VA Benefits Briefing. Participant Guide. Updated June Transition Tools for a Brighter Future

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1 VA Benefits Briefing ParticipantGuide UpdatedJune2013 TransitionToolsforaBrighterFuture

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3 Veteran Service Organizations What is a Veteran Service Organization? Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) are congressionally chartered to serve the needs of Veterans, their families, and survivors. The VA Office of General Counsel (OGC) accredits these organizations through an intense process, which requires approval by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Once accredited, VSOs routinely participate in extensive training programs and receive comprehensive continuing education to maintain the most current information concerning Veterans benefits. What is the role of VSOs? VSOs, together with state, county and local Veteran Service representatives, help Veterans, their families and survivors understand and navigate benefit programs such as compensation, survivor benefits, pension, health care, education, vocational rehabilitation and employment, home loans, life insurance and burial benefits. These services are provided free of charge. There are many service organizations that can help you fill out VA forms, tell you about VA benefits, and also provide a wide range of help for Veterans and their dependents. There are VA recognized and non recognized service organizations. A recognized organization can legally represent you before VA, while a non recognized organization can provide you with information but cannot be your representative before VA. Recognized service organizations may not charge for helping you with a VA claim and do not usually require you to be a member of that organization. However, if an organization s help requires unusual expenses such as extensive photocopying, etc., you should inquire about its policies for reimbursement. If you want to appoint a recognized service organization as your representative, that organization or VA can provide you a VA Form 21 22, Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant s Representative. The form can be found at ARE.pdf How to find a VSO? The VA database lists all accredited VSOs. The list includes County Veteran Service Officers, State Department of Veterans Affairs Service Officers and National Veteran Service Organization Service Officers. The database can be found at Some VA medical centers and military installations have VSOs on their premises. Additionally, all VBA regional offices provide space for the larger service organizations. Participant Guide Last Updated June 2013 i

4 In addition, the ebenefits portal can assist your efforts to locate a representative nearest you: access ebenefits at hover on the apply for BENEFITS tab in the General area, select Search for Representative and View Power of Attorney option. click on Find a new Power of Attorney (POA) Representative. You will have the option to search by state, city, zip code, or the name of the organization of your choice. Your search results will include, in alphabetical order, the VSOs in a geographic area. Participant Guide Last Updated June 2013 ii

5 Contents Veteran Service Organizations... i What is a Veteran Service Organization... i What is the role of VSOs?... i How to find a VSO?... i Table of Contents... iii Participant Guide... 2 Introduction... 2 Activity Sheets... 3 Module 1 Activity 1: Education IQ... 3 Module 2 Activity 2: Choosing Benefits that Fit... 6 Module 2 Activity 3: Orienteering Education IQ Activity Questions and Answers VA Benefits Reference Guide How to Use the VA Benefits Reference Guide Benefits Matrices VA Education Benefits Matrix VA Benefits Matrix Benefits Documentation Matrix Education Benefits Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB AD) (Chapter 30) Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB SR)(Chapter 1606) Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) (Chapter 1607) Educational and Vocational Counseling (Chapter 36) Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) (Chapter 32) Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) Program (Chapter 35) U.S. Department of Education Resources Disability Compensation Pre Discharge Program Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) Social Security Disability Compensation State Benefits Clothing Allowance Automobile and Adaptive Equipment Allowance Health Care Women Veterans Health Veterans Crisis Line Participant Guide Last Updated June 2013 iii

6 Copays Prescriptions My HealtheVet Personal Health Record Homeless Veterans Hotline TRICARE TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP) Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) Foreign Medical Program Dental Care Insurance: Servicemembers Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI) Pension Home Loan Guaranty Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) / Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grants Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) Insurance: Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI) Insurance: SGLI Disability Extension Insurance: Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling) Insurance: Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI) Insurance: Service Disabled Veterans Life Insurance (S DVI) Burial Vocational Rehabilitation (VR&E)(Chapter 31) Employment Resources VA for Vets Veterans Preference for Federal Hiring VetSuccess Insurance: Servicemembers Group Life Insurance Family Coverage (FSGLI) References PAT (Plan, Action, Timeline) Development Tool Personal Goals Benefits Index Using PAT: Plan, Action, Timeline Your Goals and VA Benefits Sample PAT Development Tool Your PAT Development Tool To Do List Notes Benefits Index Participant Guide Last Updated June 2013 iv

