Veterans Benefits

Donald S. Pfeffer, Director 218-855-8148 dpfeffer@clcmn.edu

Higher Education Veterans Programs1Reliance of Guard/Reserve Forces for DeploymentsPercent currently deployed by type of service (June 09)

ActiveGuard/ReserveMississippi28%72%Minnesota46%54%Texas85%15%National Average72%28%Source: http://dva.state.wi.us/WebForms/Data_Factsheets/ResDistribution_Jun09.pdfhttp://dva.state.wi.us/WebForms/Data_Factsheets/ResDistribution_Jun09.pdf MN Higher Education LegislationHigher Education Fairness and Assistance for Public InstitutionsResident Tuition StatusUndergraduateGraduateDelayed Tuition PaymentTuition payment extensions granted.No late fees or denial of course enrollmentCourse Options for DeploymentsSpace for Veterans on CampusStaff for Campus Veterans AssistanceBenefit and Service Information and Assistance

Higher Education Veterans Programs

Created by MDVA in 2006 with mission to:ASSIST MN Public Colleges and Universities Create on -campus Veterans Resource CentersDevelop veterans friendly policies/proceduresDeferred tuition/fee paymentResidency statusMilitary transfer creditsCoordinate on/off campus veterans higher education information and services for studentsPrivate Colleges Encouraged to Participate

Higher Education Veterans ProgramsDesired Outcome is for Veterans, Military Members and their Families:

Start College Succeed in College Complete College

To Obtain Their Career Goals!Minnesota received more than $62 Million Dollars in Veterans and Military funding for Higher Education in 2008Higher Education Veterans ProgramsFIRST and ONLY program of its kind parts replicated in other states

Coordinated Services available to ALL Minnesota Colleges and Universities

MN Colleges and Universities develop programming with their own funds

Serve All Military branches and their families

Member of the MN Army National Guard Reintegration Team

Higher Education Veterans Programs Calendar Year 2008

Twelve Regional Coordinators

59 Campus Veterans Resource Centers

5,100+ Individuals Served

College and Community Training

Reintegration Activities

Higher Education Veterans Programs Call Center MyMilitaryEducation.org

Operators on Duty 7 days a Week 7 AM to 9 PM Monday- Friday10 AM to 3:30 PM Sat/Sun On-line, Call In or Live ChatFrequently Asked Questions3,000 contacts per month

Where do You Go to Get Help? www.MyMilitaryEducation.org

Veterans Needing Academic AssistanceFree program for veterans needing remedial coursework in reading, writing, math, computer skills, and/or study skills. Students can enroll weekly, and take the full curriculum or only needed courses. Veteran is eligible for full VA benefits.For more information, contact:Minneapolis Community and Technical College 612-659-6570.Anoka Ramsey Community College763-433-168710Current Tobacco UseVeterans and All Students by Gender

(8)High-Risk DrinkingVeterans and All Students by Gender

(8)Diagnosis of Any Mental Health Condition -Past 12 MonthsVeterans and All Students by Gender

(8)

Diagnosed With Panic Attacks Within Past 12 MonthsDiagnosed With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Within Past 12 MonthsDiagnosed Mental Health Condition -Past 12 MonthsVeterans by Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom Service Status and Gender

(8)Depression Diagnosis - Past 12 MonthsVeterans and All Students by Gender

(8)Sexual Assault - Past-12 monthsVeterans and All Students by Gender

(8)Physical Fight - Past 12 MonthsVeterans and All Students by Gender

(8)Domestic Violence - Past 12 MonthsVeterans and All Students by Gender

(8)QuestionsService Member Education BenefitsFree Application for Student Aid (FAFSA)MN GI BillState Tuition Reimbursement (STR)ARNG Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)Chapter 1606 - Selected ReserveChapter 1607 Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP)Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill Active DutyChapter 33 Post 911 GI BillDisabled Veteran - 20% or More Disability Chapter 31 Voc. Rehab and Employment

