0. Certification Basics for New Certifying Officials
Eugene, Oregon 2014

1. Topics Covered Education Basics Education Programs/Benefits
VA Overview
Education Services
Education Programs/Benefits
Chapters 30, 31, 35, 1606, 1607, VRAP
Chapter 33 - Post 9/11 GI Bill®
Responsibilities
Students
School Certifying Officials
VA / SAA

2. Regional Processing Offices

3. Education Programs/Benefits
Chapters 30, 31, 35, 1606, 1607, VRAP
Chapter 33 - Post 9/11 GI Bill®
Most chapters pay a flat monthly rate, based on the student’s training time. I’ve lumped them together on the 1st bullet.
The Post 9/11 (including TOW and Fry Scholarship) involves multiple payments and we will review them last.

4. Note: All programs must be approved for VA education benefits
Degrees
Non College Degrees - Certificates or diplomas
Flight Training
Apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training Programs
Reimbursement of cost of License or Certification Test
National Exams such as GRE, SAT, LSAT, CLEP, AP, and GMAT
Note: All programs must be approved for VA education benefits
3 Sessions - Tuesday morning on Lacas, Natl Tests, Tutorial Assistance and Study Abroad.

5. VA Education Programs Chapter 30 - Montgomery GI Bill® (MGIB)
Chapter 31 - Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E)
Chapter 33 - Post 9/11 GI Bill®
Chapter 35 - Dependents Educational Assistance Program (DEA)
Chapter Montgomery GI Bill®-Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
Chapter Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
VRAP - Veterans Retraining Assistance Program for Unemployed Vets

6. Chapter 30 MGIB General Eligibility Requirements
Must first enter on active duty after June 30, 1985.
If obligated period of service is less than 3 years, then the Serviceperson must serve 24 continuous months. If they enlisted for 3 years or more, then Serviceperson must serve at least 36 months (exceptions apply).
Must have a qualifying period of honorable service.
Must not have declined GI Bill® in writing at initial entry. If individual signs up for benefit, service branch will deduct $1200 from service pay.
These are only GENERAL requirements, for other requirements and exceptions please log on to
VA Certifying Official School Handbook page 34/35

7. Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation
Have received, or will receive, a discharge that is other than dishonorable.
Have a service-connected disability rating of at least  10%, or a memorandum rating of  20% or more from the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA).
Apply for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) VetSuccess services.
Note: Visit for specific requirements
VA Certifying Official School Handbook page 37

8. Chapter 35 Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program
You must be the son, daughter, or spouse of:
A Veteran who died or is 100% disabled as a result of a service-connected disability. The disability must arise out of active service in the Armed Forces.
A Veteran who died from any cause while such service-connected disability was in existence.
A Servicemember missing in action or captured in the line of duty by a hostile force.
A Servicemember forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign government or power.
A Servicemember who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a service connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for that disability.
VA Certifying Official School Handbook page 35
3 Sessions - Tuesday morning

9. Chapter 1606 MGIB-SR General Eligibility Requirements
The reservist must have an obligation to serve for a period of not less than 6 years after June 30, 1985.
Has a high school diploma or equivalent.
Completed Initial Active Duty Training (IADT).
Member must maintain satisfactory participation.
Reservists may be eligible for an incentive kicker at service department’s discretion.
VA Certifying Official School Handbook pages 35/36
Only DOD can establish Eligibility
They have 14 years to use their benefits from beginning date of eligibility or until member leaves the Selected Reserves or National Guar.

10. Chapter 1607 (REAP) General Eligibility Requirements
A member of the ready reserve must have served on active duty on or after in support of a contingency (federal) operation for 90 consecutive days or more.
Amount of monthly rate is dependent on how long member was active.
Benefit can be 40%, 60% or 80% of CH30 monthly rate.
VA Certifying Official School Handbook page 36
Only DOD can establish Eligibility
They have 10 years from separation date after completing service contract.
The flat monthly rate is based on length of call-up service and training time.

11. Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP)
VRAP offers up to 12 months of training assistance to unemployed Veterans who:
Are at least 35 but no more than 60 years old
Are unemployed on the date of application
Received an other than dishonorable discharge
Are not eligible for any other VA education benefit program (e.g.: the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, Montgomery GI Bill®, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Assistance)
Are not in receipt of VA compensation due to employability
Are not enrolled in a federal or state job training program
VA Certifying Official School Handbook page Sessions - Tuesday morning
Participants must be enrolled in a VA approved program of education offered by a community college or technical school. The program must lead to an Associate Degree, Non-College Degree, or a Certificate, and train the Veteran for a high demand occupation.
Can use benefit from / , has 12 months of benefits.

12. Training Time (chapters 30, 35, 1606, 1607, VRAP)
VA benefits are paid based on training time.
For undergraduates in a standard quarter or semester, VA measures training time as follows:
12 credits is full-time
9-11 credits is 3/4-time
6-8 credits is 1/2-time
4-5 credits is less than 1/2-time
1-3 credits is 1/4-time or less
For graduates, VA benefits are paid based on the training time certified by the school.
VA Certifying Official School Handbook pages 55/59

13. Training Time (CH 30, 35, 1606, 1607, VRAP) continued
VA benefits are paid based on training time.
Clock hour training time is measured as follows:
18 Clock Hours
Theory Predominates:
18 hours or more = full-time
13-17 hours = 3/4-time
9-12 hours = 1/2-time
5-8 hours = less than 1/2-time
1-4 hours = 1/4-time or less
22 Clock Hours
Shop/Practice Predominates:
22 hours or more = full-time
16-21 hours = 3/4-time
11-15 hours = 1/2-time
6-10 hours = less than 1/2-time
1-5 hours = 1/4-time or less
Clock hour training, generally at NCD schools, but can also be at IHL schools, especially for internships, practicums, etc.
VA payments for NCD Technical and Trade schools were normally based on two factors:
How is the program taught? Is it predominately theory and classroom instructions? Or, is it taught through shop practice?
VA measures each of the two methods as listed on this slide.

14. Education Programs Monthly Rates (CH 30, 35, 1606, 1607, VRAP)
Chapter 30 (Basic Rates)
3 years or more service
Less than 3 years service
Starting
Full-time
3/4-time
1/2-time
10/1/12
$1,564.00
$1,173.00
$782.00
$1,270.00
$952.50
$635.00
10/1/11
$1,473.00
$1,104.75
$736.50
$1,196.00
$897.00
$598.00
Chapter 35
Starting
Full-time
3/4-time
1/2-time
1/4-time
10/1/12
$987.00
$740.00
$491.00
$246.75
10/1/11
$957.00
$718.00
$476.00
$239.25
Chapter 1606
Starting
Full-time
3/4-time
1/2-time
<1/2-time
10/1/12
$356.00
$266.00
$176.00
$89.00
10/1/11
$345.00
$258.00
$171.00
$86.25
Chapter 1607 has the flat monthly rate is based on length of call-up service and training time.
Chapter 1607 (REAP)
Starting 10/1/12
Starting 10/1/11
Service
Full-time
3/4-time
1/2-time
90+ days
$625.60
$469.20
$312.80
$589.20
$441.90
$294.60
1 year +
$938.40
$703.80
$883.80
$662.85
2 years +
$1,251.20
$1,178.40

15. Tuition & fees are paid directly to the school
How Payment Are Made
Chapters 30, 35, 1606, 1607, & VRAP
Monthly benefit is paid directly to the student at the end of each month
Chapter 33
Tuition & fees are paid directly to the school
A Housing Allowance is paid to the student monthly
A Books & Supplies Stipend is paid directly to the student at the beginning of the term
Yellow Ribbon payments is paid directly to the school
3 Sessions - Tuesday Afternoon on Challenges in Payments

16. Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill®
Served on active duty on or after 09/11/01.
Honorable discharge from service.
Served a minimum of 90 aggregate days (excluding entry level and skills training).
Eligibility can also be established if served at least 30 continuous days active duty and discharged for a service-connected disability.
Active duty members eligible on 90th day after completion of entry level training.
Note: Visit for specific requirements
VA Certifying Official School Handbook pages 26/33

17. Chapter 33 - Eligibility Criteria
This is an important factor for Ch33 students to consider if they are eligible for more than 1 chapter..
If they have fewer than 36 months of qualifying service since they would not be eligible for 100% of the benefit and would not be eligible for Yellow Ribbon payments.