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8 Participant Guide Introduction Simply by participating in this course, you ve already taken the first step to accessing the benefits that you earned through your service. During the course, you and your facilitator will follow along in this Participant Guide. The guide will walk you through course activities, which are all designed to familiarize you with your benefit options and how to access them. Throughout the course activities, you will use the VA Benefits Reference Guide found in the Participant Guide. The materials in the VA Benefits Reference Guide materials highlight a benefit or group of benefits, discuss eligibility requirements, and provide actionable steps to applying the specific benefit. The VA Benefits Reference Guide materials provide links, resources, and other information that will help you make the most informed decisions when choosing your benefit options. The Participant Guide was developed not only for the purposes of this course, but also to be used as a reference after the course. Keep this guide handy you never know when you will need it! Participant Guide Last Updated June

9 Activity Sheets Module 1 - Activity 1: Education IQ Description In the following activity, you will use your VA Benefits Reference Guide, which is located on page 17 of your Participant Guide, and work in small groups to answer questions about VA benefits. Action The facilitator will divide you into small groups. You will be given a set of questions about various benefits. In your small groups, review the questions. Use your VA Benefits Reference Guide to find the answers to the questions. Questions 1. What is offered through the Post 9/11 GI Bill? 2. Who is eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill? 3. How long do Veterans have to use the Post 9/11 GI Bill? 4. How long must a current Service member serve before he or she can take advantage of the Post 9/11 GI Bill? 5. How does a Service member or Veteran apply for the Post 9/11 GI Bill? Participant Guide Last Updated June

10 6. How many months of educational benefits does the MGIB Active Duty provide? 7. What does the Post 9/11 GI Bill pay for? 8. Where can a Service member or Veteran find additional information on scholarships and loans available outside of VA? 9. Can Service members receive a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)? 10. Besides the Post 9/11 GI Bill, what other education programs does VA offer? 11. What are the best resources to find more information on VA education benefits? 12. Will the Post 9/11 GI Bill pay for books? Participant Guide Last Updated June

11 13. What VA education benefit is available for the spouse of a Service member or Veteran with a service connected permanent and total disability? 14. What is the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship? 15. Can a Service member transfer VA education benefits to a spouse or other dependents? 16. Can Reservists use VA education benefits? 17. What program may provide additional funds for students who want to attend a private institution, graduate school, or a school out of state? 18. Can a student attend any school under the Yellow Ribbon Program? 19. Who is eligible for Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)? Participant Guide Last Updated June

12 Module 2 - Activity 2: Choosing Benefits that Fit Description In the following activity, you will work with small groups to review Veteran stories provided through short videos. Based on your knowledge of VA benefits and using your VA Benefits Reference Guide, you will determine which benefits might fit their particular situations. Action The facilitator will divide you into groups of 10. He or she will play three videos that depict recently separated Veterans discussing their personal situation at the time of their separation or retirement, as well as some of their concerns for their life after military service. In your small groups, review the video profiles provided by recently separated Veterans: Determine which benefits might be of assistance for the Veteran in each video Reference VA websites, the Federal Benefits for Veterans Dependents and Survivors Handbook, and your VA Benefits Reference Guide to determine if the Veteran is eligible for a particular benefit Participant Guide Last Updated June

13 Video 1: Matthew The First Termer Profile: Matthew Age at the Time of Separation 25 Marital Status at Time of Separation Children at Time of Separation? Years of Service 5 Rank Single No Officer Term First Matthew is a planner. He planned out how he would pay for college with a Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship he received before high school graduation. Likewise, as a single Officer at age 25, Matthew began planning for his transition to civilian life two years before he actually separated from the service. For him and many other separating members in similar situations, his focus was on location Matthew knew where he wanted to spend the next few years of his life, and chose the Washington, DC metro area for its robust job market. Matthew also knew that he wanted to buy a home soon after his transition. He has an injury or illness related to service. Which benefits might apply to Matthew to meet his needs? How might the benefits he chooses improve his life? Participant Guide Last Updated June

14 Video 2: Erica The Mid Termer Profile: Erica Age at the Time of Separation 35 Marital Status at Time of Separation Children at Time of Separation? Years of Service 7 Rank Single Not yet (she was pregnant at time of separation) Enlisted Term Mid Term Erica was a young enlisted Service member, and had many life changes afoot when she decided to separate from service after her tour of duty. She was marrying an active duty Marine, and was ready to start a family. These life milestones were her priorities as she prepared for her transition, and shaped her concerns regarding where she would live, where she would work, and how she would achieve her dream of earning her degree so she could provide a better life for her family. Which benefits might apply to Erica to meet her needs? How might the benefits she chooses improve her life? Participant Guide Last Updated June

