TAP Briefing on VA Benefits Briefing for Transitioning Servicemembers

Transcription

1 TAP Briefing on VA Benefits Briefing for Transitioning Servicemembers 1

2 VA Local Information» Briefer» VA Regional Office» Benefits Delivery at Discharge site» VA Medical Center» Vet Center 2

3 VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 Signed November, 2011: Section 221 mandates participation of members of the armed forces in the Transition Assistance Program VOW Act requires, no later than November 21, 2012, the following components: Mandatory pre-separation counseling Mandatory TAP briefing on VA benefits Mandatory Department of Labor briefing To meet VOW requirements, VA will provide the TAP briefing on VA benefits to 100% of Servicemembers 3

4 » One-stop shop for benefitsrelated online tools and information Transfer education benefit Access online TAP briefing on VA benefits Download DD 214 Apply for benefits View claim status and benefit payments online Print VA home loan guaranty Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) 4

5 Accessing VA Or call us :00 a.m. EST to 9:00 p.m. EST 5

6 Department of Veterans Affairs» Veterans Benefits Administration All non-medical VA benefits: Compensation, Pension, Education, Home Loan Guaranty, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, Life Insurance Administered by VA Regional Offices» Veterans Health Administration All VA health care services Administered by VA Medical Centers, Ambulatory Care & Community Based Outpatient Clinics» National Cemetery Administration National Cemeteries Support to State Veterans Cemeteries Headstones & Markers Presidential Memorial Certificates 6

7 DD Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty 7

8 Veteran Service Organizations» Accredited Veteran Service Organization representatives are available to assist Servicemembers and Veterans in filing for benefits and services.» To obtain a listing of Veteran Service Organizations, visit: 8

9 Course Outline» Compensation and Pension» Counseling and Treatment for Military Sexual Trauma» Life Insurance» Health Care» Readjustment Counseling (Vet Centers)» Home Loan Guaranty» Education» Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment» Burial» Resources 9

10 Compensation for Service-Connected Conditions 10

11 Service-Connected Compensation» Compensation is paid for a disability resulting from disease or injury incurred or aggravated while on active service. The disability does not have to be combat or wartime related.» Examples: Torn knee ligament Hearing loss Back condition Post traumatic stress (including the result of sexual trauma) Traumatic brain injury Skin condition (psoriasis, eczema, scars) 11

12 Pre-Discharge Program» Types of Pre-Discharge Claims Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) Quick Start Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES)» More information available at 12

13 Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) Claims» Servicemember must: Have days remaining in service Submit a copy of service treatment records (STRs) or health treatment records Be available at point of separation to undergo VA exam(s) 13

14 Quick Start Claims The Quick Start program serves Servicemembers who do not qualify for BDD because they: Have less than 60 days before separation/retirement And/Or Are not available for VA examinations at the point of separation 14

15 Pre-Discharge Program How To Apply» How to apply: Submit VA Form c, Pre- Discharge Compensation Claim, or other applicable forms Provide original or copy of STRs Provide known date of separation or retirement Submit a permanent address, phone number, and address 15

16 Rating Process» VA life cycle of a claim» Disabilities are rated from 0% to 100% Combined overall rating» Compensation is tax free Compensation paid for disability rating from 10% to 100% Additional allowance for dependents with 30% or higher rating The Department of Treasury requires new Federal beneficiaries receive their recurring/monthly benefits electronically 16

17 Compensation Current Rates Rating Vet Only Vet+S Vet+S+1C Vet+S+2C Vet+S+3C 10% $129 N/A N/A N/A N/A 20% 255 N/A N/A N/A N/A 30% % % ,024 60% 1,026 1,120 1,189 1,235 1,281 70% 1,293 1,402 1,483 1,537 1,591 80% 1,503 1,628 1,720 1,782 1,844 90% 1,689 1,830 1,933 2,003 2, % 2,816 2,973 3,088 3,166 3,244 S = Spouse C = Child(ren) Rates effective Dec. 1,

18 Related Benefits» Free VA health care for all rated service-connected conditions» Vocational rehabilitation & employment services may be available if a Servicemember is 20% with memorandum rating or proposed IDES rating OR Veteran with a VA disability rating of at least 10%» VA life insurance - $10,000» Veteran s preference in Federal hiring» VA home loan guaranty funding fee waived» Possible state and local benefits 18

