Senate Offers VA Advice on GI Bill Claims Process

By Terry Howell

Key members of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee sent a letter to Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki offering their advice for improving the Post-9/11 GI Bill payment process.

The letter outlines potential improvements, including:
• Utilizing staggered work hours at the Education Call Center so West Coast, Alaska and Hawaii veterans have ample opportunities to contact VA;
• Working to generate award letters automatically, which currently take a significant amount of time for VA staff to process manually; and
• Establishing a centralized website for educational institutions to reduce confusion and improve communication. 

Really? I wonder where they've been. From what I understand, the VA is already working on these ideas, many of which were brought up at the National Association of Veterans Program Administrators (NAVPA) Annual Conference in St. Louis last month.

While I am glad the Senate has decided to chime in, it seems they are content to treat the symptoms instead of the disease. Rather than addressing the overly complicated and rather myopic law that is causing the backlog, it appears they have chosen to offer unsolicited advice on the VA’s deliverability issues.

The root cause is an overly complicated benefit that adds layers of bureaucracy and red tape to an already complicated set of education programs. Many veterans see the red tape delays as a means for the government to avoid making good on their commitment.

My Advice? - If our elected leaders really want to make it right, they should consider the following two fixes:

1. Combine all the GI Bill programs (Montgomery GI Bill, MGIB-SR, REAP, Post-9/11) into one comprehensive program. It seems stupid to have so many different GI Bills running simultaneously – it’s no wonder the VA has problems delivering.
   
   
2. Go to a flat payment rate for all tuition, fees and living stipends. There is currently more than 50 different rates for tuition and fees and hundreds of different living stipends - military housing  rates based on zip codes. Going to a flat rate for all vets makes it equitable and simplifies the payment process.

You really want to fix the problem? Simplify the GI Bill by creating a single “Total Force” GI Bill program. This would help speed up the process and make it better for all concerned. It will certainly save administrative costs and remove the dilemma veterans face when being forced to choose which GI Bill to use. 

Read the Full PR

Unintended Consequences - Vets Fall Deeper in Debt

By Terry Howell

Tens of thousands of vets are waiting for the VA to play catch-up and as each week passes, more and more find themselves in financial hardship. Last month the VA tried to help by issuing emergency benefit payments. But since then many of the same vets are still waiting for their benefits to start. Much of this is an unintended consequence of rushing to launch the overly complicated Post 9/11 GI Bill  program before the VA systems were up to speed.

A vet going by the name BahHumbug wrote, “[I] Waited.. nothing.  Complained… nothing.  Wrote in... nothing. 11/11 still broke going on 3.5 months. I bet congress taking blame is really going to help."

But, for many vets it isn't just a matter of simply being patient. 

Matt, a visitor to this blog, wrote: “I was certified back on the 5th of August. The point of contact at my school certified me for August 08 instead of August 09. I didn't find out that she made that error until the end of September. So, she went back and re-certified the right "year" but the VA told me that because of the error and the re-certification I am now at the back of the list. They just say that it is the Schools fault and that I just have to wait.”

Like many veterans, Matt is at the mercy of a broken system and an overwhelmed bureaucracy that seems unable, if not unwilling, to stop to correct course. Matt took advantage of the $3,000 emergency benefit payment, but, that money was to cover the month of September, it is now mid-November and many are still not receiving the regular payments.

Hundreds of vets have posted similar stories. I have received several e-mails telling of veteran students who are now dropping out of school to go back to work because of the financial hardship caused by the delays in the GI Bill payment process. I can only guess how many have the same experience and have not posted their comments here.

To make things worse, spring registration has already begun at several schools. This will likely add to the VA workload and may further delay making any corrections to past payment errors. I am sure that nobody ever thought that there would be veterans still waiting for fall semester payments while spring registration gets underway.

Maybe the VA should have asked for more time. Maybe Congress should have allowed them to bring in contractors earlier. And, maybe the unintended consequences are just too much for the system to bear. But no matter how you cut it, vets see themselves getting the short end of the stick once again.

Many of us work hard everyday to protect veterans from predatory businesses that target them as they reintegrate into society, but who is protecting them from the best intentions of our own government?

Get involved! Contact your elected officials. Write post cards, send e-mails, call their offices and let them know they need to not only take the blame, they need to take action and fix the problems once and for all.

Vets Need to Keep the Real Prize in Mind

It seems the GI Bill's incentivisation of education may hurt veterans in the long run.

By Terry Howell

Note: The point of the folllowing article is not to imply veterans are cheating the system or don't deserve the benefits - the point is that vets need to make sure they are ready and focused before they head to school.

Thousands of veterans have headed to school this year. Many had never considered college before the advent of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. On balance this is a great thing – if they are going to school for the right reasons.

Over the last few months there has been a somewhat alarming trend - veterans going to school lured by the promise of great benefits and cash in their pockets – not for the promise of an education. Who can blame them, some veterans are being offered as much as $2,800 a month for attending traditional classroom studies.

The concern is that vets, motivated to go to school for the stipends, may find pursuing a college degree more demanding than they expect and realize they’ve gotten in over their heads. Fact is, some schools have already seen a number of veteran students drop classes to reduce their. The downside of this is that when they drop classes, or worse drop out entirely, they will likely find themselves in debt to the VA and/or their schools.

Note: Dropping after the “drop/add” date will result in veterans having to pay out of pocket.

Clearly, vets should take advantage of the Post-911 GI Bill, or any GI Bill program for that matter, but they need to check their motives. Going to school for the living stipend may lead to choosing a school that doesn’t fit their needs. For example, to get the living stipend vets must take traditional college courses, unlike online or distance learning, traditional classroom courses don’t offer the flexibility some veterans need. If veterans select a school based on their needs instead of the cash incentive, many could see a greater chance of success, and after all, isn’t that what they should expect from their college education?

Veterans who want to improve their employment opportunities, open new doors, or simply improve their lives through education, need to select the degree, school, and program that best fits their needs. Vets that do this may not find the school or program that “maximizes” their cash benefit, but maximizes their chances at success.

My advice – don’t use the GI Bill for the immediate cash benefit, use it to pay for the college degree that fits your goals and ambitions. You have earned this benefit, do yourselves a favor, use it wisely.

VA E-Mails Advance Payment Explanation

Be Sure to Check Your Junk Mail Folder

By Terry Howell

As many of you have heard the VA has started contacting veterans to give them follow up information on the advance GI Bill payment recoupment. Many of have been told to expect a call from the VA through the JD Power company. So far I have not been called, however I was sent a form letter via e-mail. The following is the letter I received - which by the way was automatically filtered into my "Junk Mail" folder. So keep a look out for it, it's legit.

ACTUAL VA LETTER SENT VIA E-MAIL

Dear Terry Howell,

This e-mail has been sent on behalf of J.D. Power and Associates for the Department of Veteran's Affairs. The Department of Veteran's Affairs is conducting an important outreach effort of Veterans and active duty service members who have applied for educational benefits under the post 9/11 GI Bill, also called chapter 33.

NOTE: I actually didn't apply for Chapter 33, but I did request the advance payment based on my MGIB enrollment.

Our records show that you took advantage of the opportunity VA provided, and received an advanced payment of your VA education benefits. The purpose of this e-mail is to touch base with you so it is clear what that payment represents, and how you and VA will settle any overpayment of your education benefits.

The payment issued to you represents an advance on your future VA education benefit payments. This payment was made by VA in an effort to get funds into your hands as quickly as possible while VA brings up its system of automated claims processing. Simply put: VA didn't want you to wait.

Right now, VA is working through the accounts to make sure that what you have received so far matches your entitlement. Since you took the advance payment there's a good chance you received more than what you are owed. That's fine, and VA did that deliberately so you could get the money you needed to stay in school. VA will simply subtract the “extra” payment from the checks you'll receive automatically in the future. By the end of the academic year, you will have received exactly your full entitlement.

Assuming you have been enrolled in school full time continuously, you should actually be due an amount close to the advanced payment, so you and VA will be easily settled. For example, if you qualified for 100% of the GI Bill benefit and have been enrolled full-time through September and October in a location that has a $1500 a month housing allowance, and VA processes your enrollment certification in November, the back payment for your housing allowance for September and October will be $3000. This is exactly the same amount as the $3000 advanced payment. If the monthly allowance for your location is $1400, then you should get $2800 for September and October. If you received a $3000 advance payment check then VA will deduct the $200 difference from the payments you are due over the next several months. We won't take it out of your checks all at once.

You can help VA with your claim by ensuring your school has submitted your enrollment certification.

If you received the advanced payment but you have not enrolled in school, or do not have sufficient remaining entitlement to VA education benefits, you will need to return the advanced payment. In that case, but only in that case, it becomes an ordinary debt to the government; it will be very important for you return it if you are not enrolled or were not entitled.

If you have any questions once you have received your education benefit award letter from VA, please contact 1-888-442-4551 (GIBILL-1).

Please click on the link below to acknowledge reading this e-mail. If you do not click on this link, we may telephone you to confirm that you were informed of this information.

LINK OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT  (links disabled)

If you would like to be removed from any future e-mails, please click HERE. (links disabled)

J.D. Power and Associates
2625 Townsgate Road Suite 100
Westlake Village, CA 91361

Congress Accepts Blame for GI Bill Delays

By Terry Howell

Yes, you read the headline correctly, in an unprecedented and refreshing admission of guilt, members of the House Veterans Affairs Committee yesterday admitted that in a rush to pass and implement "a complex and difficult benefit" they contributed to the GI Bill payment delays.

Okay, they didn't come right out and say they accepted all the blame, just a share of it. But this is a huge step for the legislative branch and shouldn't slip by unnoticed.

Read Tom Philpott's latest Military Update to get the full story.

Don't Stop There
Although the Post-9/11 GI Bill is a great concept, the complex details and execution plans were ill conceived from the very beginning. With details that make it difficult for even the most seasoned VA representative to explain and/or administrate it is a miracle the VA has done as well as it has.

What congress failed to acknowledge in yesterday's hearing is that in addition to the issues which are causing payment delays, the GI Bill falls well short of many veteran's expectations and the intent of the original 1944 GI Bill concept by excluding distance learning students from getting a housing stipend and excluding vocational and on-the-job training programs. 

It is time to persuade congress to go back and fix the Post-9/11 GI Bill now while tensions are high and before we veterans slip back into pattern of complacency. 

Remember two things when writing to your representatives:
1. Be respectful, harsh language and tirades are easily ignored.
2. Use all means possible, phone, e-mail and snail mail. It is harder to ignore phone calls and snail mail than it is to delete e-mail.

Contact your elected officials today.

Vets Find it Hard to Cash Emergency GI Bill Checks

VA Seeking Assistance of Nation’s Banks in Cashing Emergency Education Payments for Veteran-Students

So far the biggest glitch in the VA GI Bill Emergency Payment process is that several veterans are finding it hard to cash their GI Bill advance payment checks. In some cases it was a matter of bank policy to hold funds until the check clears. This is further complicated because the checks are handwritten US Bank checks which may have seemed odd to the banks.

At any rate the VA is asking banks to help. In addition the VA is offering a toll-free number for banks to verify the authenticity of the checks. 

See the VA's official letter below:

From VA - The Department of Veterans Affairs is issuing advance educational benefit payments to Veteran-students in the form of US Bank business checks. These emergency checks are issued in amounts not to exceed $3,000 for Veteran-students who have applied for educational benefits and who have not yet received their VA payment. VA's 57 regional offices began issuing these checks to eligible Veteran-students across the country on Friday, October 2, 2009.

VA is soliciting the support of local and national banks to honor and cash these emergency checks written to our Nation's Veteran-students.

In many cases these checks are handwritten and could pose concerns of fraud from banks. Therefore, VA has established the following special customer service call-in numbers for banks to verify the validity of any US Bank check brought to them by a Veteran.

1-800-827-2166

Banks calling these numbers will be connected directly to a VA employee who can access to all necessary information to verify who the check was issued to, the check number and dollar amount of the check, and whether the check was previously cashed or not.

Emergency GI Bill Payment Status Report – Day One

VA Lays Out Nearly $50M in Emergency GI Bill Payments

By Terry Howell

Updates and News from Inside the VA
The following information came from one of my sources at the Department of Veteran’s Affairs central office in D.C.

• Nearly $50 Million paid out so far - As of 5PM ET the VA had issued 8,595 checks at the Regional Offices and accepted 7.880 online payment requests.  The total amount of funds disbursed today at the RO's was $25,785,000. The total amount of funds pending for online requests is $23,640,000. Those who processed their requests online will receive payments via snail mail in approximately six business days.
• The highest trafficked ROs at this point are in Washington, D.C., Waco, TX, and Chicago, IL. 
• There have not been any major “SNAFUS.” But, some RO’s around the country are reporting slow lines. 
• The RO staff in D.C. provided pizza for those standing in line at lunch time.  Of course, this is a high-profile RO, so don’t count on a free lunch at your local RO.

 

Additional Information
The following additional details were added to the VA’s GI Bill Website today:

1. Only one payment is authorized per veteran, up to $3,000. Depending on which GI Bill program in which you are enrolled.
Here is how it breaks down:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill $3,000
• Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty $3,000
• Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve $1,000
• Reserve Education Assistance Program $2,000
• Post Vietnam Era Educational Assistance Programs $1,000

2. You can apply on-line at advancepay.gibill.va.gov or you can go to your nearest VA regional office to receive an advance pay. A list of VA regional offices is available at the Veterans Benefits Administration Website.