15 Video 3: Byron The Retiree Profile: Byron Age at the Time of Separation 45 Marital Status at Time of Separation Children at Time of Separation? Married Yes Years of Service 20 Rank Officer Term Retiree Byron was an Officer at the time he was ready to transition to civilian life after his 20 years of service. Like many other separating Service members, he had some loose goals that he hoped to achieve like getting a job and aligning his skill set to make himself more marketable in the corporate world. As did many of his peers, he had trepidation was nervous about entering civilian life: would his skills be transferrable? Where would he live? Where would he work? How would he continue to provide for his family? Which benefits might apply to Byron to meet his needs? How might the benefits he chooses improve his life? Participant Guide Last Updated June

16 Module 2 - Activity 3: Orienteering Description In the following activity, you will work in small teams to determine applicable benefits and their associated timelines for action in a series of fictitious scenarios. Your team will place each benefit in the appropriate Life, Work, and Home category in the appropriate timeline on the Orienteering Map. Note: Any likeness to a person, living or deceased, is purely coincidental. All scenarios are fictitious. Participant Guide Last Updated June

17 Action 1. Choose a team leader. 2. When the facilitator begins the activity, each team leader will be provided a packet. Note: Your team will have between two and five minutes to complete each scenario. The time limit is to ensure the activity progresses at a steady pace. This activity does not have a racing component. The purpose of this activity is to discuss why and how you chose benefits for a given scenario, not to finish first. 3. Read the scenario with your team and use your VA Benefits Reference Guide to determine A. Which one or two benefits are most applicable to the scenario? Note: There may be more than two benefits that apply; work with your team to choose the benefits that best address each case study s most pressing need. B. Whether the benefit would be categorized as Life, Work, or Home C. The timeline for when this Service member would initiate the benefit application process. (e.g., 180 days prior to separation, 90 days post separation, etc.) Note: Remember to refer to your VA Benefits Reference Guide, as well as smartphones and laptops/tablets, to locate the information to support your decisions. Note: When determining the timeline for initiating an application for a benefit, examine the eligibility window for the benefit in relation to when the Service member separated, demobilized, or retired. 4. Once you have determined the benefit(s), category, and timeline for your scenario, write the Service member s name and benefit(s) on a sticky pad. 5. Place the sticky pad on the team Orienteering Map in the category and timescale for which the Service member in the scenario would have to take advantage of the benefit. 6. Once the sticky pad note is on the map, the team leader should notify the VA facilitator of the completion of the scenario. 7. The facilitator will debrief each scenario, and guide the class through the remaining scenarios. Participant Guide Last Updated June

18 Education IQ Activity Questions and Answers 1. What is offered through the Post 9/11 GI Bill? A. The Post 9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service connected disability after 30 days. Note: Discussion may include tuition and fees, housing allowance, books and supply stipend. 2. Who is eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill? A. In order to be eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill, Service members or Veterans must meet the following requirements: Served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty after September 10, 2001, and are still active or received an honorable discharge Have a service connected disability after serving 30 continuous days, after September 10, 2001 For those who served fewer than 36 months, the percentage of eligible benefit ranges from 40 percent to 90 percent 3. How long do Veterans have to use the Post 9/11 GI Bill? A. Generally, Veterans have 15 years to use the Post 9/11 GI Bill from their last date of discharge from active duty. 4. How long must a Service member serve before he or she can take advantage of the Post 9/11 GI Bill? A. Service members may take advantage of this benefit after at least 90 days of active duty service after September 10, How does a Service member or Veteran apply for the Post 9/11 GI Bill? A. Access VA Form , Application for VA Education Benefits, online at 6. How many months of educational benefits does the MGIB Active Duty provide? A. 36 months 7. What does the Post 9/11 GI Bill pay for? A. Tuition and fees are issued to the school on behalf of the individual. Additionally, a books and supplies stipend is paid directly to the student when the school certifies and VA processes the enrollment. Participant Guide Last Updated June