18. Established Charges (Tuition/Fees) paid directly to the school
Chapter 33
An eligible Chapter 33 claimant may qualify to receive the following payments:
Established Charges (Tuition/Fees) paid directly to the school
Monthly Housing Allowance paid directly to the student
Book Stipend paid directly to the student
The Post-9/11 GI Bill program is comprised of multiple payments.
If the student is not eligible for the full benefit, the payment and maximum amounts listed will be prorated based on your eligibility percentage.
If a student is eligible at the 80% rate, then it would be 80% of the T&Fs, 80% of the Housing, and 80% of the Books & Supply Stipend.

19. Chapter 33 - Tuition & Fees
The amounts for tuition and fees paid to the school are as follows:
U.S. Public Schools: The actual net cost for in-state tuition and fees after the application of any waiver, scholarship, aid, or assistance [other than loans and funds provided under section 401(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965]
Private, Non-College and Foreign Schools: The lesser of the actual net cost for tuition and fees after the application of any waiver, scholarship, aid, or assistance [other than loans and funds provided under section 401(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965], or $18, for the academic year beginning on August 1, 2012 (that amount will change to $19, August 1, 2013).
The amount of the yearly cap will be adjusted each year based upon a Cost Of Living Allowance (COLA) and is subject to proration based upon benefit level.
Is the student a state resident? If the student is an out-of-state student, only in-state T&F should be reported.
What if no tuition & fees are charged? In some states, Veterans do not have to pay tuition at selected state colleges. The Post-9/11 GI Bill may then only pay the monthly housing benefits & the books & supplies stipend. Since there are not tuition costs, VA will not pay the school any tuition.

20. Chapter 33 - Tuition & Fees continued
Tuition is the actual established charges for tuition that similarly circumstanced non-veterans enrolled in the program of education are required to pay.
Tuition is actual established charges for instruction, and is defined in the school’s catalog or supplement and listed on the school’s billing statement or invoice.
Will the student receive funding from other sources?
Discounts, waivers, scholarships, grants, Federal TA, & other assistance can affect reported tuition.
Any waiver, scholarship, aid or assistance that is specifically designated for payment of tuition and fees, not including loans or Title IV funds, MUST be deducted from the tuition & fees certified to VA.

21. Chapter 33 - Tuition & Fees continued
Fees Fees are mandatory charges (other than tuition, room and board) applied by the school for pursuit of an approved program of education. Fees include, but are not limited to, health premiums, freshman fees, graduation fees, and lab fees. Fees do not include study abroad course(s) unless the course(s) is a mandatory requirement for completion of the approved program of education.
Fees are additional mandatory costs charged by the school, and are also defined in the school’s catalog or supplement and listed on the school’s billing statement or invoice.

22. Chapter 33 - Tuition & Fees continued
The amount of tuition & fees certified to VA by the school must be reduced by the amount of any other payments made to the school for the sole purpose of defraying tuition & fees (except for Title IV funds). Examples include, but are not limited to:
ROTC Scholarship payments (designated for tuition & fees)
Tuition Assistance from the Reserves & National Guard
MYCAA
An employer scholarship paid to the school specifically for tuition & fees.
State lottery tuition payments

23. Chapter 33 - Tuition & Fees continued
Examples of fees that are not allowed include, but are not limited to:
Penalty fees (e.g., late registration, late course changes, returned checks, repeat course fees)
Add/drop course fees
Parking fees that are not required for every student
Fees for any food or lodging expenses, meal ticket fees
Overload fees for course loads that require special permission
Transportation/transit system fees that are not required of every student
Application for admission fees
Here are a few examples of fees that are not allowed. Notice that an admissions fee is not certifiable to the VA because it is not associated with fees for courses and they are usually charged prior to the student being accepted into a school’s program.