Advance payments through the on-line application process will be issued by the U. S. Treasury within 3 workdays (Monday through Friday) following submission of your request. Payments will be in the form of a check sent through the U.S. mail. You should therefore anticipate an additional 3 days (excluding Sundays) for the U.S. Postal Service to deliver your checks.

3. Starting on October 2, regional offices will be open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays for advance payments. Regional offices will also be open on Saturday, October 3, from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon. 

Read all the FAQs.

Payments to Veterans Awaiting VA Education Benefits

From VA Website

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki has authorized advance payments up to $3,000 for Veterans who applied for VA educational benefits and who have not yet received their monthly education payments.

If you are a Veteran who has applied for one of VA’s education programs and have not yet received your monthly benefit payment for the Fall 2009 term. Starting Friday October 2^nd, you can request advance payment through this website, advancepay.gibill.va.gov.

Advance payments will be issued by the U. S. Treasury within 3 workdays (Monday through Friday) following submission of this request. Payments will be in the form of a check sent through the U.S. mail. You should therefore anticipate an additional 3 days (excluding Sundays) for the U.S. Postal Service to deliver your check.

You can also visit one of VA’s 57 regional offices across the country to immediately receive an advance payment. You will need to bring a government-issued photo ID and your course schedule when you visit the regional office. A list of VA’s regional offices is available at www.vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/offices.asp.

Starting on October 2, regional offices will be open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays for advance payments.  Regional offices will also be open on Saturday, October 3, from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon. 

The advance payments will be reconciled with future education payments owed to you.

Bloggers Persuade VA to Cut Emergency GI Bill Checks

By Terry Howell

In an unprecedented response to the hardships caused by delayed Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit payments, the VA decided to make emergency payments of up to $3,000 to veterans who are still waiting for their benefits to kick in.

Based on the timing of the VA announcement, it appears the emergency payments are a direct response to an issue surfaced during the VA’s first ‘Bloggers Roundtable’ last week. During the meeting, Assistant VA Secretary Tammy Duckworth and Deputy Director of Education Services, Lynn Nelson were asked what the VA is going to do about the financial hardships veterans are experiencing due to not receiving their benefits. You could have heard a pin drop as neither was able to provide an answer.

But within 24 hours of the blogger event, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs announced the emergency benefit payment plan. The VA was obviously compelled by the blogger’s questions and personalized examples of hardship.

According to the VA press release, eligible students will be able go to one of VA’s 57 regional benefit offices with a photo ID and a course schedule to request advance payment of their housing and book allowance starting Oct. 2, 2009.

Since many students are not located near VA Regional Offices, VA is planning to send representatives to schools with large Veteran-student populations and work with Veteran Service Organizations to help students with transportation needs.

A list of VA regional offices is available at www.vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/offices.asp.

As with anything the Federal Government attempts, the emergency payment process will be far from simple. Here are a couple of things to be aware of as the VA works out the payment details:

• The emergency payment process is a work in progress. 
• The VA plans to provide updated application/payment information as soon as possible.
• VA is still examining alternative options for delivering the emergency payments.

The VA's willingness to cut emergency payments (advances on benefits) is very encouraging and shows a new direction for VA's relationship with the veteran community.

Check out the Emergency Advance Payment FAQs to learn more.

See what veterans are saying about the effects of the GI Bill benefit delays.

Read the official VA Press Release posted on Military.com.

New Bill to Help 30k Previously Ignored Guardsmen

As many may know, Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility for members of the National Guard is based on the nature of their active duty time. For many Guardsmen, this means time spent on active duty under “state” orders under title 32 does not count, while active duty service under “federal orders” - title 10 - do. In many instances Guardsmen activated under title 32 orders were supporting home land security missions.

To help rectify this inequity, Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-Iowa) introduced the National Guard Education Equality Act, a bipartisan bill that will help over 30,000 members of the National Guard receive their full education benefits.

“The benefits under the landmark Post 9/11 GI Bill are a reflection of our gratitude to those who have served our country since the 9/11 attacks and will help make this generation of veterans part of our nation’s economic recovery.” said Congressman Loebsack. “Unfortunately, due to a technical glitch, over 30,000 members of the National Guard are not receiving the benefits that they have earned. This bill recognizes the service of the Soldiers and Airmen of the National Guard by including all of their active duty service in the calculation of their GI Bill benefits.

Read the full article on Military.com.

Visit the Military.com Legislative Center to contact your elected officials about this important bill.

GI Bill Update: New MGIB Rates, Delays, and More...

By Terry Howell

This Week's Latest GI Bill News

MGIB Rates Increased - The VA released the Montgomery GI Bill payment rates for the 2009-2010 academic year. The rates will be increased by less than 4 percent - growing from $1321 a month for a full time student to $1368 - on October 1, 2009. Not a huge increase, but it is more than it would have been in the past since the increases are now based on the actual tuition and fee increases rather than inflation, which is zero so far in 2009. Students should see the increase in their November MGIB payment.

Updated Post-9/11 Tuition Rates - VA has updated the Tuition and Fee rates. Students attending school in Massachusetts will now get up to $330 per credit hour. This has been increased from $71.

VA Workload Backlog - The VA's backlog of GI Bill "work items," which includes 67,000 unprocessed Post-9/11 GI Bill claims, grew to over 276,000.  Some vets are reporting they have been told to expect up to 20 week delays.

A recent Associated Press article reports that many veterans are beginning to receive their housing stipend checks. (Read the full article) The article also tells of continuing delays. Many personal examples of delays, errors, and successful claims processing can be found in the comments posted on this blog in the last week. Some veterans are now reporting delays in their Montgomery GI Bill claims due to the VA's back log.

Get more than $49,000 a year for school. Request info about GI Bill approved programs from military and veteran-friendly schools and start earning your degree today.

GI Bill Resources:

• VA GI Bill Website (Official VA Resources)
• Military.com Guide to Using Your GI Bill Benefits
• Guide to Choosing the Right GI Bill
• Military.com GI Bill Calculator

Who's to Blame for Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefit Delays?

By Terry Howell

Last week's Blog covered news reports warning that a huge backlog of GI Bill "work items," which includes applications and payment claims, is causing a delay in Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits of up to 10 weeks. This week the backlog grew nearly 11 percent to over 234,000. To their credit, the VA has processed over 140,000 "work items" overall. In addition, it appears that at least 13,000 veterans will soon begin receiving benefits, if they have not already.

Note: It takes approximately 1.5 hours for VA to process each Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill application.

In a recent Chronicle of Higher Education article, Post-9/11 GI Bill Applicants Wait for Colleges to Certify Enrollment, Department of Veterans Affairs Director of Education Services, Keith Wilson, responded to the question about delays by suggesting  that school certifying officials were to blame, saying that to date the VA had received only 13,000 certifications from the schools. “We have no control over when a school official will submit that enrollment certificate to us,” added Mr. Wilson.

Needless to say this has triggered an angry response from veteran’s program administrators and school certifying officials nationwide, denying that they are the bottleneck in the process.

Many of the certifying officials interviewed, said they were shocked to read the article and felt they were being stabbed in the back. A school certifying official, who wished to remain unnamed, said “the quote that stressed me is the one where he said they had no control over when a school sent an enrollment in. We have it in writing that we were to hold certifications until July 7, 2009.”

Another certifying official pointed out that there is no logical reason for a school to purposely delay the process, “not only is it bad for the student; it is bad for the school.” He also questioned the legitimacy of Mr. Wilson’s claim of receiving only 13,000 certifications.

Teri Gravenmier, veterans program administrator for the University of Alaska Anchorage, addressed Mr. Wilson’s assertion by explaining that in addition to other duties – including providing counseling and support for veteran students – “school certifying officials must verify not only that the student is qualified and how many credits they are registered for, but also that the coursework applies to their degree plan.” By comparison, “VA processors have one task to perform - process Chapter 33 [Post-9/11 GI Bill] applications,” Gravenmier points out.

Since early August, school certifying officials have been reporting serious payment errors made by the VA, including underpayments made because the VA failed to update their own database when the rates increased in August, duplicate tuition and fees payments, payments sent to the wrong schools, and payments made without supporting data including the student names. School officials have been told by the VA that they would not make any corrections to the payment issues until “Phase 3,” slated begin sometime in October.

Many of these errors and delays are easily attributed to a newly hired, inexperienced VA workforce, an understandable learning curve, lack of technical support systems, complicated requirements, and a huge flood of claims. But, many find it unfair for the VA to blame the schools for delays while they continue to have issues that still need to be addressed at the VA level.

New GI Bill Update: Aug 17

By Terry Howell

2009-2010 In-State Tuition and Fee Rates Set - The VA has posted the final 2009-2010 Maximum In-State Tuition & Fees table. It has taken much longer than the VA would have hoped with Guam and Ohio finally reporting their 2009-2010 tuition and fee rates this week. This means veterans and school administrators nation-wide can finally get to work determining exactly how much the New Post-9/11 GI Bill will cover. View the latest Post-9/11 GI Bill Maximum In-State Tuition and Fees rates.

Delays in Payments - As of August 15, 2009 the VA was reporting a backlog of 211,251 GI Bill claims. That represents a an up tick of more than 10 percent from the previous week and a 480 percent increase over same time last year. According to many reports, including an article posted by WBAL-TV, this will likely result in a 10 week (or more) delay in payments for many veterans whose claims are currently pending. The VA has hired an additional 760 people to help address the overwhelming response to the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

Payment Errors - Several school officials are reporting that they have received payments based on the VA's 2008-2009 maximum in-state tuition & fees table, resulting in underpayments for many schools. This error doesn't directly affect the payments made to veterans, but it could potentially affect the amount of money a veteran may be required to pay the school if it is not resolved.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill August Update

By Terry Howell

The Post-9/11 GI Bill became reality for thousands of veterans this week. Several veterans have already started receiving their benefits under the new program. Although there are some reports of payment errors – including both under and over payments – the VA is working in earnest to process the claims as quickly and correctly as possible. As of August 3, the VA had a back log of over 174K education assistance claims. That is a 500% increase over the same time last year.

A Major Tuition Glitch Fixed - In addition, this week brought some welcome news that the VA and the State of California had reached a compromise that eliminated the glitch that would have denied veterans tuition payments if they attended privately operated colleges and universities located in California. To learn more read the full story.

New Tools to Aid Veterans Choice - One draw back to the Post-9/11 GI Bill is that it is not always the best option for every veteran. (See “GI Bill No Longer One Size Fits All”) The issue is compounded by the fact that the choice to switch is irrevocable, making it very important for veterans to choose wisely.

Last week the VA released a helpful tool to aid vets in their research on which GI Bill (MGIB or P911 GIB) best fits their needs. The tool is a step-by-step guide that helps veterans see how their needs align (or not) with the new P911 GIB. The guide also helps veterans with gathering paperwork, comparing actual costs to benefits, a side-by-side comparison of the benefits and a benefit “estimator” which estimates the cash value of each member’s basic P911 GIB benefit. Visit the VA website to learn more.

New 2010 Tuition and Fees Payment Rates - This week the VA updated the State-by-State Tuition and Fees table for 2010. The tuition rates have increased as much as 10 percent for some states. The latest update includes changes for California, Minnesota and New Jersey in-state undergraduate tuition and fee rates. Several states and locations have yet to update their rates for 2010: Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. Guam has also failed to report new figures as of the last posted update on Aug. 5, 2009. The new 2010 Tuition and Fees table is available at Military.com.

Other GI Bill Resources:
Military.com GI Bill Calculator – Compares the cash values for the MGIB and Post-9/11.
VA GI Bill Website – The official VA resource for all things GI Bill.
VA Post-9/11 GI Bill Video – A YouTube video which helps explain the new benefit.
GI Bill Transferability - The official DoD website which offers details on transferring benefits.

Fact Checking the New GI Bill

By Terry Howell

Over the last year hundreds of articles have been written about the new Post-9/11 GI Bill. Some have been more accurate than others. As with any new benefit, it is difficult to separate fact from fiction. The following are some of the less than factual things you may have read or heard about the new GI Bill.

Fiction: The Montgomery GI Bill is being replaced by the Post-9/11 GI Bill on August 1, 2009.

Fact: Although this has often been reported in the news, the fact is the current MGIB is not going away. The new GI Bill is merely an additional benefit added to the VA’s long list of education programs. Servicemembers and veterans who want to use the new benefit must make an irrevocable choice to switch.

Fiction: The VA let the Department of Defense dictate the policy for transferring Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. And it was the DoD that co-opted the policy making servicemembers reenlist to earn the benefit.

Fact: Congress mandated that DoD determine the policy for transferring the GI Bill. In addition, the original intent was to encourage retention.

Fiction: Everyone who switches to the new GI Bill (Chapter 33) will be refunded their $1,200 MGIB (Chapter 30) enrollment fee.

Fact: Those who switch to the new GI Bill with remaining MGIB benefits will be refunded up to $1,200 of their enrollment fee - based on how much of the MGIB they have remaining when the elect to switch. This payment will be made in their last monthly housing stipend payment.

