Veterans Administration Education Benefits Travis Williams VA School Certifying Official Lynn University Jenna FABSAA Annual Conference 2018 Daytona Beach, Florida

Veterans Administration Education Benefits Travis Williams VA School Certifying Official

Introduction The purpose of this presentation is to educate you on the types of VA benefits and to share best practices I have been a designated VA School Certifying Official since 2010 I have certified thousands of veteran students’ benefits I regularly attend the annual VA Conference held at St. Pete Beach

Topics of Discussion Honoring our veterans A brief history of VA education benefits Types of VA benefits An overview of the VA-Once website Sharing best practices learned over the years Available Resources

Honoring Our Veterans The American veteran is our nation’s greatest asset “I support the troops.” The role of a School Certifying Official

A Brief History of VA Education Benefits WWI veterans march on DC in the summer of 1932 to demand payment of the 1924 Bonus Act President Hoover orders Army Chief of Staff Douglas MacArthur to remove the Bonus Army; violence ensues

A Brief History of VA Education Benefits WWII provides Congress with a chance at redemption President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs into law the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 Commonly referred to as the GI Bill By 1947, half of all college admissions were veterans Law provided education benefits, loan guaranty for homes and businesses, and unemployment pay

A Brief History of VA Education Benefits In 1984, Mississippi Congressman Gillespie Montgomery lobbies successfully to extend the GI Bill New law, Montgomery GI Bill, ensures benefits will continue Latest and current iteration, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, signed into law in 2008

Types of VA Education Benefits Ch. 35, Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEAP) For disabled or deceased veterans’ dependents Benefit pays directly to the dependent About $1,000/month Ch. 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment For disabled veterans Veteran obtains VA Form 22-1905 from local office We certify the enrollment on VA-Once, then bill their case manager Typically pays 100%

Types of VA Education Benefits Ch. 33, Post-9/11 GI Bill Strongest and most robust version of Servicemen’s Readjustment Act 0f 1944 Pays up to 100% of tuition and fees, based on length of service on or after September 11th, 2001 Provides a living stipend known as BAH, Basic Allowance for Housing, amount based on zip code Pays a books and supplies stipend, $500/semester Allows for the transfer of unused benefits to dependents Yellow Ribbon program for 100% eligible veterans

The VA-Once Website VA website for School Certifying Officials to submit enrollment certifications We report the following information to the VA: Beginning and end date of the term Type of training being reported- residential vs distance Amount of tuition and fees Potential Yellow Ribbon amount

The VA-Once Website

Best Certification Practices Compliance surveys are conducted annually by the State Approving Agency, and are not necessarily fun By following these practices, you can increase the fun level: Keep physical file folders with all the veteran’s documents: eligibility, refunds, certifications, etc. Pre-certify the veteran at $0 tuition and fees so that the VA can process book and BAH stipends Check attendance WEEKLY, and adjust VA certifications accordingly

Available Resources School Certifying Official’s Handbook: https://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/docs/job_aids/SC O_Handbook.pdf School Certifying Official’s Hotline Ask your Education Liaison Representative GI Bill Hotline: 888-442-4551

Always remind yourself: In Closing My contact information: twilliams@lynn.edu 561-237-7837 Always remind yourself: Honor the American veteran through your dedication to timely and accurate processing of his or her benefits.