VA Education How to Reference Tool

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VA Education How to Reference Tool

• This VA Education Benefits HOW TO reference
  tool was designed for Active duty service
  members, Veterans, Reservists, Guard members, and
  Dependents for quick access to a whole host of GI
  Bill information. The How to reference tool is
  tailored for your particular situation by
  clicking on the tab that best reflects your
  current status as a service member or dependent.
• For School Officials. gives you access to a
  variety of information you can use to better
  manage your time, and presents to you, resource
  materials and information to assist you in your
  responsibilities.
• Our Chapter 33 tabs are separated by category
  that allows you to receive information specific
  to your criteria. We broke down the categories
• Ch 33 The BASICS presents to you an overview of
  Chapter 33.
• Specific topics for those currently on active
  duty or deployed active duty members.
• Specific topics for those Veterans no longer
  serving in the military.
• Specific topics for previously deployed
  reservists and guard members who still are
  drilling.
• Specific topics for those spouses of active duty
  (or spouse transferees).
• Specific topics for those children of service
  members (transferees).
• Other Education Benefits will give you
  information on the following
• MGIB-AD, Chapter 30
• MGIB-SR, Chapter 1606
• REAP, Chapter 1607
• DEA, Chapter 35
• Voc Rehab, Chapter 31

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Other Education Benefits
Chapter 1607 REAP
Chapter 30 MGIB - AD
Chapter 1606 MGIB - SR
Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation and
Employment
Chapter 35 Survivors and Dependents Education
Assistance
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MGIB AD Ch 30
Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty The MGIB program
provides up to 36 months of education benefits.
This benefit may be used for degree and
certificate programs, flight training,
apprenticeship/on-the-job training and
correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and
refresher courses may be approved under certain
circumstances. Generally, benefits are payable
for 10 years following your release from active
duty. This program is also commonly known as
Chapter 30. The current payments for MGIB-AD can
be found by clicking on the link Payment Rate
Table You may be able to take advantage of the
Work Study Program in order to earn as you
learn. Click on the link to access details on
this program Work Study You may be able to take
advantage of paid tutoring through the tutorial
Assistance program. Tutorial assistance is
available if youre receiving VA educational
assistance at the half-time or higher rate and
have a deficiency in a subject that makes
tutoring necessary. You can be reimbursed up to
100 per month up to a maximum of 1200. To apply
for tutorial assistance you must complete VA Form
22-1990t, which can be found here. Your school
certifying official and tutor must sign the form.
Detailed Information on MGIB-AD (Ch 30) can be
found by clicking on the link MGIB-AD Ch
30 Become aware of debts and overpayments by
clicking on the link DEBTS and
OVERPAYMENTS Applying for MGIB-AD ? Click on
VONAPP to apply
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Last Updated December 27, 2013
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DEA Ch 35
Survivors Dependents Assistance (Ch
35) Dependents' Educational Assistance provides
education and training opportunities to eligible
dependents of a Veteran who is permanently and
totally disabled as the result of a service
connected disability (or) a Veteran with a
permanent and total service connected disability
who dies for any cause or if the Veteran is
missing in action (or) being held (or) detained
by a foreign government or power. The program
offers up to 45 months of education benefits.
These benefits may be used for degree and
certificate programs, apprenticeship, and
on-the-job training. If you are a spouse, you may
take a correspondence course. Remedial,
deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved
under certain circumstances. Note You also have
another 5 months of benefits just for remedial /
deficiency classes for a possible 50 months of
benefits. You may be able to take advantage of
the Work Study Program in order to earn as you
learn. Click on the link to access details on
this program Work Study You may be able to take
advantage of paid tutoring through the tutorial
Assistance program. Tutorial assistance is
available if youre receiving VA educational
assistance at the half-time or higher rate and
have a deficiency in a subject that makes
tutoring necessary. You can be reimbursed up to
100 per month up to a maximum of 1200. To apply
for tutorial assistance you must complete VA Form
22-1990t, which can be found here. Your school
certifying official and tutor must sign the
form. Become aware of debts and overpayments by
clicking on the link DEBTS and
OVERPAYMENTS Detailed information regarding DEA
Ch 35 DEA CH 35 Applying for DEA ? Click on
VONAPP to apply
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Last Updated December 27, 2013
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MGIB SR Ch 1606
Montgomery GI Bill Select Reserve (Ch 1606) The
MGIB-SR program may be available to you if you
are a member of the Selected Reserve. The
Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy
Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve
and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National
Guard and the Air National Guard. This benefit
may be used for degree and certificate programs,
flight training, apprenticeship / on-the-job
training, and correspondence courses. Remedial,
deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved
under certain circumstances. Eligibility for this
program is determined by the Selected Reserve
components. VA does not determine eligibility.
VA does make payments for this benefit. The
current payments for MGIB-SR can be found by
clicking on the link Payment Rate Table You may
be able to take advantage of the Work Study
Program in order to earn as you learn. Click
on the link to access details on this program
Work Study You may be able to take advantage of
paid tutoring through the tutorial Assistance
program. Tutorial assistance is available if
youre receiving VA educational assistance at the
half-time or higher rate and have a deficiency in
a subject that makes tutoring necessary. You can
be reimbursed up to 100 per month up to a
maximum of 1200. To apply for tutorial
assistance you must complete VA Form 22-1990t,
which can be found here. Your school certifying
official and tutor must sign the form. Complete
details on this program can be found by clicking
on the link MGIB-SR (Ch 1606) Become aware of
debts and overpayments by clicking on the link
DEBTS and OVERPAYMENTS Applying for MGIB-SR ?
Click on VONAPP to apply
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REAP Ch 1607
Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP) Reap
is available to provide educational assistance to
members of the Reserve components called or
ordered to active duty in response to a war or
national emergency (contingency operation) as
declared by the President or Congress. This
program makes certain reservists who were
activated for at least 90 days after September
11, 2001 either eligible for education benefits
or eligible for increased benefits. (a precursor
to Chapter 33) The current payments for REAP can
be found by clicking on the link Payment Rate
Table You may be able to take advantage of the
Work Study Program in order to earn as you
learn. Click on the link to access details on
this program Work Study Paid tutoring is
currently not available to those beneficiaries
receiving REAP benefits. Pamphlet on REAP (Ch
1607) can be found by clicking on the link REAP
(Ch 1607) Those of you with 6 X 2 contracts,
click on the link to read about exceptions to
REAP 6 X 2 Contract Become aware of debts and
overpayments by clicking on the link DEBTS and
OVERPAYMENTS Applying for REAP ? Click on
VONAPP to apply
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Tutorial Assistance
Tutorial Assistance Program You may be able to
take advantage of paid tutoring through the
tutorial Assistance program. Tutorial assistance
is available if youre receiving VA educational
assistance at the half-time or higher rate and
have a deficiency in a subject that makes
tutoring necessary. You can be reimbursed up to
100 per month up to a maximum of 1200. To apply
for tutorial assistance you must complete VA Form
22-1990t, which can be found here. Your school
certifying official and tutor must sign the form.

