 2001 (Based on longest continuous MOB or 3 yr total) Can be used with MGIB Kicker Can participate in Buy-up Program (additional $150) Suspended while in the IRR/ING Benefits payable until ETS except: -if a Soldier completes 8 yrs of military service, receives a general discharge or higher then separates directly from the select reserve can maintain for 10 yrs (medical discharge-na) *Electing to give up for Post 9-11 is irrevocable

27 Chapter 30 Active Duty GI Bill Soldier is eligible IF: Entered Active Duty in ANY Service or on AGR Status after 30 June 1985 for a period of at least two (2) years 2 consecutive years of mobilized service for reserve Paid $1200 to participate in the program (non-refundable) Eligibility Period: Ends 10 years from the date of discharge from Active Duty Must have received an Honorable Discharge from the Active Component Soldiers can participate in top up if AGR or on AD Can still use this program when you leave the military unless previously declined it If give up for Post 9-11 additional restrictions apply

28 CH. 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill Most comprehensive GI Bill Program available Entitlements based on a payment tier include: Payment of Tuition and Fees Book Stipend Monthly Housing Stipend Can be used with MGIB Kicker May be eligible to participate in Yellow Ribbon Program if at the 100% rate (visit the VA website for more information) Can Transfer this benefit to Spouse or Children (restrictions apply) Can take this with you once you leave the Military (15 years from honorable discharge from qualifying Active Duty service) Once you decide to use this GI Bill Benefit, you must elect to give up eligibility for another GI Bill benefit (Chapter 1606, 1607, or 30)

29 Post-9/11 GI Bill Eligibility & Entitlement Service Requirements (after 9/10/01 serve an aggregate of) % of Maximum Benefit Payable 36 months (1) continuous days (Must be discharged with SCD) months, but less than 36 months (1) months, but less than 30 months (1) months, but less than 24 months (2) months, but less than 18 months (2) 60 6 months, but less than 12 months (2) days, but less than 6 months (2) 40 (1) Includes entry level and skill training. (2) Excludes entry level and skill training.

30 Post 9/11 Benefit Overview Tuition and Fees Based on highest in-state undergrad tuition rates and fees from a public Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) or a yearly cap of $20,235 for private universities. Amount is based on percentage rate determined by total Active Duty time (Title 10, Title 32 Section 502(f) for ONE only, and/or Title 32 AGR for organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training) since 11 September 2001 Amount will not exceed the total cost of tuition and fees Paid directly to the School!!! May use for apprenticeships, OJT and Flight Training Also reimburses for exams including: ACT, SAT, LSAT, GMAT and licensing and certification

31 Post 9/11 Benefits Overview (cont.) Housing Stipend Based on BAH for an E-5 with dependents at the zip code of the learning institution (i.e. Madison, La Crosse, Wausau) or ½ of the national average for online schools ($754) Must be attending school more than half time and will prorate the allowance based on rate of pursuit to nearest multiple of ten (50%- 100%) Pro-rated according to your percentage Active Duty (including Title 32 AGR) not eligible for Housing Stipend Paid monthly to the Soldier based on number of days in that month you are attending school. (For example, if you go to school for 20 days in May, you will be paid for 20 days)

32 Post 9/11 Benefits Overview (cont.) Book Stipend Based on $1000 per Academic Year ($41.67 per credit hour for 24 credits) Pro-rated according to your percentage! Lump Sum payment paid directly to Soldier each Semester, Term, or Quarter Soldier and spouses in a active duty status qualify Yellow Ribbon Program (if qualified) - If the cost of tuition exceeds the maximum in state allowable rate the IHL may elect to participate - A list of schools and detailed info is available on the VA website - Cannot use while on AD or if not at the 100% rate

33 Post 9/11 GI Bill Transferability Eligibility for Soldier to Transfer Must have served in the Armed Forces AFTER 01 August 2009 Must have completed at least 6 years of service Must agree to serve up to 4 more years from request date Must not have any Adverse Action Flags during the transfer process Can only transfer up to 36 months of GI Bill benefits Must transfer prior to leaving the National Guard. Once you leave, you can only modify and revoke benefits. NOTE to transfer to Children: You must transfer benefits to your children BEFORE they are 18 (if not in college) or 23 (if in college). NO EXCEPTIONS!!