19 8. Where can a Service member or Veteran find additional information on scholarships and loans available outside the VA? A. The Department of Education has scholarships and loans available to Service members and Veterans. Visit for more info. 9. Can Service members receive a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)? A. No the allowance is not payable to individuals on active duty 10. Besides the Post 9/11 GI Bill, what other education programs does VA offer? A. Montgomery GI Bill encompasses both the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (Chapter 30) and the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606). Under Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty, active duty members enroll and pay $100 per month for 12 months and are then entitled to receive a monthly education benefit once they have completed a minimum service obligation. Under the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve, a Reservist must be actively drilling and have a six year obligation in the Selected Reserve to be eligible. 11. What are the best resources to find more information on VA education benefits? A. The best place to go for information about the GI Bill is You can also access the Federal Benefits for Veterans Dependents and Survivors booklet on the VA website at Will the Post 9/11 GI Bill pay for my books? A. Yes; there is a book stipend of up to $1,000 per academic year, which is available to those who utilize the Post 9/11 GI Bill. 13. What VA education benefit is available for the spouse of a Service member or Veteran with a service connected permanent and total disability? A. The Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) Program provides assistance for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeships, correspondence courses, on the job training (OJT), certification costs and other education programs for eligible spouses and children of certain Service members and Veterans. The VA Benefits Reference Guide contains eligibility requirements. Participant Guide Last Updated June

20 14. What is the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship? A. The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship is for children of Service members who died in the line of duty while on active duty after September 10, Individuals are eligible for up to 36 months of educational benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill. 15. Can a Service member transfer VA education benefits to a spouse or other dependents? A. Members of the Armed Forces (active duty or Selected Reserve, officer or enlisted) who meet service requirements on or after August 1, 2009 may be eligible to transfer entitlement. Additional requirements may be required and vary by branch. 16. Can Reservists use VA education benefits? A. Yes, Post 9/11 benefits are available for those serving at least 90 aggregate days on active duty. Additionally, the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB SR) is available for Selected Reservists. Selected Reservists may use this education assistance program for degree programs, certificate or correspondence courses, cooperative training, independent study programs, apprenticeship/on the job training, and vocational flight training programs. Remedial, refresher, and deficiency training are available under certain circumstances. Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) is also available. 17. What program may provide additional funds for students who want to attend a private institution, graduate school, or a school out of state? A. The Yellow Ribbon Program 18. Can a student attend any school under the Yellow Ribbon Program? A. No. The school of attendance must have accepted the VA s invitation to participate in the program, state how much student tuition will be waived (up to 50 percent) and how many participants will be accepted into the program during the current academic year. VA will match the school s percentage (up to 50 percent) to reduce or eliminate out ofpocket costs for eligible students. 19. Who is eligible for Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)? A. Eligibility will be determined by the Department of Defense (DoD) or Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as appropriate. Generally, a member of a Reserve component Participant Guide Last Updated June

21 who serves on active duty on or after September 11, 2001, under Title 10, U.S.C., for at least 90 consecutive days under a contingency operation is eligible for REAP. Note: "Contingency operation" means the current Iraq or Afghanistan operations and may include other operations. National Guard members are eligible if their active service extends for 90 consecutive days or more and their service is: Authorized under section 502(f), Title 32, U.S.C. Authorized by the President or Secretary of Defense for a national emergency, and Supported by federal funds Participant Guide Last Updated June

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23 VA Benefits Reference Guide How to Use the VA Benefits Reference Guide Benefits Categorized as Work, Life, and Home For quick reference, this guide categorizes benefits into three main categories: Life, Home, and Work. The Life, Home, and Work icons defined below will be used throughout this Participant Guide to help Service members identify areas in which they can use a given VA benefit to successfully transition to Veteran life. The icons will appear in the top, right corner of each benefit page. Benefits in the Life category are those benefits that are designed to help the transitioning Service member individually improve his/her quality of life. Throughout this guide, Life benefits are marked with the person icon. Benefits in the Home category are those benefits that are designed to help the transitioning Service member and his/her family maintain stability of the home environment. Throughout this guide, Home benefits are marked with the home icon. Benefits in the Work category are those benefits that are designed to provide transitioning Service members with the skills and tools needed to transition back to work after separation or retirement from active duty. Throughout this guide, Work benefits are marked with the briefcase icon. Additional Categorization In addition to the Life, Home, and Work icons, benefits aimed at helping separating Service members who have service connected disabilities will be designated with the SC icon. Participant Guide Last Updated June

