1. IOWA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
VETERANS AND MILITARY EDUCATION
IOWA STATE APPROVING AGENCY
Michael Dommer, Director
Monty Burroughs, Consultant (I)

2. STATE APPROVING AGENCY (SAA) HISTORY
Part of the original GI Bill of 1947
Approving education programs a state function
States formed SAA’s
SAA’s work under contract with the VA
Ensure quality of programs approved /Compliance
Programs lead to educational/occupational objective

3. KEY FUNCTIONS Approve/disapprove training programs
Update school approvals as necessary
Technical assistance to schools/training establishments
Outreach
Liaison
Compliance

4. TYPES OF TRAINING PROGRAMS
Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL) Degrees
Non-Degree Programs (NCD) Diplomas
Certificates and Licensure
Flight (Commercial)
Apprenticeship (registered)
Apprenticeship (non-registered)
On The Job Training (OJT)

5. GI Bill CHAPTERS Post 9/11* (Fry Scholarship) Chapter 33
MGIB-AD Chapter 30
MGIB-SR Chapter 1606
REAP (phased out) Chapter 1607
DEA* Chapter 35
36 months of full time benefit, maximum combination limited to 48 months.
*These programs may extend benefits to veteran dependents.
MGIB –AD Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty
MGIB –SR Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve
REAP Reserve Educational Assistance program
DEA Dependents Educational Assistance Program

6. MUST APPLY FOR THE BENEFIT
VA Form – Initial application for education benefits (veteran/service member)
VA Form – Change of school or program of training (veteran/service member)
VA Form – Initial application for benefits DEA/Fry (dependents).
VA Form Change of school or program of training (dependents).
VA Form E – Initial application for education benefits (Chapter 33 TOE).

7. How To Apply Applying online is the preferred method:
May use a the paper form and mail it to the St. Louis RPO
Processing time varies, but usually approximately 30 days
After processing a notification will be sent to the applicant:
Certificate Of Eligibility (COE)
Award Letter
Development Letter
Denial

8. Contacting the VA 1-888-442-4551 for education questions VA website
(contact us), (ask a question)
Send a letter:
Department of Veterans Affairs
9700 Page Ave
Suite 101 – Education
St. Louis, Mo

9. Student Resources School VA Certifying Official (SCO)
VA Form Application for Counseling
School Veterans Coordinator
VA Website -

10. The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 (“Forever GI Bill”) is one of the most comprehensive changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
The 15-year time limitation for using Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits is eliminated for Veterans who left active duty on or after January 1, 2013, and qualifying dependents (Fry children who became eligible on or after January 1, 2013 and all Fry spouses)
Reservists who had eligibility under the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) and lost it due to the program sunset provision will have that service credited toward the Post-9/11 GI Bill program

11. Recent GI Bill Changes
Certain work-study activities are permanently authorized; previously it had to be re-approved by Congress every few years.
Improvement of information technology for the Long-Term Solution
Beneficiaries can now use Post-9/11 GI Bill to pursue accredited independent study programs at certain education institutions that are not institutions of higher learning (IHLs)
VA will help Veterans to more clearly identify schools that offer them priority enrollment

12. Provisions Jan 2018 and beyond
August 1, 2018
Educational assistance under Post-9/11 GI Bill for those individuals awarded the Purple Heart.
Inclusion of Fry Scholarship recipients and Purple Heart recipients in Yellow Ribbon Program
Calculation of monthly housing stipend under Post-9/11 GI Bill, based on location of campus where classes are attended.
Charge to entitlement for certain licensure and certification tests and national tests under Post-9/11 GI Bill.

13. Provisions-Jan 2018 and beyond (cont.)
August 1, 2018 (cont.)
Monthly stipend for certain members of Reserve component individuals receiving Post-9/11 GI Bill
Duration of education assistance under Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA) (from 45 to 36 months of entitlement)
Limitation on use of reporting fees payable to educational institutions and sponsors of programs of apprenticeship.

14. Provisions-Jan 2018 and beyond (cont.)
August 1, 2018 (cont.)
Training requirements for School Certifying Officials as condition of GI Bill approval
Provision of information regarding Veteran entitlement to educational assistance
Eligibility of Reserve Component members for Post-9/11 GI Bill
October 1, 2018
Increase in amounts of educational assistance payable under DEA.

15. Provisions- Jan 2018 and beyond (cont.)
August 1, 2019
Additional benefits for pursuit of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs
August 1, 2020
Consolidation of certain eligibility tiers under Post-9/11 GI Bill
August 1, 2022
Inclusion of certain active duty members in the Yellow Ribbon Program
Substantial IT changes may result in longer processing times during implementation.

16. Common Questions
What am I eligible for? VA determines eligibility based on information from the DOD database (character of service, qualifying periods of service, entitlement used, etc.)
How do I apply? Through VA website preferred, can use paper forms
Why haven’t I gotten paid? Have they applied, did the school certify their enrollment, have they contacted the VA, contact the SCO.
Who do I call? , VA website inquiry, SCO
Congressional – Laura Boddicker Senator Ernst Office (319)

17. Common Questions
How do I transfer my benefit? Must have eligibility for the Post 9/11 GI Bill and be on active status (active duty or drilling) and able to complete an additional 4 years.
The school wants my COE before they enroll me. Remaining entitlement info is also available through eBenefits and vets.gov (SCOs have been notified to accept)
Why does the VA say I owe them money? Usually due to terminating a program or courses early.
Is my school/employer approved? Refer to WEAMS

18. CONTACT INFORMATION
For more information, please contact: Michael D. Dommer, Consultant - Phone: (515) Monte Burroughs, Consultant – Phone: (515) Rebecca Griglione- Phone: (515)