Va education how to reference tool

VA Education Benefits Resource Tool

Home VA Education How to Reference Tool
For School Officials This VA Education Benefits HOW TO reference tool was designed for Active duty service members,
Veterans, Reservists, Guard members, and Dependents for quick access to a whole host of GI Bill
information. The How to reference tool is tailored for your particular situation by clicking on the tab that best
Ch 33 – THE BASICS reflects your current status as a service member or dependent.

Ch 33 – Currently on Active For School Officials…. gives you access to a variety of information you can use to better manage your
duty or deployed Active duty time, and presents to you, resource materials and information to assist you in your responsibilities.

Our Chapter 33 tabs are separated by category that allows you to receive information specific to your
Ch 33 - for Veterans - criteria. We broke down the categories
discharged or retired •Ch 33 – The BASICS presents to you an overview of Chapter 33.
•Specific topics for those currently on active duty or deployed active duty members.
Ch 33 for Reserve / Guard - •Specific topics for those Veterans no longer serving in the military.
still serving •Specific topics for previously deployed reservists and guard members who still are drilling.
•Specific topics for those spouses of active duty (or spouse transferees).
•Specific topics for those children of service members (transferees).
Ch 33 for Spouses
Other Education Benefits will give you information on the following:
•MGIB-AD, Chapter 30
Ch 33 for Children •MGIB-SR, Chapter 1606
•REAP, Chapter 1607
•DEA, Chapter 35
Other Education Benefits •Voc Rehab, Chapter 31

Contact Info, Web links Contact Info, Web Links is your access to the most commonly used phone numbers and web sites.

VBA Education Staff, St Louis MO EXIT Last Update: June 28, 2010


Home Other Education Benefits
For School Officials
Chapter 30 Chapter 1607
Ch 33 – THE BASICS MGIB - AD REAP

Ch 33 – Currently on Active
duty or deployed Active duty

Chapter 1606 Chapter 31
Ch 33 - for Veterans -
discharged or retired MGIB - SR Vocational
Rehabilitation
and Employment
Ch 33 for Reserve / Guard -
still serving

Chapter 35
Ch 33 for Spouses
Survivors and
Dependents Education
Assistance
Ch 33 for Children

Other Education Benefits

Contact Info, Web links


Home MGIB – AD Ch 30
For School Officials Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty
The MGIB program provides up to 36 months of education benefits. This benefit may be used for degree
Ch 33 – THE BASICS and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses.
Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.
Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty. This program is also
Ch 33 – Currently on Active commonly known as Chapter 30.
duty or deployed Active duty The current payments for MGIB-AD can be found by clicking on the link: Payment Rate Table
You may be able to take advantage of the Work Study Program in order to “earn as you learn”. Click on
Ch 33 - for Veterans - the link to access details on this program: Work Study
discharged or retired
You may be able to take advantage of paid tutoring through the tutorial Assistance program. Tutorial
assistance is available if you‟re receiving VA educational assistance at the half-time or higher rate and have
Ch 33 for Reserve / Guard - a deficiency in a subject that makes tutoring necessary. You can be reimbursed up to $100 per month up to
still serving a maximum of $1200. To apply for tutorial assistance you must complete VA Form 22-1990t, which can be
found here. Your school certifying official and tutor must sign the form.

Ch 33 for Spouses Detailed Information on MGIB-AD (Ch 30) can be found by clicking on the link: MGIB-AD Ch 30
Become aware of debts and overpayments by clicking on the link: DEBTS and OVERPAYMENTS

Ch 33 for Children
Applying for MGIB-AD ? Click on VONAPP to apply:


Contact Info, Web links Back to Other Education Benefits:
VBA Education Staff, St Louis MO EXIT Last Updated: August 17, 2010
Last Update: June 28, 2010


Home DEA – Ch 35
For School Officials Survivors & Dependents Assistance (Ch 35)
Dependents' Educational Assistance provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of a
Ch 33 – THE BASICS Veteran who is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service connected disability (or) a Veteran
with a permanent and total service connected disability who dies for any cause or if the Veteran is missing in
action (or) being held (or) detained by a foreign government or power.
The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and
duty or deployed Active duty certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. If you are a spouse, you may take a
correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain
Ch 33 - for Veterans - circumstances.
discharged or retired Note: You also have another 5 months of benefits just for remedial / deficiency classes for a possible 50
months of benefits.
Ch 33 for Reserve / Guard - You may be able to take advantage of the Work Study Program in order to “earn as you learn”. Click on the
still serving link to access details on this program: Work Study
Ch 33 for Spouses assistance is available if you‟re receiving VA educational assistance at the half-time or higher rate and have a
deficiency in a subject that makes tutoring necessary. You can be reimbursed up to $100 per month up to a
maximum of $1200. To apply for tutorial assistance you must complete VA Form 22-1990t, which can be
Ch 33 for Children
Detailed information regarding DEA Ch 35: DEA – CH 35
Applying for DEA ? Click on VONAPP to apply:



