1. We are all in this together… learning together
POST 9/11 GI BILL (Chapter 33) Presented by Spokane Community College Veterans’ Affairs Office
We are all in this together… learning together
Ana Roney,
Spokane Community College
VA Certifying Official

2. THE GOOD NEWS… …at this point in time…

3. What does Chapter 33 Provide?
Cost of tuition and fees (for applicable credits only) not to exceed the highest cost of in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher learning in the state you are attending school
Monthly housing allowance equal to the basic allowance for housing payable to an E-5 with dependents, in the same zip code as the school (takes the place of prior chapter monthly payments)
Yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 per year
Extended delimiting date allows 15 years from date of discharge to use benefits
Effective August 1, 2009:

4. Additional Provisions:
Tutorial Assistance:
Up to $100 per month not to exceed a total of $1200.
VA Approved Licensing and Certification test:
Only one test may be reimbursed, not to exceed the cost of the test up to a maximum of $2000.
Work Study:
Authorized for individuals training at ¾ time or higher. Only at VA approved facilities
Rural Program: One time payment of $500 if student resides in a county with 6 persons or less per sq. mile and either:
Physically relocates at least 500 miles or…
Travels by air to physically attend an IHL (no other transportation exists)

5. ~~Then you may be eligible for Chapter 33 benefits~~
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?
Do you have the following?
90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001?
Discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days?
Exhausted your months of entitlement… or are about to exhaust your entitlement? (Can receive up to 12 more months if Chapter 30 entitlement exhausted!)
~~Then you may be eligible for Chapter 33 benefits~~

6. POST 9/11 GI BILL (Ch 33) Benefit Chart
IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE…HOW MUCH WILL YOU RECEIVE? This chart is an indication only of the percentage you may be allowed. There are many variables in how applicable active duty time is calculated. Officially applying for this new bill is the only way to find out exactly what you will receive. VA must check with Department of Defense for full service information
POST 9/11 GI BILL (Ch 33) Benefit Chart
Individuals serving an aggregate period of active duty after 9/10/01 of:
Percentage of Maximum Benefit Payable (books at 100% = $1000 maximum per year):
At least 36 Months
100% of tuition, monthly housing allowance, books
At least 30 continuous days and discharged due to service-connected disability
100 % of tuition, monthly housing allowance, books
At least 30 months…less than 36 months
90 % of tuition, monthly housing allowance, books
At least 24 months…less than 30 months
80 % of tuition, monthly housing allowance, books
At least 18 months...less than 24 months
70 % of tuition, monthly housing allowance, books
excludes service on active duty in entry level and skill training
At least 12 months…less than 18 months
60 % of tuition, monthly housing allowance, books
At least 6 months…less than 12 months
50 % of tuition, monthly housing allowance, books
At least 90 days…less than 6 months
40 % of tuition, monthly housing allowance, books

7. YELLOW RIBBON PROGRAM
Tuition is covered up to the highest in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution.
Some schools charge higher tuition than allowed
Those schools may enter into an agreement with the VA to contribute money up to 50% of the difference in tuition for the student
VA will match school’s 50% contribution
Not all schools will offer Yellow Ribbon Program and may offer it as they see fit
Only those veterans with 100% benefits will be eligible
Access for more information

8. Chapter 30 (MGIB) Contribution Refund
Once you have exhausted your entitlement under the Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) you will be refunded a portion of your $1,200 contribution.
If you do not exhaust your Post 9/11 entitlement you will not receive a refund.
Refund of Extra $600 contribution is not authorized.

9. THE NOT SO GOOD NEWS… Well…Some things to be mindful of:

10. Transfer of Entitlement:
DOD (Department of Defense) is in complete charge of this program (subject to change at any time)
To be eligible servicemember must:
Be on active Duty on August 1, 2009
Complete 6 years of active duty
Enlist for 4 more years
More Questions? Check with your branch for further DOD information

11. Other Things to Consider:
You must have 36 months of active duty after 9/11 to receive 100% of the bill’s benefits. Anything less will allow for prorated amounts.
Tuition will be sent to the school. Quarterly prorated book amount and allowed college fund and education kicker payments will be sent to the student as lump sum separate payments at the beginning of each quarter.
REMEMBER: VA will pay tuition only for classes that are required for graduation in your specific program.

12. Housing allowance replaces current monthly payment
Housing allowance replaces current monthly payment. Housing allowance is scheduled to be received monthly but may not be received in a fluid manner and may be received later than usual.
Schools must certify each quarter/semester separately (instead of certifying the school year) to the VA. Many schools will be unable to certify a student until a completed, final registration is received from the student.
…This new certifying process will cause a delay in your monthly payments.

13. There is a potential for much larger VA overpayments
There is a potential for much larger VA overpayments. Now overpayments may also include prorated amounts of VA paid tuition. Best Advice to limit overpayments: Be very careful to select applicable classes. Do not submit your registration to the Veterans Office until you have completely finalized your schedule.
Rate of pursuit must be greater than 50% to receive anything more than tuition and books. VA Work Study pursuit must be 75% (9 credits) . Seven credits is usually 51% of pursuit at quarter system institutions.

14. If rate of pursuit is 50% or below (1-6 credits) no housing allowance available…books and tuition will be prorated down.
$600 Buy-Up kicker will not be recognized under Chapter 33 (and is not refundable)
(Other kickers, such as College Fund, Guard/Reserve kickers will apply)

15. Distance Learning such as online courses, telecourses, etc are not recognized for payment unless at least one class is campus based.
Vocational type training , including flight training and apprenticeship/OJT are not covered under Chapter 33 and will be paid at the Chapter 30 rate.
If a vocational/professional technical program is approved for a IHL (institution of higher learning such as SCC, SFCC, EWU, WSU, etc.) Program may be paid using Chapter 33 benefits.

16. Once you elect to receive Chapter 33 benefits --
REMEMBER
Once you elect to receive Chapter 33 benefits --
it is irrevocable

17. REMEMBER
Review everything available by accessing information contained on the VA Education Website before you make a decision.
Use the website to submit questions or call the VA. Schools are unable to advise you regarding this important decision.

18. How Does this all Work at Spokane Community College?
1. Access the application for Chapter 33 online at
You may apply online using
VONAPP
OR…
Download the application and mail to the Muskogee, OK address provided..
2. After VA processes your application they will send you a Certificate of Eligibility letter (COE).
3. Register for your classes. Be certain your schedule is in its final stage . Bring your COE letter and completed schedule to SCC;s Veterans Office for Processing

19. A VIEW OF THE WWW.GIBILL.VA.GOV WEBSITE

20. Again… Please be patient
Bring your Certificate of Eligibility letter and completed schedule to SCC’s Veterans Affairs Office for processing.
Please be patient
The VA is doing the best they can to administer this new GI Bill without all the processing needs in place. They may be late in processing your award .
A side note: The VA is in place to administer the laws …not create them. If you are unhappy with GI Bill regulations please contact your Federal legislative representative(s)

21. MORE INFORMATION?: VA Website: www.gibill.va.gov
Military Website:
VA Phone:
SCC Veterans Office:
SCC Veterans Affairs Website: