Chapter 33 (Post 9/11) o Fry Scholarship. o Yellow Ribbon. Chapter 30. Chapter 1606 Selective Reserve/National Guard

Transcription

1 Chapter 33 (Post 9/11) o Fry Scholarship o Yellow Ribbon Chapter 30 Chapter 1606 Selective Reserve/National Guard Chapter 1607 Reserve Educational Assistance Program Chapter 35 Dependents/Spouse of Deceased/Disabled Veteran Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation Carissa Gentry VA Certifying Official Office of Military and Veteran Student Services University of Louisville Louisville, KY [email protected] Office: (502) Fax: (502) Kristen Roy Program Coordinator Senior Office of Military and Veteran Student Services University of Louisville Louisville, KY [email protected] Office: (502) Zack Pfeifer Graduate Assistant Office of Military and Veteran Student Services University of Louisville Louisville, KY [email protected] Office: (502)

2 Approved Degree Programs DVA will only pay for courses that apply towards an approved major or degree program. It is up to the student to ensure that courses are approved as general education requirements or degree specific courses. Continuing Studies Continuing studies is NOT AN APPROVED DEGREE PROGRAM. The VA will allow for up to 24 credit hours of continuing students. Once 24 hours have been completed, the student must transfer to a degree-granting program. Changing Majors It is the responsibility of the student to let the OVMSS know about changing majors or degree programs. Failure to do so will result in the termination of benefits. Visiting Student at another school If you are attending another university as a visiting student, you must have a visiting student letter on file in the Registrar s Office before the course can be certified for VA benefits. You will need to bring a copy of the visiting student letter to the OVMSS for your certification to be processed and VA payment can be applied while attending another school. To receive credit when the course is completed, the student must request an official transcript to be mailed to UofL Registrar s Office. Adding and Dropping Classes Students need to inform the OVMSS if they are adding or dropping classes. These changes need to be reported to the office IMMEDIATELY as the affect potential enrollment status of the student. This will affect the amount of money the student is entitled. Students are responsible for all debts resulting from reductions or terminations of your enrollment even if the payment was submitted directly to the school on your behalf. Full-Time/Part-Time Status for VA purposes Undergraduate Graduate 12+ Hours Full Time 9+ Hours Full Time 9-11 Hours ¾ Time 6-8 Hours ¾ Time 6-8 Hours ½ Time 4-5 Hours ½ Time 1-5 Hours Less than ½ Time 3 Hours More than ¼ but less than ½ Time Prepared By: Zack Pfeifer April 2012

3 Transfer Students and Credit for Prior Training Any student transferring to UofL from another university must have his/her transfer credits evaluated by the academic advising office the first semesters enrolled. The VA requires the number of transfer credits that will apply directly to the student s degree program be reported by the second semester of enrollment. It is the responsibility of the veteran/dependent to make sure that the certifying official has the information to report to the DVA within the allotted amount of time. FAILURE TO COMPLY WILL TERMINATE YOUR VA BENEFITS. Teacher Certification If you are pursuing teacher certification, please submit a listing of the courses required for certification. Courses not on the list will not be certified for VA benefits. VA WILL NOT PAY FOR RANK I or RANK II. Unauthorized Repeats The Department of Veteran Affairs will only pay for repeated courses when the initial grade is an F. A grade of D or higher is considered a satisfactory grade by the DVA and will not be paid if the course is repeated. Punitive Grades EF (Earned F) VA will pay UF (Unearned failure student stopped attending) VA WILL NOT pay NP (Non-participatory student never attended class) - VA WILL NOT pay Audits THE VA WILL NOT PAY FOR AUDITED COURSES UNDER ANY CICUMSTANCES. Change of Address It is the responsibility of the veteran/dependent to keep the DVA and the certifying official informed of your current address. To update your address, go to (Ask a question/find an answer) and submit the information. Direct Deposit To establish or change direct deposit information, contact the DVA at IMMEDIATELY. Failure to contact the VA with changes will delay your payments for several months. Prepared By: Zack Pfeifer April 2012