20Dependent Education BenefitsFree Application for Student AidState of Minnesota State Tuition Reimbursement (STR) - Spouse OnlyFederal Active Duty (Title 10 Deployment)Chapter 33 Dependent OptionChapter 35 - 100% Disabled Veteran DependentsNational Program MyCAA Spouse Only 21 Minnesota GI Bill, M.S. 197.791 Active duty since Sept. 11, 2001 or 5 consecutive years Guard/ReserveMN resident; MN college/universityMaximum benefit: $1K/semester (full-time) $3K/fiscal year $10K lifetime Cost of attendance minus Aid and Benefits

For information: www.getreadyforcollege.org/military Service Member Education BenefitsService Member Education Benefits State Tuition Reimbursement

Pays up to 100% of tuition upon successful coursework completion

Pays Tuition, but NOT Fees

Maximum reimbursement is 100% of the undergraduate rate of the U of M

Lifetime maximum STR benefit is 144 Semester credits

Notify Unit prior to start of classes and submit Grades and Fee statement upon completion23Dependent Education BenefitsState Tuition ReimbursementSpouses are authorized to use the remaining balance of a service members STRSpouse can use up to 12 semester credits per yearThe Member must have accumulated 8 years of qualifying service in the MANG.Payments will be direct deposited into the Members bank accountObligation and Payment requests will work the same as for a MemberBottom line a soldier must have completed their current service contract to be eligible for Extended STR. Apply for Extended STR through the Education Office Education@mn.ngb.army.mil24Service Member Education Benefits Federal Tuition Assistance Non Deployed Enlisted and Officer Guard MembersFunds up to 100% of tuition and most fees to a maximum amountPaid directly to the college and eligible members CAN use FTA with MGIB-AD.Maximum benefit is $4,500 per Fiscal Year (FY) Oct 1 to Sep 30.First come - first served, not guaranteedService member initiates - conditions apply!Apply: https://minuteman.ngb.army.mil/Benefits/25Service Member Education BenefitsFederal Tuition Assistance for AGR and Deployed Enlisted Soldiers thru Army Continuing Education System (ACES)

Funds up to 100% of tuition plus most fees

Pays up to a maximum amount per creditMaximum benefit is $4,500 per Fiscal Year (FY)Oct 1 to Sep 30.

To Apply www.GoArmyEd.com

For information Contact Rock Island Education Center (309) 782-1849 email earmyu@ria.army.mil

26Service Member Education BenefitsChapter 1606 - Selected Reserve (SR)This Montgomery GI Bill provides:up to 36 months of education benefits to members of the Selected Reserve. doesn't require a person to serve on active duty in the regular Armed Forces to qualify.Can be used by member separated from the Reserve component if they are eligible for Chapter 1607.

27Chapter 1607 Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP)This Montgomery GI Bill provides:

Provides up to 36 months of education benefits to members of the Selected Reserves called or ordered to active service in response to a war or national emergency, as declared by the President or Congress.

Generally, a member of a Reserve component who serves on active duty on or after September 11, 2001 under title 10, U.S. Code, for at least 90 consecutive days under a contingency operation, is eligible for REAP.

No specific time frame to use REAP - Eligibility generally ends upon leaving the Selected Reserves.

Service Member Education BenefitsCollege, Business, Technical or Vocational schoolTuition Assistance: Top-UpOn-the-Job Training and Apprenticeship ProgramsCorrespondence CoursesRemedial, Deficiency, and Refresher Training (in some cases)Flight Training (in some cases)The cost of tests for licenses or certifications needed to get, keep, or advance in a jobNational TestsProvides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible veterans for:

Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill - Active DutyService Member Education BenefitsPost-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) The Post-9/11 GI Bill consists of three components:Tuition & fee paymentPaid directly to the institution. In Minnesota, pays up to $326/credit for tuition & $4,359/term for feesAdditional expenses may be covered at participating Yellow Ribbon institutionsHousing stipendPaid directly to the student based on the zip code of the institutionEquivalent to the BAH rate for an E-5 w/dependentsMust be training at greater than time and have at least one course on-campus to qualify for the housing stipendBooks & suppliesPaid directly to the studentProrated to about $42/credit up to $1,000/yearService Member Education Benefits