The catch - Veterans who do not receive the monthly housing stipend in their last month of Post-9/11 benefit will not get a refund of their MGIB enrollment fee. According to VA this is because veterans taking distance learning classes or attending half-time (or less) do not qualify for the monthly housing payment.

Fiction: Dependent children who receive transferred GI Bill benefits must use their benefits within15 years of their parent’s separation from active duty.

Fact: Dependent children have until their 26th birthday to use their transferred GI Bill benefit - no matter when their parent leaves the military.

Fiction: The new GI Bill cannot be used for online courses.

Fact: The new GI Bill can be used for taking online courses. However, there are limitations.

• The tuition rate is limited to the in-state undergraduate tuition rate for publicly operated schools – for the state in which the school is located, not the student's home state. This could result in out-of-pocket expenses.
• Students taking 100 percent of their classes online (each term) are not eligible to receive the monthly housing stipend for that term.

 

Fiction: Everyone should switch to the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Fact: Choosing to switch to the Post-9/11 GI Bill is irrevocable, making sure it best suits each individual's needs before switching is critical. For most, the new GI Bill is a better deal; however, here are some reasons why the Post 9/11 may not fit your needs:

• The school you plan to attend is located in a state with low tuition rates and/or you plan to use your benefits to attend online courses.
• You plan to use your benefits to take vocational or technical training.
• You qualify for less than 100 percent of the Post-9/11 GI Bill based on the number of active duty months served since Sept. 10, 2001.
• You have used more than half of your MGIB benefits. If you exhaust your MGIB before switching, you may be eligible for up to 12 additional months of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.

Be sure to research, ask questions, and seek counseling at your school’s veteran services office before making the switch. Get help from the source, call the VA at 1-888-GIBILL-1 or visit www.gibill.va.gov.

Compare the programs:
GI Bill Calculator
Head-to-Head Comparison
VA Comparison Data

VA Releases Post-9/11 GI Bill Video

The following blog comment was posted by Video Producer Ray Flores of the Department of Veterans Affairs. I think many of you will find it very helpful.

The VA has uploaded an eight minute Video Guide to the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill on YouTube. The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill Video Guide can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wwzie29m5Y

Some of the questions the video tries to clarify are:
Who is eligible?
What are the benefits?
What about officers and college loan enlistees?
What kind of education does it cover?
Does it cover Advanced Degrees?
How does the Spouse/Dependent Transfer Option work?
Who might not need this benefit?
How does the Yellow Ribbon Program work?

GI Bill - No Longer One Size Fits All

By Terry Howell

For nearly a year I have been telling our readers that the decision to switch to the new Post-9/11 GI Bill is irrevocable and since the program is so personalized and confusing they should avoid rushing into the Post-9/11 GI Bill without weighing their options very carefully.

To quickly summarize the differences; the Montgomery GI Bill monthly payment rate of $1321 is generic - one size fits all, while the Post-9/11 benefits are more personalized, they do not fit every one's needs.

This week Elizabeth Redden of Inside Higher Ed.com posted an article, GI Bill Math, which adds yet another reminder to veterans to choose wisely. In the article Redden explains the importance of doing the home work before making the choice between the Montgomery GI Bill and the new Post-9/11 GI Bill. The article highlights several examples of how the new GI Bill benefits differ from person to person and why understanding the details of the new Post-9/11 GI Bill is so important.

In one example Redden tells how Derek Blumke, co-founder and president of Student Veterans of America, worries that some veterans are making the irrevocable choice to switch without figuring out which is the better deal for them. In the article Blumke tells of a student he recently counseled that found that due to his circumstances, the older Montgomery GI Bill program was worth an extra $20,000 to him.

For many veterans the personalized fit of the Post-9/11 GI Bill will meet their needs, especially if they are seeking an undergraduate degree in a classroom setting at a state operated college or university. However, for veterans seeking a degree online at a privately operated adult student oriented college or university it may be another story. That is why it is so important for veteraqns to the homework, ask questions, and weigh their options before making the switch.

Get more than $49,000 a year for school. Request info about GI Bill approved programs from military and veteran-friendly schools and start earning your degree today.

At the risk of being redundant, I'll say it again, do your homework - read the articles found here, visit the VA's GI Bill website at www.GIBILL.va.gov and if you need further assistance don’t hesitate to call the VA at 1-888-GIBILL-1.

Read the full article at Inside Higher Ed.com

Many Guard Members Left Out of New GI Bill

By Terry Howell

A recent article written by Military.com contributor Tom Philpott, brought to light an eligibility limitation which many have overlooked or ignored. In his article Tom reports about a flaw in the law which excludes certain active duty service time served by members of the National Guard.

Tom writes: "Those activated under Title 10 to serve under the command and control of the president for wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are eligible for the new GI Bill after 90 days' deployed. If they serve 36 month cumulative months under Title 10, after Sept. 11, 2001, they get full GI bill benefits."

"But the time Guard members have spent activated under Title 32, -- responding to domestic emergencies or to homeland security missions, or serving fulltime under the Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) program -- will not count toward Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility."

According to the article, this means Guard members who protected the homeland after the 9/11 attacks, responded to Hurricane Katrina, and helped bolster border security in 2007-2008 could be excluded from the Post-9/11 GI Bill if they don't have 90 or more days under Title 10 orders serving in "contingency operations."

Seems wrong. Maybe its time to contact your elected officials and let them know how you feel.

Read the full article...

Navigating the GI Bill Application Process

Some of our readers have been asking for guidance on how to apply for VA education benefits. The application process for the Post-9/11 GI Bill is actually no different from other recent versions. But there are some subtle details you should be aware of.

I have posted a factsheet with step-by-step instructions and helpful details on the process - The Post-9/11 GI Bill Application Process.

New Tool Aids Vets in GI Bill Decision

By Terry Howell

The new Post 9/11 GI Bill begins paying benefits in August. As the new GI Bill moves forward servicemembers and veterans will be required to choose the benefits package (Montgomery GI Bill or Post 9/11 GI Bill) that best suits their needs.

Military.com created a GI Bill Calculator to help determine the cash value of your benefits and help you compare the old and new benefits based on your specific profile and declared needs. But the choice between GI Bills involves more than money, making the wrong choice can result in lost benefits and derailed education and career goals. 

Here are some of the things you must consider before making your decision:

• Compared Cash Values - Your personal eligibility factors and education plans affect the bottom line, but don't let this be the only factor you consider. 
• Your Eligibility Status - The number of months served on active duty since 9/11/2001 determines the amount of benefits you get.
• Your Current Duty Status - If you are on active duty you get different benefits than veterans and members of the selected reserve. The GI Bill Calculator can help you see what you will get based on your current duty status.
• Transferability - Only the Post-9/11 GI Bill will allow you to give your education benefits to dependents, if this is important to you then your choice is more clear. 
• Your Education Goals - Since the Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition rate is based on the in-state undergraduate rate, if you are planning to go enroll in a Post-Graduate program you may face out-of-pocket expenses.
• Online vs. In-Classroom - Eligibility for the Post-9/11 GI Bill housing stipend is determined by course delivery method. Students attending 100% online classes, active duty members, and students enrolled at half-time or less are not eligible. 
• Your School Choice - The Post-9/11 GI Bill's in-state tuition rate caps may limit your options, in some areas the Post-9/11 will not fully cover the cost of tuition. In addition, the housing stipend payment rate is determined by the zip code of the school you plan to attend.
• Remaining Montgomery GI Bill Benefits - Using up your remaining MGIB may open the door to 12 more months of benefits.
• How Soon Do You Want to Use It - You have 10 years after you leave the service to use the Montgomery GI Bill and 15 years to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Th GI Bill Calculator results are unofficial, the tool is designed to aid in the decision process, not to replace VA representatives and local school veteran advisors. No matter what you choose the decision irrevocable - choose wisely.

Be sure to speak directly to a VA representative or the veterans program administrator at your school before you make an irrevocable decision. You can reach the VA at 1-888-GIBILL-1 or through the VA Question & Answer portal.

Congresswoman Seeks to Improve Post-9/11 GI Bill

By Terry Howell

This week Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) announced her plan to introduce legislation that would expand Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to include job training programs that are currently included in the Montgomery GI Bill and other previous versions of the GI Bill.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill currently offers up to 36 months of benefits for education programs offered through degree granting colleges and universities, but it does not provide for job training opportunities except for certain veterans who are eligible under the MGIB. This excludes all veterans who are not eligible for the MGIB from using these programs.

According to a June 17 letter written by Ms. DeLauro, “ten percent of veterans taking advantage of the MGIB use the available benefits for education other than college or graduate school, including for on the job training and apprenticeship programs.”  This means that as many as ten percent of Post-9/11 eligible veterans will not be able to use the new GI Bill to reach their career goals.

 “This [legislation] will provide those veterans who do not pursue an academic course of study opportunities to advance in their jobs, whether they are with private sector companies, local law enforcement or otherwise, just as previous veterans have,” wrote Ms. DeLauro.

Ms. DeLauro is currently looking for co-sponsors for her bill. If you would like to see changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill like this contact your elected officials and ask them to join Ms. DeLauro’s efforts and co-sponsor this bill.

Get more than $49,000 a year for school. Request info about GI Bill approved programs from military and veteran-friendly schools and start earning your degree today.

New Bill Includes GI Bill For Gold Star Children

By Terry Howell

The Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2009, or so called War Spending Bill, recently passed both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate and awaits President Obama's signature. The bill includes a key provision that will have a significant impact on surviving children of military servicemembers. Under the provision, Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits will be extended to the children of servicemembers of the armed forces who die while on active duty.

If signed into law, surviving children will be given access to benefits which include up to 100 percent tuition and fee coverage, a monthly housing stipend averaging more than $1,200, and an annual book and supply stipend of up to $1,000.

These benefits are a vast improvement to those provided under the VA’s Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance Program, which provides education and training opportunities to all eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service related condition.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill offers up to 36 months of benefits for education programs offered through degree granting colleges and universities. This differs from the more liberal DEA program which pays up to $950 a month for up to 45 months of education benefits and may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training.

Get more than $49,000 a year for school. Request info about GI Bill approved programs from military and veteran-friendly schools and start earning your degree today.

With congress opening the door to the Post-9/11 GI Bill to more beneficiaries, some may want to know how much it will cost the tax payers and what it means for those who are already using the existing DEA program.

It is still early in the process and many details are not available yet and this provision is subject to change. Stay tuned, we will be sure to pass along the details as they surface.

Get It In Writing

By Terry Howell

Get it in writing – a sound piece of advice for any deal. But maybe not something you would normally associate with getting advice or information from the VA.  However, that is exactly what a veteran's program administrator recent told me, "make sure to tell veterans to keep a written record of their interactions with the Department of Veterans Affairs."

Why? The new Post-9/11 GI Bill is very confusing, not just to you, but to nearly everyone involved with the process; from school certifying officials to the VA phone representatives themselves. Everyday some new piece of information about the process trickles out and not everyone gets the word. This can result in you, the veteran, making decisions based on incorrect information and possibly missing out on the benefits you deserve.

So my advice is to keep a record of every interaction you have with the VA. Write down the time, date, and name of the person you spoke to, in addition to details of your question and the answer they provided. The point here isn’t to document everything so you can “fight the VA.” The point is to help you and the VA if it turns out you made a poor choice between GI Bill benefit programs based on incorrect information.

Get more than $49,000 a year for school. Request info about GI Bill approved programs from military and veteran-friendly schools and start earning your degree today.

Making an Appeal - If you find that you were given incorrect information which caused you to miss out on the full benefit of your GI Bill you may have grounds to request to switch programs or recover lost benefits by seeking “equitable relief.”

Equitable relief is a type of appeal you can make when you have been misinformed by VA staff. In years past, VA would get somewhere around 10 such appeals a year for education related benefits.  Only a few cases involved situations where a counselor gave veterans inaccurate information which caused them to be denied benefits.  Due to the confusion over the new GI Bill, this number will likely increase in the coming years. The equitable relief process requires documentation to support your claim. According to the VA, veterans seldom have the required documentation needed to substantiate their claims resulting in their appeals being denied.
 
Insider Advice - If you are going to seek equitable relief, have the name, title, and date you spoke to a VA counselor.  Since all VA phone representatives use an alias, for privacy reasons, submitting your questions online and keeping a printed record of the answers is a great way to ensure you have the required paper trail in case you later find that you were given inaccurate or misleading information. You can use the VA’s online Question and Answer section to ask questions and get documented answers.

Your GI Bill benefit choice is irrevocable. If you base your decision on what turns out to be incorrect (VA provided) information, you may have a legal claim to switch programs. If you don’t take the time to document your interaction with the VA you may lose your appeal before you even get started.

For all you "policy wonks," you can download the official copy of the Regulatory Citation which covers Equitable Relief.

Post-9/11 GI Bill - A Mixed Bag

By Terry Howell

I have been writing for some time now about the good, bad, and the ugly of the new Post-9/11 GI Bill. If you have been reading this blog long, you know there is more to celebrate about this program than there is to lament. But, over the last few months I have focused quite a bit on the program's short comings. Today we'll take a look at both ends of the spectrum - where the program misses the mark and where it's right on target.