19 Compensation» Severance and/or Separation pay may be recouped (after tax amount)» Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP)» Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) 19

20 VA Pension Eligibility requirements:» At least 90 days of active military service (generally, 24 months for enlistments after September 7, 1980)» At least one day of wartime service (combat service not required)» Totally and permanently disabled or attained age 65, Social Security disability, or nursing home status» Disability need not be related to service» Within income limits and net worth to qualify for this benefit 20

21 Compensation & Pension How to Apply» Complete an application» Provide other supporting records; VA can help obtain them. VA Form , Authorization and Consent to Release Information to the Department of VA 21

22 Compensation & Pension How to Apply Online through ebenefits at -OR- Online through Veterans ONline APPlication (VONAPP) at -OR- Through a VA Regional Office (see Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents & Survivors, VA Facilities, for locations) 22

23 Compensation & Pension No Time Limit» No time limit to apply for Compensation or Pension» Compensation may be paid retroactive to the first of the month after separation/retirement if VA receives the application within one year of separation/retirement. Otherwise, benefits are generally effective no earlier than the date VA received the application. 23

24 Social Security Disability Insurance» Disability or Survivors Benefits May be available to injured active duty Regardless of where injury occurred Expedited service for line-of-duty disabilities on or after October 1, 2001» How To Apply: On-Line at Telephonically at In-Person at Social Security Office 24

25 Counseling and Treatment for Military Sexual and Other Personal Trauma 25

26 Military Sexual and Other Personal Trauma» Definition: An event of human design that threatens or inflicts harm» Examples: Rape, physical assault, domestic battery, robbery, mugging, & stalking Anyone can be a victim of sexual or other personal trauma. 26

27 Treatment & Counseling» Veterans are eligible for health care and counseling resulting from sexual and other personal trauma even though the incident was never reported» Care and counseling can be provided to Veterans who have qualifying military service and express a need for the care 27

28 Compensation» Physical or psychological disabilities from sexual or other personal trauma while on active duty may be considered service-connected for VA compensation purposes» Evidence from sources other than the Veteran s service records may be sufficient to corroborate the incident» While DD Form 2910, Victim Reporting Preference Statement, and DD Form 2911, DoD Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Report, are proof of the trauma, VA will look to other evidence and indications if the trauma has not been reported 28

29 Life Insurance 29

30 Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI)» $400,000 maximum coverage» Free coverage for 120 days after Servicemember s separation from service» Convertible to Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) or commercial policy after separation from service (can split coverage)» Insures active duty members, Ready Reservists, cadets at service academies, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Public Health Service (PHS) 30

31 SGLI Disability Extension» Member must request the extended coverage» Member must be totally disabled at time of separation from service» Coverage may be extended for up to two (2) years post-separation at no cost to the member» Member automatically converted to VGLI after end of the disability extension period 31

32 Traumatic Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (TSGLI)» Rapid financial assistance payable to members who suffer a qualifying loss due to traumatic injury» Benefit of $25K $100K depending on injury» Automatic for members with SGLI coverage» Traumatic injury need not be combat related» Traumatic injury must occur prior to separation from service» Qualifying loss must occur within two years of date of traumatic injury» TSGLI coverage ends at separation from service. 32

33 TSGLI How to Apply» Claim form available at VA Insurance web site Three-part certification process: Member provides basic claim information Medical professional provides medical data Branch of service must certify eligibility» Currently no time limit to file a claim» Denials can be appealed to the branch of service or contested in federal court 33

34 Family SGLI Coverage (FSGLI)» Coverage ends on the earlier of: 120 days after the member s death 120 days after member cancels their own coverage or spouse's coverage 120 days after termination of a dependent s status as an insurable dependent (e.g., divorce) 120 days from the date the member is separated or released from the uniformed services» Spouses can convert FSGLI to a commercial policy without proof of good health within 120 days following termination of coverage. 34

