VA GI Bill Briefing
ROBERT DEAN
COORDINATOR, VETERAN AFFAIRS UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA
Veteran Affairs Experience
Robert L. Dean, Sr.
V.A. work-study student University of South Alabama 1987-1989
Coordinator, Veteran Affairs at the University of South Alabama (1995-present))
Current Past President of Alabama Veteran Affairs Association.
Alabama representative to V.A. Regional Processing Office, Atlanta, GA. (2003-2010)
Jenny Wilcutt
School Certifying Official, Registrar, and Academic Advisor Faulkner University 2000-2005
Treasurer Alabama Veteran Affairs Association 2004-2008
School Certifying Official University South Alabama 2005-present
Post 9/11 Misconception #1:
“The. V.A. Will Pay My Rent!”
The V.A. will pay a monthly stipend at the end of each month. The amount depends on:
on your rate of eligibility 40%-100% number of class hours
type of training (campus or on-line classes)
Stipend for on-campus classes is based on the B.A.H. of an E-5 with
dependents living in the zip code of the university regardless of your rank, dependent status, and physical location
Stipend is a direct deposit into your personal account
First and last check will be prorated depending on the number of days you were enrolled (CAVEAT! This means you will get a short check)
Post 9/11Misconception #2:
“The V.A. Will Buy My Books!”
The V.A. will pay you $41.67 per credit hours (up to $1,000.00 per
academic year (1 August - 31 July) depending on your rate of eligibility (40%-100%)
Example:
12 credit hour in Fall 12 X 41.67= $500.04
12 credit hour in Spring 12 X 41.67= $500.04 (V.A. will Reimburse $499.96 of that)
$500.04 + $499.96= $1,000.00
The student will receive this reimbursement by direct deposit sometime during the term regardless of the cost of your books
In most cases, you will need your books for the first day of classes so be
prepared to pay for them up front!
Post 9/11 Misconception #3:
“I Can Only Transfer My Benefits To Dependents
While On Active Duty.”
“The Post-9/11 GI Bill allows service members (officer or enlisted, Active Duty or Selected Reserve), on or after August 1, 2009, to transfer unused education
benefits to immediate family members (spouse and children). The service member must have at least six years of service, and commit to an additional four years of service in order to transfer benefits to a spouse or child. Because of the potential impact of this benefit on recruiting and retention, transferability policy is determined by the Department of Defense (DoD) and the military services.”
http://gibill.va.gov/documents/factsheets/Transferability_Factsheet.pdf
The eligible veteran may still cancel a transfer, decrease or increase the number of months to each elected dependent after discharge from Active Duty/Select
Reserve.
You can not add a new dependent after discharge from Active Duty/Select Reserve.
Post 9/11 Misconception #4:
“The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill Is Always The Best Choice…”
Post 9/11 is tailored to the individual Factors to consider:
the $600.00 kicker into the Montgomery G.I. Bill (MGIB) Tuition Assistance (TA) usage
cost of tuition, scholarship, tuition waiver eligibility rate under 9/11 (40%-100%)
Best to sit down with a VA coordinator at your desired school to discuss the pros and cons of Post 9/11 vs MGIB
FAQ # 1:
“Can I Switch Between M.G.I.B. And Post 9/11?”
According to VA Law, you must choose one or the other
If you choose to use Post 9/11, you must forfeit your MGIB. Once this decision is made it can not be changed.
If you have the College Fund or an enlistment kicker, it will be applied to either M.G.I.B. or Post 9/11
If you have already used the M.G.I.B. you may continue to use it first,
exhaust all 36 months, and then apply for Post 9/11 for up to 12 additional months.
FAQ #2:
“What Happens To The $600.00 Kicker That I Paid
Into The MGIB If I Choose Post 9/11?”
Your $600.00 is gone forever!
If you choose Post 9/11, you will receive a prorated amount of the $1,200.00 you contributed to the MGIB upon exhaustion of your eligibility of Post 9/11
The amount of the refund will be equal to the number of months and days the individual had remaining under Chapter 30 divided by 36 months multiplied by $1200.
FAQ #3:
“What Is The Yellow Ribbon Program?”
Allows institutions of higher learning (colleges, universities, and other
degree-granting schools) in the U.S. to voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition and fee expenses that exceed the tuition and fee amounts payable under the Post-9/11 GI Bill
Primarily for private institutions and out-of-state tuition at public schools Each institution decides what degrees will be covered and how much
assistance will be offered
The University of South Alabama is a Yellow Ribbon School All eligible student that apply by the due date will be accepted All degrees at South Alabama at all levels of study are covered
FAQ #4:
“How Do Scholarships And Grants Effect The G.I.
Bill?”
MGIB:
Does not have any effect Post 9/11:
Financial Aid in the form of loans and Pell Grants have no effect Scholarships depend on the type
General scholarships have no effect.
Tuition specific scholarships must be applied first and Post 9/11 will cover what is left
Know Your Domains!!!
“.gov” or “.mil” Websites
Accurate (though ever evolving) information regarding VA benefits “.com” Websites
a company is selling a product “.edu” Websites
References
gibill.va.gov
U.S.C. Title 38 http://uscode.house.gov/download/title_38.shtml M.G.I.B. (Chapter 30)
Post 9/11 (Chapter 33)
For Further Information…
V.A. Education Hotline (1-888-GIBILL1 or 1-888-442-45541)
V.A. employees with some access to Department of Defense records
Call the School Certifying Official at the institution of your choice Call the Office of Veteran Affairs at the University of South Alabama
