1. A Guide to GI Bill Educational Benefits Illinois State Approving Agency

2. Agenda Introduction The Illinois State Approving Agency Types of Approved Programs Approval Criteria New Developments Monthly Benefit Rates Federal and State Benefits –Licensing and Certification Tests –Work Study Program –Tutorial Assistance Program –Illinois Veterans Grant (IVG) –Troops to Teachers Discussion

3. Thank you! Thank you for serving our nations’ veterans. We are very appreciative of your support! If you have any questions, ask us and we will help you find the answer.

4. Illinois State Approving Agency (SAA) The SAA approves the following types of programs: Colleges and Universities Vocational Schools Business Schools Professional Schools Vocational Flight Schools High Schools Apprenticeships On-the-Job Training Programs Entrepreneurship Courses The SAA conducts “Outreach” by: Conducting Transition Assistance Briefings (TAP) Through publications and printed materials Presenting at Veterans’ meetings Administration of a GI Bill Effectiveness Survey

5. May not receive GI Bill Benefits for: Bartending Courses Non-accredited independent study classes Self-improvement courses Audited courses Courses already successfully completed Courses that don’t lead to an educational, professional, or vocational objective

6. Important Information About the GI Bill Three Main Components: Education and Training Small Business Loans Home Loans Time Considerations: Veterans Have 10 years after separation from service to use their GI Bill Education Benefit GI Bill Benefit May Apply to: Veterans Eligible Dependents National Guard and Reserve Members

7. Approval Criteria – The Basics School publications MUST meet VA approval requirements i.e. Admissions requirements, Grading Scale etc. Must be licensed by the State of Illinois. Must provide training that leads to an educational, vocational or professional objective. In some cases, the school MUST be in operation for two continuous years.

8. GI Bill - New Developments Prior credit no longer needs to be reported to the VA on certifications. Schools are still required to evaluate and award prior credit. These records must be available for the SAA and the VA for audit purposes. “Mini” terms must be certified separately.

9. Chapter 30: Educational Assistance Allowance GI BILL ACTIVE DUTY (3+Years of Service) BASIC MONTHLY RATES- GI BILL ACTIVE DUTY (3+Years of Service) TYPE OF TRAINING FULL TIMETHREE-QUARTERONE-HALF INSTITUTIONAL$1,101.00$825.75$550.50 LESS THAN HALF-TIME Tuition and Fees ONLY: Not to Exceed the Rate of $550.50 For Less Than Half-Time, But More Than One Quarter-Time and $275.25 For One Quarter- Time or less COOPERATIVE$1,101.00 (Full Time Only) CORRESPONDENCEEntitlement Charged At The Rate Of One Month For Each $1,101.00 Paid. APPRENTICESHIP ON-THE-JOB TRAINING First 6 Months Second 6 Months Remainder of Program $935.85 $715.65 $495.45 FLIGHTEntitlement Charged At The Rate Of One Month For Each $1,101.00 Paid. *The following basic monthly rates are effective October 1, 2007

10. Chapter 30: Educational Assistance Allowance GI BILL ACTIVE DUTY (Less than 3 years of Service) BASIC MONTHLY RATES- GI BILL ACTIVE DUTY (Less than 3 years of Service) TYPE OF TRAINING FULL TIMETHREE-QUARTERONE-HALF INSTITUTIONAL $894.00$670.50$447.00 LESS THAN HALF-TIME Tuition and Fees ONLY: Not to Exceed the Rate of $447.00 For Less Than Half- Time, But More Than One Quarter-Time and $223.50 For One Quarter-Time or less COOPERATIVE$894.00 (Full Time Only) CORRESPONDENCEEntitlement Charged At The Rate Of One Month For Each $894.00 Paid. APPRENTICESHIP ON-THE-JOB TRAINING First 6 Months Second 6 Months Remainder of Program $759.90 $581.10 $402.30 FLIGHTEntitlement Charged At The Rate Of One Month For Each $894.00 Paid. *The following basic monthly rates are effective October 1, 2007

