Post-9/11 GI BILL MONTH DD, YEAR

Transcription

1 Post-9/11 GI BILL VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION MONTH DD, YEAR

2 Overview Eligibility Criteria Benefit Levels ( Eligibility Matrix ) Entitlement Elections Period of Eligibility Modifications to the Post 9/11 GI Bill (Tuition and Fees, Kickers, Monthly Housing Allowance, LAC, National Exams, Break Payments, OJT, Flight Programs, and Books and Supplies) Transfer of Entitlement (ToE)

3 Eligibility Criteria Eligibility Criteria: Served on active duty on or after Served a minimum of 90 aggregate days (excluding entry level and skill training) Exception: Service Connected Disability: established if served at least 30 continuous days on active duty and discharged for a Service Connected Disability. Veteran will qualify at the 100% benefit level. Benefit level is based on the length of service (see Eligibility Matrix)

4 Eligibility: Types of Service Eligibility Criteria: As of August 1, 2009 to Present: Active duty served as a member of the Armed Forces or as a result of a call up order to active duty from a reserve component under section 688, 672(d), 12301(a), 12301(d), 12301(g), 12302, or of Title 10 is qualifying active duty service As of October 1, 2011 to Present: VA began paying benefits to members of the Army National Guard and Air National guard for qualifying service under Title 32 including: Full Time service in the National Guard for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training Activations in support of a national emergency under section 502(f) of Title 32 Benefits will be retroactive back to August 1, 2009 (or the claimant s election date)

5 Eligibility: Types of Service Title 32 Title 32 Service may qualify if: Classified Title 32 and AGR (Active Guard and Reserve) Classified Title 32 and Full Time National Guard (FTNG) ADOS/ADSW that was: - Under a National Emergency; and - Declared by the President; and - Federally Funded; and - 502(f); and - Operation Noble Eagle; and -mobilized from 09/11/01 05/31/02

6 Eligibility: Exclusions Active Duty Exclusions Include: Service Academy Contract Period (5 year obligation) ROTC contract period under 10 U.S.C. 2107(b) (4 year obligation) Service used for purpose of loan repayment (3 year obligation) Service terminated due to an erroneous or defective enlistment

7 Eligibility: How to Maintain In order to Maintain Eligibility: Must continue on active duty; or Be honorably discharged from the Armed Forces; or Be honorably discharged and placed on a retired list, temporary disability list, or transferred to the Fleet Reserve or Fleet Marine Corps Reserved Be honorably discharged for future service in a reserve component Be discharged or released with Under Honorable Conditions (UHC) prior to January 4, 2011 for: Injury Prior to Service (EPTS) Hardship (HDSP) Condition Interfered with Duty (CIWD)

8 Post-9/11 GI Bill Eligibility Matrix Aggregate Service Requirements in Days (after 9/10/01 an individual must serve an aggregate of) Payment Tiers Percentage Continuous Days with a Disability Discharge

9 Entitlement Period of Eligibility: Generally 36 months of entitlement Limited to 48 months of entitlement under 2 or more education programs (with the exceptions of Transfer of Entitlement transferees) May not receive concurrent benefits under: Nation Call to Service, Chapters: 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, or Chapter 1606(a), 1606, 1607, or section 903 of title 10, or the hostage relief act of 1980; or the omnibus diplomatic security and antiterrorism act of 1986

10 Elections Elections: Students eligible for Chapters: 30, 1606, or 1607 on or after August 1, 2009 and on their election date, must relinquish a benefit to receive Chapter 33 Relinquishment: once the student gives up the selected benefit of his/her choice, the student cannot use that benefit again Chapter 33 Elections are irrevocable; however: Elections can be withdrawn or changed if the RPO receives the request BEFORE issuing a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) or payment to the claimant -Election withdrawal requests may be received by phone calls, internet inquiries, etc.; or - Changes, however, must be received in writing

11 Elections Visit for case scenarios that may help individuals compare VA benefit programs, remember: Each student s situation is unique Cases should be used as things to consider but not as facts or rules Always contact or have the claimant contact the VA for eligibility questions or concerns The Effective Date (Relinquishment Date) cannot be changed once the application has been processed