I recently wrote about the affects semantics are having on California veteran’s and their tuition coverage under the new GI Bill. This story was also covered in the SF Chronicle. The Chronicle’s article, GI Bill's Wording Costs State's Student Vets, personalizes the issue and tells how three individuals are being affected by this snafu over the words “tuition and fees.”

The article quotes veteran Darren Matt telling how the limitations will keep him from using the new education benefits, "So I still get nothing. There's a huge group of people who are going to be excluded from this,” said Matt, who is seeking an MBA. "I can't imagine that was the intent of the bill."

The article ends with a quote by Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Ca., "I'm hoping that we don't have to go through the whole legislative fix," he said. "This is no more than a bureaucratic snafu." Thompson is currently working on legislation to fix the issue.

- True.

Get more than $49,000 a year for school. Request info about GI Bill approved programs from military and veteran-friendly schools and start earning your degree today.

On the other end of the spectrum is a story about how the new Post-9/11 GI Bill is opening doors for veterans who would like to earn an Ivy League degree. Prestigious schools like Columbia University, Cornell University, and Dartmouth College are all volunteering to participate in a Post-9/11 GI Bill program known as the Yellow Ribbon Program.

In simplified terms, the YRP waives all or part of a veteran's tuition costs that exceed the in-state tuition rate, giving veterans the chance to attend more expensive private schools and not incur out-of-pocket expenses or student loan debt.

While on the whole, the Post-9/11 GI Bill is a great benefit to most veterans, there are several examples of how the Post-9/11 opens doors for some while keeping them closed for others.

Veterans who feel this bill should be improved need to contact their elected officials and let them know how they feel.

Read the full articles mentioned above:

• GI Bill's Wording Costs State's Student Vets – SF Chronicle
• New GI Bill Puts Ivy League Degree Within Reach – Military.com

Switching to the Post-9/11 GI Bill? Not So Fast!

Yet Another Reason to Take Your Time

By Terry Howell

Over the last few months I have been encouraging our readers to weigh their GI Bill options carefully before choosing to switch from the Montgomery GI Bill to the new Post-9/11 GI Bill. Now there is yet another reason you may want to hold off on making the switch – the chance to get 12 more months of education benefits if you use up your MGIB first.

The Department of Veterans Affairs recently posted the following on their GI Bill website:

For individuals eligible for MGIB-AD
Normally, your months of entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill will be equal to the number of months of entitlement you have remaining under the MGIB-AD. However, if you use all of your MGIB-AD benefits, then you may be entitled to a maximum of 12 additional months of benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. [Giving you a total of 48 months of education benefits]

Many veterans don’t realize this means they may actually be better off to use up their MGIB before applying for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Here is an example:

Active duty veterans that are qualified for both the MGIB and Post-9/11 and have used some (lets say 26 months) of their MGIB may be able to extend their education benefit by 12 months - but - only if they first exhaust all of their remaining MGIB benefit  before electing to receive Post-9/11 benefits.

However, if veterans switch to the Post-911 GI Bill before using all 36 months of the MGIB, they will only get the equivalent of the remaining months of their MGIB credited to their Post-9/11 account and will not be eligible to extend the benefit to 48 months.

Jack Mordente, director of Veterans Affairs at Southern Connecticut State University offers another scenario:

"I have a veteran who has 6 months of GI Bill and 4 semesters to graduate. He can use the 6 months to exhaust his Chapter 30 [MGIB]. With our 9 month academic year he will be paid 3 months over his 36 months. He then transfers to Chapter 33 [Post-9/11 GI Bill] and gets 9 more months and finishes his degree."

Get more than $49,000 a year for school. Request info about GI Bill approved programs from military and veteran-friendly schools and start earning your degree today.

On May 11th the VA encouraged anyone considering enrolling in the new GI Bill "to get educated about it first" because it is an irrevocable decision.

The five questions suggested:

1. which benefits pay more?
2. what tier of benefits am I eligible for under new bill?
3. what type of training do I want to pursue?
4. how long do I expect to take to use the benefit?
5. do I plan to attend school less that fulltime?

Jack suggests you add two more questions to the VA's five:

1. How many months do you have left on your current GI Bill?
2. How many semesters do you have left to graduate?

You may find that it is best to wait until you have used your 36 months of MGIB before applying for the new Post-9/11 GI Bill.

No matter what you decide, talk to a VA representative to make sure you are eligible for extending your benefits another 12 months. You can reach the VA at 1-888-GIBILL-1.

4 Reasons to Choose Your GI Bill Carefully

By Terry Howell

Several readers have asked "what's the big deal about choosing the Post-9/11 GI Bill over the Montgomery GI Bill." In fact, one reader asked, “I don't understand this. How can another program be better for me if I want to attend college? Isn't the reason for the new Post-9/11 GI Bill to pay for any state tuition of my choice?”

Many veterans think this is a no-brainer, but there are several factors that can severely limit your GI Bill education benefits. And, since you cannot change your mind once you make the switch, choosing carefully is your best option.

As a friend of mine likes to say, "the devil's in the details." Well, here are some of those details - reasons to choose carefully:

1. Payment rates are set for undergraduate tuition rates – this could mean that veterans who wish to attend grad school will need to pay the difference out-of-pocket.
   
   
2. The housing stipend is not available for students taking all their courses through non-traditional classes – online and other distant learning students won’t receive payment for cost of living. In addition, veterans talking courses on a half-time rate and active duty servicemembers are also excluded from the housing stipend.
   
   
3. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is set at the in-state undergraduate tuition rate which varies from state-to-state. In some states the tuition rate may severely limit a student's education options. For example, the tuition rate for California is $0 and Massachusetts is only $71. That won’t go very far in a private college or master's degree program.
   
   
4. The new Post-9/11 GI Bill does not cover trade schools or on the job training and apprenticeship programs like the Montgomery GI Bill.

I am not the only one warning servicemembers and veterans about making an uneducated decision about their education benefits. Department of Veterans Affairs officials are also encouraging anyone considering enrolling in the Post-9/11 GI Bill program to learn the facts and make sure the Post-9/11 GI Bill is the right fit for them.

The VA recommends getting answers to the following before changing programs:

1) Which benefit will pay more?
2) What tier of benefit am I eligible for under the Post-9/11 GI Bill?
3) What type of training do I want to pursue? 
4) How long do I expect to take to use the benefit?
5) Do I plan to attend school less than full-time?

The Bottom Line 
If you plan to attend classroom based courses at a state operated college on a more than half-time basis - or - you intend to transfer your benefits to a family member, then the Post 9/11 GI Bill most likely fits your needs perfectly. Otherwise, take your time - don't be in a rush.

Learn more about comparing the GI Bill programs.

If you have questions about your personal eligibility or need more assistance, please call the VA at 1-888-GIBILL-1 or visit the VA's GI Bill website at www.GIBILL.VA.gov.

Don't Be in a Rush!!!

The application process began May 1 for the New Post-9/11 GI Bill. Some news resources are making it sound as if the New GI Bill starts today. IT DOESN"T. What starts today is the VA application process. But, what is most important to know is that there is no rush. You need to carefully weigh the benefits of the Montgomery GI Bill against the benefits of the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

In an Armed Forces Press Service article Keith Wilson (Director of Education Service for the Veterans Benefits Administration) stated:

“The important thing to remember is that this is one of several programs we administer, all of which have different eligibility criteria,” Wilson said. “The program that is best for the individual veteran is not always going to be the Post-9/11 GI Bill.”

Among questions Wilson encourages people to consider when making the decision are:

-- Which benefit will pay more? This needs to factor in, not just what VA pays, but also the impact on any other educational assistance the person receives. For example, if the student attends school in one of the many states that offers veterans free tuition or receives another form of state or campus aid, will switching to the Post-9/11 benefit change that?

-- What tier of benefit are they eligible for under the Post-9/11 GI Bill? The program includes three payments: tuition and fees, a living allowance, and a book and supply stipend. But current active-duty members can’t receive the living allowance.

-- What type of training do they want to pursue? Not all training covered by the Montgomery GI Bill, for example, is covered by the Post-9/11 bill. The new benefit, for example, doesn’t cover technical school training.

-- How long do you expect to take to use the benefit? The Post-9/11 GI Bill pays out benefits for 15 years, five years longer than the Montgomery GI Bill benefit.

-- Do you plan to attend school less than full-time? It will affect whether you receive the housing allowance under the Post-9/11 benefit.

-- Do you plan to transfer your unused benefits to an immediate family member? Only the Post-9/11 benefit offers that option.

“There are a series of things, both monetary and non-monetary, that individuals need to consider,” Wilson said.

Wilson encourages anyone eyeing the new Post-9/11 program to read up about it on the VA Web site. Those who need additional assistance can click on a link on the site to e-mail VA officials with a question, or can talk with a VA benefits counselor by calling 1-888-GI-BILL-1 toll-free, he said.

“We’re emphasizing education so people understand the full range of our educational programs,” Wilson said. “We really want to be sure we tailor the best program to the individual.”

So - Word the wise, take your time, because making a choice now locks you in to either GI Bill version. Your choice now may severely limit your options later.

Here are some links you may find helpful:

• Official VA GI Bill Website
• Post 9/11 GI Bill FAQ

• Guide to Comparing the Two GI Bills

You can also call teh VA directly at 1-888-GIBILL-1 to speak to a representative who can help you determine your best option.

Semantics Lead to Zero California Tuition Cap

By Terry Howell

The Department of Veterans Affairs recently reset the Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition rate for California to zero. This is because state operated colleges and universities in California do not charge tuition for resident undergraduate studies - California residents are required to pay "fees" only. This all comes down to a matter of semantics. As written, the New Post-9/11 GI Bill requires the VA to pay each veteran's tuition based on the highest in-state undergraduate tuition rate at a state operated school in the for the state of enrollment.

This "matter of sematics" will force veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to attend private colleges in California to find another source to help cover the tuition portion of their college bill.

According to a report by Inside Higher Ed, this tuition rate will likely mean that private colleges in California will be less likely to enter into the Yellow Ribbon Program, a federal matching program to cover the balance between the standard veterans' benefit payment rate and actual private college's tuition rates. This could result in veterans incurring thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses or student debt each semester.

The following table demonstrates what this means to veterans attending school on campuses located in California:

Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits	Attending California State Run School*	Attending a Private University
Tuition Coverage	100%	0%  **
Fees	Up to $6,587 per term	Up to $6,587 per term
Housing Allowance	$1,716 per Month	$1,716 per Month
Book Stipend	Up to $1,000	Up to $1,000

* Example Cal State Sacramento
**Veterans will be responsible to find alternative means for covering the tuition costs - student loans, grants, "yellow Ribbon, out-of-pocket.

Note: This is another example of why it is critical thet veterans choose the school and GI Bill package that best suits their needs. Call 1-888-GIBILL-1 to speak to a VA representative.

DoD Inches Toward GI Bill Transferability Policy

By Terry Howell

The DoD has taken another step toward clarifying their policy on Post-9/11 GI Bill transferability. Unfortunately the fact sheet they released states "The rules for Post-9/11 GI Bill transferability are in the final stages, but have not been signed. The following information represents proposed policy, which is subject to change."

So just as we start to get excited about the release of the new guidelines, the DoD adds a caveat. DoD Officials decided to confirm policy details before they officially are set because VA will begin to accept Post-9/11 GI Bill application on Friday May 1.

Read the official DoD Post-9/11 Transferability Fact Sheet.

In addition to the release of the so-called fact sheet, the Armed Forces Press Service posted an article which you may find helpful. Read the full article on Military.com.

Remember - Only the DoD and VA can answer your specific eligibility questions. To get the correct answers call the VA at 1-888-GIBILL-1.

VA to Accept New GI Bill Applications May 1

By Terry Howell

News from the Department of Veterans Affairs GI Bill Website:

"Starting May 1, 2009, the Department of Veterans Affairs will begin accepting applications for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The application form is available online."

"The form requires that individuals currently eligible for another education benefit make an irrevocable election from their existing program to the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Typically individuals who are eligible for more than one benefit may use a combined total of 48 months of entitlement. Therefore, for those individuals eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) program, please be advised that if you have entitlement remaining under the MGIB, the number of months of Post-9/11 GI Bill entitlement you will be eligible for will be equal to the number of months remaining under MGIB. However, if you exhaust all of your MGIB entitlement, then you may be entitled to a maximum of 12 additional months of entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill."

"Starting May 1, 2009 VA will begin processing applications for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits and you will receive a letter explaining VA’s decision regarding your eligibility for the program. Payments for the Post-9/11 GI Bill will not be processed until August 1, 2009."

"Click here to access the application form which includes instructions for submitting completed applications."

FYI - Those who are using the Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30) and do not plan to switch to the Post-9/11 GI Bill will not be required to submit a new application (VA-22-1990 or 22-1995).

# # # # #

LEARN MORE:

Please read the other blog entries on the Military Education Blog or visit http://www.military.com/money-for-school/gi-bill/learn-to-use-your-gi-bill to learn more. In addition you should go to the VA website www.gibill.va.gov or call 1-888-GIBILL-1 to get the information straight from the VA.

Do not rely on the comments below, while some are accurate, many are not.

