1. April 2011

2. Certifying Officials Training  Responsibilities of Certifying Officials  Certify Enrollment  Certify Changes in Enrollment  Certify to DVA and PA DMVA (EAP & TA)  Secure program approval thru SAA  Keep the SAA informed of new programs, changes in programs, calendars, institutional changes, etc.  Keep up-to-date on current VA rules and benefits.

3. Responsibilities of Certifying Officials Assist veterans and eligible dependents in applying for education benefits Maintain student’s VA folders Monitor student’s academic progress Provide veterans education benefits info Designation of Certifying Official VA Form 22-8794

4.  Responsibilities of Certifying Officials  Refer to the GI Bill Website often www.gibill.va.govwww.gibill.va.gov  Read and keep your notebook handy as a reference on veterans education benefits  Use the Certifying Official Information  Attend VA and SAA training opportunities.  Enroll in VA on-line training

6. Determination of Eligibility  DVA makes VA eligibility determinations  Iowa National Guard makes NGEAP eligibility determinations, program managed by Iowa College Student Aid Commission Services make TA determination  Certifying Officials provide basic information  Veterans “Ask a Question” or call 1-888-442-4551  When in doubt, submit the paperwork!

7. GI Bill Chapters MGIB Active Duty Chapter 30 Veterans Educational Assistance Program Chapter 32 (VEAP) Dependent’s Educational Assistance Chapter 35 (DEA) MGIB Selected Reserve Chapter 1606 Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP) Chapter 1607 Vocational Rehabilitation Chapter 31 Post-9/11 GI Bill Chapter 33

9. Chapter 30 (MGIB-AD) First entered active duty on or after July 1, 1985, or entered active duty before Jan 1, 1977, and remained on active duty until after July 1, 1985. Paid $1200 to participate. Initial term of service was two years or more. Honorable discharge. High school diploma or GED prior to applying for benefits.

10. Chapter 32 (VEAP) First entered active service between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985. Contributed funds to a VEAP account. Has funds remaining to use. Benefit amount depends on amount contributed. Discharge can be anything other than Dishonorable. Very few veterans in this program

11. Chapter 35 (DEA) Spouse, surviving spouse, or dependent children of a claimant who: Died on Active Duty in the line of duty, Died from a service connected disability, Died while having a service connected disability evaluated as permanent in nature, Is rated as 100% permanently and totally service connected disabled, or Was held captive as a POW or was MIA for more than 90 days.

12. Chapter 35 (DEA) Continued… Entitlement is 45 months of full time payments. Delimiting date is: o 10 years from date of eligibility for spouses. o 20 years from date of eligibility for surviving spouses. o 8 years from date of eligibility for children

13. Chapter 1606 (MGIB-SR) First entered Guard/Reserves on or after July 1, 1985. Remain in an active drilling status with a Unit. Must have a minimum six year obligation. Completed Initial Active Duty for Training. Have a high school diploma or GED before applying for benefits. No delimiting date. Chapter 1607 may revert back to 1606 after discharge for # months activated + four months

14. Chapter 1607 (REAP) For Reservists called to active duty under a Title 10 contingency operation after 09/11/01, and who served 90 continuous days or more. NG eligible under Sec 502(f), Title 32. Benefit pays a portion of the MGIB Active Duty rate depending on activation period. Members must remain in their component to use benefits. May revert to remaining 1606 upon discharge.

15. Chapter 1607 (REAP) Continued… New rules apply based on NDAA 2008. Delimiting date of 10 years under certain conditions. $600 Buy-up authorized. Eligibility retained during breaks in service. 80% Rate for REAP under new conditions May received Accelerated payment.

16. Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation) Program for disabled veterans Voc Rehab Counselor works with veteran Testing process determines eligibility If eligible, veterans receives full tuition, fees, books, & approved supplies. Veteran also receives monthly subsistence payment

17. Additional $600 MGIB Buy Up  Claimants eligible for Chapter 30 Active Duty under MGIB Category I benefits and Chapter 1607 (REAP) are eligible to contribute an additional $600 while on active duty.  This will give the claimant as much as an additional $150 per month for full time training. ($1.00 per month for each $4.00 contributed.)