11. Chapter 1606: Educational Assistance Allowance SELECTED RESERVE BASIC MONTHLY RATES- SELECTED RESERVE TYPE OF TRAINING FULL TIMETHREE-QUARTERONE-HALF INSTITUTIONAL$317.00$237.00$157.00 LESS THAN HALF-TIME Tuition and Fees: $79.25 COOPERATIVE$317.00 (Full Time Only) CORRESPONDENCEPaid at 55% of the approved charges for the course. Entitlement charged at the rate of one month for each $317.00 paid. APPRENTICESHIP ON-THE-JOB TRAINING First 6 Months Second 6 Months Remainder of Program $269.45 $206.05 $142.65 FLIGHTPaid at 60% of the approved charges for the course. Entitlement charged at the rate of one month for each $317.00 paid. *The following basic monthly rates are effective October 1, 2007

12. Chapter 1607: Reserve Educational Assistance Program - REAP Provides an enhanced benefit amount to eligible reserve or guard members who have been called to active duty. Benefits are paid based on length of service. Service TimePercentage of Active Duty Rate (CH 30) 90 Days but less than 1 Year40% 1 Year but less than 2 Years60% 2 or more continuous years80%

13. GI-Bill: Licensing and Certification Tests May receive benefits for a test to obtain a license or certification under Chapters 30,32, and 35. Includes National Tests for college admission i.e. SAT, ACT & GRE. May not receive benefits for other fees relating to a license or certification. Many courses leading to a license or certification are approved for benefits. May take as many tests as you need. You can receive benefits to retake a test you failed, and to renew or update you license or certificate. Can receive reimbursement for the cost of the test up to $2000. See www.gibill.va.gov for approved tests and procedures for reimbursement.www.gibill.va.gov

14. GI Bill: Work Study Program Available to any student receiving VA education benefits while attending school three-quarters time, or more. May work at the school veterans' office, VA Regional Office, VA Medical Facilities, or at approved State employment offices. Work-study students are paid at either the state or Federal minimum wage, which ever is greater. Contact your school’s Certifying Official for details.

15. GI Bill: Tutorial Assistance Program Special allowance for individual tutoring: –Train in school at one-half time or more –Must have deficiency in a subject that is required for the pursuit of the program of study –School must certify tutor’s qualifications and hours Maximum monthly payment of $100 up to $1,200 in total benefits

16. Illinois Veterans’ Grant (IVG) The Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) Program pays tuition and mandatory fees for either undergraduate or graduate study at all Illinois public universities and community colleges for Illinois Veterans who qualify. Basic Eligibility: Must have one full year of active duty in US Armed Forces with an honorable discharge Have resided in Illinois within six months before entering the service Return to Illinois within six months after discharge from the service ***See http://www.collegezone.com for forms and details.http://www.collegezone.com

17. Troops-to-Teachers (TTT) A federally-funded program designed to assist former military personnel with monetary incentives in order to begin a second career in education. Provides guidance, advice and direction for veterans to obtain their teaching certification Is not directly involved with teacher certification Must have a teaching certificate to teach in Illinois Provides a Job Referral system on-line to program participants Service Requirements: 1.Active Duty with 6 or more years of service or Retired from Active Duty 2.Current member of the Selected Reserve with 6 or more years of creditable service towards retirement Justin Savage Illinois Troops-to-Teachers: 312-814-1272 Website: http://www.proudtoserveagain.com

18. Questions? Questions? Best resource to assist with veterans’ benefits questions: IDVA Web Site:http://www.state.il.us/agency/dvahttp://www.state.il.us/agency/dva GI Bill Benefits: http://www.gibill.va.govhttp://www.gibill.va.gov 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) VA Benefits: http://www.va.govhttp://www.va.gov 1-800-827-1000 Enduring/ Iraqi Freedom Benefits:http://www.vba.va.gov/EFIF/benefits.htmhttp://www.vba.va.gov/EFIF/benefits.htm