4 Steps to Figuring Your New GI Bill Tuition Rate

The New GI Bill, which does not go into effect until Aug. 1, 2009, offers three major education related benefits - Tuition and fees, a monthly living expense stipend (or housing allowance), and up to $1000 a year for books and supplies. The following blog entry will help you figure out how much of your tuition and fees will be covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

There are specific rules and policies governing each of these benefits. The following information ONLY applies to the tuition and fees portion of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. To learn the basics about the other stipends visit the Military.com Post-9/11 Overview or the VA's GI Bill Website. You can also call the VA for more specific guidance at 1-888-GIBILL-1.

Finding Your Tuition and Fees Payment Rate

Unlike the Montgomery GI Bill, the Post-9/11 GI Bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay your tuition and fees directly to the school. This payment rate is capped at the tuition and fees rate for the most expensive in-state public college undergraduate tuition and fees for the State of enrollment - the school's home State - not yours.

There are four steps to determining how much of your tuition and fees will be covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill:

1. Determine your Post 9/11-GI Bill entitlement percentage - This is based on the number of months you have served on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001. The percentages run from 40% for more than 90 days to 100% for 36 or more months. 
   
   Learn more about the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
   
   
2. Determine the maximum amount the VA will pay based on the in-state tuition rate for your school's state -  See the Maximum In-state Tuition & Fees table.
   
   
3. Ask your school about their per-credit hour tuition rate and per-term fees.
   
   
4. Multiply the maximum in-state tuition & fees by your Post-9/11 entitlement percentage (from step 1) and compare this to your school's tuition and fees. If your entitlement is equal to or more than the school's tuition and fees then you are covered - there is no refund of the difference.
   
   On the other hand, if your entitlement is less than the school's tuition and fees, you will be responsible to fund the difference.*

*It is important to note that many schools can chose to participate in the "Yellow-Ribbon" program in which all or part of the difference will be covered by the school and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Be sure to ask your school if they are planning to participate in the program.

Learn more about the Yellow Ribbon program.

Be sure to call 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) to speak with a Veterans Benefits Counselor for specific guidance on your best benefits option.

IAVA's Take on the VA's Post-9/11 Final Regulations

By Patrick Campbell
Chief Legislative Counsel, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is pleased to see that the VA adopted many of our recommended changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill regulations. The recently published final regulations addressed over half of IAVA’s top concerns. These changes are worth thousands of dollars to veterans who will be using this new benefit, and specifically include:

• Ensuring that school health insurance programs are covered by the new GI Bill.
• Encouraging private universities and colleges to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program by increasing flexibility--
  • Allowing separate schools within a college to participate
  • Removing restrictive requirements on how schools fund the program
• Allowing spouses/dependents to benefit from a servicemember’s enlistment kickers.
• Clearly defining when a servicemember with readjustment issues can leave school and not be billed for courses not completed.

We were also grateful to see the VA include GI Bill eligibility for officers of the Public Health Service (PHS) and National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and clarify that other forms of financial aid will not affect GI Bill benefits.

While a majority of these regulatory changes were pro-veteran, IAVA still has some concerns with the regulations that should be addressed immediately. For example,

• Unfair prohibition on transferring benefits to children between the ages of 18-26
• Denying enlistment kickers to part-time students and distance learners
• Denying the Montgomery GI Bill buy-in refunds to part-time students and distance learners

Learn more about IAVA and their efforts to support troops and veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

VA Sheds Light on Post-9/11 GI Bill Rules

By Terry Howell

This week the VA released the "Post-9/11 GI Bill; Final Rule." This set of regulations governing the policy and procedures for the new GI Bill, is not an easy read. But, it does offer clarification and answers some of the questions we have been asking for the last six months.

The final rule was developed by the Department of Veterans Affairs based on the statutes as currently written. Many details are clearly defined by the statute. However, the law also has many gaps and several ambiguous passages. Leaving the VA to try fill the gaps as best they could.
While the VA doesn’t have the authority to alter or create rules that conflict with the existing law, they do have the authority to set policy based on past rulings and policies where applicable.

It appears that the VA used as “veteran-friendly” an approach as possible in developing the final rule. As part of the process, the VA issued a preliminary copy of the regulations and provided time for comments and feedback. The first 13 pages of the document are dedicated to listing and answering the comments they received.

Although far from finished reading it, I decided to pull out some of the more interesting rulings found in the comment response section of the document.

Note: It is important to remember the VA was given a poorly written law to start with, and in my opinion, they have done their best to make it work within the limits of their authority.

Some National Guard and Active Guard Reserve Deemed Ineligible
The VA has determined that there is no section of the existing statute that will allow them to authorize eligibility for members of the National Guard or Active Guard Reserve (AGR) serving under title 32, U.S.C..

NOAA and PHS Officers Now Deemed Eligible
According to the final rule, service as a commissioned National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or Public Health Services officer meets the active duty requirement for eligibility as long as all other Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility requirements have been met.

Clarifications on Transferring Benefits
Although the DoD has yet to issue their final policy on transferability, the VA has clarified how it will apply to those the DoD deem eligible. The general rule is that the person receiving the transferred GI Bill benefits will get the same payment and benefits as the servicemember or veteran would have got if they kept it.

- Transferring Kickers: Based on comments and the statute, the VA has clarified that the rate of payment for transferred benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill will include any kicker to which the transferor is entitled.

- Payment Rate and Stipends for Transferred Benefits: A dependent child and surviving spouse will always receive benefit payments in the same manner as an individual off active duty (or veteran). This means that they will be eligible to receive the housing allowance if all other criteria are met.

However, a dependent spouse of an active duty servicemember will receive benefits in the same manner as the transferor, thus he or she will not be eligible for the monthly housing allowance.

- Combining Transferred and Earned GI Bill Benefits: If a spouse and/or dependent child has earned GI Bill benefits of their own and had benefits transferred to them, he or she may use their own (earned) Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits and/or benefits that were transferred to them.

In addition, the VA's final rule states that this "combining of education assistance" is not subject to the 48 months limit as long as the only educational assistance paid is under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. However, if the dependent is awarded educational assistance under another program, such as the Montgomery GI Bill, the 48 months limit will apply.

This means that spouses who are qualified for the Post-9/11 GI Bill due to their own active-duty service and have Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits transferred to them by their husband of wife can get up to 72 months of the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Education Benefits for Students Attending Foriegn Institutions
Tuition and fee limits for eligible students studying abroad will be based on the national average "in-state tuition and fees" rates. In addition, the living stipend (Monthly Housing Allowance) will also be based on the national average as set by the DoD's Basic Allowance for Housing at the E-5 with Dependents rate (approximately $1,200 a month). Note: students taking classes solely via distance learning (online) are not eligilble for the monthly housing stipend.

No Monthly Verification Requirement
The new GI Bill will no longer require students to verify their status each month to receive their benefits. However, they will be required to notify the VA if they change the number of units they are carrying during a given term.

Keep in mind that the topics covered here are only the tip of the iceberg, I will continue to comb through the document to find answers to your more frequently asked questions.

Now that the “Final Rule” has been released, VA representatives will have better information and a greater ability to answer your personal benefit eligibility and status questions. Be sure to ask as many questions as possible since you will soon be asked to make an irrevocable choice of which GI Bill program – Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30) or Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) – will work best for you.

My advice–don’t rush to judgment, weigh the facts and make a careful decision. Here is a link to a recent blog posting that could help you know what to ask: VA Offers Info on GI Bill Decision.

Call the VA at 1-888-GIBILL-1 or visit the Q&A section of the VA website to get the facts on your personal GI Bill benefits.

For those suffering insomnia, feel free to read the VA’s Post-9/11 GI Bill; Final Rule (PDF). – Beware it contains 42 single-spaced three-column pages of Government speak.

Senator Comments on New GI Bill

U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, recently delivered a clear message on the need for VA to implement the new GI Bill on-time and effectively. Chairman Akaka made the comments in response to a recent hearing on VA's efforts to use information technology to improve the delivery of benefits. Senator Akaka was a cosponsor of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Senator Akaka's full statement, as well as the written testimony from the witnesses at the hearing, is available here.

VA Offers More Info to Aid Pending GI Bill Decision

The VA recently posted specific scenarios (case studies) to help servicemembers and veterans see how the New Post 9/11 GI Bill compares to the Montgomery GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill for Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR).

As most of our readers are aware, servicemembers and veterans will soon have to decide which GI Bill program to use to achieve their education and career goals. Since this choice is irrevocable, it is extremely important for servicemembers and veterans who have served more than 90 days on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001, to pay close attention to the details of each program. Most will find the New Post-9/11 GI Bill will serve them well. However, due to certain Post-9/11 GI Bill program limitations and restrictions, this is not true for all.

Visit the following VA web pages to see a list of specific scenarios which may help determine which program best suits each student's needs:

• Case Studies Showing Differences Between the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty
• Case Studies Showing Differences Between the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Reserve GI Bills

 

Stay informed - Keep visiting this Blog to get the latest information on the Post-9/11 GI Biil. Additional information about GI Bill programs can be found on the Military.com "Learn to Use Your GI Bill" web page.

Outlook for GI Bill Implementation

By Terry Howell

According to a March 12, 2009 Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General report, “successful implementation remains a difficult and risky challenge..."  This rather bleak view of the implementation process, while more realistic than other recent VA reports, should not come as a shock to anyone paying attention to the details of the of the Post-9/11 GI Bill program.

The new GI Bill program (Chapter 33) has put a huge demand on an already overloaded agency. As the OIG report further denotes, “…[the VA’s] projected workload estimate did not include consideration of greater participation because of the current economic climate. Inadequate staffing can potentially delay claims processing.” Considering that GI Bill claims can already run 20 or more weeks behind, this does not offer much hope.

"We have some concerns that the Veterans Benefits Administration may need more staff than currently planned..." says OIG. However, the OIG does say that the VA is considering rehiring VA annuitants [retirees] with the expertise needed to more quickly and efficiently process the expected flood of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit claims.

Unfortunately the OIG report (excerpt below) failed to directly address the incredible number of benefit questions that will result when veterans are asked to make an irrevocable choice between GI Bill programs. This choice is crucial and will determine which education and training programs, benefit payments, and limitations will apply to each veteran. In some situations veterans may find that sticking to the Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30) would mean greater benefits.

For example, under current rules, veterans participating in 100 percent distance learning and online programs are excluded from receiving the monthly stipend – a benefit which ranges from $800 to $2,700 a month paid to the veteran.

Post-9/11 GI Bill regulations and policy details are still being worked out. Relatively few of the soon-to-be-hired VA representatives will be properly equipped to give advice on which program each veteran should apply for by the Aug. 1, 2009 deadline.

Military.com has created a Guide to Choosing the Right GI Bill, which offers a general view of how to compare the two benefits. It is important to note that some facts still remain sketchy and are subject to change. Stay tuned to either this blog or the VA GI Bill Q&A site for future updates.

The OIG report concludes with the following statement: “We [OIG] will focus our efforts on identifying and evaluating potential weaknesses in assumptions underlying project feasibility determinations, schedule, costs, and risk assessments.”

The OIG has their work cut out for them.

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The following is an excerpt from the DVA OIG report:

Office of Inspector General, Department of Veterans Affairs
Statement before the Subcommittee on Military Construction,
Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Committee on Appropriations
United States House of Representatives
Hearing on Department of Veteran Affairs Challenges
March 12, 2009

The OIG has provided oral briefings to the relevant congressional oversight committees’ staff on VA’s progress in implementing the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (new GI Bill) (Public Law 110-252).

After a long planning period, VA has made progress in the current quarter; however successful implementation remains a difficult and risky challenge due to the inherent difficulties in creating the software tools, limited VA Office of Information and Technology development resources, vulnerabilities in Veterans Benefits Administration staffing estimates, and aggressive project scheduling requirements. In the coming months, VA will need to complete its primary plans for software development and implement contingency plans.

We have some concerns that VBA may need more staff than currently planned since officials have acknowledged reducing planned hiring by 48 employees (8 percent) due to space limitations. Further, VBA’s estimate is based on annualized workload, rather than the peak seasonal workload expected during the beginning of the school year. Also, VBA’s projected workload estimate did not include consideration of greater participation because of the current economic climate. Inadequate staffing can potentially delay claims processing. However, VBA is exploring possible solutions, such as rehiring annuitants with needed expertise.

VA’s contingency plan identifies significant project risks, mitigation strategies, decision dates to deploy alternate plans, and estimated resource requirements. We are continuing to monitor the feasibility of some mitigation strategies that are more resource intensive, such as adding more employees to support the use of manual processes. For example, if the functionality to make recurring housing payments is delayed, the contingency plan calls for hiring 263 additional employees to initiate these monthly education payments. Clearly, implementing a manual process would lack the controls an automated system could offer.

Completion of the business requirements for the long-term solution may be delayed because many VA subject matter experts are focused on the interim solution. We will continue to monitor plan adjustments and additional planning/project deliverables, including the Integrated Master Schedule, to assess further potential impediments to program implementation. We will focus our efforts on identifying and evaluating potential weaknesses in assumptions underlying project feasibility determinations, schedule, costs, and risk assessments.