34 Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits for Dependents Dependent Eligibility: - Can use benefits upon the Soldier serving at least 6 years (Spouses) or 10 years (Children) in the Armed Forces Eligible for Housing and Book Stipend, Tuition, and Fees (following same rules as the Soldier for spouses) Spouses are eligible for 15 years after the Soldier is discharged from Active Duty, and children are eligible until they are 26 years old, regardless if they are married or not Dependents must be in DEERs (children not eligible once reach age 23)

35 Post 9/11 GI Bill Transfer Process Step 1: Individuals may apply to transfer benefits using the on-line transfer of benefits (TEB) application at: -May need to log in with DFAS Pin Step 2: Complete the Post 9/11 Educational Benefits Transferability Commitment and Statement of Understanding (No longer required) Step 3: Complete extension if required and ensure action has been posted in SIDPERS Step 4: Dependents complete VA Form e at to receive benefits *All status updates for this action will be sent to the Soldier s military

36 Post 9/11-GI Bill Kickers If you have a GI Bill Kicker in your enlistment/re-enlistment contract, be sure to indicate on your GI Bill application that you have a kicker. (VONAPP or VA Form ) Attach a copy of your kicker contract to the application to ensure the VA has the most accurate information when processing your application. Any discrepancies with eligibility or payments for Post 9-11 GI Bill benefits should be directed to the federal VA. Options for contacting include: -Helpdesk or Ask a Question option on website -ebenefits may also be used

37 Counseling Testing Reimbursement

38 38 Benefits Counseling Which Federal GI Bill Benefits to elect Military friendly school & program recommendations Explanation of available benefits and incentives How to maximize your use of benefits How to earn additional school credits Free DSST/CLEP testing Submit Joint Services Transcripts (military training)

39 39 Testing -Conducted weekly (180 day wait for retests) Prepare! ASVAB Retests (AFCT) SIFT (previously AFAST) DLAB (language testing) -ACT/SAT and Proctoring services available upon request -GRE and GMAT Reimbursement (contact for form) must be within 90 days of exam Currently, the WING has an agreement with Concordia University to offer on-line testing for DSST and CLEP. To schedule an exam, please visit for available test sites. Retests for CLEP, DSST, ACT, or SAT not funded!

40 Reimbursement for Certification and Licensing (subject to availability of funding for each FY) Offers reimbursement for cost of earning a national and state level certification or licensure (exam and registration fee) Up to $500 in preparatory courses and study materials may be included based on supporting documentation Available to current ARNG service members only Must be a national level exam listed on ARMY COOL website athttps:// Only a passing score is reimbursed and each part of a multiple step exam is eligible Requests must be submitted within 90 days of exam date (FY) Must establish a GOARMYED account for tracking Checklist for reimbursement packet available by request or located on G1-EDU portal

41 Be Advised The guidance in this slide show is based on policy as of DEC2014. Policy continually changes; If you have questions about what you are eligible for, look at your incentive contract, tuition agreement and talk to your Readiness NCO, Battalion Career Counselor, or Education Office personnel. Ultimately, the decision on which program to use is an individual responsibility. We can only advise and make recommendations on usage. Become educated on your benefits and make an informed decision!

42 Program Managers CPT Dustin Cebula Education Services Officer/ Testing Control Officer CPT Russell Simonis Incentives Officer/GI Bill Manager Mr. Norris Johnson EDU Services Specialist for FTA Program SFC John McCamey Incentives Manager (Bonuses) SSG Jingbo Zhang Assistant Incentives Manager (Loans) Ms. Karen Behling WI Tuition Grant Specialist

43 Veterans Points of Contact US Department of Veterans Affairs Website for Federal GI Bills: -Education Hotline: (The call center is located in Oklahoma {our time zone} call right at 7:00AM and beat the Mountain and Pacific time zone veterans! UW and Wisconsin Technical College Systems regarding the Wisconsin GI Bill visit UW PORTAL: Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Website for WDVA benefits Veterans Benefits Resource Center : or WISVETS