12 Period of Eligibility Delimiting Date Generally, individuals will remain eligible for benefits for 15 years from: Date of last discharge; or Release from active duty service of at least 90 continuous days If eligibility is based on aggregate service of less than 90 continuous days, individuals will have 15 years from the last period of service used to meet the minimum service requirements for eligibility

13 Fry Scholarship (Post-9/11 GI Bill) Effective August 1, 2010, VA began issuing payments under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship) The payments are retroactive with enrollment periods beginning on or after August 1, 2009

14 Fry Scholarship (Post-9/11 GI Bill) Who is eligible? A child of an active duty member in the Armed Forces who dies in the line of duty* on or after 9/11/01: The child can be married Individuals 23 and above where eligibility has been established prior to turning 23 will remain eligible until age 33 *In the line of duty: if the service person died on active duty on or after 09/11/01

15 Fry Scholarship (Post-9/11 GI Bill) Eligibility: If the child is eligible for education benefits in their own right: Must relinquish a benefit if they are eligible under Chapter 30, Chapter 1606, or Chapter 1607 on or after August 1, 2009 in order to receive benefits under Fry Scholarship Will receive benefits at the active duty benefit rate if they are on active duty, and will be eligible for unlimited Tuition and Fees. However, they will not be eligible for a Monthly Housing Allowance or Books and Supplies Stipend

16 Fry Scholarship (Post-9/11 GI Bill) Elections: Individuals electing to use Fry Scholarship benefits lose eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits A child cannot establish eligible for Fry and DEA (Chapter 35) benefits based upon a parent s death Claimants will have to make an election between DEA and Fry if he/she wishes to receive education assistance The VA will send the claimant an Election Letter explaining the options

17 Fry Scholarship (Post-9/11 GI Bill) Applying for benefits: Fill out the VA Form Paper Version: Part III, Section 18b VONAPP Version: see below, Chapter 33 says yes Yes in box 18b indicates the claimant is applying for FRY.

18 Fry Scholarship (Post-9/11 GI Bill) Entitlement: Entitled to 36 months of benefits at the 100% Benefit Level Individuals have 15 years from their 18 th birthday to use benefits, not to exceed 33 years of age Benefits can not be used prior to age 18 (even if high school has been completed) Individuals are not eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program

19 Fry Scholarship (Post-9/11 GI Bill) Benefits include: Tuition and Fees Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) Kickers: only payable when child relinquishes a benefit to receive Fry Scholarship. The child is not eligible to receive kickers to which the deceased parent was entitled. Books and Supplies Stipend LAC (more than 1 exam after 08/01/11) Tutorial Assistance Rural benefit Effective 10/01/11: Correspondence, OJT, NCD, Apprenticeship, and Flight

20 Modifications of the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Public Law )

21 Modifications of the Post-9/11 GI Bill Changes as of August 1, 2011 Tuition and Fee Changes: No individual state cap rates (as previously used) Public School in-state tuition and fees are fully reimbursable The Yellow Ribbon Program can be used to cover the un-met charges (e.g. out-of-state charges at public schools) Private school costs are capped at $17,500 annually (example: from August 1, 2011 through July 31, 2012) The Yellow Ribbon Program still exists for costs above the cap rates

22 Modifications of the Post-9/11 GI Bill Changes as of August 1, 2011 Kickers: Allows VA to pay kickers on a monthly basis instead of a lump sum at the beginning of the term Pays kickers to those attending school at half-time or less

23 Modifications of the Post-9/11 GI Bill Changes as of August 1, 2011 Monthly Housing Allowance/ Vocational Rehabilitation: Allows those who are eligible for both Chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, and Post- 9/11 GI Bill benefits to choose the Post-9/11 GI Bill s monthly housing allowance instead of the Chapter 31 subsistence allowance.