4 Who is eligible? Veterans who have served at least 90 days, or individuals who have been discharged with a serviceconnected disability after 30 days, from any branch of the military after September 10, 2011 are eligible to receive educational benefits under this bill. You must have received an honorable discharge in order to be eligible for this benefit. The amount payable under this bill is determined based on total amount of active service time extending from 90 aggregate days to 36+ cumulative months. Processing: It takes about 8-12 weeks for the DVA to process the paperwork related to eligibility. As a part of the application process, a member of the OVMSS staff must certify enrollment. Once the application is processed, the student will receive a Certificate of Eligibility from DVA. This certificate must be returned to the OVMSS. After the initial processing, certification of enrollment will be automatically submitted to the DVA each semester the student is enrolled. State Benefit: Kentucky law is written in such a way that any veteran beneficiaries of the Post 9/11 GI Bill who enrolls as a non-resident undergraduate (to UofL) will not be charged any more than the in-state undergraduate rate for tuition. This law applies to veterans only, not their dependents. This benefit also applies ONLY to undergraduate enrollment, not professional schools (law, medical, graduate, ect.) Federal Benefits: These benefits allow for up to 36 months of educational benefits, payable for 15 years following the release from active duty. These benefits may also be transferred to a dependent. Benefits are paid on a sliding scale based on length of service. Post 9/11 Service % of Maximum Amount Payable At least 36 cumulative months 100 At least 30 continuous days on active duty and 100 discharged due to service-connected disability At least 30 cumulative months 90 At least 24 cumulative months 80 At least 18 cumulative months 70 At least 12 cumulative months 60 At least 6 cumulative months aggregate days 40

5 The federal benefits extended to beneficiaries are: Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) BAH is calculated based on the zip code for the school. At UofL (40292), the BAH is $1,167 per month as a direct deposit. To determine the BAH for other schools (JCTC, ect) please use: Tuition Reimbursement This benefit provides the cost of in-state undergraduate tuition for both residents and nonresidents of the state. For graduate and professional tuition, this benefit will cover the full cost of in-state tuition. Out of state tuition for graduate and law programs can be subsidized by the Yellow Ribbon Program. There are only 5 slots available for each law and graduate school. Dependents who are non-residents seeking undergraduate degrees do not receive in-state tuition, but may also receive Yellow Ribbon funds. Book Stipend Allowance Book allowance is $41.00 per credit hour for up to 24 credit hours per year, up to a maximum of $1, Changes in number of credits enrolled throughout the semester (adding or dropping classes) will affect this amount and could entitle the student to more money or result in debt that is paid by the student. Other Information: UofL Tuition Policy UofL maintains a policy that tuition must be paid at time of registration. Due to the lengthy processing times, you should not depend on your benefits to cover your initial tuition payment. It may be necessary to seek other payment options. Pre-Registration Students should pre-register for classes as soon as possible. Once pre-registered, contact the OVMSS s VA Certifying official to let them know. This will expedite your enrollment certification and benefits processing for the following semester. Adding and Dropping Classes Students need to inform the OVMSS if they are adding or dropping classes. These changes need to be reported to the office IMMEDIATELY as the affect the amount of book stipend and potential enrollment status of the student. These will affect the amount of money the student is entitled. Students are responsible for all debts resulting from reductions or terminations of your enrollment even if the payment was submitted directly to the school on your behalf.

6 Transfer/Change of Program Students Students who are transferring to the University of Louisville from another institution or are changing programs within UofL (undergrad to med school, etc) must fill out Form Request for Change of Program or Change of Place of Training. Transfer of Benefits The 36 months of benefits may be transferred to: A spouse One or more children Or split between spouse and child(ren) DVA/DOD will determine dependents/spouse eligibility for educational benefits. In order to transfer benefits, the individual must be on active duty and serve for at least 6 years and choose to serve an additional 4 years. To transfer benefits: 1. Apply through the Department of Defense: 2. After approval, the spouse/child (ren) must complete Form E through the VA: Necessary Forms and Documentation: General Application 1. VA Form for the application of benefits 2. Certified Enrollment via VA Certifying official at OVMSS 3. Certificate of Eligibility returned to the OVMSS Transferring Benefits: 1. Veteran fills out the online application at 2. Recipient of benefits completes VA Form e for the application of benefits. 3. Recipient follows the rest of the steps in the General Application process. References: United States Department of Veteran Affairs. (2012, July 24). The Post-9/11 GI-Bill. Washington, DC. Retrieved from: United States Department of Veteran Affairs. (2013, March 5). Transfer of Post-9/11 GI-Bill Benefits to Dependents (TEB). Washington, DC. Retrieved from: Prepared By: Zack Pfeifer Date Prepared: 03/05/13