Home MGIB – SR Ch 1606
Montgomery GI Bill – Select Reserve (Ch 1606)
The MGIB-SR program may be available to you if you are a member of the Selected Reserve. The
Ch 33 – THE BASICS Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve
and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. This benefit may be
used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship / on-the-job training, and
Ch 33 – Currently on Active correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain
duty or deployed Active duty circumstances.
Eligibility for this program is determined by the Selected Reserve components. VA does not determine
Ch 33 - for Veterans - eligibility. VA does make payments for this benefit.
discharged or retired The current payments for MGIB-SR can be found by clicking on the link: Payment Rate Table
You may be able to take advantage of the Work Study Program in order to “earn as you learn”. Click on
Ch 33 for Reserve / Guard - the link to access details on this program: Work Study
still serving
Ch 33 for Spouses a deficiency in a subject that makes tutoring necessary. You can be reimbursed up to $100 per month up to
a maximum of $1200. To apply for tutorial assistance you must complete VA Form 22-1990t, which can be
Ch 33 for Children Complete details on this program can be found by clicking on the link: MGIB-SR (Ch 1606)
Other Education Benefits Applying for MGIB-SR ? Click on VONAPP to apply:



Home REAP – Ch 1607
For School Officials Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP)
Reap is available to provide educational assistance to members of the Reserve components
Ch 33 – THE BASICS called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency (contingency
operation) as declared by the President or Congress. This program makes certain reservists who
were activated for at least 90 days after September 11, 2001 either eligible for education
Ch 33 – Currently on Active benefits or eligible for increased benefits. (a precursor to Chapter 33)
duty or deployed Active duty The current payments for REAP can be found by clicking on the link: Payment Rate Table

You may be able to take advantage of the Work Study Program in order to “earn as you learn”. Click on the
link to access details on this program: Work Study
Paid tutoring is currently not available to those beneficiaries receiving REAP benefits.
still serving Pamphlet on REAP (Ch 1607) can be found by clicking on the link: REAP (Ch 1607)
Those of you with 6 X 2 contracts, click on the link to read about exceptions to REAP: 6 X 2 Contract
Ch 33 for Spouses Become aware of debts and overpayments by clicking on the link: DEBTS and OVERPAYMENTS

Ch 33 for Children Applying for REAP ? Click on VONAPP to apply:




Home Tutorial Assistance

Ch 33 – THE BASICS Tutorial Assistance Program
a deficiency in a subject that makes tutoring necessary. You can be reimbursed up to $100 per month up to
duty or deployed Active duty a maximum of $1200. To apply for tutorial assistance you must complete VA Form 22-1990t, which can be

still serving

Ch 33 for Spouses

Ch 33 for Children




Home Ch 1607 – 6 X 2 Contracts

Ch 33 – THE BASICS
Exceptions to eligibility of Ch 1607 -- A member who is called-up from the Selected Reserve would not
remain eligible for REAP if the member goes into the Individual Ready Reserve. The Selected Reserve
Ch 33 – Currently on Active member must remain in the Selected Reserve to maintain eligibility for REAP.
duty or deployed Active duty For those with 6 X 2 contracts, you will no longer be eligible for Ch 1607 after you transfer to the Inactive
Ready Reserve after 6 years of drilling. You will receive Ch 1606 benefits once you transfer to the inactive
Ch 33 - for Veterans - Ready Reserve for a total of your deployment period plus 4 months.
discharged or retired Example: You enlisted in your service component on 10/01/2000 with a 6 X 2 contract. During your six year
commitment, you were deployed for 12 months. On 10/01/2006, you transferred to the IRR. You would now
have eligibility for 16 months of Ch 1606 (MGIB-SR) benefits starting on 10/01/2006.
still serving For those who separate after 8 years, you will have 10 years after separation to use Ch 1607 benefits..
There is no fixed time period for persons eligible under REAP to use this benefit. There is one exception: If a
Ch 33 for Spouses member is separated from the Ready Reserve for a disability which was not the result of the member‟s own
willful misconduct, he or she is entitled to REAP benefits for 10 years after the date of eligibility.

Ch 33 for Children




Home Voc – Rehab Ch 31
Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Service
The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) VetSuccess Program is authorized by Congress under
Ch 33 – THE BASICS Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 31. It is sometimes referred to as the Chapter 31 program. The
VetSuccess program assists Veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep
suitable jobs. For Veterans with service-connected disabilities so severe that they cannot immediately consider
Ch 33 – Currently on Active work, VetSuccess offers services to improve their ability to live as independently as possible.
Services that may be provided:

Ch 33 - for Veterans - •Comprehensive rehabilitation evaluation to determine abilities, skills, and interests for employment
discharged or retired •Vocational counseling and rehabilitation planning for employment services
•Employment services such as job-training, job-seeking skills, resume development, and other work readiness
Ch 33 for Reserve / Guard - assistance
still serving •Assistance finding and keeping a job, including the use of special employer incentives and job
accommodations
Ch 33 for Spouses •On the Job Training (OJT), apprenticeships, and non-paid work experiences
•Post-secondary training at a college, vocational, technical or business school
•Supportive rehabilitation services including case management, counseling, and medical referrals
Ch 33 for Children
•Independent living services for Veterans unable to work due to the severity of their disabilities

Other Education Benefits Information on Voc –Rehab (Ch 31) can be found by clicking on the link below. Included in the information is a
link to payment information as well. Voc-Rehab (Ch 31)



