Benefits 101A Presentation for the PASFFA08 April 2014

Don AccamandoDuquesne University School of LeadershipMilitary Program Director412-396-5366accamandod@duq.edu

OverviewThe Veterans Administration (VA)Benefit typesWhos on the team?Recommendations from the playersObservations from a distanceQuestions

The VAContact the VA office near youHavent seen them yet? Problems will come.Partner with them for presentations.Any forum for veterans on campus is goodIt is a Bureaucracy!Some vets are leery of the system

The VAThat being said, they need the VAMust have a Certificate of Eligibility, COEApply online VONAPPhttp://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/default.aspSix weeks is the normal line

Certifying Official tipsA good CO will explain whats needed to get started and briefly explain the benefit optionsContact the CO once registeredReconnect each semesterDont bill until after drop/addWeigh the optionsMay want to use other funding for summer

Contact the CODrop / Add / WithdrawCancellationStop AttendingGraduatingMitigating CircumstancesChange of MajorChange of Benefit

Benefit TypesCh. 30 (MGIB) Old GI Bill:Enlisted after 07of 85, pay $1,200 up frontMonthly Payment approx. $1,600Ch. 31 Vocational Rehabilitation (Voc Rehab)Service-connected disability requires rehab Disability of 10% or greater. (hearing loss)Covers tuition plus, a monthly COLA : $585.11

Benefit TypesChapter 33 (Post 9/11)Active Duty or Reserve Component AD > than 90 days following 9/11/2001 Based on months of service, Entitlement ranges from 40% to 100%Tuition and Fees, Book & Supply Stipend and Housing Allowance, $1,600

Benefit TypesChapter 33 (Post 9/11) cont.Transfer of Eligibility (ToE)Dependent(s) and/or spouse of AD vetsMust transfer while still active!Approved through the branch and DOD.

Benefit TypesCh. 35 (DEA) Survivors and DependentsAs the name impliesSpouse and/or Children (ages 18-26) 100% service connected disability Their death was service connectedMonthly Stipend: Approximately $1,000

Time for a breakKeep in mind that Ch. 33 may be transferred, (ToE)Think about the circumstances of the Survivor Benefit option.Both cases, may not be talking with a vet, and think about the circumstances tied to the survivor.Something to ponder.

Benefit TypesCh. 16066-years Reserve Component after July1985 Complete initial training and in good standing Monthly Stipend: $362.00 (Kicker Available)Ch. 1607 Reserve Ed. Assist. Pro. REAPReserve Component > 90 days post 9/11Response to a war or national emergency Monthly Stipend: 2+ years $1,300, 1 year but < 2: $988.80, 90 days

Benefit TypesNational Guard EAP6 year enlistment or reenlistmentSuccessfully complete Basic TrainingComplete EAP form 1 and PHEAA Promissory NoteFall & Spring Term app deadline June 30thPays 100% Tuition (Does Not Pay Fees!)

Benefit TypesFederal Tuition Assistance (FTA)Member of Guard or ReservesMust be in the unit while using FTAMay use with MGIB (TA top-up)Pays 100% Tuition and Fees (cap 250$ per semester hour)$4,500 Fiscal Year MaxApply @ www.GoArmyEd.com

TA tipsNavy, USMC, USCG and USAF must submit TA forms to the and we billAD Army, Army Guard and Reserve students use the Go Army Ed portal.Navy, USMC, and USCG invoices are submitted through the WAWF portal Best to wait until after Add/Drop before invoicing, ensure, proper billing

TA tipsUSAF Air Force portal as the Tuition Assistance forms are received. Active Army, Army Guard and Reserve students, submitted through Go Army Ed portal quarterly; to ensure payment, we bill late in the quarter.

ObservationsPlenty of benefitsMost new students are confusedConnect with the VA for helpEnsure your team is informed

QUESTIONS ?