7 What is it? This is an alternative form of the Chapter 33 benefit offered to the children of deceased veterans who died in the line of duty. Who is eligible? Children of a deceased member of the Armed Forces who has died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001 are eligible. These children may be married or over the age of 23, unlike Chapter 33 without this benefit. Students under this scholarship are NOT eligible for Yellow Ribbon Program. Processing: VA Form must be filed with the KDVA. Upon processing, a Certificate of Eligibility will be sent, which must be returned to the OVMSS in order to process and have on file. Benefits: Students are entitled to: 36 months of benefits at the 100% level Eligible until 33 versus 23 under Chapter 33 alone. Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) BAH is calculated based on the zip code for the school. At UofL (40292), the BAH is $1,167 per month as a direct deposit. To determine the BAH for other schools (JCTC, ect) please use: Tuition Reimbursement This benefit provides the cost of in-state undergraduate tuition for residents of the state. Nonresidents are not eligible. Book Stipend Allowance Book allowance is $41.00 per credit hour for up to 24 credit hours per year, up to a maximum of $1, Changes in number of credits enrolled throughout the semester (adding or dropping classes) will affect this amount and could entitle the student to more money or result in debt that is paid by the student.

8 Other Information: Children who have or are serving in the Armed Forces Children may only qualify for up to 36 total months of Fry and Chapter 33 benefits based on their own service. Additional months may be added if contributed from surviving parent. DEA Benefits Children may also be eligible for DEA benefits. These benefits may not be used concurrently with Fry scholarship, but an additional 12 months of benefits may be collected from DEA after the initial 36 months from the Fry Scholarship. Necessary Forms and Documentation: 1. Veteran fills out the online application at 2. Recipient of benefits completes VA Form for the application of benefits. 3. Certified Enrollment via VA Certifying official at OVMSS 4. Certificate of Eligibility returned to the OVMSS References: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veteran Benefits Administration. (2012). Post-9/11 gi bill: Marine gunnery sergeant john david fry scholarship. Retrieved from Department of Veteran Affairs website: Prepared By: Zack Pfeifer April 2012

9 What is it? Yellow Ribbon is a program intended to offset the costs of out of state tuition for students who are currently receiving full Post-911 benefits under Chapter 33. The program pays for the difference between in-state and out of state tuition for students, splitting the cost between the University and the federal government. Who is eligible? Only veterans who are currently eligible to receive 100% of the Post-911 GI Bill benefits are eligible. At UofL, this program is reserved for post-undergraduate students. Currently there are 5 slots available for each Law and Graduate Studies at UofL (10 total slots). These slots are awarded on a first come, first serve basis. To be eligible for these benefits, a student must have an active application/acceptance in the Brandeis School of Law or the School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies. Spouses and active duty members are NOT eligible for Yellow Ribbon (only veteran and dependents). Processing: Upon receipt of Certificate of Eligibility for the Post-911 GI Bill benefits, the OVMSS will provide the applicant with a Yellow Ribbon Application. Benefits: Yellow Ribbon is a program that UofL elects to participate in to offset the costs of out of state tuition for veterans and beneficiaries of the Post-911 GI Bill. This benefit covers the remainder of the mandatory fees and tuition that UofL charges to students after Chapter 33 benefits are calculated. These fees do not include room and board or other optional fees within the program. The amount of money UofL contributes is matched by the VA and will cover the remainder of out of state tuition for either Graduate Studies or Law School. Necessary Forms and Documentation: 1. Certificate of Eligibility on file with the OVMSS 2. Active application with the School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies or the Brandeis School of Law. 3. Yellow Ribbon Application for UofL References: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veteran Benefits Administration. (2012). Post-9/11 gi bill yellow ribbon faqs. Retrieved from Department of Veteran Affairs website: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veteran Benefits Administration. (2012). Post 9/11 gi bill it's your future yellow ribbon program. Retrieved from Department of Veteran Affairs website: Prepared By: Zack Pfeifer April 2012