Service Member Education BenefitsPost 911 GI Bill EligibilityActive service after September 10, 2001At least 90 days (entry & skill training excluded for 24 mo. or less)30 days if discharged due to service connected disabilityCumulative post-9/11 active service determines % of benefitMake an irrevocable election of Chapter 33 and relinquish eligibility for one other qualifying benefit (if applicable) Eligible veterans have 15 years from date of eligibility/discharge to use 36 months of benefitNo buy in is required

Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefit LevelsPercentage of Maximum Amount Payable (post-9/11)At least 36 cumulative months (incl training time): 100%At least 30 cumulative months (incl training time): 90%At least 24 cumulative months (incl training time): 80%At least 18 cumulative months: 70%At least 12 cumulative months: 60%At least 6 cumulative months: 50%At least 90 cumulative days: 40%At least 30 continuous days on active duty and discharged due to service-connected disability: 100%*Percentage applies to each component (tuition, housing, books) Service Member Education BenefitsCombination With Other VA BenefitsFor those eligible for MGIB-AD (CH30) Normally, months of entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill will equal the number of months of entitlement remaining under MGIB-AD. However, if all MGIB-AD benefits are used before electing Post-9/11 GI Bill, students may be entitled to a maximum of 12 additional months of benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. For those eligible for MGIB-SR (CH1606) and/or REAP (CH1607) Generally, individuals who are eligible for more than one benefit may use a maximum combined total of 48 months of benefitsFor example: If you have used 20 months of benefits under REAP, you may be eligible for 28 months of benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill Combined With Non-VA Education BenefitsThe Post-9/11 GI Bill may not be the best option for everyoneFor those with the following circumstances/benefits, CH1607 or CH30 may be more beneficial than changing to the Post-9/11 GI Bill:Less than 100% of CH33 rate, part time and/or online studentsFederal Tuition AssistanceState Tuition ReimbursementDislocated Workers ProgramChanges to FTA & STR are expected, but have not yet been announced. It is uncertain at this time how these benefits might impact CH33.Electing the Post-9/11 GI Bill is a permanent decisionPost 911 GI Bill Application ProcessUpdated 22-1990 or VONAPP If eligible for other chapters, make an irrevocable electionSupply the VA with any supporting information: DD214, orders, kicker agreement, etcApplicant will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) which lists the percentage and number of months of entitlementBring copy of COE to campus certifying officialSchool will certify once registered for classes

Service Member Education Benefits

Spouse/Dependent Transfer OptionService member must be on active duty or actively drilling on or after August 1, 2009Generally, service member must have served a minimum of 6 years and commit to serving an additional four years from the date benefit transfer is approvedTo phase in, certain waivers will be granted to the 4 year added service requirementBenefits can be transferred to a spouse, children, or a combination of the twoThe entire benefit, up to the full 36 months, can be transferred

36Post 911 GI Bill Spouse/Dependent Transfer Option Service member retains ownership of the benefit and can modify and/or revoke at any timeSpouse/dependents receive the same benefit (at the same percentage level) as service memberSpouse has 15 years to use after member leaves service and can use benefits immediately upon approvalChildren can use up to age 26 once the member has served at least 10 years ) Must be in DEERSMember can change Transfer during their 15 Year WindowMN Guard Steps to transfer Chapter 33 BenefitsMN Guard Steps to transfer Chapter 33 Benefits- Post 911 GI Bill Additional ConsiderationsKicker/College Fund will be paid as a lump sum/semesterOne-time reimbursement of up to $2,000 for approved licensing or certification testsTutorial assistance of up to $1,200 ($100/mo.)Work study allowance will be available similar to other chaptersSchools participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program are posted at www.gibill.va.govEligible veterans must carefully weigh their options

Survivor Education BenefitsMN Department of Veterans Affairs Surviving Spouse/Dependent BenefitChapter 33 Machine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship - Children OnlyChapter 35 - Survivors' & Dependents' Educational Assistance Dependent Benefit

Other Education UpdatesFinancial aid: Starting July 01, 2009, VA benefits will not be considered when calculating Federal aid Contacts For HelpSee your Unit Education Specialist first for Guard Related Education DetailsYour Unit will contact the State Guard Education Office if NeededAt any time you may contact a Higher Education Veterans Program Regional CoordinatorGo To: www.MyMilitaryEducation.org

QUESTIONS?