Home Pamphlets, Posters, Brochures

Ch 33 – THE BASICS Pamphlets, Posters, and Brochures
You may find that your students have questions about education benefits. VA has put together an excellent
collection of pamphlets, posters and brochures for easy download or view. Click on the following link to
access the collection of these helpful documents. Feel free to print off copies for your Veteran
duty or deployed Active duty students, dependents or any one with an interest in learning more about education benefits.
Pamphlets, Posters, Brochures

still serving

Ch 33 for Spouses

Ch 33 for Children




Home Returning funds to VA
For School Officials Institutions may return tuition and fee payments to VA by:
a) Returning the electronically received Automated Clearinghouse (ACH) payment using ACH return
Ch 33 – THE BASICS code R31.
Note: Schools may only return a full payment to VA using the R31 ACH return code. If a student died
during a term and would have only been eligible for a partial refund, the school must send the appropriate
amount to the RPO of jurisdiction (see paragraph c)).
b) Returning the paper check to the:

Ch 33 - for Veterans - US Department of the Treasury
discharged or retired Financial Management Service
PO BOX 51318
Ch 33 for Reserve / Guard - Philadelphia PA 19115-6315
still serving
Note: Institutions should only return government issued paper checks received for a student to the
Department of Treasury. All other checks for return of tuition and fees should be forwarded to the
Ch 33 for Spouses appropriate Agent Cashier.
Sending a check to the Agent Cashier of the Regional Processing Office of jurisdiction. The check must
include student‟s full name and social security number.
Ch 33 for Children
Attn: Agent Cashier
St Louis Regional Processing Office
Other Education Benefits 400 S 18th Street
St Louis MO 63103


Home Yellow Ribbon
Yellow Ribbon Program
The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program allows institutions of higher learning to voluntarily
Ch 33 – THE BASICS enter in an agreement with VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state
undergraduate rate as published on our website HIGHEST INSTATE RATE
duty or deployed Active duty If your school is interested in participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program, please click on the following Yellow
Ribbon Link. You can access the agreement form through the link. Yellow Ribbon Program


still serving

Ch 33 for Spouses

Ch 33 for Children




Home Sending back funds or Refund ?
Sending back funds or refunding the student ?
If you receive an amount of funds for either tuition, fees, or yellow ribbon that exceeds what what expected for
Ch 33 – THE BASICS your student, we have 4 reasons to return fund to VA (see below). Otherwise, refund the student the
overpayment.
Ch 33 – Currently on Active REASONS to send funds back to VA
duty or deployed Active duty 1.The student died during the term and would have been due a refund.
2.The student never attended.
3.The institution received a payment for an individual that is not a student.
4.The institution received a duplicate payment for a student. “Duplication” defined as receiving the exact same
amount for the exact same period or term.
still serving NOTE: Other than the 4 reasons stated above, all other overpayments will be refunded to the student. There
are no exceptions to this policy.

Ch 33 for Spouses RETURNING FUNDS TO VA

Ch 33 for Children




Home School Direct Deposit
School Direct Deposit
With Chapter 33, schools have the ability to have funds such as tuition and fees as well as yellow ribbon
Ch 33 – THE BASICS funds directly deposited into your school‟s banking account.
In order to take advantage of the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), you must contact your Education Liaison
Ch 33 – Currently on Active Representative (ELR). Click on the ELR link to locate your ELR
duty or deployed Active duty ELR Contact Link
You will need to request the VA Form – VA Form 22-8794a – Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Information
Ch 33 - for Veterans - from your ELR. The responsible person at your school will complete the form and sign it. You can then fax
discharged or retired the completed form back to your ELR.
Once your ELR has your completed EFT form, he/she will forward the form to our processing office in St
Ch 33 for Reserve / Guard - Louis in order to establish the EFT for your school.
still serving

Ch 33 for Spouses

Ch 33 for Children




Home New Certifying Officials
“Congratulations on your new role as a certifying official at your school.”
You are a key member of your school‟s organization in regards to your Veteran students. With your new role as
Ch 33 – THE BASICS school certifying official, you have some basic responsibilities in regards to your duties as certifying official.
1. Keep VA informed of the enrollment status of Veterans and other eligible persons. Certifying officials
Ch 33 – Currently on Active complete VA forms or use VA ONCE to report tuition, fees, enrollment dates and term dates.
duty or deployed Active duty 2. Keep VA informed when Veterans change their enrollment status. Certifying Officials submit changes to
enrollments and report those changes to VA within 30 days of the effective date of the change.
Ch 33 - for Veterans - 3. Organize your Veteran‟s academic files and VA files. Successful Certifying Officials keep accurate and
discharged or retired complete records of their Veterans in order to monitor the student’s program, grades, progress, and
academic conduct. Your education Liaison Representative (ELR) can give you some good advice and
recommendations on methods to better track your Veterans.
still serving 4. Keep your State Approving Agency (SAA) informed. Your SAA plays a critical role in approving new
programs at your school as well as reviewing any changes in your academic policies and procedures,
changes in addresses, phone numbers and certifying officials. SAA Contact List
Ch 33 for Spouses
5. Keep up to date on current VA rules and regulations. Provide your ELR with your email address to keep
informed of ongoing changes with VA benefits. Our web site: www.gibill.va.gov has a wealth of information
on our benefits as well as training resources for our new certifying officials. Take advantage of the
Ch 33 for Children workshops available for certifying officials. Your ELR can tell you all about it.
To better get you acquainted with the VA and education benefits, please click on:
Other Education Benefits Online Training for New Certifying Officials



Home For School Certifying Officials
Click on the picture to access information on the subject

New I need more Yellow Ribbon
Certifying info on Program
Ch 33 – THE BASICS Officials Parent/Guest
Start Up schools
duty or deployed Active duty Adding /
Changing
certifying I have been using paper My school already uses VA
Ch 33 - for Veterans - officials enrollments. I want to ONCE. I want to access VA
discharged or retired switch to VA ONCE ONCE or I have questions
about VA ONCE.
Ch 33 for Reserve / Guard - 2010 School Calculating
still serving Certifying training Break and
Officials time Interval Pay
Quick
Ch 33 for Spouses Reference
Pamphlets,
Guide
Posters, Br
ochures
Ch 33 for Children Sending
back funds
School to VA or
Other Education Benefits Direct refund the
Deposit student ?



