Military Education Benefits AGENDA GI Bill Chapter 30 Chapter 1606 Chapter 1607 Kickers Loan Repayment GI Bill Chapter 35 Post 9/11 GI Bill Transferability of Post 9/11 GI Bill John D. Fry Scholarship Veterans Tuition Award Military Service Recognition Scholarship Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment GoArmyEd National Guard Tuition Assistance My CAA GI Bill Process Typically, the enrollment process should look something like this: Student applies for GI Bill benefits online at the VA website Student chooses a College Student goes through the Admissions process Student completes Financial Aid, applying for loans, grants, and scholarships to pay for tuition Student registers for classes Student provides the school a copy of his/her DD214, and the school certifies the student though the VA to receive GI Bill benefits Montgomery GI Bill Chapter 30 (Active Duty) Institutional Training Training Time Monthly rate Full time $1,473.00 ¾ time $1,104.75 ½ time $736.50 less than ½ time more than ¼ time $736.50** ¼ time or less $368.25 ** Montgomery GI Bill- Selected Reserve Chapter 1606 Institutional Training Training Time Monthly rate Full time $345.00 3/4 time $258.00 1/2 time $171.00 Less than 1/2 time $86.25 RESERVE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM INCREASED EDUCATIONAL BENEFIT (Chapter 1607) Institutional Training Training Time Consecutive service of 90 days Consecutive service of 1 Consecutive service of 2 but less than one year year + years + Full time $589.20 $883.80 $1,178.40 3/4 time $441.90 $662.85 $883.80 1/2 time $294.60 $441.90 $589.20 Less than 1/2 time More than 1/4 time $294.60** $441.90** $589.20** 1/4 time or less $147.30** $220.95** $294.60** Kickers Many people received a “kicker” when they enlisted in the Army. If a student has a “kicker” on their original contract, he/she is eligible to receive an extra $350/month. Loan Repayment If a student received this as an enlistment bonus on their original contract, the Army will pay back qualified student loans that he/she incur while a member of the selected reserve. In many cases, they will pay back up to $20,000. Repayment of student loans by the government is the soldier’s responsibility, and can be initiated by completing DD Form 2475 and submitting it to personnel officials in the soldier’s chain of command. SURVIVORS’ & DEPENDENTS’ (DEA/CHAPTER 35) Institutional Training Training Time Monthly rate Full time $957.00 3/4 time $718.00 1/2 time $476.00 less than 1/2 time more than 1/4 time $476.00** 1/4 time or less $239.25** Chapter 35- Dependents Educational Assistance Dependents' Educational Assistance provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veterans. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-thejob training. If you are a spouse, you may take a correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Chapter 35 Eligibility You must be the son, daughter, or spouse of: A veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability. The disability must arise out of active service in the Armed Forces. A veteran who died from any cause while such service-connected disability was in existence. Chapter 35 Eligibility (continued) A servicemember missing in action or captured in line of duty by a hostile force. A servicemember forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power. A servicemember who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a service connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for that disability. This change is effective December 23, 2006. Post 9/11 Montgomery G.I. Bill Aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001 Percentage of Maximum Benefit Payable At least 36 Months 100% At least 30 continuous days and discharged due to service connected disability 100% At least 30 months < 36 months At least 24 months < 30 months At least 18 months < 24 months At least 12 months < 18 months At least 6 months < 12 months At least 90 days < 6 months 90% 80% 70% 60% 60% 40% Brief Benefits Comparison Post-9/11 GI Bill Tuition and Fees Housing Allowance (Based on ZIP Code of school) Paid directly to school. Full tuition for public IHL’s at the in-state rate (for students with 100% eligibility) and capped at $17,500 for private schools.. Paid at the E-5 with dependents BAH rate prorated based on rate of pursuit. Not payable for active duty recipients or those training at ½ time or less. Montgomery GI BillActive Duty Paid directly to recipient, not dependent on cost of tuition, living expenses, etc. Montgomery GI BillReserve Paid directly to recipient not dependent on cost of tuition, living expenses, etc. Book Stipend Yearly – up to $1,000 Not Payable Rural Benefit One time – up to $500 Not Payable Time Limit to Use Benefits 15 Years College Fund Applicable percentage added to Housing Allowance $600 Buy-up Not Paid 10 Years Eligibility normally ends once you leave the service REAP Paid directly to recipient not dependent on cost of tuition, living expenses, etc. Can be eligible for 10 years after leaving service Added to monthly rate Paid at applicable rate Not Payable Paid at applicable rate Post 9/11 GI Bill Changes… OLD Chapter 33: NEW Chapter 33: 1. Did NOT provide benefits for the following individuals: Title 32 AGR (National guard and Reservists in full time slots, such as recruiters and unit representatives) Title 32 family members 1. DOES provide benefits for the individuals listed in the previous column (90,000 nationwide). OLD Chapter 33: 2. Did not provide benefits for non-college degree programs, unless the programs were offered at a degree-granting institution. 