35 Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI)» Lifetime renewable term insurance» Premiums increase with age» Maximum coverage=amount of SGLI at time of separation from service» Available in increments of $10,000» Convertible to a commercial policy at any time» VGLI-Buy-Up VGLI insureds can increase coverage by $25,000 up to legislated maximum every five (5) years from original coverage date Available to VGLI insureds under age 60 No underwriting required to increase coverage Apply by phone or online upon notification by Office of Servicemembers Group Life Insurance 35

36 VGLI Eligibility» Servicemembers separated from active duty or members of the Ready Reserves who were covered by full-time SGLI» Members of the Ready Reserves or National Guard with part-time SGLI coverage who incur or aggravate an existing disability that makes them uninsurable at standard rates» Members of Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) and Inactive National Guard (ING) 36

37 How to Apply for VGLI» A series of three mailings are forwarded to last known address after separation» Apply online at ebenefits or VA Insurance website; hard copy application also available online» Have one year and 120 days from separation to apply Applying within 240 days from separation = no-health review Applying from 241 days through the end of the VGLI application period (one year and 120 days from separation) = must undergo health review Veterans separating prior to November 1, 2012 still have only 120 days with no-health review 37

38 Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI)» Maximum coverage is $10,000» Eligibility for S-DVI coverage: Discharged on or after April 25, 1951 Released from active duty under other than dishonorable conditions Must apply within two (2) years of notification of a new service-connected disability Must be in good health, except for any service-connected disabilities 38

39 Supplemental Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance» Up to $30,000 available to totally disabled policyholders who have been approved for premium waiver on basic S-DVI» Must be under age 65 to qualify for supplemental coverage» Must apply within one year of approval of waiver of premiums on basic S-DVI coverage» Same plans and premium rates as basic S-DVI» Premiums cannot be waived on the Supplemental S-DVI coverage 39

40 VA Health and Dental Care 40

41 Overview» VA health care system consists of 21 networks of care to meet local health care needs and provide broad access to care» VA provides care at over 1,500 facilities: 153 hospitals 956 ambulatory care and community-based outpatient clinics 232 Vet Centers 134 community living centers (formerly known as nursing homes) 90 residential rehabilitation treatment programs 5 Poly Trauma Rehabilitation Centers 41

42 Comprehensive Medical Benefits» Screening exams for: Depression, Substance Abuse, PTSD, TBI» Readjustment Counseling» Military Sexual Trauma» Preventive Care Services» Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment» Prescription Services» Women s Health Care Programs» Prosthetic and Rehabilitative Devices 42

43 Women Veterans» Women Veterans are eligible to receive: Complete medical benefits package and prescriptions Complete reproductive health services including birth control, maternity care and newborn services (VA pays up to seven (7) days of care for the newborn at private hospitals) Preventive health care» VA services and programs for women Veterans include: Comprehensive Women s health care at every facility Women Veterans Program Managers at every facility Mental health services including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Military Sexual Trauma Treatment Women s benefits coordinators available to discuss gender-specific conditions for disability claims Women s Trauma Recovery Program (Palo Alto) 43

44 VA Health Care Enrollment» Servicemembers not separated from active duty and/or on terminal leave may receive VA care through TRICARE under: VA/DoD Medical Resource Sharing Agreements TRICARE (180 days of TRICARE Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP) to access VA care; or TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS))» Veterans must be separated from active duty to enroll in VA health care services 44

45 Eligibility for VA Health Care» Veterans with active duty military service who were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable» Reservists who served on active duty for operational and support missions (excludes active duty for training)» National Guard members if mobilized by a Federal order (Title 10 or Presidential Executive Order) 45

46 VA Enrollment & Health Care Combat Veterans VA provides up to five years of free health care for enrolled Veterans who served in a theater of combat operations and are seeking care for conditions related to their combat service VA has gone mobile! Learn more about PTSD Coach app at: 46

47 VA Enrollment & Health Care Non-Combat Veterans Veterans who have not deployed to a combat theater of operations may be eligible to enroll in VA health care: Veterans with a service-connected disability Qualify under other eligibility factors, such as being in receipt of VA pension or a Purple Heart recipient Qualify under VA s national means test or geographic means test income thresholds 47

48 Copayments Veterans with a non service-connected illness/injury may be charged a co-payment for services at VA for treatment of conditions not from service, such as flu, colds, auto accident 48