Home Ch 33 for Active Duty

I want to „Kickers‟, Does the VA know
apply for College Funds, when I am leaving
Ch 33 – THE BASICS Ch 33 Buy-Up active duty ?

Ch 33 – Currently on Active Debts and When can I Tell me about
duty or deployed Active duty start using payments going to
Overpayments
Ch 33 ? me ?
discharged or retired How to What types of What is the
figure out Training can be
The Fry Scholarship ?
Ch 33 for Reserve / Guard - the benefit considered ?
still serving percentage

Can I compare
Ch 33 for Spouses Who is Will the VA pay for
Ch 33 to other tutoring assistance ?
eligible ?
benefits ?

Ch 33 for Children
Months of All about Tell me about
Other Education Benefits eligibility and Transferring Tuition
Delimiting Benefits. Assistance, or TOP
dates UP
Including a step by
Contact Info, Web links step guide to applying


Home Ch 33 for Veterans
I want to Tell me about Will the VA pay for
apply for payments going to tutoring assistance ?
Ch 33 – THE BASICS Ch 33 me ?

Ch 33 – Currently on Active Debts and Tell me about the What is Work
duty or deployed Active duty payments going to Study and how do
Overpayments
my school ? I apply for it ?
How to What types of
figure out Training can be
Ch 33 for Reserve / Guard - the benefit considered ?
still serving percentage

Can I compare
Ch 33 for Spouses Who is
Ch 33 to other
eligible ?
benefits ?

Ch 33 for Children
Months of All about
Other Education Benefits eligibility and Transferring
Delimiting Benefits.
dates
Including a step by


Ch 33 for Reserve / Guard
Home Click on the picture to access information on the subject

I want to Tell me about Will the VA pay for
apply for payments going to tutoring assistance ?
Ch 33 – THE BASICS Ch 33 me ?

Ch 33 – Currently on Active Debts and Tell me about the „Kickers‟,
duty or deployed Active duty payments going to my College Funds,
Overpayments
school ? Buy-Up
discharged or retired How to figure What types of What is Title 32
out the benefit Training can be service ? Why
Ch 33 for Reserve / Guard - percentage considered ? doesn‟t it count ?
still serving

Ch 33 for Spouses Who is I have tuition What is Work
eligible ? assistance available. Study and how do
How does that work ? I apply for it ?

Ch 33 for Children
All about Can I compare
Months of
Other Education Benefits eligibility and Transferring Ch 33 to other
Benefits. benefits ?
Delimiting
dates Including a step by


Ch 33 for Spouses
Home Click on the picture to access information on the subject

Who is MY SPOUSE IS NOT
eligible ? MY SPOUSE IS CURRENTLY
Ch 33 – THE BASICS ON ACTIVE DUTY CURRENTLY ON ACTIVE DUTY

Ch 33 – Currently on Active When am I Tell me about my Tell me about
duty or deployed Active duty eligible to use benefits payments going to
Ch 33 ? me ?
discharged or retired Debts and I need information Tell me about the
Overpayments on MYCAA ? payments going to my
Ch 33 for Reserve / Guard - school like
still serving tuition, fees, yellow
ribbon?

Ch 33 for Spouses What types of What is Work Will the VA pay for
Training can be Study and how do tutoring assistance ?
considered ? I apply for it ?

Ch 33 for Children
All about
Other Education Benefits Transferring
Benefits.
Including a step by


Home Ch 33 for Children
Who is Tell me about Will the VA pay for
eligible ? payments going to tutoring assistance ?
Ch 33 – THE BASICS me ?

Ch 33 – Currently on Active When am I Tell me about the What is Work Study
duty or deployed Active duty eligible to use payments going to and how do I apply
Ch 33 ? my school ? for it ?
discharged or retired Debts and What types of What is The Fry
Training can be Scholarship ?
Overpayments
Ch 33 for Reserve / Guard - considered ?
still serving

Ch 33 for Spouses

Ch 33 for Children
All about
Transferring
Other Education Benefits Benefits
Including a step by



Home
When can I start using Ch 33

Ch 33 – THE BASICS Active Duty Service Member
You can use the Post-9/11 GI Bill on active duty provided you have completed at least 90 days of service
(excluding basic entry level & skill training). The tuition payment cannot exceed the amount paid by military
Ch 33 – Currently on Active tuition assistance and/or the total amount of tuition & fees.