24 Benefits Matrices The following matrices list benefits information by two main groupings: Benefits/Service Category and Who Can Access/Apply. These matrices can be used to determine how a given VA benefit can be used to ease the transition to the civilian world (see Benefit Category) and who is eligible (see Who Can Access/Apply). VA Education Benefits Matrix Benefit Educational and Vocational Counseling (p. 25) Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB AD) (p. 25) Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB SR) (p. 25) Service- Connected Evaluation Required Benefit / Service Category: Life Home Work Active Duty Who Can Access/ Apply: Veteran Family Members* Post 9/11 GI Bill (p. 22) Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) (p. 25) Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program (DEA) (p. 27) Transfer of Entitlement (Post 9/11) (p. 23) Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) (p. 26) Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) (p. 27) *Benefit available to survivors VA Benefits Matrix Benefit Automobile and Adaptive Equipment Allowance (p. 38) * Service- Connected Evaluation Required Benefit / Service Category: Life Home Work Active Duty Who Can Access / Apply: Veteran Burial (p. 64) Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) (p. 43) Family Members * Participant Guide Last Updated June

25 Benefit Service- Connected Evaluation Required Benefit / Service Category: Life Home Work Active Duty Who Can Access / Apply: Clothing Allowance (p. 37) Dental Care (p. 44) Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) (p. 52) Veteran Family Members * Disability Compensation (p. 30) Education Benefits (See VA Education Benefits Matrix) (p. 22) Employment Resources (p. 69) Health Care (p. 40) Home Loan Guaranty (p. 49) * Insurance: Service Disabled Veterans Life Insurance (S DVI) (p. 62) Insurance: Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI) (p. 55) Insurance: Servicemembers'Group Life Insurance Family Coverage (FSGLI) (p. 72) Insurance: Servicemembers Group Life Insurance Traumaticn Injury Protection (TSGLI) (p. 46) Insurance: Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) (p. 57) Insurance: Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI) (p. 60) Pension (p. 47) Specially Adapted Housing Grant/Temporary Residence Adaptation (p. 50) Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling) (p. 58) Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) (p. 67) *Benefit available to survivors * Participant Guide Last Updated June

26 Benefits Documentation Matrix The following matrix lists the requisite personal information/documentation needed to apply for such benefits as disability compensation, health care, and education. Benefit Required Information Health Care Disability Compensation Home Loan Guaranty VR&E Education Vocational and Educational Counseling ebenefits registration information Copy of Service Treatment Record Name Address Social Security Number (SSN) Senior ROTC scholarship year and amount (for commissioned officers) Transcripts for periods of education after high school Copies of any FAA flight Certificates Copy of kicker contract Copy of DD Form 214 (for all periods of active duty service), if available Name, address, and telephone number of Reserve/National Guard unit, if applicable Bank routing and account number Voided check Employment information (between high school and service) Address and telephone number of next of kin Spouses full names, birth dates, SSNs, date and place of marriage(s), termination date and place [of previous marriage(s)] Participant Guide Last Updated June

27 Benefit Required Information Children full names, dates and places of birth, SSN, complete address, and name of person that child lives with; if child is severely disabled, a medical statement from a doctor Health Care Disability Compensation Home Loan Guaranty VR&E Education Copies of orders (if activated from the Guard/Reserves) Any previous vocational rehabilitation programs and dates Vocational and Educational Counseling Participant Guide Last Updated June

28 Education Benefits Description VA administers a variety of education benefit programs and services, including the: Post 9/11 GI Bill Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB AD) Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB SR) Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) Educational and Vocational Counseling Services Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program (DEA) Eligibility Each education benefit program and service has its own eligibility requirements. Examine the eligibility requirements for each benefit and service. Plan, Action, Timeline Follow the steps outlined below to plan for and apply your benefits. Plan: Develop a plan of action Check eligibility requirements. Action: Take action Determine the actions required for each eligible education benefit and service. Timeline: Know the deadlines Examine the deadlines for each eligible education benefit and service. Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) Description The Post 9/11 GI Bill is an education benefit program for individuals who served on active duty and received an honorable discharge. Benefits may be used for college, business, technical or vocational school, degree or certificate programs, apprenticeship/on the job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, refresher, and deficiency training are available under certain circumstances. Visit for more information. Participant Guide Last Updated June