24. Chapter 33 - Tuition & Fees continued
Example:
Student gross in-State charges $ 4,000
Veteran Discount
Tuition Scholarship ,000
Title IV (ex. Pell Grant) (2,500)
General Scholarship (l,000)
Net In-State Charges $ 1,600
Report the tuition and fees listed on the student’s invoice. If the invoice shows a discount from any source (other then Title IV monies), then you MUST deduct the discounted monies from the tuition certified.
If a discount is applied after certification, an Amend Certification must be submitted, reporting the reduced tuition/fees with the applied discount. The school will be responsible for any resulting debt.
As you can see in the example, you are required to deduct the Veterans Discount and the Tuition Scholarship, and only report the $1,600 net charge. Notice that by following the rules previously mentioned, the Title IV Pell Grant, and the General Scholarship were ignored. OK, some of you may be wondering why we subtracted out the Tuition Scholarship and ignored the General Scholarship. This is because, as indicated on the Dear School Official letter sent to all schools dated 3/18/11, “Aid or assistance that is not designated for the sole purpose of reducing a student’s tuition and fee cost should not be excluded from the net in-state charges reported to VA. The “General Scholarship” noted above may be used to defray school costs like food, or housing, or books, etc. It is “General” in nature and not “specifically designated for the sole purpose of defraying tuition and fees,” like the “Tuition Scholarship.”

25. Chapter 33 - Tuition and Fees Example
Both examples are for Veteran student:
IHL example:
Benefit Level: 60%
Tuition & fees charged: $8,000
Number of hours enrolled: 12 credit hours FT = 12
NCD example:
Benefit Level: 40%
Tuition & fees charged: $1,459
Number of hours enrolled: 22 clock hours FT = 22
What will the school receive for Tuition and Fees?
Status of student would be as a Veteran.
No waivers, scholarships, aid or assistance (other than loans and Federal funds provided under Title IV.
Veteran is at the 40% benefit level. Total Program Length = 1980 hours. Mode of Instruction: Shop Practice
IHL – veteran is at the 60% benefit level, T&F payment to school: 60% of $8,000 = $4,800.00
NCD – veteran is at the 40% benefit level, T&F payment to school: 40% of $1,459 = $
Tuition & fees X % benefit level = Payment Due…..
Instate public schools – full instate T&Fs paid. Private schools will be paid full T&Fs (based on benefit level) provided the maximum cap has not been reached.

26. Chapter 33 - VA Reimbursement to School
Tuition and fee payments will be issued to the school on behalf of each student via Electronic Funds Transfers (EFT). Yellow Ribbon payment is sent separately.
If EFT information is unavailable, payments will be sent to the school mailing address on file in VA’s Web-Enabled Approval Management System (WEAMS).
Payments will include student identification information and the semester, quarter or term the payment is covering.
In addition, the school will receive 2 “Pay Listings” which reflect the monthly payments issued to students under chapters 30, 35, 1606, 1607 & VRAP. There is a chapter 33 Pay Listing which reflects the payments issued to the school.

27. Chapter 33 - Monthly Housing Allowance
The amount payable for the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for any academic year (beginning on August 1) will be based upon the BAH rates effective on January 1 of that year.
This means that Monthly Housing Allowance rates for chapter 33 awards will change effective August 1 of each year, and not on January 1.
Individuals are not eligible for the monthly housing allowance if they are:
- On active duty (or transferee spouse of Servicemember)
- Rate of pursuit is 50% or less
Equivalent to the BAH for E-5 with dependents
BAH determined by zip code of the IHL where the student is enrolled
Calculated by multiplying the individual’s benefit level (40-100%) by the full monthly housing allowance
Payments are issued directly to the student on a monthly basis for the previous month.
If the student is taking at least one course on campus & the rate of pursuit is greater than 50%, the student will qualify for the monthly housing allowance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Is the student on active duty? The monthly housing allowance is not payable to CH 33 students on active duty.
For CH 30, 1606, & 1607, VA will pay tuition & fees, not to exceed the training time rate.

28. Chapter 33 - Monthly Housing Allowance continued
Distance Learning: Individuals only enrolled in distance learning courses are eligible for a monthly housing allowance equal to 50% of the national average of all Basic Allowances for Housing. Rates are multiplied by the rate of pursuit rounded to the nearest multiple of 10. The national average in 2012 is $1, A full time rate for an individual eligible at the 100% eligibility tier would be $ for 2012.
How will the student take classes? Pay close attention to Hybrid classes and discuss with your ELR if the Hybrid class might be considered as resident training. (Page 53)
Under CH 33, if the student is only taking online or distance learning courses, the student is only eligible for a monthly housing allowance of ½ the national average BAH for E-5 with dependents.*
* $ for the 2012 academic year