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Ch 1607 6 X 2 Contracts
Exceptions to eligibility of Ch 1607 -- A
member who is called-up from the Selected Reserve
would not remain eligible for REAP if the member
goes into the Individual Ready Reserve. The
Selected Reserve member must remain in the
Selected Reserve to maintain eligibility for
REAP. For those with 6 X 2 contracts, you will
no longer be eligible for Ch 1607 after you
transfer to the Inactive Ready Reserve after 6
years of drilling. You will receive Ch 1606
benefits once you transfer to the inactive Ready
Reserve for a total of your deployment period
plus 4 months. Example You enlisted in your
service component on 10/01/2000 with a 6 X 2
contract. During your six year commitment, you
were deployed for 12 months. On 10/01/2006, you
transferred to the IRR. You would now have
eligibility for 16 months of Ch 1606 (MGIB-SR)
benefits starting on 10/01/2006. For those who
separate after 8 years, you will have 10 years
after separation to use Ch 1607 benefits..
There is no fixed time period for persons
eligible under REAP to use this benefit. There is
one exception If a member is separated from the
Ready Reserve for a disability which was not the
result of the members own willful misconduct, he
or she is entitled to REAP benefits for 10 years
after the date of eligibility.
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Voc Rehab Ch 31

• Vocational Rehabilitation Employment Service
• The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
  (VRE) VetSuccess Program is authorized by
  Congress under Title 38, Code of Federal
  Regulations, Chapter 31. It is sometimes referred
  to as the Chapter 31 program. The VetSuccess
  program assists Veterans with service-connected
  disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep
  suitable jobs. For Veterans with
  service-connected disabilities so severe that
  they cannot immediately consider work, VetSuccess
  offers services to improve their ability to live
  as independently as possible.
• Services that may be provided
• Comprehensive rehabilitation evaluation to
  determine abilities, skills, and interests for
  employment
• Vocational counseling and rehabilitation planning
  for employment services
• Employment services such as job-training,
  job-seeking skills, resume development, and other
  work readiness assistance
• Assistance finding and keeping a job, including
  the use of special employer incentives and job
  accommodations
• On the Job Training (OJT), apprenticeships, and
  non-paid work experiences
• Post-secondary training at a college, vocational,
  technical or business school
• Supportive rehabilitation services including case
  management, counseling, and medical referrals
• Independent living services for Veterans unable
  to work due to the severity of their disabilities
• Information on Voc Rehab (Ch 31) can be found by
  clicking on the link below. Included in the
  information is a link to payment information as
  well. Voc-Rehab (Ch 31)

Back to Other Education Benefits
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Pamphlets, Posters, Brochures
Pamphlets, Posters, and Brochures You may find
that your students have questions about education
benefits. VA has put together an excellent
collection of pamphlets, posters and brochures
for easy download or view. Click on the
following link to access the collection of these
helpful documents. Feel free to print off copies
for your Veteran students, dependents or any one
with an interest in learning more about education
benefits. Pamphlets, Posters, Brochures
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Returning funds to VA
Institutions may return tuition and fee payments
to VA by a)     Returning the electronically
received Automated Clearinghouse (ACH) payment
using ACH return code R31.  Note Schools may
only return a full payment to VA using the R31
ACH return code. If a student died during a term
and would have only been eligible for a partial
refund, the school must send the appropriate
amount to the RPO of jurisdiction (see paragraph
c)). b)     Returning the paper check to
the Note Institutions should only return
government issued paper checks received for a
student to the Department of Treasury. All other
checks for return of tuition and fees should be
forwarded to the appropriate Agent Cashier.
Sending a check to the Agent Cashier of the
Regional Processing Office of jurisdiction. The
check must include students full name and social
security number.
US Department of the Treasury Financial
Management Service PO BOX 51318 Philadelphia PA
19115-6315
Attn Agent Cashier St Louis Regional Processing
Office 400 S 18th Street St Louis MO 63103
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Yellow Ribbon
Yellow Ribbon Program The Yellow Ribbon GI
Education Enhancement Program allows institutions
of higher learning to voluntarily enter in an
agreement with VA to fund tuition expenses that
exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate
rate as published on our website HIGHEST INSTATE
RATE If your school is interested in
participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program,
please click on the following Yellow Ribbon Link.
You can access the agreement form through the
link. Yellow Ribbon Program
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Sending back funds or Refund ?