18. Entitlement - The amount of monthly full-time benefits a claimant will receive.  Up to 36 months for MGIB.  Up to 48 months for combined benefit types. (Example: If a claimant used 36 months under MGIB chapter 30, they may use an additional 12 months of Chapter 1606 or 1607 benefits.)

19. Entitlement Charges Continued…  Entitlement is charged one day for each day of full-time training. o For example: A claimant attending school full-time for 30 days is charged 1 month of entitlement. o A claimant attending school ½ time for 60 days is charged 1 month of entitlement

20. Entitlement Charges Continued… Chapter 30 veterans with one day of entitlement remaining may start and finish a semester at the full-time rate. Veterans may “round-out” their last semester with courses that are not part of their program.

21. Delimiting Date  Different than entitlement.  The amount of time a claimant has to use his/her education benefits from their eligibility date.  Benefits are stopped on the delimiting date. Extensions are rare and dictated by law.

22. Delimiting Dates  Chapter 30 – 10 years from date of discharge.  Chapter 1606 – 14 years from eligibility date on NOBE effective Oct 1, 1992 and later.  Chapter 1606 – 10 years from eligibility date on NOBE effective Sept 30, 1992 and earlier.  Chapter 1607 – 10 years from date of discharge under certain conditions.  Chapter 32/34 – Call the VA 1-888-442-4551  Chapter 35 – Varies from date veteran became 100% disabled or deceased.

23. Tuition Assistance Top Up (Chapter 30 Only)  “Top up” this is the portion of school cost that DOD TA doesn’t cover. VA pays top up for any course paid by DOD. These courses do not have to be approved for VA benefits.  Claimant applies on VA 22-1990.  Requires Education Officer Signature.

24. In-Service Use of MGIB  Claimants may begin using MGIB-AD chapter 30 benefits after serving two years active duty.  Servicepersons are only reimbursed for tuition and fees up to the veteran’s maximum rate (this may include college fund payments and $600.00 buy up).  Servicepersons are not paid for breaks between terms.  Servicepersons on transition leave are paid T & F until date of discharge & as a veteran the day after.

25. Other Funds  VA refers to these as “kickers.”  There are kickers for chapters 30, 32, 1606 and 1607.  College funds are also paid with VA benefits.  Dollar amount established by DOD.  Prorated for non completion of contract (chapter 30).  Paid in addition to monthly benefits.  Prorated monthly for less than full time training.

26. Application for Benefits VA Form 22-1990 or VA Form 22-5490 First time applying for benefits Verify form is complete, signed, and dated VONAPP (On-line application) VA Form 22-1995 or VA Form 22-5495 Previously used benefits Do not send to St. Louis RPO Do not give to veteran to complete and send Keep copy on file, Make remark on Enrollment Cert

27. Supporting Documents  DD Form 214 (Record of Discharge)  Notice of Basic Eligibility (DD Form 2384) “Kicker” paperwork  Enlistment incentives  Leave and Earning Statements  Letters of Eligibility

28. Processing Supporting Documents Review all forms before submission Forms complete and legible Black ink – no highlighting SSN or file number top right hand corner No staples – tape voided checks to paper Keep copies of all documents in folder

29. Completion of Enrollment Certification Certification can not exceed 12 months Good and Bad Must list each semester/term separately List credit hours/clock hours accurately May submit 120 days prior to first day of the semester/term if student pre-registered If less than ½ time, submit on first day of classes and report tuition and fees

30. When should Enrollment Certification be Completed?  Ch 30, 1606, 1607 – May be done up to 120 days before beginning of the term.  Ch 35 – Returning Student – 120 days before beginning of the term.  Ch 35 – Applying for the First Time – 30 days before the beginning of the term.  Less than ½ time – on or after first day of class. If feasible, certify enrollments for the entire school year.

