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

2. Veterans Administration Education Benefits
Travis Williams
VA School Certifying Official

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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 from local office
We certify the enrollment on VA-Once, then bill their case manager
Typically pays 100%

10. 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

11. 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

12. The VA-Once Website

13. 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

14. Available Resources School Certifying Official’s Handbook:
O_Handbook.pdf
School Certifying Official’s Hotline
Ask your Education Liaison Representative
GI Bill Hotline:

15. Always remind yourself:
In Closing
My contact information:
Always remind yourself:
Honor the American veteran through your dedication to timely and accurate processing of his or her benefits.