3. Housing stipend is awarded in full to anyone going to school more than part time. (Traditionally, part time is defined as 6 CH.) NEW Chapter 33: 2. Does provide benefits for an expanded list of educational opportunities, not just degrees. 3. Housing stipend ($1332/month in Rochester) will be prorated according to number of credits pursued. OLD Chapter 33: NEW Chapter 33: 4. Break pay is awarded. (Students receive stipend in between semesters). 4. Break pay is NOT be awarded. 5. Students taking online classes must take at least one on-site class in order to receive the living stipend. 5. Online classes will now receive living stipend at national BAH zip code average: $673.50 for 2011 OLD Chapter 33: NEW Chapter 33GI Bill S3447: 6. Tuition is paid up to the highest in-state tuition. In NY, Cornell sets the bar at $1010/CH. 6. Tuition at ALL public institutions is covered; private colleges are capped at $17,500/year. 7. VA is first payer. 7. VA is NOT first payer. Students must exhaust other resources for tuition payment first (not including PELL). Transfer of GI Bill Benefit to Dependents The Department of Defense 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 dependents (spouse, children). The Department of Defense may, by regulation, impose additional eligibility requirements. NOTE: The ability to transfer benefits is limited to those currently serving in the military. Transfer of Entitlement An individual approved to transfer may: Transfer up to 36 months of benefits Transfer to spouse, child (natural, adopted, or step), or children in any amount up to the amount the transferor has available, or the amount approved by DOD Revoke or modify a transfer request for any unused benefits NOT transfer benefits to a new dependent once the transferor is no longer a member of the Armed Forces. Transfer of Entitlement Spouses: May use after transferor completes 6 years in Armed Forces Benefit is paid at transferor’s rate Cannot be paid housing allowance if the transferor is on active duty when the spouse is receiving benefits Can use benefits up to transferor’s 15-year eligibility period expires unless transferor chooses to end entitlement earlier *Under law, benefits are not marital property and are not subject to division in a divorce or other civil proceedings. Transfer of Entitlement Children: Must be transferred to an unmarried child who has not reached the age of 18 or, if in school, before the child is 23 years of age. May use after transferor completes 10 years in Armed Forces Receives veteran rate, including housing allowance and book stipend even if transferor is still on active duty May use until age 26- even if transferor’s 15-year eligibility period ended earlier May continue to use benefits after marriage (unless transferor revokes) To commence training, the child must have: reached age 18, or completed requirements for secondary school diploma Transferor and individual using benefit are jointly liable for any overpayment of chapter 33 benefits. Transfer of Entitlement Other things to keep in mind… Just because the DOD approves a transfer of benefits doesn’t necessarily mean the benefit can be paid Once the DOD has approved transfer, the dependent needs to file a VA Form 22-1990E to receive benefits A step child does not lose eligibility upon marriage provided they had entitlement transferred prior to marriage. Once the step child is married, they are no longer considered a child for transfer purposes and can't be initially transferred entitlement John D. Fry Scholarship Eligibility for children of an active duty member killed in the line of duty on or after 9/11/01 May receive tuition and fees payments at the 100% rate, monthly housing allowance, and the books and supplies stipend (No YRP) Retroactive payments can be made to 8/1/09 Dependents must file VA form 22-5490 to receive benefits. Be sure to indicate that they are applying for the FRY scholarship, and not chapter 35. Veterans Tuition Awards Veterans Tuition Awards (VTA) are awards for full-time study and part-time study for eligible veterans attending a degree-granting institution, or in an approved vocational training program in New York State. NOTE: Students previously approved for this award must apply for payment each year. Veterans Tuition Awards For the 2011-12 academic year, awards will be set at 98% of tuition or $5,295, whichever is less. If a Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) award is also received, the combined academic year award cannot exceed tuition. Thus, the TAP award may be reduced accordingly. For part-time study, awards will be prorated by credit hour. Part-time study is defined as at least three but fewer than twelve credits per semester (or the equivalent) at a degreegranting institution. Veterans Tuition Awards Eligible students are those who are New York State residents discharged under honorable conditions from the U.S. Armed forces and who are: Vietnam Veterans who served in Indochina between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975. Persian Gulf Veterans who served in the Persian Gulf on or after August 2, 1990. Afghanistan Veterans who served in Afghanistan during hostilities on or after September 11, 2001. Veterans of the armed forces of the United States who served in hostilities that occurred after February 28, 1961 as evidenced by receipt of an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal or a Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal. Veterans Tuition Awards These students must also: Establish eligibility by applying to HESC. Be New York State residents. Be US Citizens or eligible noncitizens. Be matriculated full or part- time at an undergraduate or graduate degree-granting