29. Chapter 33 - Rate of Pursuit
The following is an important definition to know when learning about the Post 9/11 GI Bill®:
Rate of Pursuit: Applies specifically to CH 33 and differs from training time, which is used for all other Chapters. VA calculates rate of pursuit by dividing the number of credit hours or equivalents being pursued by the number of credit considered to be full time. The resulting percentage is the student’s rate of pursuit.
Examples: If full-time is 12 credits, then rate of pursuit for:
6 credits (or credit equivalents) is 50% (6/12=50%)
7 credits (or credit equivalents) is 58% (7/12=58%)
For Ch33, training time is not a factor in determining the amount of housing allowance payable.
Rate of pursuit applies specifically to Ch. 33 and is similar to training time in other benefit programs.
It is calculated by dividing the number of credit hours (or equivalent) being pursued by the number of credit hours (or equivalent) that is considered to be full-time at the specific institution.
The resulting percentage is the individual’s rate of pursuit.
Take the amount (per website) X benefit level % X rate of pursuit (rounded up or down to nearest multiple of 10.
The Monthly Housing Allowance is based upon the appropriate in-residence or distance learning training hours (prorated by training time and Benefit Level) – based on the zip code for the education institution.

30. CH33 - Monthly Housing Allowance - Example #1
Length of service percentage is: 70%
BAH for University of Atlantis is: $970
Enrollment: 9/1/12 to 12/19/12, 12 credits
(Full time is 12 credit)
Rate of pursuit is 100%
Student is eligible for housing allowance
Student will receive a monthly rate of $679*
($970 X 70% = $679)
*Partial months are prorated
An individual does not have to be paying rent, room and board, or mortgage to qualify.
If a husband and wife are each eligible for Ch33 and attending school more than ½ time, then each of them may be paid a separate monthly housing allowance.
Three children living at home using transferred benefits could also each receive a monthly housing allowance.

31. CH33 - Monthly Housing Allowance - Example #2
Length of service percentage is: 60%
BAH for University of Atlantis is: $1,500
Enrollment: 9/1/12 to 12/19/12, 10 credits
(Full time is 12 credit)
Student is eligible for housing allowance
Rate of Pursuit: 10 hrs certified = .84 (round down to 80%)
12 hrs = F/T
$1,500 X 60% X 80% = $720.00
$720 per full month of training

32. CH33 - Monthly Housing Allowance - Example #3
Length of service percentage is: 60%
BAH for University of Atlantis is: $1,500
Enrollment: 5/1/12 to 7/1/12, 16 clock hrs/wk
(Full time is 18 clock hours per week)
Student is eligible for housing allowance
Rate of Pursuit: 16 hrs certified = .888 (round up to 90%)
18 hrs = F/T
$1,500 X 60% X 90% = $810.00
$810 per full month of training

33. Chapter 33 - Books and Supplies Stipend
Up to $1,000 per academic year
- $41.67 per credit hour
- Up to 24 credit hours in a single academic year
- Lump sum payment (each quarter, semester or term attended) paid directly to the student
Prorated based on benefit level
Active duty members are eligible effective 10/01/11.
Effective 10/01/11, students attending a Non-college Degree School receive $83 per month, prorated for partial months and benefit level
As with tuition & fees, there is a difference in the payment for books & supplies for a non-college program (certificate or diploma) at a degree granting school (IHL) vs how its paid at a non-college degree (NCD) school.
For the NCD at an IHL, the payment is $41.67 times # credit hours times benefit level, not to exceed $1000 per academic year. The start date of the enrollment period determines the academic year the enrollment period belongs to.
Notice the Books & Supplies Stipend is not paid the same & an IHL school as at an NCD school.
The maximum stipend is $1000 per academic year OR $996 each year for NCD training.

34. CH33 - Books and Supplies Example - #1 IHL
An student eligible at the 80% benefit level enrolls for 15 credit hours for the Fall 2012 term.
Calculation: $41.67 X 15 X 80% = $500.00
The student enrolls for another 15 credit hours for the Winter 2013 term.
How much is the payment for the books and supplies stipend?