24 Modifications of the Post-9/11 GI Bill Changes as of August 1, 2011 License and Certification Tests: Allows reimbursement for more than one license and certification test for up to $2,000 each (previously only 1 test was allowed): - one certification for training before 8/1/11, no entitlement charged - additional certifications, 1 month of entitlement charged for each

25 Modifications of the Post-9/11 GI Bill Changes as of August 1, 2011 National Exams: Allows reimbursement of fees paid to take national exams used for admission to an institution of higher learning (e.g. SAT, GRE, ACT, GMAT, LSAT) Generally, 1 mo. of entitlement will be charged

26 Modifications of the Post-9/11 GI Bill Changes as of August 1, 2011 No More Interval Break Payment: After August 1, 2011, students will no longer receive payment for the break between terms Break payments are no longer payable under any VA education benefit program unless under an Executive Order of the President due to an emergency situation such as a natural disaster or strike

27 Modifications of the Post-9/11 GI Bill Changes as of October 1, 2011 New Programs Approved: Allows students to use Chapter 33 for non-college degree programs such as: On-the-Job Training (OJT), Flight (for other than a private pilot license) at flight schools, Apprenticeship training, and correspondence courses Flight Programs: pays the lesser of the actual net costs for in-state Tuition and Fees assessed by the school OR $10,000, which ever is less per academic year.

28 Modifications of the Post-9/11 GI Bill Changes as of October 1, 2011 Monthly Housing Allowance: Now payable to students (other than those on active duty) enrolled solely in distance learning. The allowance is ½ the national average BAH for an E-5 with dependents (the Full Time rate is $ for 2011) Prorates housing allowance by rate of pursuit (rounded to the nearest 10 th ).

29 Modifications of the Post-9/11 GI Bill Changes as of October 1, 2011 Books and Supplies Stipend: Allows students on active duty to receive a book and supplies stipend (they previously could not receive this payment type)

30 National Guard Service On October 1, 2011, VA began paying benefits to members of the Army National Guard and Air National Guard for qualifying service under title 32. The following service may qualify: Full time service in the National Guard for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing or training. Activations in support of a national emergency under section 502(f) of title 32. Provision Effective October 1, 2011

31 Monthly Housing Allowance Distance Learning: Individuals only enrolled in distance learning courses will be eligible for a monthly housing allowance equal to 50% of the national average of all Basic Allowances for Housing. Rates will be multiplied by the rate of pursuit rounded to the nearest multiple of 10. NOTE: Basic eligibility requirements for Monthly Housing Allowance benefits (e.g. veterans with a rate of pursuit >.50) remain unchanged. Provision Effective October 1, 2011

32 Active Duty Books Individuals enrolled in a degree program while on active duty will be eligible for the Books & Supplies stipend of up to $1, per academic year. The rules for calculating Books and Supplies payments are the same as those for veterans. Provision Effective October 1, 2011

33 Non-IHL Non-Degree Programs On October 1, 2011, VA began paying Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to individuals pursuing the following approved non-ihl non-degree programs Non-College Degree (NCD) schools On-the Job Training (OJT) and Apprenticeship programs Flight Programs Correspondence courses Provision Effective October 1, 2011

34 NCD Schools Individuals pursuing an approved program at an NCD school will receive the lesser of the following: The actual net cost for in-state tuition and fees after the application of any waiver, scholarship, aid, or assistance [other than loans and funds provided under section 401(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965], or $17,500 for the academic year beginning on August 1, The amount of the yearly cap will be adjusted each year based upon a COLA and is subject to proration based upon benefit level. Provision Effective October 1, 2011

35 NCD Schools A Monthly Housing Allowance based upon the appropriate in-residence or distance learning rules (prorated by rate of pursuit and benefit level). A lump-sum Books & Supplies stipend in an amount equal to $83 for each month (prorated for partial months and benefit level). Provision Effective October 1, 2011

36 OJT/Apprenticeship Programs Individuals pursuing an approved OJT or apprenticeship program will receive the following: First 6 months: A monthly amount equal to the BAH rate for an E-5 with dependents where the employer is located (prorated for benefit level and/or less than 120 hours per month) Second 6 months: A monthly amount equal to 80% of the BAH rate for an E-5 with dependents where the employer is located (prorated for benefit level and/or less than 120 hours per month) Provision Effective October 1, 2011