Post-9/11 GI Bill Letters Sent to Vets

By Terry Howell

The Department of Veterans Affairs will soon be sending letters to veterans who may be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The letter is being sent to help explain how the benefits will be implemented and who will be eligible. VA has posted the letter on their website.

The following text was taken from the letter that will go out to vets in coming days.

Dear Veteran:

I am pleased to take this opportunity to inform you about a new education benefit called the Post-9/11 GI Bill (also known as chapter 33 benefits). The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the most comprehensive education benefit package since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944. Individuals who are eligible for the new benefit may begin using the benefit August 1, 2009, for training that begins on or after that date. This letter provides a brief overview of the new benefit.

Basic Eligibility

Only active duty service performed after September 10, 2001, may be considered for determining eligibility for this new benefit. To be eligible, a service member or veteran must have served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty. However, individuals honorably discharged for a service-connected disability who served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001, may also establish eligibility.

Basic Benefits

The maximum basic benefit provides the following:

• Cost of tuition and fees, not to exceed the most expensive in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher learning in the state you are attending school;
• Monthly housing allowance equal to the basic allowance for housing payable to an E-5 with dependents, in the same zip code as the school; and
• Yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 per year.

The maximum basic benefit is earned after serving an aggregate of 36 months of active duty service or after 30 days of continuous service for those individuals who were discharged for a service-connected disability. Individuals serving between 90 days and 36 months of aggregate active duty service will be eligible for a percentage of the maximum benefit.

The percentage level ranges from 40% of the basic benefit for those whose service is between 90 days and 6 months to 90% for those who served between 30 and 36 months. For example, an individual with 5 months of qualifying service could receive 40% of the tuition benefit, 40% of the monthly housing allowance, and a maximum of $400 books and supplies stipend. The following chart represents the maximum percentage payable based on the length of an individual’s aggregate active duty service:

Individuals serving an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of:	Includes entry level and skill training?*	Percentage of Maximum Benefit
At least 36 months	Yes	100
At least 30 continuous days on active duty (Discharged due to service-connected disability)	Yes	100
At least 30 months, but less than 36 months	Yes	90
At least 24 months, but less than 30 months	Yes	80
At least 18 months, but less than 24 months	No	70
At least 12 months, but less than 18 months	No	60
At least 06 months, but less than 12 months	No	50
At least 90 days, but less than 06 months	No	40

Inserted note:
* Includes entry level and skill training refers to whether or not basic training and initial skills training time can be counted toward your total time served since 9/11/2001.

For example, if you served less than 24 months then your "entry level and skill training" will not count toward your total time served. However if you have 24 or more months, then your entry level and skill training  does count toward your total time served. Keep in mind, the VA did not create these rules; Congress did. - tdh

For those individuals entitled to the maximum tuition and fee benefit and whose tuition and fees exceed the highest in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution (i.e. graduate training or training at a private institution), the amount payable is equal to the highest in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution, unless benefits under the Yellow Ribbon provision apply. (See “The Yellow Ribbon Program” section below for more information.)

Individuals will generally receive 36 months of full-time education benefits. This should allow an individual to receive benefits for a four-year undergraduate degree based on a nine-month academic year, however, individuals may continue to receive benefits for approved training at an institution of higher learning (degree granting institution), including graduate training, provided they have remaining entitlement. If eligible for more than one VA education program, individuals are limited to a maximum of 48 months of benefits. Those individuals transferring to the Post-9/11 GI Bill from the Montgomery GI Bill (chapter 30) will be limited to the amount of their remaining chapter 30 entitlement. Individuals will remain eligible for benefits for 15 years from the date of their last discharge or release from active duty of at least 90 continuous days.

The monthly housing allowance is equal to the military housing benefit rates of an E-5 with dependents. The housing allowance is based on the location of the school and will be sent directly to the veteran for each month of enrollment in school training at more than half time. Individuals on active duty, anyone training at half time or less, and those solely pursuing distance learning are not eligible for the monthly housing allowance.

The maximum yearly books and supplies stipend is $1,000 and will be paid proportionally for each quarter, semester, or term attended in a school year. Payment will be made to the individual during each term he or she is enrolled.

The Yellow Ribbon Program

The Yellow Ribbon Program provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill allows institutions to enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition costs above the highest in-state undergraduate tuition rate. VA will match each additional dollar that an institution of higher learning (IHL) contributes toward an eligible student’s tuition costs, up to 50 percent of the difference between the tuition and fees covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the total cost of tuition and fees. Only individuals entitled to the maximum benefit rate (based on service requirements) may receive this funding. IHLs will offer this additional benefit to eligible individuals on a first come, first served basis. Detailed information regarding the Yellow Ribbon Program, including a list of participating Yellow Ribbon institutions will be posted on our website.

Prior MGIB Eligibility

Those individuals transferring from the Montgomery GI Bill (chapter 30) will have a proportional amount of their basic $1,200 contribution refunded in the last monthly housing allowance payment when entitlement exhausts. Individuals who do not exhaust entitlement under the Post 9/11 GI Bill will not receive a refund. A refund of the $600 additional contribution is not authorized.

Applications

We expect to begin accepting applications soon for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. For additional information, including how to apply for benefits, visit our website at www.gibill.va.gov.

We will update our website as new information becomes available.

Questions

We hope that this information will assist you in planning for your future. For any questions about the Post-9/11 GI please visit our website.

Sincerely,

Keith M. Wilson

Director, VA Education Service

Veterans Vent Over Post-9/11 GI Bill

The following member comments were taken from the Military Education Blog. The comments are a sampling of veteran reaction to issues they have faced or are concerned about with the Post-9/11 GI Bill and GI Bill programs in general. A large number of the comments are based on the issues of time limits, inequity, and GI Bill benefit transferability.

The following comments have been edited to ensure general accuracy. However, the comments reflect the opinion of our membership and do not necessarily reflect those of Military.com

Member Comments:

The POST 911 bill is nothing like it was proclaimed to be at its birth. DOD is now stating that to transfer your benefits not only do you have to be on active duty as of 1 Aug 09, you also must have had 6 years of continuous service at that time and sign on to complete an additional 4 yrs. That hardly recognizes the contributions of veterans that were serving on active duty during the initial ground war as well as all of the deployments that followed for almost 10 years.

Posted by: Greg | March 10, 2009 at 10:12 AM

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As you're probably aware, [most] retirees are NOT afforded the opportunity to transfer remaining benefits to your dependent spouses & children, even though an active duty member with only a 10-year commitment is!!!

Write both the Senate and House Subcommittees for Veterans Affairs!!! Letters to the Senate Committee can be sent via email from their website located at http://veterans.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?pageid=1 or mailed to:
U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, Democratic Staff, 412 Russell Senate Bldg, Washington D.C. 20510 OR U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, Republican Staff, 825A Hart Senate Bldg, Washington D.C. 20510.

Letters to the House Committee can be faxed in to (202) 225-2034 or mailed to: House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, 335 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-2034

Write your senators and reps from your home states. If you're from Virginia, write Senator Webb, the sponsor of the bill. Most of your Senators and Reps can be reached via their websites. I've gotten responses from both my Senators and Reps from Nevada, but the strength is in numbers!!!!!

[To find your locally elected Senator and Representatives visit the Military.com Legislative Center]

Posted by: BP | March 09, 2009 at 07:02 PM

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I think the inequity in the housing stipend [in the Post 9/11] GI Bill is discriminatory.

It upsets me that veterans who opt to take courses at home are getting nothing towards housing. They are most likely doing so because the college program they are interested in isn't available locally or in their own state, or they are not ready to be in the public classrooms yet. Regardless, they still have expenses and this stipend issue discriminates against them.

Posted by: Whitney Gibson | March 04, 2009 at 06:12 AM

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I am a Retired USN - for about 6 years now. I am not interested of going back to school at anytime. But, I would like to know how can I transfer my GI Bill Education benefits to my Spouse. My Wife has unselfishly supported me during my active duty military obigations from the half way mark to my retirement. I would like to give by appreciation and Mahalo, (thank you) to my Wife to receive a college degree.

Fair winds following seas

Posted by: K. Keawe | March 08, 2009 at 10:59 PM

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I can see how some may think that a nationwide average for a living expense may be the easiest and most equal way to set a standard. I have to disagree though. If a nationwide average is made standard, where does that leave veterans in high cost of living areas like LA or NY? It would be highly unfair for those in these economic climates to be under the cost of living while someone in say, Alabama is receiving a rate well above the cost of living. There are alot of angles to this issue, just as there are varying expenses in each location. Keeping a rate based on zipcode would be the most appropriate route to take in this matter.

Posted by: Andy | March 04, 2009 at 01:12 AM

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I am a veteran who has served their country and received a honorable discharge this new Post 9-11 GI Bill should be entitled to every veteran who served their country and received an honorable discharge. I too enrolled in the MGIB. I went to go apply for college and was told that my GI Bill was up in 10 yrs.

Unfortunate I was not able to attend college within that time frame I was taking care of a parent who was terminally ill and also who traveled with a military spouse who has served his country for 20 yrs. I wrote to my Congressman explaining that they need to relook at taking the time limit off of using a GI Bill that you have contributed to do to unseen circumstance and other obligations. Now with the new Post GI Bill it is only for those who have served after 9/11/2001. What about those of us who have served before that bill? I feel that there should not be any type of restrictions other than someone receiving a dishonorable discharge.

Posted by: Petra Cooper | March 06, 2009 at 05:50 PM

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On the 17th of May 2007, I received a letter of disapproval of Veterans educational benefits. In 1989 I had pulled my money out of the VEAP program to put a down payment on my first house. Before I pulled this money out, I specifically asked the educational office on Hill Air Force Base, if I would still be enrolled in the program? The NCO replied yes even if you pulled all of your money out, you would still be enrolled in VEAP.

At some point in the future we were given the opportunity to transfer into the Montgomery GI Bill. When I arrived at the education office (on Hill Air Force Base) to transfer into the program, the person at the office informed me, that since I pulled my money out of the VEAP program, I was ineligible to enroll into the Montgomery GI Bill. This was a complete contradiction that cost me all of my education benefits. If this happened to me how many other people did this happen to? The education office should be held accountable for given out misinformation.

You might be asking your self, why he waited so long before applying for benefits. I thought for the longest time that I was ineligible, until I stumbled on the 2007 edition of the federal benefits for veterans and dependents. In chapter 4, category 4, titled veterans educational assistance program (VEAP). It states that “Veterans who participated in VEAP on or before Oct. 9, 1996, may also be eligible even if they did not deposit money in a VEAP account if they served on active duty from Oct. 9, 1996, through April 1, 2000, elected MGIB by Oct. 31, 2001, and contributed $2,700 to MGIB.”

Now if the education office would have told me that I needed to have a minimum amount of money in the VEAP program to keep it open, then I would have left that minimum amount in the program. But because of that misinformation the education office provided, it left me ineligible to participate in the Montgomery GI Bill.

In closing, I have twenty years of my life dedicated to the Air Force mission, knowingly that the mission came first. My academic advancement took a back seat for the mission. Now its time that my academic advancement takes front seat. At one point in time I was fully invested with the VEAP program. I feel that I have earned these benefits, and if I had known then, that I was eligible for these benefits when I retired. I would have fully funded the Montgomery GI bill before I retired.

Posted by: Donald S Walker | March 06, 2009 at 03:52 PM

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There is no such thing as fair in this world... please to all vets and gonna be vets... "they didn't tell me"is not an excuse make sure your aware of your benefits such as timelines and guidelines. people seem to only pay attention to things when they need it at that moment and by that time its too late........

Posted by: andrew | March 05, 2009 at 10:21 PM

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I feel that if you finished your contract honorably, and completed the whole term of the contract, then you should be able to receive your G.I. Bill benefits, no questions asked. If you were told by your recruiter when you signed up that you had the G.I. Bill then you should have it.

The Reserve G.I. Bill wording states that a soldier must remain in good standing in his or her unit. It doesn't say that you must remain in good standing until the end of your contract and then sign another contract if you haven't used your benefits by then! If a soldier remains in good standing for the whole contract (in my case it was 8 years which turned into 9 years because of the Stop Loss enacted by Congress)and is then discharged before using his or her benefits, he or she must sign another contract to receive benefits (and remain in good standing). Otherwise, you are just out on the street.

What about all the hard work and "good standing" days that you put in?! By the way, in 1996, I was selected as my battalion's soldier of the year, which requires a form to be filled out proving that you had 100% attendance. I was discharged in 2004. Supposedly, I should have until 2014 to use my benefits but that doesn't seem to be true either. Also, the recruiter never said that I needed to be on Active Duty for a certain period of time to otherwise receive my benefits.

Posted by: jeff | March 05, 2009 at 02:00 AM

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I along with all of you, I served our country. but it seems every time a good thing comes around the ones who have gone before get left out in the cold. If you offer it to one. it should cover all military personel and veterans and also their dependants in a way the joke is on with the 2500 in education grant and the free medical for all soon enough

Posted by: Don | March 04, 2009 at 08:05 PM

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I think GI benefits should have no experation and should be granted to those who were told they would receive it from the beginning. I served 6 years in the Air Guard and one of my benefits was the GI bill. I received this in exchange for my enlistment, whether or not I served in war or active duty. I decided to go back to school in December and the school I choose said that I was still eligible for my benefit. My original benefit statement said my benefit ended in March of 08, but because of my 6 year obligation it should be in March of 2010.