10 Who is eligible? Veterans who are currently active duty or have received an Honorable Discharge within the past 10 years. Participants must have paid in $100/month for the entire first year of service while on active duty. Processing: In order to apply, the Application for VA Education Benefits (VA ) must be completed. A copy of your Certificate of Release From Active Duty (DD-214) and, if applicable, the kicker contract must be sent to the OVMSS VA Certifying official. Federal Benefits: The VA gives monthly payments based on amount of time enlisted and enrollment status. 3 years or longer active duty obligation Full Time: $1,564.00/Month Three-Quarter: $1,173.00/Month Half-Time: $782.00/Month Less than ½ time but more than ¼ time: Tuition not to exceed the rate of $782.00/Month ¼ Time or less: Tuition not to exceed rate of $391.00/Month Less than 3 years of active duty obligation: Full Time: $1,270.00/Month Three-Quarter: $952.50/Month Half-Time: $635.00/Month Less than ½ time but more than ¼ time: Tuition not to exceed the rate of $635.00/Month ¼ Time or less: Tuition not to exceed rate of $317.50/Month Other Information: Veterans must certify their enrollment with the VA the last day of each month by calling or verify on and follow the link to the WAVE online program.

11 Adding and Dropping Classes Students need to inform the OVMSS if they are adding or dropping classes. These changes need to be reported to the office IMMEDIATELY as the affect potential enrollment status of the student. This will affect the amount of money the student is entitled. Students are responsible for all debts resulting from reductions or terminations of your enrollment even if the payment was submitted directly to the school on your behalf. Necessary Forms and Documentation: 1. VA Form for the application of benefits 2. Certified Enrollment via VA Certifying official at OVMSS 3. Certificate of Eligibility returned to the OVMSS 4. Certificate of Release from Active Duty a. Kicker Contract if applicable 5. Change of Place of Training ( ) a. If a transfer student References: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veteran Benefits Administration. (2011). The montgomery gi bill- active duty. Retrieved from Department of Veteran Affairs website: Prepared By: Zack Pfeifer April 2012

12 Who is eligible? You are eligible if you are a member of the Selected Reserve including Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. This program ends when you leave service in the Selected Reserve. To Qualify: 1. Have a 6-year obligation in the Selected Reserve a. If you are an officer you must have agreed to serve six years in addition to your original obligation. 2. Complete your initial duty for training 3. High School Diploma or equivalent 4. Remain in good standing Processing: You will be given a DD Form (Notice of Basic Eligibility) when you become eligible. This is necessary to apply for benefits. In order to apply, the Application for VA Education Benefits (VA ) must be completed. A copy of your Certificate of Release From Active Duty (DD-214) and, if applicable, the kicker contract must be sent to the OVMSS VA Certifying official. Federal Benefits: The VA gives up to 36 monthly payments based on amount of time enlisted and enrollment status. Full Time: $356.00/Month Three-Quarter: $266/Month Half-Time: $176/Month Less than ½ time: $86.25/Month Other Information: Veterans must certify their enrollment with the VA the last day of each month by calling or verify on and follow the link to the WAVE online program.