35. CH33 - Books and Supplies Example continued
The student already received the books and supplies stipend for 15 credit hours, he/she is only eligible for an additional 9 credit hours
Calculation: $41.67 X 9 X 80% = $300.00

36. CH33 - Books and Supplies Payment Example - #2 NCD
The Books and Supplies Stipend is calculated as follows:
Number of Days in Enrollment ÷ 30 X $83 X Benefit Level
Example: A claimant is enrolled in a NCD program that begins November 1, 2012 and ends November 19, 2012 (19 days).
$83 / 30 days X 19 days = $52.57 (approx.)
A Books & Supplies payment in the amount of $52.57 will be sent to the claimant for the NCD program.
Note: Books and Supplies are paid for the ENTIRE program.
A change in the END DATE may generate additional debts and/or payments
Student is at 100% benefit level so $83 divided by 30 days gives us a daily rate of $2.77 x 19 days = $ (approximately)
FORMULA – BOOKS & SUPPLIES NCD: $83 per month times benefit level prorated for partial months attended

37. Chapter 33 - Yellow Ribbon
Institutions (IHLs) within the US may voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition and fee costs that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition and fees.
Provides additional funding for:
Training at private institutions
Out-of-state tuition
Only individuals (including transferees) eligible at the 100% benefit level may receive this funding.
3 Sessions - Wednesday morning

38. Chapter 33 - Transfer of Entitlement
An individual approved by Department of Defense to transfer unused entitlement under the Post 9/11 GI Bill® may transfer the individual’s entitlement to:
The individual's spouse.
One or more of the individual’s children.
Any combination of spouse and children.
A family member must be enrolled in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System (DEERS) and be eligible for benefits.
For complete information on TOE log onto
3 Sessions - Tuesday morning

39. May be married & over age 23
Fry Scholarship
Eligible Children
If eligible under CH 30, 1606, or 1607, must relinquish eligibility under 1 program to receive benefits
May be married & over age 23
Entitled to 36 months of benefits at the 100% level
Have 15 years to use the benefit after 18th birthday
May use benefits until age 33
Must elect between CH35 & Fry, but may receive up to 48 months of benefits
Are not eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program
3 Sessions - Tuesday morning

40. Incentive “KICKERS” & BUY-UP Program
A Veteran may also be entitled to an incentive “kicker” which is payable at the service department’s discretion.
An amount added to basic monthly rate.
Service department will determine the total payable and will notify the VA.
An individual may also contribute an additional $600 while on active duty. This contribution will add an additional $150 to their full time monthly rate for up to 36 months. (CH1607 and CH30 only)
Kicker and Buy-up money is not added to the pay for active duty or less-than-1/2 time students. They receive a pay rate to cover only tuition & fees.
VA Certifying Official School Handbook pages 34/35
Ch 30 & Ch 1606 kickers will be paid regardless of rate of pursuit or eligibility for the Monthly Housing Allowance.
The applicable full time kicker rate will be multiplied by the rate of pursuit rounded up or down to the nearest multiple of 10. Kickers will be paid on a monthly basis.
If the student participated in the $600 buy-up under the Montgomery GI Bill or REAP, the student will not receive that additional benefit under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

41. Tuition Assistance Top Up Active Duty ( CH30 & CH33 Only)
Commonly referred to as TATU
DOD pays anywhere from 75% to 100% of the cost of courses for this program
VA will pay the difference between what DOD pays for tuition assistance and the actual cost of the course
3 Sessions - Tuesday morning

42. Applications & Certification Forms
VA Forms:
Application for VA Education Benefits
E - Application for Transfer of Eligibility Benefits
Application for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance (CH35)
Request For Change Of Program Or Place Of Training
– Request for Change of Program or Place of Training Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance (CH35)
Enrollment Certification
b - Notice of Change in Student Status
VA Certifying Official School Handbook pages 43/ Sessions - Tuesday morning on eBenefits
VA Form e should only be completed and submitted to VA by the family member after DoD has approved the request for TEC. They should not use VA Form e to apply for TEB

43. Certificate of Eligibility
Once VA receives an application for education benefits, and eligibility is granted, the RPO will mail a Certificate of Eligibility to the student
Certificate will identify the educational benefit, the amount of entitlement, the delimiting date, and other important information
Please do not require a student to provide a COE for each term.