I spent three months trying to get an answer from the VA and have my delimitating date changed, and two days ago I was told that I am not eligible. The Guy at the VA is now saying that once my six years was up I could only receive benefits after that if I was considered a veteran, which I am not because my service was between the wars.

I joined knowing that I could go to war at anytime, but never had to. I was held from discharge after 9/11 for 6 months in case I was needed, but never was. Now I am told that I cannot get my benefit because I didn't have active duty status, and I am also told that I couldn't even collect it 10 years after the fact like my statement said when I was discharged.

It seems like the rules are constantly changing. Too many if thens and if that....I only had 15 more months to use it I thought. I could not use the full amount but nearly $20,000 would have been a big help. I started at the school thinking I would get it and now I can't. When I am finished with school I will owe an additional $20,000 or more because of this. Why are there so many loopholes and stipulations to receiving these benefits?

Posted by: Chad | March 04, 2009 at 07:39 PM

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The VA told me last week that this [transferability] is being used as a retention tool going forward and these benefits will not be available to veterans or retiree's. I believe this should be changed as I have dependents in college now and it sure woud be nice for the government to pick up some of the tab given the fact that I gave them 33 years and many times away from the family...

Posted by: Jeff P. | March 04, 2009 at 07:39 PM

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I was never told that my VEAP benefits will expire 10 years after my discharge. Like most, I too had a family to support and school was not an option. I learned at the 9.5 year mark after discarge that I only had 6 more months left to use my benefits. An IT bootcamp was all I could do in my line of work. Luckily, I was able to achieve my desired/required certifications and only have to pay for 50%. I think the VEAP benefits should never expire. I believe they should exhaust like a bank account but, not lost entirely. Veterans never lose Home Loan guarantee and can use it multiple times.

Posted by: Tim | March 04, 2009 at 04:58 PM

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I served 24 years and retired in November of 2006. My wife was with me the entire time and my now 17 year old daughter. My wife is currently attending college and my daughter will be in 2010. They had to put up with the deployments and the inconvience of moving from duty station to duty station. It would sure help out if I could transfer my GI Bill to them. They deserve it.

Posted by: Frank Carpenter | March 04, 2009 at 04:09 PM

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I was forced to use my VEAP funds to travel by pov over 3,000 miles when I was suddenly discharged for not conforming to weight standards. Being an operations specialist I had no skills to use in the real world. I really didn't understand the educational system and have lost any and all military educational benefits. I want everyone retired, active, or otherwise to stand up and make your voice heard, abolish these educational time limits; these educational funds belong to us because we have done our time!

Posted by: Bill G. | March 04, 2009 at 03:57 PM

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I was one of those who came during the VEAP era. Although I had heard of the Montgomery GI Bill I did not know the details of its implementation. My fault yes, but my education office never publicized the details nor did any other Government office. Consequently when I applied for MGIB benefits I was told that my refusal to take the VEAP was also a refusal to take MGIB. That's another story.

At any rate, because I served after 9.11 I am now eligible for reduce Post 9.11 GIB benefits and for that I am truly grateful. I am currently working on a Masters degree and paying out of pocket and hopefully the new GIB will cover the last third of it.

My concern is for all those who dedicated their lives to the service of their country but because they didn't accept VEAP and retired before 9.11 are still without any educational benefits.

While some are asking for increased benefits and the ability to pass their benefits to family, there are honorable GIs who haven't even been given the option to participate. This is wrong and the new GI BILL should include all veterans who fell in the VEAP twilight zone.

Posted by: Anne | March 04, 2009 at 03:19 PM

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There should never be a time limit to use a benefit as valuable as the GI Bill is. I got out of Navy 8 years ago. I found a great paying job and had a family to support so school wasn't logical. Now I have been layed-off from this job and have only 2 years to try to get into and finish school in order to start new career.

Posted by: Casey | March 04, 2009 at 01:53 PM

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If we're talking inequity; why aren't veterans allowed to transfer this benefit to our son/daughters. We proudly served this country during the 9/11 era; this is a disgrace to all veterans during such an stressful economic time frame. These funds would surely help the burden for us as well to send our son/daughters for a college education just like our active -duty comrades.

Posted by: Randy | March 04, 2009 at 12:36 PM

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I took a course that lasted about 4 months but the tuition was $12,000. GI bill only covered about $5000. The rest I have to pay myself, I think thats wrong. If you are entitled to 25,000 or 30,000, whatever the GI Bill is now, I believe it should cover the whole cost. If your tuition is over what you are entitled I understand if you have to pay out of pocket but not if you still have money to use.

Posted by: marcos | March 04, 2009 at 09:16 AM

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When I got out of the Army, in my outprocessing I Was told I had 10 years to start using the GI Bill, and had 10 years to use it up after that. That was wrong. When I got out, I had no training that could be used for a civilian occupation. I was a forward observer in the 82nd... not a whole lot of people needing people to call for fire in the "real world".

I found a plumbing company that would hire me green,knowing nothing of the trade because there was a housing boom, and they needed all the hands they could get. I worked for that company for 8 years, becoming the foreman after only 2 years.The market crashed however, and 3 years ago my boss started letting people go. I was the last remaining employee when I was released last March. 2 months later the company filed bankruptcy. I searched for 5 months to find a new job to support my family, and made the decision to go back to school, only to find that I had 36 months of GI bill , and 11 months to use it before my 10 years was up.

I am currently a 4.0 student, working full time, and going to school full time, and raising a 5 year old daughter. In November, my time runs out, and I will have no degree and thousands of dollars in unused benefits, and no way to extend it.

Posted by: David Giltner | March 04, 2009 at 07:25 AM

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I served during 9/11 and when I got out went to a trade school and recieved the GI Bill. Every penny of it went to the school and left me a remaining balance of almost 7,000 dollars which I am struggling to pay back. I think my repay plan is basically 51 dollars a month for the rest of my life..and I am not even working right now. :( I have a 5 year old daughter and a son with a disability.)

Posted by: Jill | March 04, 2009 at 06:57 AM

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As usual our government muddies the waters. Make it simple. Cut it up into X amount of dollars for 5 years, 10 years 20 year retiree, Combat disabled etc.. with no time limit and if you don't use it your dependants can. SIMPLE, Done.

Posted by: jodie | March 04, 2009 at 06:57 AM

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I agree that the government should not put a cap on the time frame you should be able to attend school. I was unable to complete college during the 10 year time frame due to having to support and care for my family. If you pay into it, you should be able to use your benefits until they are gone, regardless of what you are pursuing. Some folks have issues getting the VA benefits for certain programs and pay out of pocket like I did for my 2 year technical school (VA wouldn't pay). So I have that loan, plus the loans for my college that I didn't get to complete, and I used one year of my GI Bill and now its past the 10 year mark.

What gives? Would that be considered stealing money from veterans since we paid into that program?

Posted by: Tim | March 04, 2009 at 06:42 AM

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I agree. If they would have extended the Montgomery GI Bill time limit or removed the time limit, it would have benefited so many people.

My husband was unable to use most of his GI Bill benefit that he earned do to life and family commitments. He was originally told that he had 10 to start using the Bill and then 10 more years to finish school. Evidently the was misinformation that costs us dearly.

I am glad they have this new GI Bill, but it makes me feel that they think post 9/11 veterans are the only veterans who count or need help. I hope they remove the time limit from the old GI Bill and it would be great if they would make it retroactive for at least a few years. Then people like my husband who started school before their benefit expired to continue to use the bill.

Helping veterans should be a top priority of this country...ALL VETERANS. Then we can worry about dog parks and other "pet" projects after the important things are taken care of.

Posted by: Denise R. | March 04, 2009 at 05:39 AM

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I'm wondering why the new [Post-9/11] G.I. Bill will no longer cover technical nor trade schools that are eligible under the current G.I. Bill. It will only cover college or university programs. College is not for everyone and every job does not require college. Why shouldn't a person wishing to attend a trade school for whatever reason be eligible for the same benefits as people who choose to attend a college or university?

Posted by: Lillian Dickson | March 04, 2009 at 05:32 AM

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Please note that the above comments reflect the opinion of our membership and do not necessarily reflect those of Military.com

Video: Petagon Channel Reports on GI Bill Transferability

The DoD's Pentagon Channel recently ran a report on Transferring the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Although light on important details, the story confirms that the DoD plans on making the program available on August 1, 2009 when the Post-9/11 GI Bill goes into effect.

Dod is expected to release the official policy and guidance for transferability in the "near future". Until then, many questions will remain unanswered.

Note: The reporter states that the Post-9/11 will replace the Montgomery GI Bill. This is not true, the Post-9/11 will be added to the list of current GI Bill programs.

Stay tuned for more details...

House Hearings on Post-9/11 GI Bill Implementation

By Terry Howell

In an effort to ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs is on track to make their Post-9/11 GI Bill start date of August 1, 2009, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs conducted the fourth in a series of oversight hearings. In addition to the looming deadline several other issues surfaced during the meeting.

Although boring to the casual observer, I was impressed with two things. One - the VA appears to be on schedule, and  two - the committee members were well aware of the issues surrounding the implementation and the effects some current policies will have on veteran students.

As for the implementation timeline, VA was clear that they were on track. Based on the timeline presented by Keith Wilson, Director, Education Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, the VA hopes to start accepting eligibility applications from veterans on May 1, 2009. The VA expects the eligibility determination process to take up to 24 days for each application. This doesn't mean they will begin paying claims at that time. Claim payment processes will not begin until sometime after August 1, 2009.

Ranking Member Boozman reminded the committee that, “During the last Congress, you introduced and I cosponsored H.R. 5684 – the Veterans Education Improvement Act of 2008, a GI Bill that built on the success of the Montgomery GI Bill and… it could have been up and running right now and we could be spending our time overseeing and improving programs like Voc Rehab, HVRP and TAP.”

I agree with Rep. Boozman, fixing the Montgomery GI Bill would have been less painful than creating a whole level of benefits. But, unfortunately that ship has sailed.

Committee members shared a concern about the proceedure for seeking refunds if a student drops courses after payment has been made to the school and if the policy would require the student or the school to make the payment. Although the committee members did not seem convinced, Keith Wilson attempted to assure them that the VA had those issues under control.

Mr. Wilson was also questioned about the apparent inequity between state-based tuition payment rates and some of the surprisingly large tuition costs and fees associated some states. Rep. Boozman stated, "VA has posted its first compilation of the maximum tuitions and fees for each state and I am truly surprised by some of the numbers." Mr. Wilson, simply replied that the rates are set according to the statutes and that they were preliminary numbers.

In addition Chairwoman Herseth-Sandlin asked Mr. Wilson if he was concerned about making any fixes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill between now and August. To which he emphatically stated it would cause great concern since their implementation project and computations are built on the current policies.

In my opinion, his answer doesn't seem quite right, most of the proposed changes would simplify the  program. But, from the standpoint of trying to get this program up in time I understand why he answered the way he did.

The hearing can be viewed at from the House Committee on Veterans Affairs website.

Stay tuned for more...

IAVA Not For GI Bill Cap

A recent article in the Virginian-Pilot misstated the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) position on Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. In an effort to correct this IAVA posted the following statement:

The recent article, "Veterans groups want cap on tuition aid under new G.I. bill," printed in the Virginian-Pilot, grossly misstated the position of IAVA regarding the new GI Bill benefit by implying we are seeking a reduction in the value of that benefit. There is already a cap on the benefits available under the new GI Bill -- it is a cap that varies wildly and unfairly by state. IAVA supports a fairer, national ceiling which would increase the benefit for many veterans who wish to attend private colleges or universities, and would have no effect on anyone attending a public school. Ideally, there would be no cap. But if there is a cap, it should be fair and generous.

The new GI Bill is intended to give every veteran access to an affordable college education, but the VA's recently-issued regulations have made the benefits system both confusing and unfair. Right now, a veteran attending a private school in Arkansas might end up tens thousands of dollars in debt, while a veteran across the border in Texas, with identical tuition costs, gets their school paid for. Besides being inequitable, the system is confusing. Under the VA's patchwork system of tuition and fee benefits, veterans will not be able to make educated decisions about the costs of attending school. IAVA has recommended a simpler system that would increase benefits for thousands of students attending private school, leave the benefits to public school veteran-students unchanged, and would dramatically improve the benefit's fairness. A complete breakdown of our recommendations is available here.

Since 2004, IAVA's mission has been to improve the lives of troops, veterans and their families. IAVA was at the forefront of the fight for a new GI Bill, and we will continue to work closely with the VA and with Congress to resolve these and other oversights within the new GI Bill regulations, so every Iraq and Afghanistan veteran gets the benefits he or she has earned.

VA to Reach Out to Vets on Post-9/11

By Terry Howell

Interesting bit of news - In the next few of weeks a contractor for the VA Education Service will be sending out a brief letter explaining the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The letter explains - in general terms - some facts about the program as it stands today - facts which can also be found at the VA website and on this blog.

According to the VA this outreach letter will be sent to any person who has served 30 or more days on active duty since September 11, 2001.  

