Veterans Benefits: The Basics
Presented by
Carin Anderson, Education Liaison Representative,
United States Department of Veterans Affairs
Jenni Peterson, Assistant Director,
One Stop Student Services and University Veterans
Services, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
Agenda
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Introduction
Federal VA Benefits
Tuition Assistance
State Tuition Reimbursement
MN GI Bill
MDVA Education Benefits
Yellow Ribbon Program
Principals of Excellence
Annual Reporting Fees
VA GI Bill Feedback System
Q&A
Federal VA Benefits
Federal VA Benefits
• Chapter 33- Post 9/11 Benefits- Pays a portion (up to full tuition), student
receives a living and book stipend. Tuition and fees sent to school.
• Chapter 30- Active Duty: Student receives a monthly stipend
• Chapter 1606- Guard/Reserves: Student receives monthly stipend
• Chapter 1607-Guard/Reserves who have deployed: Student receives
monthly stipend
• Chapter 35- Survivor Dependent benefits: Student receives monthly
stipend
• Chapter 31-Vocational Rehabilitation: Pays full tuition for approved
coursework and student receives a living and book stipend. Student works
with Voc Rehab counselor.
Post 9/11 GI Bill
•
Tuition and Fees sent directly to school (should not
be counted as financial aid) – cap of $19,198.31 for
private schools
•
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing)
• Student must attend greater than half time to qualify
• Books and supplies stipend sent directly to student
What types of financial aid should be deducted from
tuition and fee amounts for Post 9/11 GI Bill?
•
•
•
Tuition waivers
Scholarships specifically for tuition and fees only
Federal Tuition Assistance funds
The actual net cost for in-state tuition and fees assessed by
the institution for the program of education after the
application of any waiver of, or reduction in, tuition and
fees; and any scholarships, or other Federal, State, institution
or employer-based aid or assistance (excluding loans and title
IV funds) that is provided directly to the institution and
specifically designated for the sold purpose of defraying
tuition and fees.
-School Certifying Official Handbook
Non-VA Educational Resources
Federal Tuition Assistance
• The maximum credits allowable for tuition assistance
are 130 at the Undergrad level
• Soldiers are required to submit their TA
authorization to their schools business office
• Soldiers are only authorized 16 credits per fiscal year
(October 1 – September 30).
• A student is registered for 17 credits, 5 classes for three
credits each and one two credit class. Cannot bill for two
credit class.
Schools responsibilities for FTA
•
Invoicing each approved request
•
Updating grades within 45 days of course completion
State Tuition Reimbursement
• Minnesota State Tuition Reimbursement – handled
by student and their unit – no paperwork required to
be completed by school.
• Wisconsin Tuition Reimbursement- school must
complete and submit form when grades are posted
for the term.
MN GI Bill
Learn from the expert at 2:30 p.m. in Golf Villa D.
• Up to $1000 per semester
• Must be MN resident, enrolled in MN institution and
• Veteran or;
• non-veteran who has served honorably for a total of five
or more years or;
• surviving spouse or children of a person who has died or
has a total and permanent disability as a direct result of
military service.
MDVA Education benefits
Surviving Spouse and Dependent Education assistance
• Provided to spouses and dependents, including adopted and step-
children, whose Veteran spouse and/or Veteran parent died while on
active duty, or as a result of a service-connected condition.
•
Attend Minnesota postsecondary institution free of tuition until bachelor’s degree is
obtained.
•
$750 stipend for fiscal year
Veteran Education Assistance
• One time grant of $750 for tuition for Veterans who have exhausted all of
their GI Bill Benefits
•
Paid directly to the school
Yellow Ribbon Program
13
Yellow Ribbon Program
Eligible:
A Veteran that has served for 36 months of active duty on or
after September 11, 2001 (not currently on active duty)
A dependent eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the
Post-9/11 GI Bill based on a veteran’s service under the
eligibility criteria listed above
Not Eligible:
Active duty servicemembers and their spouses are not
eligible for this program
Yellow Ribbon Program Continued
Schools:
Private and Non-profit IHL Schools that typically charge tuition
and fees above the maximum reimbursement rate published by
VA for the academic year ( Aug 1 thru July 31).
 Through July 31, 2013…….$19,198.31
 Starting Aug 1, 2013…..$20,235.02
Public IHL Schools that charge out-state tuition rates for nonstate residents.
Yellow Ribbon Program Continued
YELLOW RIBBON TIPS:
• Create a student roster document based on the first come – first served method of
determining which students will be granted yellow ribbon status ( VA Requirement).
• Create the School’s Yellow Ribbon Policy and have student’s sign an agreement
• Document a refund policy
• Create a spreadsheet that allows you to determine the yellow ribbon amount submitted
to VA.
• If possible, in VA ONCE, ensure the Yellow Ribbon Student is saved as a ’33YR’
student in the bio screen at the beginning with the term on or after August 1 of that
year.
*you may add $0.00 to the YR column now
Principles of Excellence
• Executive Order 13607 of April 27, 2012
• Importance of transparency and provides
appropriate information
• Financial costs
• Quality of services and education
• Prevents abusive and deceptive recruiting practices
Annual Reporting Fees
PUBLIC LAW 111-377 dated 01/04/2011
Effective: October 1, 2011
Annual Reporting Fees
$12 per beneficiary paid benefits at your school in calendar year.
$15 per beneficiary if advanced payment received.
(b) USE OF FEES PAID.
“….utilized by such institution or committee
solely for the making of certifications required under this chapter or chapter 31,
34, or 35 of this title or for otherwise supporting programs for veterans.’’.
Compliance review may consist of reviewing receipts and other documents to ensure that
funds are used appropriately.
VA GI Bill Feedback System
• A.K.A. Complaint System
• VA Website:
http://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/Feedback.asp
VA GI Bill Feedback System
VA GI Bill Feedback System