still serving

Ch 33 for Spouses

Ch 33 for Children




Home
Comparing education benefits
Comparing education benefits
Imagine you are a service member who had received an honorable discharge after 3 years in the active
Ch 33 – THE BASICS duty, then enlisted for the Reserves to continue to serve part time. You are called up for deployment and are
mobilized for one year. You arrive back home to start drilling again. You find out that you have 4 education
benefits available: Ch 1606, Ch 1607, Ch 30, and Ch 33. What do you do ?
duty or deployed Active duty Here are some recommendations when you have more than one benefit available. What benefit to use:
1.Educate yourself on what benefits are available for you based on your background. Find your education office
Ch 33 - for Veterans - and speak with a counselor. Go to our web site www.gibill.va.gov and become familiar with all that your
education benefits can do for you. Use this How to reference tool to assist you in zeroing in on the benefits.
2.What are your educational goals ? Are you looking at getting your 2 or 4 year degree or perhaps looking at a
graduate degree, or is a vocational career in your sites ? Will your available education benefit take care of all or
Ch 33 for Reserve / Guard - part of your school costs or will you need to find other sources of assistance such as tuition assistance or
still serving student loans to pay for your schooling.
3.You understand the benefits, know what your goals are. You need to find a school that fits you and lets you
Ch 33 for Spouses complete your goals. Click on find a school to see about your FIND A SCHOOL When you click on the school of
your choice, you will find a link to VA approved programs at your school.
4. By now, you have a good idea of what you would like to accomplish and how you are going to accomplish your
Ch 33 for Children goal. It‟s a good time to compare benefits to make sure you are using the best benefit available to you. Click on
BENEFIT COMPARISON TOOLS VA has a great tool to help you ensure that you are heading down the right
path for your education benefits.



Home
Training Time Calculators and more
For School Officials Training Time for standard terms
In order to determine the training time of a traditional quarter or semester term, you will need to know the
Ch 33 – THE BASICS number of credits your student is enrolled in and the start and end date of the term. Once you have that
information, click on our training time calculator to retrieve job aids. Once you are in job aids, click on Non-
standard term credit hour equivalence computation spreadsheet and follow the steps below::
1. Add the begin date of the term
2. Add the end date of the term (plus 1 day)

Ch 33 - for Veterans - 3. Add the holiday break (e.g. winter break during the term)
discharged or retired 4. Add the number of credits (semester or quarter) Training time will be shown at the bottom of the worksheet.
Training Time for accelerated (non-standard) terms
It should be noted that many colleges and universities have increased their use of accelerated (non-standard)
still serving terms. With these terms starting and ending on various dates, it is difficult to calculate training time unless you
understand the concept of how VA calculates training time. You need to know the start and end date and
Ch 33 for Spouses number of credits for each non-standard term. Click on the calculator to find job aids then click on Non-
standard term credit hour equivalence computation spreadsheet to find the training time for each course. Add
training times together to determine total training time for that period of time

Ch 33 for Children EXAMPLE:
3 semester credit course: 1/15/10 – 3/15/10 = ½ time training time

Other Education Benefits 4 semester credit course: 3/1/10 – 4/15/10 = ¾ time training time
VA pays benefits by adding up training times:

Contact Info, Web links 1/15/10 – 2/28/10 = ½ time. 03/01/10 – 03/15/10 = ½ + ¾ = Full time. 03/16/10 – 4/15/10 = ¾ time.



Home
Break (Interval) Payments
For School Officials Break (Interval) Payments

Ch 33 – THE BASICS Break pay (also known as interval payments) is a payment made to students between quarters, semesters, and
sessions. With the advent of Ch 33, many students are inquiring about whether or not they will receive housing
payments between terms. With other benefits such as Ch 30, Ch 1606, Ch 1607, or Ch 35, questions arise on
whether or not those beneficiaries will receive a continuation of benefits between terms.
Our School Certifying Officials Quick Reference Guide (pages 68 – 71) has an excellent description of interval
payments, the rules that govern interval payments, special summer rules, and a flow chart that may guide you
Ch 33 - for Veterans - along in determining whether a student will receive break pay. Click on the book and page through to page 68
discharged or retired to obtain the rules of break pay

still serving

Ch 33 for Spouses

Ch 33 for Children




Home
The basics of Ch 33 education Benefits
For School Officials What is the Chapter 33 education benefit ? Chapter 33, also known as Post 9/11 GI Bill, was established by
Congress (Public Law 110-252) authorizing education benefits to those individuals who have military service
Ch 33 – THE BASICS subsequent to 9/10/2001 from either active duty service or federal deployments for the guard / reserves.
When did Chapter 33 benefits become effective ? Congress established that Chapter 33 benefits would
commence on August 1, 2009
Where can you use Chapter benefits ? Chapter 33 benefits can be obtained by attending Institutes of Higher
duty or deployed Active duty Learning (IHL) both in residence or online or the combination thereof. Benefits can be used for approved licensing
and certifications.
Ch 33 - for Veterans - What benefits are covered under Ch 33 ? This comprehensive benefit program consists of the following benefits:
•Tuition and Fees: Tuition and fees are paid directly to the school. The amount of tuition and fees paid is
determined by your eligibility, not to exceed the most expensive in-state undergraduate tuition and fees at a public
Ch 33 for Reserve / Guard - IHL. An optional Yellow Ribbon feature may allow some individuals additional tuition and fees benefits.
still serving •Monthly Housing Allowance: The amount of housing allowance is determined by the physical location of your
school (zip code). VA uses the published per-diem rate of E-5 with dependents to determine the housing
Ch 33 for Spouses allowance.
•Book Stipend: A book stipend is paid based on the number of credits you are enrolled in during the academic
year. You may be eligible up to $1000 per academic year for a book stipend.
Ch 33 for Children •Rural Relocation Benefit: Certain individuals may be able to receive up to $500 for relocating from rural areas with
limited populations.