31. Completion of Enrollment Certification  VA-ONCE – Preferred method  Paper: VA 22-1999 – Initial Enrollment  Paper: VA 22-1999b – Changes to Enrollment  Keep copies  Do not send paperwork more than once  Missing paperwork??? – Get name and Fax #

32. Completion of Enrollment Certification  VA-ONCE (ON-line Certification of Enrollment)  Prompts for information  Inputs data into ECAP  Print out certification for school record  Easy to make changes to enrollment  Cert and Trans ID Number identifies Cert

33. VA-ONCE Training  Available on-line at www.gibill.va.govwww.gibill.va.gov  Available through the Iowa SAA as required.  Contact Ms. Deb Taylor at Deb.Taylor@iowa.gov or by phone at (515) 281.3317 to schedule VA-Once Training or to make an appointment with an Iowa State Approving Agency consultantDeb.Taylor@iowa.gov

34. How Long Does Processing Take  Processing times depend on a number of variables such as the time of year, the current workload pending at the RPO, the development time on the claim, etc..  New enrollment certifications: 8 to 10 weeks  Re-certifications: 4-6 weeks  See the GI BILL website for a link to each RPO’s individual website where average processing times will be posted.

35. How are Benefits Paid?  Benefits are paid monthly for the previous month.  Based on a 30 day calendar month.  Prorated for partial months.  Prorated for less than full time training. Include college funds or kickers.  Always paid in arrears

36. WAVE  Web Automated Verification of Enrollment  On the GI Bill Website  Claimants verify enrollment at the end of each month.  Best to verify the last day of the month.  Chapters 30, 32, 1606 & 1607. (Not Ch 35). Optional: 1-877-823-2378.

37. Monthly Rates Monthly rates are established by Congress effective October 1 each year. Rates are found on: Claimant’s VA Award Letter. WAVE GIBILL website (the rates here do not include college fund kickers or the additional MGIB $600 buy up program).

38. Changes to Enrollment Status Report to DVA within 30 days or sooner. Report accurate last day of attendance. Report as punitive/non-punitive. EAP – determine after drop/add period is over Report Change in Program. Do not report if student is full-time before and after the changes in a standard semester.

39. Call to Active Duty Interaction with Certifying Officials. Copies of Orders to RPO. Maintain contact with student Restoration of Entitlement (ROE). Extensions to Delimiting Date. IA Mil Code Section

40. Active Duty Active Duty – Title 10 USC. Active Duty for Training Initial Active Duty for Training (IADT). Active Duty Special Work (ADSW). Annual Training. State Active Duty. Active Guard/Reserve (AGR).

41. Title 10 Eligible for ROE  Chapter 1606: Any call up under Title 10 after August 1, 1990.  Chapters 1607, 30, 32, and 35: After September 11, 2001, Title 10 Sections 688, 12301(a), 12301(d), 12301(g), 12302, and 12304.  Call ups under Title 32 (State Authority) or State Active Duty (SAD) do not qualify for ROE or extensions to delimiting date under the MGIB or VEAP programs.

42. Call to Active Duty  Mitigating circumstances automatically applied.  VA will pay until the last day of attendance.  Send copy of active duty order to RPO for restoration of entitlement.  When veteran returns, send Member Copy 4 of DD 214 to RPO for extension of delimiting date.

43. Call to Active Duty  Report actual last day of attendance.  Do NOT report First Day of Term as effective date.  Add Remark to Enrollment Cert stating that student was called to active duty.  Maintain folder and information in preparation for welcoming student upon return from active duty.