44. Entitlement
Entitlement is the amount of monthly full-time benefits a claimant will receive.
Eligible students can receive up to 36 months of full-time benefits under one program.
Students eligible under 2+ benefits may have up to months of combined entitlement with use of multiple benefits.
Exceptions
CH31 - Vocational Rehabilitation determines amount of months
CH35 - receives 45 months of regular benefits + 5 months of remedial training benefits.
Ch35 may receive all of their entitlement + all of transferred Ch33 entitlement. There's no 48 month rule under TOE-CH33. 
If the claimant is transferred 36 months from their father they can use 36 months that was transferred, no entitlement extension (36 months runs out in the middle of a term then it just stops when entitlement is exhausted). 
* Claimant also receives 20 months transferred from their mother they can use 20 months from this transfer.* Claimant also receives 32 months transferred from their spouse they can use 32 months from this transfer.  
***Each transfer is treated separate & there is no entitlement extension under TOE-CH33.  So whatever the amount of entitlement was transferred when it runs out even if in the middle of a term the benefits stop when entitlement is exhausted-no extension to the end of the term

45. Entitlement (CH30 to CH33) Was eligible for CH30 on 8/1/09;
Individuals transferring to the Post-9/11 GI Bill (CH33) from the Montgomery GI Bill® (CH30) will be limited to the amount of their remaining CH30 entitlement
This provision applies when an individual:
Was eligible for CH30 on 8/1/09;
Is eligible for CH33 on the date of the election; and
Elects to receive CH33 benefits in lieu of CH30 benefits.
Individuals are only limited to their remaining CH30 entitlement if they have USED entitlement
Individuals who exhaust all CH30 entitlement prior to electing CH33 will have up to 12 months of entitlement to use under CH33
Individuals who have NOT used entitlement may receive up to 36 months under CH33

46. CH30 - Eligible Veterans have 10 years from their date of discharge.
Delimiting Dates
CH30 - Eligible Veterans have 10 years from their date of discharge.
CH33 - Eligible Veterans or transferee spouses have 15 years from veteran’s date of discharge. Transferee children have from the age of 18 to 26 to use their benefits.
CH35 child - Generally has 8 years from the date she/he is found eligible, if found eligible between ages
CH35 spouse - Generally 10 years from date of Veteran’s service-connected death, or date VA determined service-connected disability is permanent and total, whichever is later.
If the student is unsure, have them call the VA.

47. Delimiting Dates continued
CH1606 – As of the January 2008 enactment of Public Law , there is no longer a delimiting date for active reservists who are satisfactorily training with a Ready Reserve unit.
CH1607 – No delimiting date until Veteran leaves selected reserves. When a reservist completes their military obligation and exits service from the Ready Reserve then they may establish a 10 year delimiting date. Other exceptions apply.
CH31 - Eligible veterans have 12 years from their date of discharge.
If the student is unsure, have them call the VA.

48. The work study’s duties must be VA related
VA will pay work study students who are training at 3/4 time training or greater
The work study’s duties must be VA related
The student is paid minimum wage
VA Certifying Official School Handbook page 90
3 Sessions - Wednesday afternoon

49. Comparison
Each individual’s circumstances are unique and their benefits should be assessed on a case by case basis.
Remember: Election to CH33 is irrevocable. Do NOT counsel your students. Refer them to the VA website or to counselors in Muskogee for assistance.

50. School Officials Handbook
Provides step-by-step process for certifying to VA, and information about VA education programs, benefit payments, policies and procedures, and other useful information.
Updated frequently with relevant information.
(3rd Edition was updated on 09/30/13)
Can be downloaded from the GI Bill® website.

51. Have them log on to www.gibill.va.gov
If a Student Has Questions About VA Benefits and Eligibility, You Should:
Refer the student to the toll-free VA Education Phone number: (1.888.GI Bill 1) or
Have them log on to
NOTE: Certifying officials should not try to determine basic eligibility. The benefit programs change frequently, so it is best to refer the student directly to the VA if they have questions about eligibility.