• Sending back funds or refunding the student ?
• If you receive an amount of funds for either
  tuition, fees, or yellow ribbon that exceeds what
  what expected for your student, we have 4 reasons
  to return fund to VA (see below). Otherwise,
  refund the student the overpayment.
• REASONS to send funds back to VA
• The student died during the term and would have
  been due a refund.
• The student never attended.
• The institution received a payment for an
  individual that is not a student.
• The institution received a duplicate payment for
  a student. Duplication defined as receiving
  the exact same amount for the exact same period
  or term.
• NOTE Other than the 4 reasons stated above, all
  other overpayments will be refunded to the
  student. There are no exceptions to this policy.
• RETURNING FUNDS TO VA

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School Direct Deposit
School Direct Deposit With Chapter 33, schools
have the ability to have funds such as tuition
and fees as well as yellow ribbon funds directly
deposited into your schools banking account.
In order to take advantage of the Electronic
Funds Transfer (EFT), you must contact your
Education Liaison Representative (ELR). Click on
the ELR link to locate your ELR ELR Contact
Link You will need to request the VA Form VA
Form 22-8794a Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
Information from your ELR. The responsible
person at your school will complete the form and
sign it. You can then fax the completed form
back to your ELR. Once your ELR has your
completed EFT form, he/she will forward the form
to our processing office in St Louis in order to
establish the EFT for your school.
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New Certifying Officials

• Congratulations on your new role as a certifying
  official at your school.
• You are a key member of your schools
  organization in regards to your Veteran students.
  With your new role as school certifying
  official, you have some basic responsibilities in
  regards to your duties as certifying official.
• Keep VA informed of the enrollment status of
  Veterans and other eligible persons. Certifying
  officials complete VA forms or use VA ONCE to
  report tuition, fees, enrollment dates and term
  dates.
• Keep VA informed when Veterans change their
  enrollment status. Certifying Officials submit
  changes to enrollments and report those changes
  to VA within 30 days of the effective date of the
  change.
• Organize your Veterans academic files and VA
  files. Successful Certifying Officials keep
  accurate and complete records of their Veterans
  in order to monitor the students program,
  grades, progress, and academic conduct. Your
  education Liaison Representative (ELR) can give
  you some good advice and recommendations on
  methods to better track your Veterans.
• Keep your State Approving Agency (SAA) informed.
  Your SAA plays a critical role in approving new
  programs at your school as well as reviewing any
  changes in your academic policies and procedures,
  changes in addresses, phone numbers and
  certifying officials. SAA Contact List
• Keep up to date on current VA rules and
  regulations. Provide your ELR with your email
  address to keep informed of ongoing changes with
  VA benefits. Our web site www.gibill.va.gov has
  a wealth of information on our benefits as well
  as training resources for our new certifying
  officials. Take advantage of the workshops
  available for certifying officials. Your ELR can
  tell you all about it.
• To better get you acquainted with the VA and
  education benefits, please click on
• Online Training for New Certifying Officials

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For School Certifying Officials
Click on the picture to access information on the
subject
New Certifying Officials Start Up
I need more info on Parent/Guest schools
Yellow Ribbon Program
Adding / Changing certifying officials
I have been using paper enrollments. I want to
switch to VA ONCE
My school already uses VA ONCE. I want to access
VA ONCE or I have questions about VA ONCE.
2010 School Certifying Officials Quick Reference
Guide
Calculating training time
Break and Interval Pay
Pamphlets, Posters, Brochures
Sending back funds to VA or refund the student ?
School Direct Deposit
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Ch 33 for Active Duty
Click on the picture to access information on the
subject
Kickers, College Funds, Buy-Up
Does the VA know when I am leaving active duty ?
I want to apply for Ch 33
Debts and Overpayments
Tell me about payments going to me ?
When can I start using Ch 33 ?
What types of Training can be considered ?
How to figure out the benefit percentage
What is the The Fry Scholarship ?
Can I compare Ch 33 to other benefits ?
Will the VA pay for tutoring assistance ?
Who is eligible ?
Months of eligibility and Delimiting dates
Tell me about Tuition Assistance, or TOP UP
All about Transferring Benefits. Including a
step by step guide to applying
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Ch 33 for Veterans
Click on the picture to access information on the
subject
Tell me about payments going to me ?
Will the VA pay for tutoring assistance ?
I want to apply for Ch 33
Debts and Overpayments
Tell me about the payments going to my school ?
What is Work Study and how do I apply for it ?
What types of Training can be considered ?
How to figure out the benefit percentage
Can I compare Ch 33 to other benefits ?
Who is eligible ?
Months of eligibility and Delimiting dates
All about Transferring Benefits. Including a
step by step guide to applying
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Ch 33 for Reserve / Guard
Click on the picture to access information on the
subject
Tell me about payments going to me ?
Will the VA pay for tutoring assistance ?
I want to apply for Ch 33
Debts and Overpayments
Tell me about the payments going to my school ?
Kickers, College Funds, Buy-Up
What types of Training can be considered ?
How to figure out the benefit percentage
What is Title 32 service ? Why doesnt it count ?
Who is eligible ?
I have tuition assistance available. How does
that work ?
What is Work Study and how do I apply for it ?
All about Transferring Benefits. Including a
step by step guide to applying
Can I compare Ch 33 to other benefits ?
Months of eligibility and Delimiting dates
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Ch 33 for Spouses
Click on the picture to access information on the
subject
Who is eligible ?
MY SPOUSE IS NOT CURRENTLY ON ACTIVE DUTY
MY SPOUSE IS CURRENTLY ON ACTIVE DUTY
When am I eligible to use Ch 33 ?
Tell me about my benefits
Tell me about payments going to me ?
Debts and Overpayments
Tell me about the payments going to my school
like tuition, fees, yellow ribbon?
I need information on MYCAA ?
What types of Training can be considered ?
Will the VA pay for tutoring assistance ?
What is Work Study and how do I apply for it ?
All about Transferring Benefits. Including a
step by step guide to applying
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Ch 33 for Children
Click on the picture to access information on the
subject
Who is eligible ?
Tell me about payments going to me ?
Will the VA pay for tutoring assistance ?
Tell me about the payments going to my school ?
When am I eligible to use Ch 33 ?
What is Work Study and how do I apply for it ?
What is The Fry Scholarship ?
What types of Training can be considered ?
Debts and Overpayments
All about Transferring Benefits Including a step
by step guide to applying
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When can I start using Ch 33
Active Duty Service Member You can use the
Post-9/11 GI Bill on active duty provided you
have completed at least 90 days of service
(excluding basic entry level skill training). 
The tuition payment cannot exceed the amount paid
by military tuition assistance and/or the total
amount of tuition fees.
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Comparing education benefits