49 Dental Care VA provides recently separated Veterans a free, one-time evaluation and treatment for service-connected dental conditions if: ` Served for 90 days or more on active duty Applied within 180 days of separation DD-214 indicates that a complete dental exam and all appropriate dental treatment was not provided within 90 days of separation (DD214 line 17 should be checked No ) 49

50 How to Apply» Identify the VA medical center closest to your home» Submit 10-10EZ to VA medical center staff, by mail, or electronically through or You will receive a letter from VA confirming your enrollment For additional information: Call

51 VA Form 10-10EZ, Application for Health Benefits 51

52 Sign Up Today Military health history Health logs Self-assessment tools Health information Medical Records Online prescription refills Mental health resources Secure messaging to doctor and appointments 52

53 Help Your Buddy VA s Veterans CrisisLine

54 Vet Center Vet Center Services to Returning Combat Veterans and Their Families 54

55 To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan. Abraham Lincoln Vet Centers serve Veterans and their families by providing a continuum of quality care that adds value for Veterans, families, and communities.. We welcome home war Veterans with honor by providing readjustment counseling in a caring manner. Vet Centers understand and appreciate Veterans war experiences while assisting them and their family members toward a successful post-war adjustment in or near their community. Walk on in 55

56 What is the Vet Center A safe and protected place to talk Confidentiality no stigma Flexible hours Easily accessible communitybased setting Network knowledgeable about the resources available Vet Center staff are >65% combat Veterans Veterans serving Veterans All family members are welcome No cost.ever What we Offer Individual Counseling Group Counseling Military Sexual Trauma Counseling Marital/Family Counseling Bereavement Counseling Drug and Alcohol Referral Liaison with VA and Community Resources Benefits Assistance Referral Community Education and Career Referral 56

57 Eligibility» Veterans, National Guard, and Reservist who served in a combat or hostile zone and received a campaign or expeditionary ribbon * Must be reflected on DD-214» Military Sexual Trauma 57

58 Vet Centers provide Bereavement Counseling services to surviving parents, spouses, children, and siblings of Servicemembers who have fallen while on active duty, to include Federally activated Reserve and National Guard personnel. 58

59 Vet Center Outreach Current conflict Veterans serve as outreach specialists in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. 59

60 Mobile Vet Centers Fifty (50) mobile Vet Centers, distributed nationally, are utilized to provide access to returning Veterans via outreach to demobilization sites, active military bases, National Guard, and Reserve locations. The vehicles also support Vet Center services to rural areas geographically distant from VA services. Vet Center Combat Call Center Veterans or family members can call a national call-in service, at any time, to talk to another combat Veteran or spouse regarding any readjustment issues related to military service. The person on the other end of the call will be a Veteran or spouse who understands and values the military experience of serving in a combat zone, is trained as a Vet Center counselor, and has knowledge of VA and other resources that may assist the Veteran, spouse, or family in obtaining needed services. 60

61 Welcome Home! Contact Information: Looking to connect with a fellow warrior or family member, call: WARVETS ( ) Looking for your closest Vet Center? VA Welcomes All Combat Veterans With Honor 61

62 Home Loan Guaranty 62

63 VA Home Loan Guaranty» Lenders make the loan and VA guarantees it» VA guaranty usually means no downpayment required of Servicemember or Veteran» Servicemember or Veteran must qualify for loan with sufficient income and satisfactory credit» Limitations on closing costs» The right to prepay without penalty» Negotiated interest rates» Individuals having problems making payments may call for assistance 63

64 VA Home Loan Guaranty» Buy a home» Build a home» Refinance existing loan» Use only for property located in the US, its territories or possessions» Must occupy the property as your home The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act is intended to ease economic and legal burdens 64

65 Loan Limits» There is no maximum loan amount» There are maximum loan limits Loans above this limit may require a downpayment» Loan limits vary by county 65

66 Native American Direct Loans» VA makes direct loans to Native Americans living on Trust Land (reservations, homelands)» Maximum loan limit is the same as for guaranteed loans» Veterans must meet credit qualifications 66

67 Funding Fee» Law requires funding fee to be paid on VA loans» Fee ranges from.5% to 3.3%, depending on loan type and if first-time or second-time user» Fee can be included in the loan» Fee is waived for Veterans entitled to VA disability compensation and certain surviving spouses 67