institution in New York State or in an approved vocational training program in New York State. Have applied for the Tuition Assistance Program for full-time undergraduate or graduate study. Military Service Recognition Scholarships The Military Service Recognition Scholarship provides financial aid to children, spouses and financial dependents of members of the armed forces of the United States or of a state organized militia who, at any time on or after Aug. 2, 1990, while a New York State resident, died or became severely and permanently disabled while engaged in hostilities or training for hostilities. For study in New York State. Vocational RehabilitationChapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation is a program whose primary function is to help veterans with serviceconnected disabilities become suitably employed, maintain employment, or achieve independence in daily living. The program offers a number of services: Vocational and personal counseling Education and training Financial aid Job assistance Medical and dental treatment Vocational Rehabilitation o o o o o Services generally last up to 48 months, but they can be extended in certain instances. If you need training, VA will pay for the following: Tuition and fees Books and supplies Equipment Special services A subsistence allowance to help with living expenses- May elect to receive GI Bill chapter 33 rate for living stipend instead of Chapter 31 GoArmyEd GoArmyEd is a dynamic online portal that automates many of the paper-based processes Soldiers historically conducted with their Army education counselor. Active duty, Reserve, and National Guard Soldiers use it for many reasons, including (but not limited to) the following: Request Tuition Assistance (TA) online (up to $250/CR, not to exceed $4500/year) Enroll in courses Access grades National Guard TA Soldiers in an active Guard Status are eligible for the following tuition assistance benefits: 1. $4500 in federal aid per year paid as follows: a. $250/semester hour b. $167/quarter hour c. $16.66/clock hour (certifications) 2. $2475 in state aid per semester, not to exceed tuition costs National Guard TA (Cont.) To apply for TA, go to https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/535774 Enter login information Deadlines are 12/15 for spring semester and 8/15 for fall semester for state aid. Fill out appropriate paperwork online and receive automatic email confirmation regarding approval or disapproval of benefits Contact SGT Reynolds at (518) 272-4021 for more information MyCAA: Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts New Benefit for Military Spouses for: Eligible spouses Financial grants Portable, high-demand career fields Education/Career Consultants Education, training, licenses & certifications My CAA Eligibility Spouses of active duty members and activated members of the National Guard and Reserve Components. The period of eligibility for spouses of Guard and Reserve members is from the date of the Alert or Warning Order for Military Recall or Mobilization, through activation and deployment until 180 days following De-Mobilization. Military spouses who are military members themselves are not eligible. Military members have education benefits provided through the Military Voluntary Education Tuition Assistance (TA) Program. How Does A Spouse Get Started? Eligible spouses who are ready to explore portable careers options and develop a career goal and plan should establish a MyCAA Account by visiting the MyCAA website ~ https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa. This is an easy, self-help process. Once spouse profile information is provided, DOD will verify MyCAA eligibility through DEERS. The spouse will be notified of his/her eligibility status through the MyCAA messaging system. MyCAA: How it works The military spouse must have applied and been accepted and enrolled into their chosen course of study and requested Financial Assistance through MyCAA (https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa/). The school certifying official will log on https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/aiportal at the start of each term to submit the electronic invoice. A DoD Government Purchase Card will be used to pay for the invoices. You will need to register to use this site. There is a separate guide on how this site works. My CAA Guidelines Is available to spouses of active duty service members in pay grades E1-E5, W1-W2, and O1-O2 Offers a maximum financial benefit of $4,000 with a fiscal year cap of $2,000. Waivers will be available for spouses pursuing licensure or certification up to the total maximum assistance of $4,000 Requires military spouses to finish their program of study within three years from the start date of the first course Is limited to associate degrees, certification and licensures New MyCAA Program Guidance Spouses of E1-E5, W1-W2, and O1-O2 whose military sponsors are on Title 10 orders • Those not eligible: Military spouses who are legally separated by state law or court order Spouses who are active duty or activated Guard or Reserve members themselves on Title 10 orders Coast Guard spouses Spouses who are unable to complete their requested course(s) while the military sponsor is on Title 10 orders Spouses of service members in pay grades other than those listed above as eligible • My CAA Benefit Benefit – Maximum financial benefit of $4,000 Annual Cap - $2,000 per fiscal year Spouses cannot spend more than $2,000 of MyCAA funding per fiscal year Programs of study that requires up-front tuition that is greater than $2,000 require a waiver from the $2,000 annual fiscal cap.