• Comparing education benefits
• Imagine you are a service member who had
  received an honorable discharge after 3 years in
  the active duty, then enlisted for the Reserves
  to continue to serve part time. You are called
  up for deployment and are mobilized for one year.
  You arrive back home to start drilling again.
  You find out that you have 4 education benefits
  available Ch 1606, Ch 1607, Ch 30, and Ch 33.
  What do you do ?
• Here are some recommendations when you have more
  than one benefit available. What benefit to use
  
• Educate yourself on what benefits are available
  for you based on your background. Find your
  education office and speak with a counselor. Go
  to our web site www.gibill.va.gov and become
  familiar with all that your education benefits
  can do for you. Use this How to reference tool
  to assist you in zeroing in on the benefits.
• What are your educational goals ? Are you
  looking at getting your 2 or 4 year degree or
  perhaps looking at a graduate degree, or is a
  vocational career in your sites ? Will your
  available education benefit take care of all or
  part of your school costs or will you need to
  find other sources of assistance such as tuition
  assistance or student loans to pay for your
  schooling.
• You understand the benefits, know what your goals
  are. You need to find a school that fits you and
  lets you complete your goals. Click on find a
  school to see about your FIND A SCHOOL When you
  click on the school of your choice, you will find
  a link to VA approved programs at your school.
• By now, you have a good idea of what you would
  like to accomplish and how you are going to
  accomplish your goal. Its a good time to
  compare benefits to make sure you are using the
  best benefit available to you. Click on BENEFIT
  COMPARISON TOOLS VA has a great tool to help you
  ensure that you are heading down the right path
  for your education benefits.

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Training Time Calculators and more

• Training Time for standard terms
• In order to determine the training time of a
  traditional quarter or semester term, you will
  need to know the number of credits your student
  is enrolled in and the start and end date of the
  term. Once you have that information, click on
  our training time calculator to retrieve job
  aids. Once you are in job aids, click on
  Non-standard term credit hour equivalence
  computation spreadsheet and follow the steps
  below
• Add the begin date of the term
• Add the end date of the term (plus 1 day)
• Add the holiday break (e.g. winter break during
  the term)
• Add the number of credits (semester or quarter)
  Training time will be shown at the bottom of the
  worksheet.
• Training Time for accelerated (non-standard)
  terms
• It should be noted that many colleges and
  universities have increased their use of
  accelerated (non-standard) terms. With these
  terms starting and ending on various dates, it is
  difficult to calculate training time unless you
  understand the concept of how VA calculates
  training time. You need to know the start and end
  date and number of credits for each non-standard
  term. Click on the calculator to find job aids
  then click on Non-standard term credit hour
  equivalence computation spreadsheet to find the
  training time for each course. Add training
  times together to determine total training time
  for that period of time
• EXAMPLE
• 3 semester credit course 1/15/10 3/15/10 ½
  time training time
• 4 semester credit course 3/1/10 4/15/10 ¾
  time training time
• VA pays benefits by adding up training times
• 1/15/10 2/28/10 ½ time. 03/01/10 03/15/10
  ½ ¾ Full time. 03/16/10 4/15/10 ¾
  time.

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Break (Interval) Payments
Break (Interval) Payments Break pay (also known
as interval payments) is a payment made to
students between quarters, semesters, and
sessions. With the advent of Ch 33, many
students are inquiring about whether or not they
will receive housing payments between terms.
With other benefits such as Ch 30, Ch 1606, Ch
1607, or Ch 35, questions arise on whether or not
those beneficiaries will receive a continuation
of benefits between terms. Our School
Certifying Officials Quick Reference Guide (pages
68 71) has an excellent description of interval
payments, the rules that govern interval
payments, special summer rules, and a flow chart
that may guide you along in determining whether a
student will receive break pay. Click on the
book and page through to page 68 to obtain the
rules of break pay
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The basics of Ch 33 education Benefits

• What is the Chapter 33 education benefit ?
  Chapter 33, also known as Post 9/11 GI Bill, was
  established by Congress (Public Law 110-252)
  authorizing education benefits to those
  individuals who have military service subsequent
  to 9/10/2001 from either active duty service or
  federal deployments for the guard / reserves.
• When did Chapter 33 benefits become effective ?
  Congress established that Chapter 33 benefits
  would commence on August 1, 2009
• Where can you use Chapter benefits ? Chapter 33
  benefits can be obtained by attending Institutes
  of Higher Learning (IHL) both in residence or
  online or the combination thereof. Benefits can
  be used for approved licensing and
  certifications.
• What benefits are covered under Ch 33 ? This
  comprehensive benefit program consists of the
  following benefits
• Tuition and Fees Tuition and fees are paid
  directly to the school. The amount of tuition
  and fees paid is determined by your eligibility,
  not to exceed the most expensive in-state
  undergraduate tuition and fees at a public IHL.
  An optional Yellow Ribbon feature may allow some
  individuals additional tuition and fees benefits.
  
• Monthly Housing Allowance The amount of
  housing allowance is determined by the physical
  location of your school (zip code). VA uses the
  published per-diem rate of E-5 with dependents to
  determine the housing allowance.
• Book Stipend A book stipend is paid based on
  the number of credits you are enrolled in during
  the academic year. You may be eligible up to
  1000 per academic year for a book stipend.
• Rural Relocation Benefit Certain individuals
  may be able to receive up to 500 for relocating
  from rural areas with limited populations.
• The Federal Register dated March 31, 2009 is the
  final ruling on Chapter 33. You can click on the
  link to download a copy of the Federal Register
• Federal Register regarding Ch 33

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Title 32 Service
Title 32 Service. Much confusion lies with Title
32 service and how that applies to Ch 33
eligibility. In general, Title 32 service is
military service conducted under the authority of
the Governor of your state of residence or where
you perform your duties as a member of the
National Guard. Title 32 service includes
full-time Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) service
members of the National Guard. Therefore, while
performing duties through a state mobilization
effort or a member of the AGR (Guard), your
service will NOT count toward eligibility for Ch
33. By law, Title 32 service is not considered as
qualifying service for determining Ch 33
eligibility. Only Title 10 service qualifies for
eligibility purposes of Ch 33. What that means
to you. If you are mobilized under a federal
call-up and deployed under Title 10 orders, that
time will count for eligibility
purposes. Example 1 You are a drilling
national guard member and you are called up to
assist with flood control in Fargo North Dakota.
You are placed on Title 32 orders with the
authority granted from your state to assist with
flood control efforts for 3 weeks. This service
can not counted in regards to Ch 33
eligibility. Example 2 You are a drilling
national guard member and you are mobilized for a
one year tour in Afghanistan. The orders
authorizing your deployment are Title 10 orders.
This service will count in regards to Ch 33
eligibility. Example 3 You are a full-time AGR
guard member. You are not called up under any
federally authorized contingency order. Your
service as a full-time guard member does not
count in regards to Ch 33 eligibility. Example 4
You are a full-time AGR guard member. You are
mobilized for a one year tour in Afghanistan.
The orders authorizing your deployment are Title
10 orders. This service will count in regards to
Ch 33 eligibility.
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Does the VA know I left Active Duty ?