68 VA Home Loan Guaranty Below are various steps involved in obtaining a VA home loan:» Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (online)» Obtain pre-approval from a lender» Find property to buy» Lender obtains a VA appraisal» Close the loan and move in 68

69 Eligibility» Generally, must serve 24 months of continuous active duty or the full period for which called or ordered to active duty» Service must be at least 90 days during a period of war (181 during peacetime), unless discharged earlier due to a service-connected disability» Certificate of Eligibility (COE) shows Servicemember s or Veteran s eligibility for the benefit - COE must be updated upon separation/retirement 69

70 How To Apply Servicemembers or Veterans can obtain COE through ebenefits OR Ask your lender to apply online through the VA Portal OR Complete and mail VA Form to: Atlanta Regional Loan Center ATTN: COE (262) P.O. Box Decatur, GA Eligibility can be restored if VA loan is paid in full and property is no longer owned by Servicemember/Veteran. 70

71 Education Benefits 71

72 Post-9/11 GI Bill» Eligibility: At least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a serviceconnected disability after 30 days. An Honorable discharge is required to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Benefit:» Up to 36 months of benefits; payable for approved training on or after August 1, 2009.» Determined by the length of active duty service (40% up to 100% per length of active duty service).» Expires 15 years after last period of active duty service of at least 90 days.» Usable for any program at an institution of higher learning (IHL) approved for MGIB-AD.» Effective October 1, 2011, usable for NCD, OJT, flight programs, and correspondence training. 72

73 Post 9/11 Payment Tiers Service Requirements (after 9/10/01 an individual must serve an aggregate of) Payment Tiers Percentage At least 36 months 100% At least 30 continuous days on active duty (Must be discharged due to service-connected disability) 100% At least 30 months, but less than 36 months 90% At least 24 months, but less than 30 months 80% *At least 18 months, but less than 24 months 70% *At least 12 months, but less than 18 months 60% *At least 06 months, but less than 12 months 50% *At least 90 days, but less than 6 months 40% *Excludes time in Basic Military Training and/or Skill Training 73 73

74 Tuition and Fees» Active Duty and Veterans: Full tuition and fees (based on length of active duty service) for public, in-state students Private and foreign schools cap at $18, academic year Exception: Active Duty are not eligible to participate in the Yellow Ribbon program» Paid directly to the school on student s behalf 74

75 Monthly Housing Allowance» Must attend more than half-time» Prorated by rate of pursuit rounded to nearest tenth» Equivalent to the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents based on school s zip code» Distance learners (e.g., online students) can receive ½ the national average monthly housing beginning October 1, 2011» Active duty Servicemembers are not eligible 75

76 Books and Supplies Stipend» Pays up to $1,000 per year» If taking classes at an IHL: Amount paid determined by number of credit hours, with full stipend paid for 24 credit hours per academic year» If taking a non-college degree, apprenticeship, or on-the-job training program: Pays $83/month up to $1,000 per year 76

77 Yellow Ribbon Program» Institutions voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to share tuition and fee costs that exceed the tuition and fee cap of $18, at non-public schools and for out-of-state charges» VA matches each additional dollar that an institution contributes, up to total cost of tuition and fees. Training at private institutions Out-of-state tuition 77

78 Yellow Ribbon Program» Payable to school when student s tuition and fees exceed the cap: Based on school participation Based on student qualification Veterans only at 100% benefit level Spouse of Veteran (transfer of entitlement) Dependent children (transfer of entitlement) 78

79 Transfer of Entitlement» Serves as a retention program for Department of Defense (DoD)» Must be member of Uniformed Services and» Agree to serve at least from one to four additional years per rules established by DoD/Department of Homeland Security (DHS) The Secretary of Defense may grant the Secretary of each of the uniformed services the ability to authorize transfer of entitlement for benefits. VA does not determine eligibility to transferred benefits 79

80 Transfer of Entitlement» An individual (transferor) approved to transfer benefits may: 80

81 The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship» Children of Servicemembers who died in the line of duty while on active duty after September 10, 2001» Eligible for up to 36 months under the Post-9/11 GI Bill 81