29 Eligibility To be eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill, Service members or Veterans must meet the following requirements: Served honorably for at least 90 aggregate days on active duty after September 10, 2001, OR Were honorably discharged from active duty for a service connected disability and served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001 To receive 100 percent of the benefit, the individual must have served an aggregate of 36 months of active duty service, or have been discharged for a service connected disability after 30 days of continuous service For those who served fewer than 36 months, the percentage of benefit ranges from percent: 90 percent 30 total months (including entry level and skill training) 80 percent 24 total months (including entry level and skill training) 70 percent 18 total months (excluding entry level and skill training) 60 percent 12 total months (excluding entry level and skill training) 50 percent 6 total months (excluding entry level and skill training) 40 percent 90 days of aggregate service or more (excluding entry level and skill training) Plan, Action, Timeline Follow the steps outlined below to plan for and access your benefits. Plan: Develop a plan of action Check eligibility requirements. Action: Take action Contact VA at Access VA Form , Application for VA Education Benefits, online at Timeline: Know the deadlines Generally, Veterans have 15 years to use the Post 9/11 GI Bill from their last date of discharge from active duty. Service members may also take advantage of this benefit after at least 90 days of active duty service after September 10, Transfer of Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits to Dependents Members of the Armed Forces (active duty or Selected Reserve, officer or enlisted) who met service requirements on or after August 1, 2009 may be able to transfer entitlement. DoD and the Military Services must approve all requests for this benefit. Participant Guide Last Updated June

30 Tuition and Fees These payments are issued to the school on behalf of the individual after the certificate of enrollment is processed. Yellow Ribbon Program The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program allows institutions of higher learning (degree granting institutions) in the United States to enter voluntarily into an agreement with VA to fund tuition and fee expenses that exceed the in state tuition rate. The institution can contribute a specified dollar amount of those expenses and VA will match the same amount as the institution not to exceed 50 percent of the difference. A participant may have tuition and fees that exceed that amount if he/she is attending a private institution, graduate school, or an out of state status. If he/she is enrolled at a Yellow Ribbon participating institution and the tuition and fees exceed the highest public, in state undergraduate tuition or fees, additional funds may be available for an education program without an additional charge to entitlement. Institutions that voluntarily enter into a Yellow Ribbon Agreement with VA choose the amount of tuition and fees that will be contributed. VA will match that amount and issue payment directly to the institution. Only Veterans entitled to the 100 percent benefit rate (based on service requirements) or their designated transferees may receive this funding. Active duty Service members and their spouses are not eligible for this program (child transferees of active duty Service members may be eligible if the Service member is qualified at the 100 percent rate). Books and Supplies Stipend This payment is issued directly to the student when the school certifies and VA processes the enrollment. The benefit is prorated based on length of service and number of credits/hours pursued. Monthly Housing Allowance Based on the length of active duty service, eligible participants are entitled to receive a percentage of the following: monthly housing allowance equal to the military basic allowance for housing (BAH) payable to an E 5 with dependents, for the ZIP code of the primary school (paid directly to the Veteran). The housing allowance is not payable to individuals on active duty and those pursuing training at half time or less. Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship is for children of Service members who died in the line of duty while on active duty after September10, Individuals are eligible for up to 36 months of educational benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill. For More Information additional information education Participant Guide Last Updated June

31 Tutorial Assistance Tutorial Assistance is available for students who are receiving VA educational assistance through the Post 9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, or Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance at the half time or higher rate and have a deficiency in a subject that makes tutoring necessary. Eligible students are entitled to reimbursement up to $100 per month up to a maximum of $1,200. To apply, complete VA Form t available online at The school certifying official and tutor must sign the form. Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) (Chapter 30) The MGIB AD provides up to 36 months of educational benefits for college, business, technical or vocational school, degree or certificate programs, apprenticeship/on the job training and correspondence courses. In special circumstances, some remedial and refresher courses and flight training may be approved. Visit for more information. Veterans have 10 years to use MGIB AD from their last date of discharge from active duty. Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) (Chapter 1606) Selected Reservists may use this education assistance program for degree programs, certificate or correspondence courses, cooperative training, independent study programs, apprenticeship/on the job training, and vocational flight training programs. Remedial, refresher, and deficiency training are available under certain circumstances. Visit for more information. Entitlement to MGIB SR ends on the day of separation from the Reserves. Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) (Chapter 1607) REAP is an education benefit program designed to provide educational assistance to members of the Reserve components called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency, as declared by the President or Congress. This program makes certain Reservists who were activated for at least 90 days after September 11, 2001, may be eligible for education benefits based on length of service. Visit for more information. Educational and Vocational Counseling (Chapter 36) Description The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program provides educational and vocational counseling to Service members, Veterans, and certain dependents at no charge. These counseling services are designed to help an individual choose a vocational direction, determine the course needed to achieve the chosen goal, and evaluate the career possibilities open to them. Counseling services include, but are not limited to, educational and vocational counseling and guidance; testing; analysis of and recommendations to improve job marketing skills; identification of employment, training, and financial aid resources; and referrals to other agencies providing these services. Participant Guide Last Updated June