• When you separate from active duty, whether your
  commitment is up, your retirement papers came in,
  or your have just come off deployment from the
  Reserves / Guard, in many instances, VA may not
  become aware of your active duty service.
• VA receives service member information from
  Department of Defense (DOD). Service members DOD
  records are only as good as how well your
  particular military service keeps DOD updated.
• The problems arise for VA processors in
  determining eligibility for service members
  wishing to use education benefits. This is
  especially true when calculating Ch 33
  eligibility as the percentage benefit calculation
  is based on the months of active duty you
  performed after 09/10/2001.
• For those reserve / guard members with less than
  3 years of active duty deployments, the
  percentage benefit rate can vary with each
  deployment. It becomes very important that VA is
  kept up to date on those deployments as we will
  add deployment periods in order to detemine
  eligibility percentage rates.
• How do I keep VA up to date on my active duty
  service ?
• If you have never received education benefits
  from the VA
• When you complete your application for
  benefits, attach a copy of your DD214s or other
  proof of active duty service so our processors
  have the most current service information from
  you.
• If you have received education benefits from
  the VA
• Send supporting documentation to VA such
  as your DD214 your recently received to our
  processing office in St Louis. Our processors
  can add your documentation to your record and
  ensure that your benefits are accurate and up to
  date. The address for accepting documentation
• US Department of Veterans Affairs
• Regional Processing Center
• PO BOX 66830
• St Louis MO 63166

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Work Study
Work Study This program provides part-time
employment to students receiving VA education
benefits who attend school three-quarter time or
more. The student may work at the school
veterans' office, VA Medical Facilities, the VA
Regional Office, or at approved State employment
offices. Work-study students are paid either the
State or Federal minimum wage, whichever is
greater. More information about this program,
including how to apply, can be found by clicking 
HERE. NOTE Active Duty Military are not eligible
for this program.

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Kickers, College Funds, Buy-ups
Kickers, College funds, Buy-ups explained Much
confusion lies in the difference between a
kicker, a college fund or a buy-up.
Understanding the difference will help you better
understand if one of these additional payments
will affect your overall benefit payout. KICKER
(aka College Fund) - An individual's branch of
service may offer the College Fund (also known as
a "kicker") as part of an enlistment or
reenlistment contract, or for other reasons. The
College Fund is an additional amount of money
that increases an individual's basic monthly
benefit and is included in his or her VA payment.
Each service branch (and not VA) determines who
receives the College Fund and the amount
received. It may be necessary to send VA a copy
of your College Fund contract to ensure the
correct amount is added to your monthly
benefit. NOTETypically, College Fund contracts
are found within your enlistment
contract. BUY-UP - Members eligible for the
active duty GI Bill, or REAP are able to
participate in the additional 600 contribution
program.  Eligible members may contribute up to
600 total (in increments of 20) to their
service branch. Based on the amount of their
extra contribution, members may receive up to an
additional 150 per month in their GI Bill
payments. To see a chart detailing the additional
monthly amount, please click here. ACTIVE DUTY GI
BILL PARTIPANTS must be on active duty to
contribute. REAP PARTICIPANTS must be part of the
Selected Reserve, Individual Ready Reserve or
Inactive National Guard to contribute NOTE
Buy-up benefit payments are not added to your
benefit package under Ch 33. You can not obtain
a refund of the additional amount deposited for
the buy-up.

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VA ONCE (with MOU)
VA ONCE is an enhanced means for submitting VA
Form 22-1999 (Enrollment Certificates), VA Form
22-1999b (Change of Student Status) VA ONCE
allows you, the certifying official, to quickly
and effectively submit enrollments, amendments,
adjustments, and terminations to VA. VA ONCE
allows you to better track your Veteran Students
enrollments sent to VA. What is needed to run
VA-ONCE? To use VA-ONCE, you must have a recent
version of either the Microsoft Internet Explorer
(IE 5.5 SP2 or higher) or Netscape Navigator (NN
v6.02 or higher) browsers installed on your
computer. How to gain access (VA ONCE has not
been implemented at your school before). Your
authorized school official must complete a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to gain access
to the VA ONCE application. Click on the
following link for a copy of the
MOU. http//www.gibill.va.gov/School_Info/once/mou
.htm You should complete the MOU form on-line,
PRINT it, obtain the appropriate signature(s),
and mail it to your Education Liaison
Representative (ELR). Your Education Liaison
Representative (ELR) will contact you once he/she
has received your completed MOU and your VA ONCE
account has been established. Your ELR will
assign you a user log on name and temporary
password. Once you have been set up with your VA
ONCE account with log on name and password, you
will be able to access VA ONCE by clicking on the
following link https//vaonce.vba.va.gov/vaonce_s
tudent/default.asp Contact your ELR for a copy
of theVA ONCE Quick Reference Flip Book in order
to better understand the features of VA ONCE.
The flip book will also guide you through all the
steps involved in setting up your VA ONCE account
tailoring your account based on your schools
requirements.
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VA ONCE assistance
VA ONCE is an enhanced means for submitting VA
Form 22-1999 (Enrollment Certificates), VA Form
22-1999b (Change of Student Status) VA ONCE
allows you, the certifying official, to quickly
and effectively submit enrollments, amendments,
adjustments, and terminations to VA. VA ONCE
allows you to better track your Veteran Students
enrollments sent to VA. What is needed to run
VA-ONCE? To use VA-ONCE, you must be using a
recent version of either the Microsoft Internet
Explorer (IE 5.5 SP2 or higher) or Netscape
Navigator (NN v6.02 or higher) browsers. To
Access VA ONCE https//vaonce.vba.va.gov/vaonce_s
tudent/default.asp Contact your ELR for a copy
of theVA ONCE Quick Reference Flip Book in order
to better understand the features of VA ONCE.
The flip book will also guide you through all the
steps involved in setting up your VA ONCE account
tailoring your account based on your schools
requirements. For further assistance VA ONCE
FAQ (training guides, User Tips) Education
Liaison Representatives
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Adding / Changing Certifying Officials
VA requires schools to keep us up to date with
authorized certifying officials at your school.
You may find that you need to add, delete, or
change a certifying official at your school. VA
uses VA Form 22-8794 Designation of Certifying
Official(s) in order to keep accurate records of
current certifying officials at your school. The
form must only be completed by the RESPONSIBLE
OFFICIAL with the authority to designate
certifying officials for your school. The form
must be completed whenever there is a change in
any of the required information. Include the
names, titles, and signatures of all certifying
officials, not just the changed information.
Click on the link below to obtain the VA Form
22-8794. http//www.gibill.va.gov/School_Info/onc
e/forms/22-8794.pdf Once your schools
designated official has completed the form, you
will need to mail the form to your Education
Liaison Representative (ELR). The link for your
ELR can be found below http//www.gibill.va.gov/S
chool_Info/elr.htm
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Parent- Guest Schools