Other Education Benefits The Federal Register dated March 31, 2009 is the final ruling on Chapter 33. You can click on the link to download
a copy of the Federal Register
Federal Register regarding Ch 33


Home
Title 32 Service
For School Officials Title 32 Service.
Much confusion lies with Title 32 service and how that applies to Ch 33 eligibility.
Ch 33 – THE BASICS In general, Title 32 service is military service conducted under the authority of the Governor of your state of
residence or where you perform your duties as a member of the National Guard. Title 32 service includes full-
time Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) service members of the National Guard. Therefore, while performing
duties through a state mobilization effort or a member of the AGR (Guard), your service will NOT count toward
duty or deployed Active duty eligibility for Ch 33.
By law, Title 32 service is not considered as qualifying service for determining Ch 33 eligibility. Only Title 10
Ch 33 - for Veterans - service qualifies for eligibility purposes of Ch 33. What that means to you. If you are mobilized under a
discharged or retired federal call-up and deployed under Title 10 orders, that time will count for eligibility purposes.

Example 1: You are a drilling national guard member and you are called up to assist with flood control in
still serving Fargo North Dakota. You are placed on Title 32 orders with the authority granted from your state to assist with
flood control efforts for 3 weeks. This service can not counted in regards to Ch 33 eligibility.
Ch 33 for Spouses Example 2: You are a drilling national guard member and you are mobilized for a one year tour in Afghanistan.
The orders authorizing your deployment are Title 10 orders. This service will count in regards to Ch 33
eligibility.
Ch 33 for Children Example 3: You are a full-time AGR guard member. You are not called up under any federally authorized
contingency order. Your service as a full-time guard member does not count in regards to Ch 33 eligibility.

Other Education Benefits Example 4: You are a full-time AGR guard member. You are mobilized for a one year tour in Afghanistan.
The orders authorizing your deployment are Title 10 orders. This service will count in regards to Ch 33
eligibility.


Home
Does the VA know I left Active Duty ?
For School Officials When you separate from active duty, whether your commitment is up, your retirement papers came in, or your
have just come off deployment from the Reserves / Guard, in many instances, VA may not become aware of your
active duty service.
Ch 33 – THE BASICS VA receives service member information from Department of Defense (DOD). Service members DOD records are
only as good as how well your particular military service keeps DOD updated.
Ch 33 – Currently on Active The problems arise for VA processors in determining eligibility for service members wishing to use education
duty or deployed Active duty benefits. This is especially true when calculating Ch 33 eligibility as the percentage benefit calculation is based on
the months of active duty you performed after 09/10/2001.
Ch 33 - for Veterans - For those reserve / guard members with less than 3 years of active duty deployments, the percentage benefit rate
discharged or retired can vary with each deployment. It becomes very important that VA is kept up to date on those deployments as we
will add deployment periods in order to detemine eligibility percentage rates.

Ch 33 for Reserve / Guard - How do I keep VA up to date on my active duty service ?
still serving (A) If you have never received education benefits from the VA
When you complete your application for benefits, attach a copy of your DD214s or other proof of active duty
Ch 33 for Spouses service so our processors have the most current service information from you.
(B) If you have received education benefits from the VA
Send supporting documentation to VA such as your DD214 your recently received to our processing office in
Ch 33 for Children St Louis. Our processors can add your documentation to your record and ensure that your benefits are accurate
and up to date. The address for accepting documentation:
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Regional Processing Center
PO BOX 66830
Contact Info, Web links St Louis MO 63166


Home Work Study
For School Officials Work Study
This program provides part-time employment to students receiving VA education benefits who attend school
Ch 33 – THE BASICS three-quarter time or more. The student may work at the school veterans' office, VA Medical Facilities, the VA
Regional Office, or at approved State employment offices. Work-study students are paid either the State or
Federal minimum wage, whichever is greater.
More information about this program, including how to apply, can be found by clicking HERE.
NOTE: Active Duty Military are not eligible for this program.


still serving

Ch 33 for Spouses

Ch 33 for Children




Home Kickers, College Funds, Buy-ups
For School Officials Kickers, College funds, Buy-ups explained
Much confusion lies in the difference between a „kicker‟, a „college fund‟ or a „buy-up‟. Understanding the
Ch 33 – THE BASICS difference will help you better understand if one of these additional payments will affect your overall benefit
payout.
KICKER: (aka College Fund) - An individual's branch of service may offer the College Fund (also known as a
"kicker") as part of an enlistment or reenlistment contract, or for other reasons. The College Fund is an
duty or deployed Active duty additional amount of money that increases an individual's basic monthly benefit and is included in his or her VA
payment. Each service branch (and not VA) determines who receives the College Fund and the amount
Ch 33 - for Veterans - received. It may be necessary to send VA a copy of your College Fund contract to ensure the correct amount
is added to your monthly benefit.
NOTE:Typically, College Fund contracts are found within your enlistment contract.
still serving BUY-UP: - Members eligible for the active duty GI Bill, or REAP are able to participate in the additional $600
contribution program. Eligible members may contribute up to $600 total (in increments of $20) to their service
Ch 33 for Spouses branch. Based on the amount of their extra contribution, members may receive up to an additional $150 per
month in their GI Bill payments. To see a chart detailing the additional monthly amount, please click here.
ACTIVE DUTY GI BILL PARTIPANTS must be on active duty to contribute.
Ch 33 for Children REAP PARTICIPANTS must be part of the Selected Reserve, Individual Ready Reserve or Inactive National
Guard to contribute

Other Education Benefits NOTE: Buy-up benefit payments are not added to your benefit package under Ch 33. You can not obtain a
refund of the additional amount deposited for the buy-up.