37 OJT/Apprenticeship Programs Third 6 months: A monthly amount equal to 60% of the BAH rate for an E-5 with dependents where the employer is located (prorated for benefit level and/or less than 120 hours per month) Fourth 6 months: A monthly amount equal to 40% of the BAH rate for an E-5 with dependents where the employer is located (prorated for benefit level and/or less than 120 hours per month) Provision Effective October 1, 2011

38 OJT/Apprenticeship Programs Over 24 months: A monthly amount equal to 20% of the BAH rate for an E-5 with dependents where the employer is located (prorated for benefit level and/or less than 120 hours per month) A lump-sum Books & Supplies stipend in an amount equal to $83 for each month (prorated for benefit level, partial months, and/or less than 120 hours per month) Provision Effective October 1, 2011

39 Flight Programs Individuals pursuing an approved flight program (not offered at an IHL) will receive the lesser of the following: The actual net cost for in-state tuition and fees after the application of any waiver, scholarship, aid, or assistance [other than loans and funds provided under section 401(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965], or $10,000 for the academic year beginning on August 1, Provision Effective October 1, 2011

40 Flight Programs The amount of the yearly cap will be adjusted each year based upon a COLA and is subject to proration based upon benefit level. As with flight training under other VA programs, benefit payments will be issued after course completion. Provision Effective October 1, 2011

41 Correspondence Courses Individuals pursuing an approved program of education pursued exclusively by correspondence will receive the lesser of the following: The actual net cost for tuition and fees after the application of any waiver, scholarship, aid, or assistance [other than loans and funds provided under section 401(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965], or $8,500 for the academic year beginning on August 1, Provision Effective October 1, 2011

42 Correspondence Courses The amount of the yearly cap will be adjusted each year based upon a COLA and is subject to proration based upon benefit level. As with correspondence training under other VA programs, benefit payments will be issued quarterly for courses completed. Provision Effective October 1, 2011

43 Transfer of Entitlement

44 Transfer of Entitlement What is it? A component of the Post-9/11 GI Bill Allows the servicemember to transfer unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to children and spouse Who authorizes transfer of benefits? Secretary of Defense (when the Coast Guard is operating as a service of the Navy) Secretaries of Army, Navy, or Air Force Secretary of Homeland Security (for Coast Guard) PHS/NOAA members are now eligible effective August 1, 2011

45 Transfer of Entitlement To be approved to transfer benefits, servicemember must- Be in Armed Forces on or after 08/01/09; and Have completed 6 years in the Armed Forces; and Agree to serve 4 more years

46 Transfer of Entitlement An individual approved to transfer benefits may- Transfer up to 36 months of benefits Transfer to spouse, child, or children in any amount the transferor has available Revoke or modify a transfer request of any unused benefits unless the transferor s 15-year eligibly period has ended. Not transfer benefits to a new dependent once the transferor is no longer a member of the Armed Forces

47 Transfer of Entitlement Spouses- May use after the transferor completes 6 years in the Armed Forces Paid at transferor s rate cannot be paid Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) or Books and Supplies Stipend if the transferor is on active duty when the spouse is receiving benefits. Can, unless the transferor revokes the transfer, continue to use benefits if divorced after the transfer Can use benefits up to transferor s 15-year eligibility period expires unless transferor specifies an early ending date Under law, benefits are not marital property and are not subject to division in a divorce or other civil proceedings

48 Transfer of Entitlement Children- May be transferred to an unmarried child who has not reached the age of 18 or, if in school, before child is 23 years of age May use after the transferor completes 10 years in Armed Forces To commence training, a child must have: Attained age 18; or Completed requirements of secondary school diploma (or equivalency certificate) Receives Monthly Housing Allowance provided RoP is greater than 50% May use until age 26 (even if transferor s 15-year eligibility period ended) May continue to use benefits after marriage

49 Transfer of Entitlement Important: The transferor and individual (spouse/child) using a transferred entitlement are jointly liable for an overpayment of Chapter 33 benefits

50 Questions?

51 Programs Deemed Approved PL section 203(a) deems programs approved at accredited public and private IHLs. Non-college degree programs in accredited public and not-for-profit institutions are also deemed approved