• Veterans and Dependents may be able to attend two
  schools concurrently. For VA to pay benefits, we
  consider this to be based on a Parent Guest
  (secondary) school relationship. To better
  understand this relationship, it is important to
  understand the requirements.
• Parent School The parent school is the school
  where the beneficiary is pursuing his/her degree,
  certificate, or diploma.
• Guest (Secondary) School The guest (secondary)
  school is the school where the beneficiary is
  attending in which the credits received will be
  accepted at the Parent school.
• It is important for the beneficiary to
  communicate to both the parent and guest school
  of his/her intent. VA requires the following
  action be taken by the parent and guest schools
• If you are the Parent school You must prepare a
  letter (called the parent school letter)
  addressed to the VA certifying official at the
  guest school. The letter will include the
  following (1) Your school name and facility
  code (2) Identity of the student, SSN (3) List
  of courses that will be accepted at your
  institution for the program the student is
  taking. A copy of the letter should be either
  mailed, emailed, or hand delivered by the student
  to the certifying official at the guest school.
  Keep a copy for the students records. Ensure a
  transcript is obtained from the guest school.
• If you are the Guest school. You will adopt the
  student as a guest student and certify his/her
  enrollment. In the remarks field, add
  Supplemental enrollment. Parent letter from
  ltinsert parent school name and facility codegt is
  on file.

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The Fry Scholarship

• Fry Scholarship
• Public Law 111-32, The Marine Gunnery Sergeant
  John David Fry Scholarship, amends the Post-9/11
  GI Bill (chapter 33) to include the children of
  service members who die in the line of duty after
  Sept. 10, 2001. The benefit is effective August
  1, 2009 the same day the Post-9/11 GI Bill took
  effect. Eligible children attending school may
  receive up to the highest public, in-state
  undergraduate tuition and fees, plus a monthly
  living stipend and book allowance under this
  program.
• Eligibility
• Children of an active duty member of the Armed
  Forces who has died in the line of duty on or
  after September 11, 2001, are eligible for this
  benefit. A child may be married or over 23 and
  still be eligible.
• are entitled to 36 months of benefits at the 100
  level
• have 15 years to use the benefit beginning on
  his/her 18th birthday
• may use the benefit until his or her 33rd
  birthday
• cannot use the benefit before age 18, even if he
  or she has completed high school
• are not eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program
• Fry Scholarship beneficiaries are certified just
  like Chapter 33 beneficiaries.
• To apply for this benefit, you need to click on
  the following linkVA VONAPP Website

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Tuition Assistance Top-Up
Military Tuition Assistance Programs
(TA) Eligible members of the Military may receive
additional assistance from their branches of
service for education programs. Each service has
its own criteria for eligibility and application
procedures. NOTE IF you are currently
receiving CH 33 benefits, the amount of TA must
be deducted from the amount reported to
VA. Information on each services Tuition
Assistance programs can be accessed by clicking
on the links ARMY AIRFORCE NAVY
MARINES COAST GUARD Top Up Eligible
Active Duty members can use Tuition Assistance
Top-Up which allows VA to pay a Tuition
Assistance Top- up benefit. The amount of the
benefit can be equal to the difference between
the total cost of a college course and the amount
of Tuition Assistance that is paid by the
military for the course. Our Q/A link has some
excellent information on Top-Up. Click on the
link to view the info TOP-UP See your military
education counselors for more information.
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Transferring Ch 33 Benefits

• Transferring Benefits
• Dependents of active military members (active
  drilling reservists, national guard, active duty)
  may be eligible to receive Ch 33.
• Here are a few basic rules to consider in regards
  to transferring benefits to a dependent
• Is the service member currently in an active
  status ? A service member must be actively
  serving in order to transfer the benefit. Those
  members who have already separated or retired
  cannot transfer the benefit
• Does the service member have enough time in
  service to transfer ? Generally, a member must
  have at least 6 years of service and agree to
  serve 4 more years.
• How many months of eligibility can be transferred
  to dependents ? The service member can elect to
  transfer up to a total of 36 months of benefits
  between himself and his dependents. He can split
  up the 36 months between himself and his
  dependents in any number of ways not to exceed 36
  months.
• What dependents are eligible for the transferred
  benefit ? A family member must be enrolled in
  the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting
  System (DEERS). The service member can check
  this out with his military DEERS office.
• When can a spouse use the benefit ? Once the
  service member becomes eligible, the spouse can
  use the benefit immediately.
• When can a child use the benefit ? The service
  member must have served 10 years before a child
  can use the benefit. The child must have
  received a high school diploma (GED) prior to
  using the benefit. The limit to use the benefit
  for a child is up to age 26. The child must not
  be married at the time of the transfer. The
  transfer must occur prior to the childs 23rd
  birthday.
• Click on the link for detailed information on
  transferring Transferring Ch 33 benefits
• We also have included a step by step guide for
  you and your dependent to transfer benefits
  Step-by-Step

