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.