82 Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB AD)» Eligibility: Honorable discharge, a high school diploma or general educational development (GED), and served active duty after June 30, Plus, $1,200 military pay reduction Benefit:» Up to 36 months of benefits» Monetary benefit ranging from $391 - $1,564 per month, based on training time, paid to Veteran» Expires 10 years after release from active duty» Includes apprenticeship, on-the-job training, vocational training, and flight training 82

83 Other Benefit Programs» Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve Chapter 1606 Reserve components decide who is eligible, paid monthly to student Generally, the benefit ends day of separation» Reserve Educational Assistance Program Chapter 1607 For members of the Selected Reserve and Individual Ready Reserve called or ordered to active service after September 10, 2001 in response to a war or national emergency, as declared by the President or Congress» Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Chapter 35 Eligible dependents of Veterans permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, who died while on active duty or as a result of a service related condition, are hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a service connected permanent and total disability and likely to be discharged for that disability. Are forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power or are MIA The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits» Post-Vietnam Era Veterans Educational Assistance Program Chapter 32 Active duty entry after December 31, 1976, and before July 1, 1985 Contributed money on active duty, original contributions made before April 1, 1987» National Call to Service Active duty for 15 months and additional 24 months in the Reserve (without break in service) Eligible incentives: Cash bonus of $5,000, repayment of student loan up to $18K, 12 months of full benefits under MGIB-AD, or 50 percent of the less-than-three-year rate under MIGB-AD for 36 months 83

84 Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP)» Program began July 1, 2012» VRAP offers 12 months of retraining assistance to unemployed Veterans. To qualify, a Veteran must: Be at least 35 years old but no more than 60 years old Be unemployed (as determined by the Department of Labor) Have an other than dishonorable discharge Not be eligible for any other VA education benefit program (e.g.: the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Assistance) Not be in receipt of VA compensation due to unemployability Not be enrolled in a federal or state job training program» Participants may receive up to 12 months of assistance at the full-time payment rate under the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty program (currently $1,564 per month)» Participants must be enrolled in a VA approved program of education offered by a community college or technical school. The program must lead to an Associate Degree, Non-College Degree, or a Certification, and train the Veteran for a high demand occupation» Applications will be submitted through the Department of Labor and benefits paid by VA 84

85 Tutorial Assistance» Tutorial assistance is available if receiving VA educational assistance at the half-time or higher rate and have a deficiency in a subject that makes tutoring necessary» Reimbursement up to $100 per month up to a maximum of $1,200» To apply for tutorial assistance, complete VA Form t, available online. The school certifying official and tutor must sign the form. 85

86 Tips» Factors to consider when choosing a school: How much will I earn with my degree? How well does the school support Veterans? Will I get credit for my military training? What is the school s graduation rate?» For a comprehensive guide on what factors to consider, please visit our website at: gibill.va.gov/resources/education_resources/choosing_a_school.html» Contact your State Approving Agency (SAA) if the program you wish to pursue isn t currently approved. A listing of SAAs can be found at: The School Certifying Official certifies to VA that you are attending school» The Department of the Treasury encourages Federal beneficiaries to receive recurring/monthly benefits electronically 86

87 Educational and Vocational Counseling COUNSELING IS AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE if you:» Are a Veteran or dependent eligible for educational benefits under a program that VA administers;» Were discharged or released from active duty under other than dishonorable conditions not more than one (1) year ago;» Are on active duty and six (6) months or less remain before your scheduled release or discharge from service. You may get counseling about career choice and preparation, school or job training, job selection and job search, training possibilities; sources of financial aid; and how to carry through on plans that you make. Apply online with VA Form at 87

88 How to Apply» Apply anytime online at OR through Veterans online application (VONAPP)» Submit (scan) records electronically DD Form Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty Copies of orders if activated from the Guard/Reserves 88

89 Contact us: 1(888) Learn More Stay Updated 89

90 Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) 90

91 VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011» Signed by the President on November 21, 2011, provides increased VA Vocational Rehabilitation benefits for Veterans with disabilities including: Expanded eligibility for payments to employers who hire or provide on-the-job training to these Veterans Additional training for Veterans who completed a VR&E program and have exhausted state unemployment benefits Assessments of military skills that transfer to civilian occupations that can be used by VR&E to help Veterans plan how to achieve educational and employment goals Automatic eligibility for VR&E services is extended until December 31, 2014 for severely injured active duty military 91