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Applying for Ch 33 Benefits

• Applying for Ch 33 benefits.
• Applying online for Ch 33 benefits streamlines
  the process and allows for a faster turn around.
  The application process takes around 30 minutes
  from start to finish. Consider the following as
  you prepare to apply
• Have you become aware of the various benefits
  available to you. Have you chosen the right
  benefit based on your eligibility and goals. Did
  you read over information through this site,
  visited an education counselor, and are satisfied
  that Ch 33 is right for you ?
• Our online application allows for you to attach
  documents electronically. Adding your DD214(s)
  to your application will ensure that you get the
  highest percentage benefit rate you are eligible
  for. If you have a kicker contract, adding a
  copy of this contract will ensure that your
  kicker payments go out on time and accurately.
  
• Direct deposit ensures a secure, safe, and
  faster method to receiving your benefit payments.
  Have your banking information available such as
  routing and account number.
• What school are you planning on attending. The
  application allows you to state your intended
  school and program. We will need to know when
  you plan on attending as well.
• When you are ready to apply click on the VONAPP
  link
• You will be able to launch VONAPP to apply for
  benefits
• Instructions to apply and submit your application
  can be found on our VONAPP site.
• When you have completed filling out the
  application, attached any supporting
  documentation, and submitted your application,
  dont forget to print off a completed copy of the
  application for you and a copy for your school.

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Step-by-Step to transferring Ch 33 Benefits

• For the Service Member
• Step
• Verify that you are eligible to transfer the
  benefit. Requirements found here Requirements
• (2)Verify that your dependent is eligible. Check
  DEERS at your military installation.
• (3)Transfer the benefit to your dependent(s) by
  visiting the DOD TEB WEBSITE You will find a
  transferability application. Once you submit the
  application, you will log back in and determine
  if your application was approved. An official
  letter will be generated by DMDC letting you know
  that you have successfully transferred the
  benefit.
• (4)Print off a copy of the approval letter for
  your records and a copy for your dependent(s).
  Inform you dependent of your successful transfer
  and give a copy of the successful transfer letter
  to your spouse, son or daughter.
• NOTE A service member does not need to apply
  for benefits for themselves prior to
  transferring. DOD will determine if you qualify
  to transfer when you submit the application to
  DOD.

For the dependent Step (5)Once your parent or
spouse has successfully transferred, he/she will
hand you a copy of the successful transfer letter
showing you as a transferee, the date the benefit
starts and the number of months of eligibility.
(6)Visit our website www.gibill.va.gov to learn
about the GI Bill. You will find lots of
information on Ch 33 (Post 9/11). (7)Apply online
through our website. Here is the shortcut link
for applying online Application (8)Print off a
completed copy of the submitted application.
(9)Ask your parent or spouse for any documents
that may assist the school in determining the
percent of eligibility. (e.g. DD214) (10)Visit
your school and ask for the schools VA
certifying official so she/he can submit your
enrollment for your upcoming term. Processors
will then work your claim in a timely manner and
process benefit awards on your behalf.
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MYCAA
MYCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement
Account) Eligible military spouses are able to
receive up to 6,000 of MyCAA Financial
Assistance (FA) that can help them pursue
education, training, licenses, certificates and
degrees leading to employment in Portable Career
Fields. Spouses of DoD Active Duty members and
activated members of the National Guard and
Reserve Components who are on Title 10 orders are
eligible to receive MyCAA Financial Assistance
(FA). NOTE If the spouse is currently
receiving a Transferred Ch 33 benefit, the amount
of MYCAA will be deducted from the amount
reported to VA. For more information see the
MYCAA website MYCAA Website
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Months of Entitlement / Delimiting Date
Months of eligibility cannot exceed 36 months.
However there are stipulations to this rule based
on the benefit a Veteran is relinquishing. A
Veteran relinquishing Chapter 30 Generally,
Veterans relinquishing Ch 30, paid in 1200 while
on active duty in order to receive 36 months of
Ch 30 (MGIB-AD) benefits. Those Veterans
requesting Ch 33 can receive up to 36 months of
Ch 33 benefits if they have not used any previous
Ch 30 benefits. Those Veterans whom have used a
portion of their Ch 30 benefits will receive the
remaining months of entitlement under Ch 33, not
to exceed 36 months between both benefit
types. Example Sgt Jones used 12 months of Ch
30 and relinquished the remaining 24 months of
entitlement for Ch 33. Sgt Jones will now
receive 24 months of Ch 33 benefits. A Veteran
relinquishing Ch 1606 or 1607 Generally,
Veterans whom have served in the National Guard
or Reserves may have Title 10 service that would
allow the Veteran to relinquish an eligible
benefit. Those Veterans may have one or more
benefits such as Ch 1606 and Ch 1607. The
National Guard member or Reservist may relinquish
the lesser of the two benefits and receive up to
36 months of benefits under Ch 33. The total
months of entitlement in two or more programs is
no more than 48 months. Example Sgt Green is
currently serving in the Army Reserve. He was
deployed for one year in 2004. He is eligible
for both Ch 1606 (MGIB-SR) and Ch 1607 (REAP).
He has not used any benefit. He can now
relinquish Ch 1606 and receive 36 months of Ch 33
and still have another 12 months of Ch 1607.
Delimiting Date for Ch 33 Veterans will have
15 years to use Ch 33. The time to use the
benefit starts upon separation from active duty.
Future periods of active duty will allow the
Veteran to regain a new period of 15 years.
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When can transferees use the transferred benefit
Ch 33 basic rules for Spouses (transferee) (1)
May start to use the benefit immediately. (2) May
use the benefit while the member remains in the
Armed Forces or after separation from active
duty. (3) Is not eligible for the monthly stipend
or books and supplies stipend while the member is
serving on active duty. (4) Can use the benefit
for up to 15 years after the service members
last separation form active duty. Click on the
following link for all details associated with
transfers DOD TRANSFER SITE Ch 33 basic rules
for Children (transferee) (1) May start to use
the benefit only after the individual making the
transfer has completed at least 10 years of
service in the Armed Forces. (2) May use the
benefit while the eligible individual remains in
the Armed Forces or after separation from active
duty. (3) May not use the benefit until he/she
has attained a secondary school diploma (or
equivalency certificate), or reached 18 years of
age. (4) Is entitled to the monthly stipend and
books and supplies stipend even though the
eligible individual is on active duty. (5) Is not
subject to the 15-year delimiting date, but may
not use the benefit after reaching 26 years of
age. (6)Must not be married at the time of the
transfer and must not have turned 23 or older at
the time of the transfer Click on the following
link for all details associated with transfers
DOD TRANSFER SITE
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The payments to my school