52 Notification Form Accredited public and non-profit IHLs should send the notification from to the ELR with a copy of the current catalog. Identify any NCD programs separately Do not certify continuing education programs without consulting ELR

53 Chapter 33 IHL Payments Rate of Pursuit Rate of Pursuit (RoP) Determines how much entitlement is charged and how much, if any, housing allowance will be paid RoP is determined by dividing the number of credit hours pursued by the number of credit hours considered to be Full Time at the school The resulting percentage (rounded to the nearest hundredth) will be the individual s RoP

54 Chapter 33 IHL Payments Rate of Pursuit Rate of Pursuit (RoP) Example (Standard Term): Term: 01/09/12 05/16/12, 7 in-residence credits Student is taking 7 credits for a standard semester (12 credits= Full Time) Step 1: RoP is determined by dividing the number of credit hours pursued by the number of credit hours considered to be Full Time at the school RoP = 7 / 12 =.58 or 58% Step 2: The resulting percentage (rounded to the nearest hundredth) will be the individual s RoP For Monthly Housing Allowance payment, this will be rounded to 60% of the BAH (E-5 with dependents rate) and if the student is less than 100% Benefit Level, it will also be adjusted based on the eligibility percentage standard semester (15-19 weeks) or standard quarter (10-13 weeks).

55 Chapter 33 IHL Payments Rate of Pursuit Rate of Pursuit (RoP) Example (Non-Standard Term): Term: 01/09/12 03/09/12, 4 in-residence credits (12 credits = Full Time) Student is taking 4 credits for a non-standard semester (9 week semester) Step 1: For Non-Standard term (or summer session), VA will calculate Equivalent Credit Hours (ECH) and use that to determine Rate of Pursuit. ECH = (semester hours enrolled x 18*) / length of the term in weeks (4 x 18) / 9 = 8 Equivalent Credit Hours Note: for Quarter hour terms the formula is (quarter hours enrolled X 12)/length of term in weeks

56 Chapter 33 IHL Payments Rate of Pursuit Rate of Pursuit (RoP) Example (Non-Standard Term): Term: 01/09/12 03/09/12, 4 in-residence credits (12 credits = Full Time) Step 2: Calculate the Rate of Pursuit RoP = 8 ECH / 12 =.66 or 66% For Monthly Housing Allowance payment, this will be rounded to 70% of the BAH (E-5 with dependents rate) and if the student is less than 100% Benefit Level, it will also be adjusted based on the eligibility percentage Greater than 50% ROP would normally be 7 or more credits taken during a standard semester (15-19 weeks) or standard quarter (10-13 weeks).

57 Chapter 33 IHL Payments The Basics Veterans, Dependents of Veteran, & Fry Scholar not on duty effective 10/01/11: IHL Public IHL Private IHL Public IHL Private Tuition/Fees In State Net Charges $17,500 In State Net Charges $17,500 Books & Supplies $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 MHA If ROP >.5 If ROP >.5 If ROP >.5 If ROP >.5 Kickers Paid* Paid* Paid* Paid* Payment Limits should be multiplied by Benefit Level if Less than 100% (see the Matrix) Kickers not subject to benefit level

58 Programs Deemed Approved PL section 203(a) deems programs approved at accredited public and private IHLs. Non-college degree programs in accredited public and not-for-profit institutions are also deemed approved

59 Chapter 33 IHL Payments The Basics Service member, Spouse of active duty member, Fry Scholar on duty effective 10/01/11: IHL Public IHL Private IHL Public IHL Private Tuition/Fees In State Net Charges $17,500 In State Net Charges $17,500 Books & Supplies $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 MHA Not Paid Not Paid Not Paid Not Paid Kickers Paid Paid Paid Paid Payment Limits should be multiplied by Benefit Level if Less than 100% (see the Matrix)

60 Chapter 33 IHL Payments Payment Facts Post-9/11 GI Bill does not offer Advanced Payments at this time Tuition and Fee & Yellow Ribbon Program payments are sent directly to the school Books and Supply Stipends, Kickers, Monthly Housing Allowance payments are sent to the student

