1. 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

2. 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

3. Federal VA Benefits

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. Non-VA Educational Resources

8. 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.

9. Schools responsibilities for FTA Invoicing each approved request Updating grades within 45 days of course completion

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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

13. Yellow Ribbon Program 13

14. 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

15. 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 non- state residents. Yellow Ribbon Program Continued

16. 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 Yellow Ribbon Program Continued

17. 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

18. 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. Annual Reporting Fees

19. VA GI Bill Feedback System A.K.A. Complaint System VA Website: http://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/Feedback.asp

20. VA GI Bill Feedback System