IOWA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION VETERANS AND MILITARY EDUCATION

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION VETERANS AND MILITARY EDUCATION IOWA STATE APPROVING AGENCY Michael Dommer, Director Monty Burroughs, Consultant (I)

STATE APPROVING AGENCY (SAA) HISTORY • Part of the original GI Bill of 1947 • Approving education programs a state function • States formed SAA’s • SAA’s work under contract with the VA • Ensure quality of programs approved /Compliance • Programs lead to educational/occupational objective 2

KEY FUNCTIONS • Approve/disapprove training programs • Update school approvals as necessary • Technical assistance to schools/training establishments • Outreach • Liaison • Compliance 3

TYPES OF TRAINING PROGRAMS • Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL) Degrees • Non-Degree Programs (NCD) Diplomas • Certificates and Licensure • Flight (Commercial) • Apprenticeship (registered) • Apprenticeship (non-registered) • On The Job Training (OJT) 4

GI Bill CHAPTERS • Post 9/11* (Fry Scholarship) Chapter 33 • MGIB-AD Chapter 30 • MGIB-SR Chapter 1606 • REAP (phased out) Chapter 1607 • DEA* Chapter 35 36 months of full time benefit, maximum combination limited to 48 months. *These programs may extend benefits to veteran dependents. 5

MUST APPLY FOR THE BENEFIT • VA Form 22 -1990 – Initial application for education benefits (veteran/service member) • VA Form 22 -1995 – Change of school or program of training (veteran/service member) • VA Form 22 -5490 – Initial application for benefits DEA/Fry (dependents). • VA Form 22 -5495 - Change of school or program of training (dependents). • VA Form 22 -1990 E – Initial application for education benefits (Chapter 33 TOE).

How To Apply • Applying online is the preferred method: • https: //www. benefits. va. gov/gibill/apply. asp • May use a the paper form and mail it to the St. Louis RPO • Processing time varies, but usually approximately 30 days • After processing a notification will be sent to the applicant: – – Certificate Of Eligibility (COE) Award Letter Development Letter Denial

Contacting the VA • 1 -888 -442 -4551 for education questions • VA website https: //www. benefits. va. gov/gibill/ (contact us), (ask a question) • Send a letter: Department of Veterans Affairs 9700 Page Ave Suite 101 – Education St. Louis, Mo 63132 -1502 8

Student Resources • School VA Certifying Official (SCO) • VA Form 22 -8832 Application for Counseling • School Veterans Coordinator • VA Website https: //www. benefits. va. gov/gibill/

The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 (“Forever GI Bill”) is one of the most comprehensive changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill. • The 15 -year time limitation for using Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits is eliminated for Veterans who left active duty on or after January 1, 2013, and qualifying dependents (Fry children who became eligible on or after January 1, 2013 and all Fry spouses) • Reservists who had eligibility under the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) and lost it due to the program sunset provision will have that service credited toward the Post-9/11 GI Bill program 10

Recent GI Bill Changes • Certain work-study activities are permanently authorized; previously it had to be re-approved by Congress every few years. • Improvement of information technology for the Long-Term Solution • Beneficiaries can now use Post-9/11 GI Bill to pursue accredited independent study programs at certain education institutions that are not institutions of higher learning (IHLs) • VA will help Veterans to more clearly identify schools that offer them priority enrollment

Provisions Jan 2018 and beyond August 1, 2018 • Educational assistance under Post-9/11 GI Bill for those individuals awarded the Purple Heart. • Inclusion of Fry Scholarship recipients and Purple Heart recipients in Yellow Ribbon Program • Calculation of monthly housing stipend under Post 9/11 GI Bill, based on location of campus where classes are attended. • Charge to entitlement for certain licensure and certification tests and national tests under Post-9/11 GI Bill. 12

Provisions-Jan 2018 and beyond (cont. ) August 1, 2018 (cont. ) • Monthly stipend for certain members of Reserve component individuals receiving Post-9/11 GI Bill • Duration of education assistance under Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA) (from 45 to 36 months of entitlement) • Limitation on use of reporting fees payable to educational institutions and sponsors of programs of apprenticeship. 13

Provisions-Jan 2018 and beyond (cont. ) August 1, 2018 (cont. ) • Training requirements for School Certifying Officials as condition of GI Bill approval • Provision of information regarding Veteran entitlement to educational assistance • Eligibility of Reserve Component members for Post 9/11 GI Bill October 1, 2018 • Increase in amounts of educational assistance payable under DEA.

Provisions- Jan 2018 and beyond (cont. ) August 1, 2019 • Additional benefits for pursuit of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs August 1, 2020 • Consolidation of certain eligibility tiers under Post-9/11 GI Bill August 1, 2022 • Inclusion of certain active duty members in the Yellow Ribbon Program Substantial IT changes may result in longer processing times during implementation. 15

Common Questions • What am I eligible for? VA determines eligibility based on information from the DOD database (character of service, qualifying periods of service, entitlement used, etc. ) • How do I apply? Through VA website preferred, can use paper forms • Why haven’t I gotten paid? Have they applied, did the school certify their enrollment, have they contacted the VA, contact the SCO. • Who do I call? 1 -888 -442 -4551, VA website inquiry, SCO • Congressional – Laura Boddicker Senator Ernst Office (319) 365 -4504 Laura_boddicker@Ernst. senate. gov

Common Questions • How do I transfer my benefit? Must have eligibility for the Post 9/11 GI Bill and be on active status (active duty or drilling) and able to complete an additional 4 years. • The school wants my COE before they enroll me. Remaining entitlement info is also available through e. Benefits and vets. gov (SCOs have been notified to accept) • Why does the VA say I owe them money? Usually due to terminating a program or courses early. • Is my school/employer approved? Refer to WEAMS https: //inquiry. vba. va. gov/weamspub/search. Inst. do 17

CONTACT INFORMATION For more information, please contact: Michael D. Dommer, Consultant - michael. dommer@iowa. gov Phone: (515) 281 -3516 Monte Burroughs, Consultant – monte. burroughs@iowa. gov Phone: (515) 725 -2865 Rebecca Griglione- rebecca. griglione@iowa. gov Phone: (515) 281 -3317