61 Chapter 33 IHL Payments Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act of 2011 Effective August 3, 2011, the Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act of 2011 allows VA to issue more than the $17,500 in tuition and fees payments during the academic year to certain individuals IMPORTANT: Only 7 STATES qualify (in the southern area, only South Carolina qualifies)

62 Chapter 33 IHL Payments Tuition and Fees Effective August 1, 2009: Paid the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition and fees Schools reported the tuition and fees charged to the student after deducting any amounts paid with Federal Funds, excluding Federal Financial Aid Programs (Title IV)

63 Chapter 33 IHL Payments Tuition and Fees Effective August 1, 2011: U.S.Public Schools: VA pays the actual net cost for instate tuition and fees (that is certified on the VA Form ) directly to the institution Private and Foreign Schools: VA pays the lesser of the actual net costs for the certified tuition and fees OR $17,500 for the academic cap rate ****(see next slide)

64 TUITION AND FEE CAPS The academic year tuition and fee caps have increased as follows: Private, Foreign, and NCD schools- $18, Flight schools- $10, Correspondence schools- $8, Licensing and Certification and National Tests- VA will now charge one-month of entitlement (rounded to the nearest whole, nonzero month) for each $ paid,

65 U.S. TERRITORY Individuals attending school in a U. S. territory will receive a Monthly Housing Allowance based on the Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) rate for the territory, instead of the average of the BAH rates..

66 Chapter 33 IHL Payments: Yellow Ribbon Program Effective August 1, 2009: Chapter 33 paid the highest public in-state undergraduate rate. If the student s amount exceeded this rate (i.e. private school rates, graduate school, or out-of-state costs), additional funding could be given towards the un-met charges Effective August 1, 2011(Public Schools): Chapter 33 pays the actual net cost for in-state tuition and fees (after the application of any waiver, scholarship, aid, or assistance) directly to the institution. Yellow Ribbon Program payments can cover the un-met charges (i.e. graduate or out-ofstate charges). This must be annotated in the REMARKS field of the VA Effective August 1, 2011 (Private Schools): Chapter 33 pays the lesser of the actual net cost for tuition and fees ((after the application of any waiver, scholarship, aid, or assistance) or the $17,500 cap-rate for the academic year (enrollments beginning on or after the date of August 1, 2011). Yellow Ribbon Program payments can cover the un-met charges (i.e. private school, graduate, or out-of-state charges).

67 Chapter 33 Entitlement Charges The Basics Applies to IHL Schools ONLY effective 10/01/11: Entitlement Charged (T&F charges paid) IHL Public IHL Private IHL Public IHL Private T & F RoP X days RoP X days RoP X days RoP X days Entitlement Charged (MHA paid and no T&F charges paid) IHL Public IHL Private IHL Public IHL Private T & F Not Paid Not Paid Not Paid Not Paid MHA RoP X days RoP X days RoP X days RoP X days Entitlement Charged (B&S "only" paid) IHL Public IHL Private IHL Public IHL Private T & F Not Paid Not Paid Not Paid Not Paid MHA Not Paid Not Paid Not Paid Not Paid B&S $41.67** $41.67** $41.67** $41.67** RoP means Rate of Pursuit ** VETERANS Charge BENEFITS one day ADMINISTRATION of entitlement per this amount paid. EC = (B&S paid / **amount from table)

68 Certifying Modular Programs Question #1 Should you report tuition and fees per the students billing cycle or can schools report tuition and fees to maximize tuition payout? Answer: Schools should report tuition and fees based on the submission of each term or modular program.

69 Certifying Modular Programs Scenerio: A student is pursuing a certificate program which cost $20,000 and the program is broken into 5-week terms. The school is actually billing the student $20,000 on the first term. Question #2: Should the school report $20,000 on the first term or, divide the total cost of the program by the total number of terms and report the amount from the calculation on each term certified (or whatever formula they use)?

70 Certifying Modular Programs Answer #2: The school should not report $20,000 on just the first term for the entire program. The school should break-up the tuition and fees and apply them to each modular term.

71 Questions?