Home VA ONCE (with MOU)
VA ONCE is an enhanced means for submitting VA Form 22-1999 (Enrollment Certificates), VA Form 22-
Ch 33 – THE BASICS 1999b (Change of Student Status) VA ONCE allows you, the certifying official, to quickly and effectively
submit enrollments, amendments, adjustments, and terminations to VA. VA ONCE allows you to better
track your Veteran Students enrollments sent to VA.
Ch 33 – Currently on Active What is needed to run VA-ONCE? To use VA-ONCE, you must have a recent version of either the
duty or deployed Active duty Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE 5.5 SP2 or higher) or Netscape Navigator (NN v6.02 or higher) browsers
installed on your computer.
Ch 33 - for Veterans - How to gain access (VA ONCE has not been implemented at your school before).
discharged or retired Your authorized school official must complete a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to gain access to
the VA ONCE application. Click on the following link for a copy of the MOU.
Ch 33 for Reserve / Guard - http://www.gibill.va.gov/School_Info/once/mou.htm
still serving
You should complete the MOU form on-line, PRINT it, obtain the appropriate signature(s), and mail it to
your Education Liaison Representative (ELR).
Ch 33 for Spouses
Your Education Liaison Representative (ELR) will contact you once he/she has received your completed
MOU and your VA ONCE account has been established. Your ELR will assign you a user log on name
and temporary password. Once you have been set up with your VA ONCE account with log on name and
Ch 33 for Children password, you will be able to access VA ONCE by clicking on the following link:
https://vaonce.vba.va.gov/vaonce_student/default.asp
Other Education Benefits Contact your ELR for a copy of theVA ONCE Quick Reference Flip Book in order to better understand the
features of VA ONCE. The flip book will also guide you through all the steps involved in setting up your
VA ONCE account tailoring your account based on your school‟s requirements.


Home VA ONCE assistance
VA ONCE is an enhanced means for submitting VA Form 22-1999 (Enrollment Certificates), VA Form 22-
Ch 33 – THE BASICS 1999b (Change of Student Status) VA ONCE allows you, the certifying official, to quickly and effectively
submit enrollments, amendments, adjustments, and terminations to VA. VA ONCE allows you to better
track your Veteran Students enrollments sent to VA.
Ch 33 – Currently on Active What is needed to run VA-ONCE? To use VA-ONCE, you must be using a recent version of either the
duty or deployed Active duty Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE 5.5 SP2 or higher) or Netscape Navigator (NN v6.02 or higher) browsers.
To Access VA ONCE:
https://vaonce.vba.va.gov/vaonce_student/default.asp
Contact your ELR for a copy of theVA ONCE Quick Reference Flip Book in order to better understand the
features of VA ONCE. The flip book will also guide you through all the steps involved in setting up your
Ch 33 for Reserve / Guard - VA ONCE account tailoring your account based on your school’s requirements.
still serving
For further assistance:
VA ONCE FAQ (training guides, User Tips)
Ch 33 for Spouses
Education Liaison Representatives

Ch 33 for Children




Home Adding / Changing Certifying Officials
VA requires schools to keep us up to date with authorized certifying officials at your school. You may
Ch 33 – THE BASICS find that you need to add, delete, or change a certifying official at your school. VA uses VA Form 22-
8794 “Designation of Certifying Official(s) in order to keep accurate records of current certifying officials
at your school.
Ch 33 – Currently on Active The form must only be completed by the RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL with the authority to designate
duty or deployed Active duty certifying officials for your school.
The form must be completed whenever there is a change in any of the required information. Include
Ch 33 - for Veterans - the names, titles, and signatures of all certifying officials, not just the changed information.
discharged or retired Click on the link below to obtain the VA Form 22-8794.
http://www.gibill.va.gov/School_Info/once/forms/22-8794.pdf
still serving
Once your school‟s designated official has completed the form, you will need to mail the form to your
Education Liaison Representative (ELR). The link for your ELR can be found below:
Ch 33 for Spouses
http://www.gibill.va.gov/School_Info/elr.htm

Ch 33 for Children




Home Parent- Guest Schools
For School Officials Veterans and Dependents may be able to attend two schools concurrently. For VA to pay benefits, we
consider this to be based on a Parent – Guest (secondary) school relationship. To better understand this
Ch 33 – THE BASICS relationship, it is important to understand the requirements.

Parent School: The parent school is the school where the beneficiary is pursuing his/her degree,
certificate, or diploma.
Guest (Secondary) School: The guest (secondary) school is the school where the beneficiary is
attending in which the credits received will be accepted at the Parent school.
It is important for the beneficiary to communicate to both the parent and guest school of his/her intent.
VA requires the following action be taken by the parent and guest schools:
1.If you are the Parent school: You must prepare a letter (called the parent school letter) addressed to
the VA certifying official at the guest school. The letter will include the following: (1) Your school name
still serving and facility code; (2) Identity of the student, SSN; (3) List of courses that will be accepted at your
institution for the program the student is taking. A copy of the letter should be either mailed, emailed, or
Ch 33 for Spouses hand delivered by the student to the certifying official at the guest school. Keep a copy for the student‟s
records. Ensure a transcript is obtained from the guest school.
2.If you are the Guest school. You will adopt the student as a “guest student” and certify his/her
Ch 33 for Children enrollment. In the remarks field, add “Supplemental enrollment. Parent letter from <insert parent
school name and facility code> is on file”.