44. Restoration of Entitlement  All Chapters forward DD 214 to RPO  Chapter 1606 complete VA 22-1995 and forward with DD 214 to apply for 1607.  Chapter 1606 – 4 months + # days on AD  Chapter 30 over 90 days – New 10 yr date

45. Advance Pay New student or more than 30 day break and no interval pay. DVA must receive request 30 days prior to the first day of classes. Provides payment for first partial month and first full month of enrollment. Next payment made after the end of the second full month. School must agree to receipt of advance pay Student must be registered for classes at least ½ time. Advance pay helps a veteran pay expenses at the time of registration.

46. Change of Program/Place of Training VA Form 22-1995 or VA Form 22-5495 Next enrollment certification must show credit allowed for prior training DVA will make determination after second change in program Change in Place of Training prevents veteran from receiving benefits from two schools. Guest student – no 1995 or 5495 required.

47. Satisfactory Progress  In accordance with school policy.  Must report if veteran on academic probation for two consecutive semesters/terms.  Benefits can be restored when cause removed.  Benefits payable to repeat “F”  Benefits payable to repeat “D” one time if a “C” or better is required.

48. Certification for Summer  Training Time Equivalency Table  Certify accurate beginning and ending dates.  Certify different terms and parts of term separately.  DVA will determine benefits

49. Reporting Fees School compensated $7.00 per student certified ($11.00 if advanced pay). List generated Dec each year as of Oct. School (VACO) should verify list. Report discrepancies to ELR.

50. Financial Aid Recommend all veterans/dependents apply for financial aid. www.fafsa.ed.gov www.fafsa.ed.gov Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?” YES: Active duty for purposes other than training? Released under a condition other than dishonorable? Never engaged in active duty ROTC student or attending a service academy National Guard/Reserve activated for training only. Released under dishonorable conditions

51. Financial Aid Scholarships, loan forgiveness, and grants Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) www.moaa.org/scholarshipfinder www.fastweb.com Loan Forgiveness – Unit of Assignment Loan Deferments – Students serving on active duty in time of war including National Guard and Selected Reserve

52. Financial Aid  See Iowa College Student Aid Commission’s Website http:www.IowaCollegeAid.Org  NGEAP Education Assistance Program (NGEAP)  Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)  Military Loan Deferment  Higher Education Opportunity Act  Educational Gratuity Program

53. MGIB Website Search tools. Links to all 4 RPOs. Contact information. Current Pay Rates. Online Forms. Certify online. Overview of Education Benefit Programs

54. MGIB Website  Ask a Question and Find Answers  Available 24 hours / day.  More secure than sending an e-mail.  Log-on from anywhere.  Veterans receive a response / answer on an average of 3 – 4 business days.  Certifying Officials receive response /answer within 24 hours.

55. References for Veterans  Education Benefits – 1-888-442-4551  www.gibill.va.govwww.gibill.va.gov  www.gibill.va.gov – “Ask a Question”  General Info – 1-800-827-1000  Direct Deposit – WAVE or 1-877-838-2778  www.fafsa.ed.gov

56. Ordering VA Forms & Publications  VA Form 20-8800 West of Mississippi – Fax: 1-215-381-3163  In an Emergency situation:  Call Ernie Pagano at 1-716-857-3391

57. Hints  Tell your veterans to verify on the WAVE  Verify file numbers for Chapter 35 students  Make use of VA Work-Study Program  Establish points of contact  Ensure accuracy  Refer veterans to the VA  Deal only with the veteran

58. Helpful Hints for performing as the VACO  Know me or our VA assigned ELR  Be familiar with the GI Bill Website: www.gibill.va.gov – School Officials Area  Use VAONCE  Be familiar with financial aid  Consult the NAPVA website

59. Point of Contact Thomas Beasley 515.281.3317 or Thomas.Beasley@iowa.gov Thomas.Beasley@iowa.gov Iowa Department of Education Veterans and Military Education Section Iowa State Approving Agency 400 East Grand Des Moines, IA 50310 Michael Dommer, Consultant Michael.dommer@iowa.gov Deb Taylor, Administrative Assistant Deb.Taylor@iowa.gov