13 Adding and Dropping Classes Students need to inform the OVMSS if they are adding or dropping classes. These changes need to be reported to the office IMMEDIATELY as the affect potential enrollment status of the student. This will affect the amount of money the student is entitled. Students are responsible for all debts resulting from reductions or terminations of your enrollment even if the payment was submitted directly to the school on your behalf. Necessary Forms and Documentation: 1. DD Form , Notice of Basic Eligibility 2. VA Form for the application of benefits 3. Certified Enrollment via VA Certifying official at OVMSS 4. Certificate of Eligibility returned to the OVMSS 5. Certificate of Release from Active Duty a. Kicker Contract if applicable 6. Change of Place of Training ( ) a. If a transfer student References: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veteran Benefits Administration. (2012). Selected reserve (mgib-sr). Retrieved from Department of Veteran Affairs website: Prepared By: Zack Pfeifer April 2012

14 Who is eligible? A member of a reserve component who serves on active duty on or after 9/11/01 under title 10 US Code for a contingency operation and who serves at least 90 consecutive days or more is eligible. National Guard members are also eligible if their active duty is under section 502(f), title 32 U.S.C. and they serve for 90 consecutive days when authorized by the President or Secretary of Defense for a national emergency and is supported by federal funds. Individuals are eligible as soon as they reach the 90 day point whether or not they are currently on active duty. DOD will fully identify contingency operations that qualify for benefits. Processing: Reservists currently under Chapter 1606 need to submit a DD-214 or orders of activation with a completed Change of Place of Training ( ). In order to apply, the Application for VA Education Benefits (VA ) must be completed. A copy of your DD Form (Notice of Basic Eligibility) must be submitted as well. A copy of your Certificate of Release From Active Duty (DD-214) and, if applicable, the kicker contract must be sent to the OVMSS VA Certifying official. Federal Benefits: Benefits will continue as long as you continue to serve. Monthly Rates Service of 90 days Service 1 year + Service 2 years + less than one year Full Time $ $ $1, ¾ Time $469.2 $ $ ½ Time $ $ $ Less than ½ Time but $312.80* $469.20* $625.60* more than ¼ Time ¼ Time or less $156.40* $234.60* $312.80* *Tuition and fees are the only things covered. They cannot exceed this amount. Other Information: Veterans must certify their enrollment with the VA the last day of each month by calling or verify on and follow the link to the WAVE online program.

15 Adding and Dropping Classes Students need to inform the OVMSS if they are adding or dropping classes. These changes need to be reported to the office IMMEDIATELY as the affect potential enrollment status of the student. This will affect the amount of money the student is entitled. Students are responsible for all debts resulting from reductions or terminations of your enrollment even if the payment was submitted directly to the school on your behalf. Necessary Forms and Documentation: 1. DD Form , Notice of Basic Eligibility 2. VA Form for the application of benefits 3. Certified Enrollment via VA Certifying official at OVMSS 4. Certificate of Eligibility returned to the OVMSS 5. Certificate of Release from Active Duty a. Kicker Contract if applicable 6. Change of Place of Training ( ) a. If a transfer student OR b. If a reservist under 1606 References: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veteran Benefits Administration. (2008). Reserve educational assistance program (REAP). Retrieved from Department of Veteran Affairs website: Prepared By: Zack Pfeifer April 2012

16 Who is eligible? Chapter 35 is designed to extend benefits to dependents and spouses of deceased or 100% disabled veterans. Benefits under this program come from both the state of Kentucky and the federal government. Eligibility is established based on the VA s designation of the veteran. The VA makes the final decision on eligibility for both Tuition waiver and federal funds. 100% disabled is a classification that the VA uses as a designation for veterans who are disabled due to service related incidents. The Office of Veteran and Military Student Services has NO CONTROL over the designations of veteran s level of disability. State Benefit: Dependents are eligible for the KRS Tuition Waiver. This waiver is applicable to: Children Stepchildren Adopted children Spouses Un-remarried widows and widowers This waiver provides the cost for tuition at any two-year, four-year, or vocational technical school which is funded by the Kentucky Department of Education. Out of state students are NOT eligible for this benefit. Upon filling out the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs Tuition and being approved by KDVA, the student will receive full in-state tuition for their education. There are two types of waiver: KRS and KRS The decision about which tuition waiver students receive is entirely at the discretion of KDVA. The OVMSS has no power to alter which tuition waiver students receive. KRS Students under this waiver are eligible for whichever comes first between: 45 months of tuition payment Until their 26 birthday OR until they receive a degree Under this program, tuition is paid for by the KDVA. Online tuition is included in this waiver. KRS Students under this waiver are eligible to get both undergraduate and graduate degrees. There are no age or time limit restrictions on this benefit. The completed tuition waiver application must be submitted to the KDVA. Address and fax are on the application. Once approved, the waiver must be submitted to Lindsay Driskell in the Financial Aid Office.

17 Chapter 35 2 Federal Benefits: Under Chapter 35, recipients are given a monthly stipend based on their enrollment status. Student Enrollment Status Monthly Stipend Rate Full Time $ ¾ Time $ ½ Time $ Less than ½ time but more than ¼ time $491.00* ¼ time or less $246.75* *These amounts only are applicable for Tuition and Fees. Payment cannot exceed the total cost of these fees. Federal Benefits are offered based on the same time restrictions as the KRS Tuition Waiver. Other Information: Billing The Tuition Waiver will only cover TUITION (not fees). The other fees associated with enrollment at the University of Louisville (Student Health fee, meal plan, rec fee, etc) are not covered under the waiver. A residual balance will appear on student s bursar bill after the tuition waiver, but the federal benefits stipend can be used to pay the residual amount. Adding and Dropping Classes Students need to inform the OVMSS if they are adding or dropping classes. Most importantly, the OVMSS needs to be informed IMMEDIATELY if the addition or removal of classes changes the enrollment status of the student (part to full time or the reverse, for example). Changes in enrollment status will affect the amount of the monthly stipend students are receiving. Transfer/Change of Program Students Students who are transferring to the University of Louisville from another institution or are changing programs within UofL (undergrad to med school, etc) must fill out Form Request for Change of Program or Change of Place of Training. Change of program requirements are if a student had another source of funding for undergraduate and are wishing to pursue a graduate degree using the KRS Tuition Waiver. Necessary Forms and Documentation: 1. Application for Survivors and Dependents Education Assistance (Form ) 2. KRS Tuition Waiver a. Proof of relationship to veteran b. DD214 or Discharge Certificate of Veteran c. Veteran s Driver s License d. Death Certificate (if applicable) e. Disability Award Letter from VA to prove veteran is 100% disabled or deemed totally disabled for pension by the VA f. Evidence of KY Residency 3. If Applicable: Request for Change of Program or Change of Place of Training (Form ) References: Kentucky Department of Veteran Affairs. (2012). Tuition Waiver Program Summary. Louisville, KY. Retrieved from: Kentucky Department of Veteran Affairs. (2012). Tuition Waiver. Louisville, KY. Retrieved from: Prepared By: Zack Pfeifer Date Prepared: 02/08/13

18 Who is eligible? Eligibility into this program is determined through the Department of Veteran Affairs. Processing: Certifying official needs to receive Authorization or Entrance or Reentrance into Rehabilitation and Certification of Status ( ) from VA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in order to process benefits. Federal Benefits: Monthly Subsistence Rates Full Time ¾ Time ½ Time No Dependents $ $ $ One Dependent $ $ $ Two Dependents $ $ $ Each Additional Dependent $60.41 $46.45 $31.00 The DVA pays for tuition, books, and supplies for veterans under this program. See OVMSS for information regarding book and supply purchases. Other Information: It is the student s responsibility to submit grades to their VA Vocational Rehabilitation counselor at the end of each semester. Print a copy of grades from ULink and mail direct to the Vocational Rehabilitation counselor. Failure to do so could result in termination of benefits. Adding and Dropping Classes Students need to inform the OVMSS if they are adding or dropping classes. These changes need to be reported to the office IMMEDIATELY as the affect potential enrollment status of the student. This will affect the amount of money the student is entitled. Students are responsible for all debts resulting from reductions or terminations of your enrollment even if the payment was submitted directly to the school on your behalf. Necessary Forms and Documentation: Authorization or Entrance or Reentrance into Rehabilitation and Certification of Status References: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veteran Benefits Administration. (2012). Vocational rehabilitation and employment program. Retrieved from Department of Veteran Affairs website: Prepared By: Zack Pfeifer April 2012