• Chapter 33 allows for Tuition and Fees and
  Yellow Ribbon payments paid directly to your
  school. We have summarized the payments below
• Tuition and Fees Tuition and fees are paid
  directly to your school based on the amount your
  school reports and the percentage of benefits
  payable to the Veteran. The amount of tuition
  and fees payable cannot exceed the highest
  instate rate as published yearly on our web site.
  To check the highest instate rate for your
  state, click on the following link Maximum T/F
  In-State Rates.
• Yellow Ribbon payments Yellow Ribbon (YR)
  payments are payments made directly to the
  school. YR payments are based on the amount of
  tuition and/or fees above the maximum in-state
  rates as published. For example, If your
  Tuition per credit is 500 and the maximum
  in-state rate is 300. YR payments would be
  considered for the amount above 300 or in this
  example 200 per credit. This additional YR
  payment is based on a joint agreement between
  your school and the VA. Remember that only those
  Veterans receiving 100 benefit rate can qualify.
  The following link will give you details about
  Yellow Ribbon Yellow Ribbon Program
• If your school would like to participate in the
  Yellow Ribbon program, your school must apply to
  the VA (typically in spring of the year prior to
  the upcoming academic year). The following link
  will give your school details on applying for the
  Yellow Ribbon Program Yellow Ribbon Application
  Procedures
• School Officials are required to report tuition
  and fees to VA. This is a critical step in the
  process of ensuring that the correct amount of
  tuition and fees is paid to your school. Please
  click on the light bulb to learn more about
  Reporting Tuition and Fees

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I Housing Allowance
Many beneficiaries receiving Chapter 33 benefits
can receive 3 types of payments A housing
allowance A book stipend and a kicker payment.
We have summarized the payments below Housing
Allowance A monthly housing allowance is paid
to beneficiaries while enrolled in school. Not
all Chapter 33 beneficiaries will qualify for the
housing allowance. The following summarizes
eligibility issues for the monthly housing
benefit 1. Student must be enrolled at
over-half time training time (51 or more). More
information on this requirement can be found
here 51 Training Time 2. Student must be
taking at least one credit in residence
(classroom). 3. Student cannot be currently on
active duty. 4. Transferee (Spouse) of active
duty member will not receive the housing
allowance. Housing allowance payments are paid
out based on the percent of benefit payable to
the beneficiary and the physical location of the
school VA uses government per diem data to
calculate the housing allowance based on the E-5
with dependent rate. To figure out the housing
rate for your schools location, you will need to
go to the official DOD per diem site, add the
current year, zip code of your school and pay
grade of E-5. Once you click execute, you will
find two columns (E-5 with dependents E-5
without dependents). Your housing rate will be
located under E-5 with dependents. Here is the
link to the DOD per diem site Housing allowance
Link We will now look at the Book Stipend and
Kicker Payment. Click on happy book to find out
more about these benefits.
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51 Training Time
What does it mean to be at 51 or more training
time ? With Chapter 33, being enrolled in at
least 51 training time is the difference of
receiving a housing allowance benefit or not.
There are many variables that can either add a
housing allowance or keep you from the housing
allowance. Consider these requirements when
determining if you will be eligible for a housing
allowance For undergraduate students
Generally, a two year or four year institution of
higher learning (e.g. college, university)
considers 12 credits per standard term to be
full-time. In order to receive a housing
allowance, you would need to be enrolled in at
least 7 credits. For graduate students
Graduate schools have specific requirements for
determining full-time training. Schools will
inform VA of what is considered to be full-time
at their institutions. Graduate students will
need to become aware of the full-time credit load
in order to determine if a housing allowance is
available to them (based on 51 or more of the
full-time credit load). Residence and Online
Courses Those enrolled in online only courses
will not receive a housing allowance. You must
be enrolled in at least one residence course
during any term in order to receive the housing
allowance. For example, an undergraduate student
who is enrolled in 6 online credits and 1
residence credit (total of 7 credits) would
receive the housing allowance. However, a
student taking 12 online credits and 0 residence
credits would not receive a housing
allowance. Length of Term While typical quarter
or semester terms consists of between 12 and 16
weeks respectively, many institutions offer
accelerated (non-standard) terms. The length of
the term may change the training time based on
the formula VA uses. For example, an accelerated
term may consist of just a few weeks and perhaps
only one course would qualify for a housing
allowance. You may be able to better understand
how VA determines training time by clicking on
the link that will give you some training aids to
determine training time Training Time Tools
Available is a non-standard term spreadsheet and
both a semester and quarter hour matrix that may
assist you in determining if your course training
time. Multiple courses with varying start and
end dates may cause you to either receive a
housing allowance or end your housing allowance
as VA will calculate training times on a daily
basis. Contact our education hotline at
1-888-442-4551 if you have questions on your
particular situation.
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Ch 33 payments for Active duty / spouse
Active duty service members Tuition and Fees
100 of tuition and fees is paid to an active
duty service member (regardless of the cost) at
any approved program. Housing Allowance Those
currently on active duty are not entitled to a
separate housing allowance while on active duty.
Book Stipend A book