Home The Fry Scholarship
For School Officials Fry Scholarship
Public Law 111-32, The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship, amends the Post-9/11 GI Bill
Ch 33 – THE BASICS (chapter 33) to include the children of service members who die in the line of duty after Sept. 10, 2001. The
benefit is effective August 1, 2009; the same day the Post-9/11 GI Bill took effect. Eligible children attending
school may receive up to the highest public, in-state undergraduate tuition and fees, plus a monthly living
Ch 33 – Currently on Active stipend and book allowance under this program.
Eligibility:
Children of an active duty member of the Armed Forces who has died in the line of duty on or after September
11, 2001, are eligible for this benefit. A child may be married or over 23 and still be eligible.
•are entitled to 36 months of benefits at the 100% level
still serving •have 15 years to use the benefit beginning on his/her 18th birthday
•may use the benefit until his or her 33rd birthday
Ch 33 for Spouses •cannot use the benefit before age 18, even if he or she has completed high school
•are not eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program

Ch 33 for Children
Fry Scholarship beneficiaries are certified just like Chapter 33 beneficiaries.

To apply for this benefit, you need to click on the following link:VA VONAPP Website



Home Tuition Assistance & Top-Up
Military Tuition Assistance Programs: (TA)

Ch 33 – THE BASICS Eligible members of the Military may receive additional assistance from their branches of service for
education programs. Each service has its own criteria for eligibility and application procedures.
NOTE: IF you are currently receiving CH 33 benefits, the amount of TA must be deducted from the amount
Ch 33 – Currently on Active reported to VA.
Information on each service‟s Tuition Assistance programs can be accessed by clicking on the links:

Ch 33 - for Veterans - ARMY AIRFORCE NAVY MARINES COAST GUARD
Top Up
Ch 33 for Reserve / Guard - Eligible Active Duty members can use Tuition Assistance Top-Up which allows VA to pay a Tuition
still serving Assistance Top- up benefit. The amount of the benefit can be equal to the difference between the total cost
of a college course and the amount of Tuition Assistance that is paid by the military for the course.
Ch 33 for Spouses Our Q/A link has some excellent information on Top-Up. Click on the link to view the info: TOP-UP
See your military education counselors for more information.

Ch 33 for Children




Home Transferring Ch 33 Benefits
For School Officials Transferring Benefits
Dependents of active military members (active – drilling reservists, national guard, active duty) may be eligible to
Ch 33 – THE BASICS receive Ch 33.
Here are a few basic rules to consider in regards to transferring benefits to a dependent:
Ch 33 – Currently on Active 1. Is the service member currently in an „active‟ status ? A service member must be actively serving in order to
duty or deployed Active duty transfer the benefit. Those members who have already separated or retired cannot transfer the benefit
2. Does the service member have enough time in service to transfer ? Generally, a member must have at least
Ch 33 - for Veterans - 6 years of service and agree to serve 4 more years.
discharged or retired 3. How many months of eligibility can be transferred to dependents ? The service member can elect to transfer
up to a total of 36 months of benefits between himself and his dependents. He can split up the 36 months
between himself and his dependents in any number of ways not to exceed 36 months.
still serving 4. What dependents are eligible for the transferred benefit ? A family member must be enrolled in the Defense
Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System (DEERS). The service member can check this out with his military
DEERS office.
Ch 33 for Spouses
5. When can a spouse use the benefit ? Once the service member becomes eligible, the spouse can use the
benefit immediately.

Ch 33 for Children 6. When can a child use the benefit ? The service member must have served 10 years before a child can use
the benefit. The child must have received a high school diploma (GED) prior to using the benefit. The limit to
use the benefit for a child is up to age 26. The child must not be married at the time of the transfer. The
Other Education Benefits transfer must occur prior to the child’s 23rd birthday.
Click on the link for detailed information on transferring: Transferring Ch 33 benefits

Contact Info, Web links We also have included a step by step guide for you and your dependent to transfer benefits: Step-by-Step



Home Applying for Ch 33 Benefits
For School Officials Applying for Ch 33 benefits.
Applying online for Ch 33 benefits streamlines the process and allows for a faster turn around. The application
Ch 33 – THE BASICS process takes around 30 minutes from start to finish. Consider the following as you prepare to apply:
1. Have you become aware of the various benefits available to you. Have you chosen the „right‟ benefit based
on your eligibility and goals. Did you read over information through this site, visited an education counselor,
and are satisfied that Ch 33 is right for you ?
2. Our online application allows for you to attach documents electronically. Adding your DD214(s) to your
application will ensure that you get the highest percentage benefit rate you are eligible for. If you have a
Ch 33 - for Veterans - „kicker‟ contract, adding a copy of this contract will ensure that your „kicker‟ payments go out on time and
discharged or retired accurately.
3. Direct deposit ensures a secure, safe, and faster method to receiving your benefit payments. Have your
Ch 33 for Reserve / Guard - banking information available such as routing and account number.
still serving 4. What school are you planning on attending. The application allows you to state your intended school and
program. We will need to know when you plan on attending as well.
Ch 33 for Spouses 5. When you are ready to apply click on the VONAPP link

Ch 33 for Children You will be able to launch VONAPP to apply for benefits
Instructions to apply and submit your application can be found on our VONAPP site.

Other Education Benefits When you have completed filling out the application, attached any supporting documentation, and submitted
your application, don‟t forget to print off a completed copy of the application for you and a copy for your school.


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