92 Program Objective VA s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program (VR&E) helps active duty Servicemembers and Veterans who have service-connected disabilities become suitably employed, maintain employment, or achieve independence in daily living 92

93 Rehabilitation Plan The following service-delivery options may be provided under a Rehabilitation Plan: Reemployment Rapid access to employment Employment through long-term services Independent living services Self-employment 93

94 Benefits and Services Available» Veterans enrolled in an approved training program have the following expenses covered: Tuition and fees Books Equipment Supplies» Veterans receive a monthly subsistence allowance, which is based on rate of pursuit and number of dependents 94

95 Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvement Act of 2010» Effective August 1, 2011, eligible Veterans enrolled in the VR&E program may elect the monthly housing allowance from the Post-9/11 GI Bill in lieu of the subsistence allowance» Housing allowance based on BAH for E-5 with dependents» Veterans must be eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill and have remaining entitlement under that program 95

96 Eligibility To Apply» Servicemembers may apply for the VR&E program with a 20% memorandum rating or proposed IDES rating» Veterans are eligible to apply with a VA disability rating of at least 10%» Veterans must receive an Honorable or other than dishonorable discharge 96

97 Entitlement To Services» Combined service-connected disability rating of 20% or more and an employment handicap resulting primarily from such disability» Veterans rated as 10% disabled with a serious employment handicap may be entitled to VR&E services 97

98 Pre-Discharge Program Servicemembers may also apply for the VR&E program when applying through the Pre-Discharge Program, either Benefits Delivery at Discharge or Quick Start, or through IDES 98

99 Counseling A counseling appointment will be set for eligible Servicemembers and Veterans to accomplish the following: Evaluate the applicant s interests, aptitudes, and abilities based upon testing and interviews Explore the applicant s vocational goals and objectives 99

100 Eligibility Period The law provides a 12-year basic period of eligibility. The 12-year period begins on the latter of these dates: Date of separation from active military duty Or Date VA first informed the Veteran of a qualifying service-connected disability rating The period of eligibility can be extended for Veterans found to have a serious employment handicap 100

101 VetSuccess.gov» VR&E s comprehensive employment web site for all Veterans» Veterans can post resumes and search and apply for jobs» Employers can post jobs and search resumes 101

102 Disability Transition Assistance Program (DTAP)» Servicemembers may be able to participate in DTAP, a supplemental session to the Transition Assistance Program that focuses on disability, rehabilitation, and employment» During DTAP, participants: Receive a comprehensive briefing on the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program May apply for VR&E services 102

103 How to apply» Servicemembers, including IDES enrollees, should complete: VA Form , Memo Rating VA Form c, Pre-Discharge Compensation Claim, or VA Form , Veteran s Application for Compensation and/or Pension, or other applicable form, and VA Form , Application for Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits» Veterans should complete: VA Form (If not already rated by VA for a serviceconnected disability.) VA Form

104 Burial Benefits 104

105 Burial Benefits» National Cemeteries» State Veterans Cemeteries» Headstone, Marker, or Medallion» Burial Flag» Presidential Memorial Certificates» Burial Cost Reimbursement» Gravesite» Opening and Closing» Assistance with Military Honors 105

106 Burial Benefits Eligibility» Veteran, spouse, and dependent children» Listed below are some of the individuals eligible for burial in a National Cemetery: Veteran with other than dishonorable discharge Active duty service, not including Reserve active duty for training Retirement-eligible Reserve and National Guard members 106

107 Preparing in Advance of Need To ease the burden on family members, Veterans should: Provide appropriate loved ones with a copy of their DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty Inform family members of their burial wishes Visit the National Cemetery Administration website at 107

108 Resources 108

109 VA on the Internet VA by Phone ebenefits VA Home Page Returning Servicemembers VA on Facebook VA on Twitter Benefits information (800) Education Benefits (888) Health Care Eligibility (877) SGLI/VGLI (800) VA Life Insurance (800)

110 Thank you for your service. 110

111 111