32 Eligibility Educational and vocational counseling services are available to Service members within six months prior to discharge or retirement from active duty and Veterans within one year following discharge or retirement from active duty. The projected discharge must be under conditions other than dishonorable. Veterans and Service members may apply for counseling services using VA Form , Application for Counseling. Veterans and Service members may also write a letter expressing a desire for counseling services. Upon receipt of either type of request for counseling from an eligible individual, an appointment for counseling will be scheduled. Counseling services are provided to eligible persons at no charge. Plan: Develop a plan of action Check eligibility requirements. Action: Take action Access VA Form , Application for Counseling, at Write a letter expressing a desire for counseling services. Timeline: Know the deadlines Service members can apply within 180 days of their estimated date of discharge or release from active duty. Veterans can apply if not more than 1 year has passed since the date they were last discharged or released from active duty. Individuals eligible for VA education benefits may apply anytime during their eligibility period. Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) (Chapter 32) VEAP provides education and training opportunities to eligible persons who contributed to the program while on active duty. Eligibility To qualify, Veterans must meet the following requirements: Entered service for the first time between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985 Opened a contribution account before April 1, 1987 Voluntarily contributed from $25 to $2700 Completed your first period of service; and Were discharged or released from service under conditions other than dishonorable If you are currently on active duty and wish to receive VEAP benefits, you must have at least three months of contributions available. Participant Guide Last Updated June

33 Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) VRAP is a joint VA/Department of Labor (DOL) program. VRAP offers up to 12 months of training assistance to unemployed Veterans who: Are at least 35 but no more than 60 years old Are unemployed on the date of application Received an other than dishonorable discharge Are not eligible for any other VA education benefit program (e.g., Post 9/11 GI Bill or MGIB) Are not eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment assistance Are not in receipt of VA compensation due to unemployability Are not 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). DOL will offer employment assistance to every Veteran who participates upon completion of the program. Currently, the VRAP program ends March 31, Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) Program Description Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain Service members and Veterans. DEA offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeships, correspondence courses, on the job Training (OJT), certification costs, and other education programs Eligibility Individuals may be eligible for DEA benefits if they are the spouse or child or a: Veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a serviceconnected disability, or Veteran who died from any cause while a permanent and total service connected disability existed, or Service member who died during active military service, or Service member missing in action or captured in the line of duty by a hostile force, or Service member forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign government or power, or Service member who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a serviceconnected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for that disability Participant Guide Last Updated June

34 Plan, Action, Timeline Follow the steps outlined below to plan for and access your benefits. Plan: Develop a plan of action Check eligibility requirements. Action: Take action Access VA Form , Dependents' Application for VA Education Benefits from Complete and submit VA Form , Dependents Application for VA Education Benefits, through or visit a local VA regional office. For the closest VA regional office, call VA toll free at Timeline: Know the deadlines The period of eligibility for Veterans spouses expires 10 years from either the date they become eligible or the date of the Veteran s death. Children generally must be between the ages of 18 and 26 to receive educational benefits. The period of eligibility for spouses of Service members who died on active duty expires 20 years from the date of death. Spouses of Veterans with a permanent and total disability rating effective within 3 years of release from active duty are provided a 20 year period of eligibility. Other Information Surviving spouses lose eligibility if they remarry before age 57 or are living with another person who has been held out publicly as their spouse. Surviving spouses can regain eligibility if their remarriage ends by death or divorce or if they cease living with the person. Dependent children do not lose eligibility if the surviving spouse remarries. U.S. Department of Education Resources The U.S. Department of Education has many resources for Service members, Veterans, and military families related to financial aid, college access and affordability, grant programs, scholarships and other information that will help Service members, Veterans, and their families make wise decisions regarding postsecondary education choices. In addition to applying for education benefits through the VA, Service members, Veterans, and their families can also find out about the U.S. Department of Education s financial aid resources and how these resources can assist these parties in pursuing a college, career, technical or trade school, or graduate education. Visit StudentAid.gov/military, the Department s Aid for Military Families webpage on the Department s website, to review grants and resources designed specifically for Veterans and military families. Then, make sure to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at to begin the process of applying for federal financial aid, including federal grants and loans. Participant Guide Last Updated June