Having seen an advance copy of the letter, I think that it may cause more questions and concerns than it will answer. And remember everything is still subject to change.

Vet Groups Seek Equity for New GI Bill

According to an article in Stars and Stripes, veteran groups are seeking solutions for a VA policy which could create uneven education benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Article Excerpt:

An Iraq war veteran living in Texarkana, Texas, could get more than $56,000 in tuition benefits under the GI Bill next year.

But if the same veteran lives a few miles east on the Arkansas side of the city, he'll get only about $5,300 a year for his college education.

That's according to preliminary numbers released by the Department of Veterans Affairs on what servicemembers should expect under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, passed by Congress last summer.

 

Read the full article.

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The Top Unanswerable GI Bill FAQ

UPDATE - 2/26/2009

Since the Post-9/11 GI Bill was announced in July 2008, veterans have been asking a million questions. Questions ranging from "Am I eligible?" to "Can I use it to get flight training?"

Most of the questions have been answered in one way or another. But, there are several which cannot be answered yet. The following is one of the most commonly asked questions which cannot be completely answered... yet. 

Note: As of 2/26/2009 we have an answer to the following FAQ:
When can I apply for the Post-9/11 GI Bill?

Answer: The VA plans to start taking applications on May 1, 2009. Remember - The New Post-9/11 GI Bill does not go into effect until August 1, 2009 so payment processing will not begin until after that date.

The VA Says: At a recent congressional hearing on Post-9/11 GI Bill implementation, VA stated that they plan to begin accepting applications for Post-9/11 eligibility certificates after May 1, 2009. This process will be to determine your eligibility for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and issue you a Certificate of Eligibility. You can expect the process to take up to 24 days. This does not mean the VA will begin paying claims in May. The VA will not begin paying claims until after Aug. 1, 2009,

Remaining Unanswered FAQ:

Can I transfer my benefits to a family member?

Best Available Non-Answer: Maybe.

The VA is not in charge of determining the rules for GI Bill Transferability, that is up to the DoD to determine. The DoD has leaked out some hints about how it may work and who will be eligible, however these details are sketchy at best. Here is some information we do know (based on the law as it currently reads and semi-official resources) followed by some links to additional information:

Transferring Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits: The Department of Defense (DoD) is authorized to allow individuals who, on or after August 1, 2009, have served at least 6 years in the Armed Forces and who agree to serve at least another 4 years in the Armed Forces to transfer unused entitlement to their Spouse. 

Dependent children will be eligible for benefits once the member has completed 10 years of service and elected to re-up for a new four-year hitch. Dependent children have access to the benefits as long as the member is on active duty or until they reach age 26.

Note: The Department of Defense may, by regulation, impose additional eligibility requirements and limit the number of months transferable.

Transfer of Unused Education Benefits Under MGIB (Chapter 30), 1606, or 1607 to Family Members. The Department of Defense is authorized to allow individuals who have served at least 6 years in the Armed Forces and who agree to serve at least another 4 years in the Armed Forces to transfer unused entitlement to their dependents (spouse, children) under chapters 30, 1606, and 1607. 

The VA Says: If you are a member of the Armed Forces on August 1, 2009, the Department of Defense (DoD) may offer you the opportunity to transfer benefits to your spouse or dependent children. DoD and the military services will issue policy on use of transferability in the coming months.

• How transferability may apply to military retirees
• DoD's policy regarding those who may be ineligible to reenlist (About half-way down the article)
• Stars and Stripes  - Families Could Qualify for New GI Bill Benefits 

Most of the remaining questions can be answered by reading the FAQ's at New GI Bill Overview and/or Top 20 Post-9/11 FAQ's and at the VA website at www.gibill.va.gov. You can also call 1-888-GIBILL-1.

Please keep in mind that the answers you currently get - even from the VA helpline - may change over the next few months. So stay tuned. Keep asking questions...

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About the Author: A Retired Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer, Terry completed his BS in Management and Communications using a combination of CLEP exams, credit for military service, and distance learning while on active-duty. Terry now serves as Managing Editor for the Education Channel at Military.com.

Help Choosing the Right GI Bill

The VA released some very helpful information to help veterans choose the GI Bill that best fits their needs. I have posted the content in the Education Channel on Military.com. Please pass it along, as this will be very helpful in the coming months.

New Bill Could Improve the Post 9/11 GI Bill

New Bill Offers New Hope for Vets Using Distance Education Programs
By Terry Howell

Rep. Bob Filner, D-Ca. introduced H.R. 950 this week. Filner's bill would remove a section of the Post 9/11 GI Bill which reduces benefits for veterans attending online or distance learning classes.

As currently written, the new Post-9/11 GI Bill rules exclude veterans taking 100 percent of their classes through distance learning from receiving the monthly housing stipend, roughly $1,200 a month on average. The stipend is equal to the monthly Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents and is based on the zip code of the school.

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Inserted Note: Under the current rules for the Post 9/11 GI Bill, the following students DO NOT qualify for the living (housing) stipend:

• Those participants who are still on active duty.
• Those studying at the half-time or less rate of pursuit.
• Those taking 100% of their classes online or though other distance learning programs.

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If passed, H.R. 950 would remove the requirement for veterans to take at least one class on-campus. Making the stipend available to all otherwise eligible veterans who attend school on a greater than half-time basis.

According to reports, the bill doesn’t change the tuition and fees payment rate, which is tied to the highest in-state tuition rate for undergraduate level studies for the state in which the veteran is enrolled. However, this change will ensure that the new Post-9/11 GI Bill will provide equal benefits for vets who are unable to attend traditional classroom college courses.

Filner's bill (H.R. 950) is very short and to the point, it simply reads as follows:

SECTION 1. INCREASE OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR CERTAIN VETERANS PURSUING A PROGRAM OF EDUCATION OFFERED THROUGH DISTANCE LEARNING.

Section 3313(c)(1)(B)(i) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking the following: `(other than, in the case of assistance under this section only, a program of education offered through distance learning)'.

Make sure your elected officials know how you feel about HR 950, contact them today!

About the Author: A Retired Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer, Terry completed his BS in Management and Communications using a combination of CLEP exams, credit for military service, and distance learning while on active-duty. Terry now serves as Managing Editor for the Education Channel at Military.com.

YELLOW RIBBON: SNIPPED OR NOT?

The following is an excerpt from a recent Article by Tom Philpott. The full article can be found at Military.com.

YELLOW RIBBON: SNIPPED OR NOT? -- Keith M. Wilson, director of education service for the Veterans Benefits Administration, said comments he made here two weeks ago about the Yellow Ribbon feature of the Post-9/11 GI Bill were premature and not couched in a proper context.

Wilson said then that few private colleges likely will participate in Yellow Ribbon offer this fall because school endowments have been hit by the financial crisis.  His prediction of weak interest in Yellow Ribbon was based on unofficial feedback from college officials. He regrets that he made the remarks before regulations are finalized to implement the new GI Bill.

Yellow Ribbon participation can't be judged accurately until schools have all the facts. That would include final implementation rules and knowledge of what state-run schools charge for tuition and fees this fall.  The last bit of information will determine maximum amounts that private schools might want to waive.

Under Yellow Ribbon, high-priced schools will volunteer to enter into agreements with VA to waive up to half of tuition and fees in excess of undergraduate charges at the most expensive state-run college.  The VA then will reimburse the school for half of any excess cost waived.

Yellow Ribbon matching also can be used at state-run colleges to help veterans who are paying higher out-of-state tuition or the higher cost of graduate-level courses.

The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities took exception to Wilson's earlier comments, saying many of its 952 member colleges were interested in the Yellow Ribbon program but await final details.

Tom's full article can be found at Military.com.

New GI Bill: A Disincentive to Online Education?

By Terry Howell

For several months I have been blogging on the issues concerning the new Post 9/11 GI Bill and online education. Although online course work is technically covered by the New Post 9/11 GI Bill, the tuition payment rate is substantially lower than the average cost for online coursework. In addition students who attend classes 100 percent online will be excluded from receiving the housing stipend.

However, I recently got some good news from the VA on how they intend to handle the housing stipend for students who attend a mix of classroom and online courses.

The VA policy in such cases will be to pay the stipend to any student who is taking more than a half-time class load, as long as at least one unit is taken in a classroom setting. Here are some examples of qualified and unqualified situations:*

Qualifying Example (A): Student "A" takes a total of 12 units (qualifying for stipend due to having more than a half-time load) at least one unit of which is in a classroom setting, leaving 11 units being taken online. Student "A" would qualify for the full stipend, as long as all other eligibility criteria is met.

Note: The housing stipend would be based on the campus zip code.

Qualifying Example (B): Student "B" takes 7 units (more than half-time) at least one unit is in the classroom. Student "B" would get the housing stipend, as long as all other eligibility criteria is met..

Non-Qualifying Example (C): Student "C" takes a total of 6 units (normally considered "half-time"). Student "C" would not qualify due to not meeting the requirement of taking "more than a half-time" load.

Non-Qualifying Example (D): Student "D" takes 7 units (more than half-time) but all classes are online with none taken in the a classroom setting. Student "D" would not qualify for the stipend.

Unfortunately this still does nothing for students who are taking 100 percent online course, However, it is an improvement in the right direction.

A recent article by Elizabeth Redden - featured on Inside Higher Ed - does a great job reporting many of the facts many of you have read and commented on here in the past. Her article speaks about the benefit limitations for online students under the Post 9/11 GI Bill. In her article, Elizabeth offers some explanation as to how the limitations made it into the final law and the possible impacts. She also has some very interesting quotes from key players in the VA, DoD, and affected schools. I highly recommend reading this article found at Inside Higher Ed and past blog entries on this subject.

Disincentive to Distance Learning- Inside Higher Ed
Time to Improve the New GI Bill- Military Ed Blog
Beyond the Hype of the New GI Bill- Military Ed Blog

If you have specific questions about your GI Bill eligibility and requirements call the VA 1-888-GIBILL-1.

*Note from Author: The facts in examples reflect the policy as it was explained at the ACE VA Post-9/11 GI Bill Implementation Conference in LA - by the VA Director of Education Service, Keith Wilson. Yes the answers are subject to change.

About the Author: A Retired Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer, Terry completed his BS in Management and Communications using a combination of CLEP exams, credit for military service, and distance learning while on active-duty. Terry now serves as Managing Editor for the Education Channel at Military.com.

Recession Affects Post 9/11 GI Bill Program

According to an article by Tom Philpott, the worldwide financial crisis has hit private colleges hard enough that relatively few are likely to participate in the Post-9/11 GI Bill's "Yellow Ribbon" initiative when it begins this fall, says Keith M. Wilson, director of education service for the Veterans Benefits Administration.

Under the Yellow Ribbon program, private colleges and universities can enter into agreements with the Department of Veterans Affairs to waive up to half of tuition and fees charged above the most costly state-run school. The VA, in turn, will match the waived amount, thereby enhancing school reimbursements and the value of the new GI Bill.

Read the full Fiscal Crisis Wrinkles New GI Bill's 'Yellow Ribbon' article. 

New Info on Post-9/11 GI Bill Transferability

The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) recently reported new information on how GI Bill transferability will affect those planning to retire from the military.

Note: Post-9/11 GI Bill program doesn't begin until Aug. 1, 2009. The VA will not begin taking applications for transferring benefits until the DoD determines eligibility criteria and will not begin processing applications until all the transferability facts are made clear.

In addition, the transferability discussed here ONLY APPLIES to the Post 9/11 Benefits (Chapter 33) GI Bill. As with all Post-9/11 GI Bill information, the following information is subject to change.

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The following information is provided by the Military Officers Association of America.

MOAA has learned that some people nearing retirement from active service who are eligible for the new Post-9/11 GI Bill will be able to transfer their benefits to a spouse or dependent children. 

Congress gave the Defense Department broad authority to set the rules for transferring the benefits as a tool to induce retention or reenlistment in the Armed Forces including the National Guard and Reserves. 

The transfer program will work as follows, assuming an individual has qualifying Post-9/11 service in the Armed Forces -- active duty or service in the Selected Reserve (activated).

To be eligible to transfer to a spouse or child, a member must:

*  Have served at least 6 years in the Armed Forces on the date of election and agree to serve four additional years from that date; or

*  Have at least 10 years of service in the Armed Forces on the date of election and be precluded from committing to four additional years by law or Service/DoD policy.  For example, servicemembers subject to high-year tenure rules and who have 10 years' service at the time of election would be eligible.

*  Members who are currently retirement eligible or who will become retirement eligible during the period Aug. 1, 2009 through Aug. 1, 2012 can also qualify.  "Retirement eligible" means completion of 20 years of active federal service or completion of 20 years' reserve service.

Here's how the program will work for various cohorts of retirement eligibles:

*  For those eligible to retire on or before Aug. 1, 2009, no additional service is required.

*  For those eligible for retirement after Aug. 1, 2009 and before July 1, 2010, one year additional service is required.

*  For those eligible for retirement after Aug. 1, 2010 and before July 1, 2011, two years' additional service is required.

*  For those eligible for retirement after Aug. 1, 2011 and before July 1, 2012, three years' additional service is required.

Thanks to MOAA for sharing this information! You can learn more about the Military Officers Association of America at http://www.moaa.org/.