52. Who Do I Contact?
VA Certifying Officials who have questions regarding payment issues or status of a claim can call:
School Hotline number
You can also use your Frequently Asked Questions Account located on the website to correspond with the VA Regional office. This is a safe and secure way to correspond with the VA regional office. See page 13 of SCO Handbook for instructions on how to set up an account if you do not already have one.
Questions regarding how to fill out VA forms, VA-ONCE, or VA guidelines/regulations: Your ELR
School Hotline

53. School Certifying Officials
Responsibilities
Students
VA/SAA/ELR
School Certifying Officials

54. Who is Who
SCO (School Certifying Official): School personnel delegated authority to sign enrollment certifications, documents, and reports relating to VA benefits.
SAA (State Approving Agency): Agency appointed by the Governor to approve programs at schools for VA purposes.
ELR (Education Liaison Representative): VA employee responsible for liaison, approval review and acceptance, and compliance surveys.
ECSS (Education Compliance Survey Specialist): VA employee whose primary function is conducting compliance surveys.

55. Student Responsibilities
Verify monthly attendance through WAVE or IVR
For CH. 30, 35 NCD, 1606, 1607, VRAP
WAVE
IVR
CH. 33 & 35 IHL do not have to verify attendance
Ensure SCO’s are aware of enrollment status and any subsequent changes
VA Certifying Official School Handbook page 20
Students must be currently enrolled in an approved program and have current benefit award to use WAVE.
IVR allows students to ‘phone in’ their monthly verification if there are not changes to the enrollment during the previous month.

56. SAA/VA Responsibilities
Approving programs of education and training for veterans, servicepersons, and other eligible persons
Supervising approved schools and job training establishments
Withdrawing the approvals of programs that fail to maintain the standards and conditions upon which approval was granted
The SAA is not responsible for the approval of programs under Chapter 31 Voc/Rehab program

57. ELR Responsibilities
Receiving, reviewing, and taking appropriate actions on all approval notices submitted by the SAA.
Creating and updating records in WEAMS and VA-ONCE.
Maintaining working relationships with officials at schools and job training establishments and promptly informing them of changes in VA policies and procedures.
Scheduling and monitoring the completion of required compliance surveys (ECSS).
Scheduling and conducting liaison visits with schools and job training establishments or other government offices on “as needed” basis.

58. School Responsibilities
Responsibilities for Reporting:
Accurate and prompt certification of enrollments & changes in enrollment
Use basic forms or VA-ONCE* to keep VA informed
Report all enrollments and changes within 30 days
Monitor the courses pursued by a student to certify to VA only those courses that apply to the student’s program
Monitor student’s academic progress
Report when a student is terminated due to unsatisfactory progress
Report when student is suspended or dismissed for unsatisfactory conduct or attendance
*VA-ONCE usage will be mandatory effective January 1, 2014 for all enrollments and changes.
VA Certifying Official School Handbook pages 16/18

59. School Responsibilities continued
Keep up-to-date on current VA rules and benefits:
Provide address to VA Education Liaison Representative
Read and maintain VA bulletins provided by your ELR
Attend VA training opportunities

60. School Responsibilities continued
Maintain Records for VA Students and make all records available to authorized representatives of the Government for inspection:
Retain file of VA papers submitted & records of academic progress, program pursuit, etc.
Maintain records for at least three years following the student’s last day of attendance.
Keep records in a safe and secure place to ensure privacy of VA students.

61. School Responsibilities continued
A school’s file for a VA student should contain:
Transcripts from previous schools with evaluations of transfer of credits
Students School Application
Copies of all VA paperwork
Program Outline
Curriculum guide or graduation evaluation form
Transcripts at end of each training period
Grade Report Summary
Drop Slips
Registration Slips (add/drop period)
Tuition and fee charges
Disciplinary Records
Substitution forms, parent school letters,
Additional responsibilities required of a Yellow Ribbon school:
Certify based on school’s YYR agreement; maintain these additional records, track the number of students enrolled under YR, Track the annual amount of T&Fs and develop & documents a process for the first come-first served enrollment of students into the YR program.
There are additional responsibilities found on pages 16/17 of VA School Handbook

62. School Responsibilities continued
Apprise supervisor of any internal problems that may affect service to VA students:
Failure of records office to provide information on a student’s grades, grade changes, academic problems
Failure of instructors to provide information on attendance/attendance problems
Failure of other offices to provide information on new programs, changes in current programs, tuition & fees information
Failure of mail distribution center to forward appropriate mail.

63. Questions?