35 To learn more about federal student aid and to view informational videos, visit StudentAid.gov. Other useful links, including on college costs, are available: For More Information The Department of Education has scholarships and loans available to Service members and Veterans. Visit for more information Participant Guide Last Updated June

36 Disability Compensation Description Disability compensation is a monetary benefit paid to Veterans who are disabled by an injury or illness that was incurred or aggravated during active military service. These disabilities are considered to be service connected. Disability compensation varies with the degree of disability and is paid monthly. Veterans may be eligible for additional compensation if they have: very severe disabilities; loss of specific organs or extremities; qualified dependents; or, a seriously disabled spouse. Veterans with certain severe disabilities may be eligible for additional special monthly compensation. The benefits are not subject to federal or state income tax. Eligibility To be eligible, the Veteran must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. For additional details, visit the website at Plan, Action, Timeline Follow the steps outlined below to plan for and access your benefits. Plan: Develop a plan of action Check eligibility requirements. Action: Take action Gather discharge or separation papers (DD Form 214), Service treatment records and non service treatment records (private doctor and hospital reports), and Dependency records (marriage and children s birth certificates). Compile information such as spouse s SSN, date of birth, date of marriage, etc. Complete VA Form , Veterans Application for Compensation and/or Pension, on Timeline: Know the deadlines Service members can apply while on active duty (please see the Pre Discharge Program later in this section for further details); otherwise, there is no time limit for application. If you apply within 1 year from the date of separation or retirement, however, your effective date of entitlement starts the day after the date of separation or retirement. Participant Guide Last Updated June

37 Other Information Below are the 2012 VA disability compensation rates for Veterans with no dependents. Veteran s Disability Rating Monthly Rate Paid to Veteran 10 Percent $ Percent $ Percent $ Percent $ Percent $ Percent $1, Percent $1, Percent $1, Percent $1, Percent $2,816 *Veterans with disability ratings of at least 30 percent are eligible for additional allowances for dependents, including spouses, minor children, children between the ages of 18 and 23 who are attending school, children who are permanently incapable of self support because of a disability arising before age 18, and dependent parents. The additional amount depends on the disability rating and the number of dependents. The Department of Treasury requires that new Federal beneficiaries receive their recurring/monthly benefits electronically. Note: Payment rates are subject to legislative increase based on cost of living allowance as approved by Congress. Pre-Discharge Program The Pre Discharge Program is a joint VA and DOD program that affords Service members the opportunity to file claims for disability compensation prior to separation or retirement from active duty or full time National Guard or Reserve duty. The components of the Pre Discharge Program are: Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) Quick Start Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Seriously Injured/Very Seriously Injured (SI/VSI) Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) BDD allows a Service member with at least 60 days, but not more than 180 days, remaining on active duty to file a VA disability claim prior to separation or retirement. Participant Guide Last Updated June

38 Eligibility To participate in the BDD program, Service members must: Have at least 60 days, but not more than 180 days, remaining on active duty Have a known date of separation or retirement Provide VA with service treatment records (originals or photocopies) Be available to complete all necessary examinations prior to leaving the point of separation Quick Start Quick Start is available to Service members who have less than 60 days remaining on active duty or are unable to complete the necessary examinations prior to leaving the point of separation. Eligibility To participate in the Quick Start Program, Service members must: Have at least one day remaining on active duty Have a known date of separation or retirement Provide VA with service treatment records, originals, or photocopies Plan, Action, Timeline Follow the steps outlined below to plan for and access your benefits. Plan: Develop a plan of action Check eligibility requirements. Action: Take action Complete VA Form 526c, Pre Discharge Compensation Claim, and submit it with service treatment records (originals or copies) to the nearest VA location. Call VA toll free at for the nearest VA regional office. Timeline: Know the deadlines File a BDD Claim 180 days to 60 days prior to separation date. File a Quick Start claim within 60 days of separation date. Other Information BDD and Quick Start are available nationwide and open to all Service members on full time active duty and include members of the National Guard and Reserves. Members of the Coast Guard may also participate. The process can begin at a military installation/intake site or a VA Regional Office www2.va.gov/directory/guide/map_flsh.asp. Participant Guide Last Updated June