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On April 14, 2022, Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Education Service (EDU) leadership hosted its first ever GI Bill® Summit, connecting virtually with GI Bill students and the Veteran community to provide updates on Digital GI Bill modernization efforts and answer GI Bill questions submitted on RallyPoint.

The GI Bill Summit was hosted on VA’s Post-9/11 GI Bill Facebook page and featured:

» Opening remarks from EDU Acting Executive Director Mary Glenn
» Question and Answer session with EDU leadership
» Facebook Live chat interaction, answering education benefits questions on the spot
» Showcases of various VA education programs including VRRAP and VET TEC
» Spotlights of Veterans Claims Examiners and a School Certifying Official

In case you missed it, you can watch the recording of the 2022 GI Bill Summit here:
In addition, VA’s Digital GI Bill team hosted a usability testing session with over 600 School Certifying Officials to test out new functionalities being developed to support the Digital GI Bill modernization effort. These new features are focused on making a better experience for Veterans, Service members, their families, and the school administrators and VA staff who support them.

Over the past few weeks, VA answered more than 250 education benefits questions submitted to the 2022 GI Bill Summit: RallyPoint Q&A. Topics included monthly enrollment verification requirements, Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA), transfer of entitlement, expiring COVID-19 protections of benefits, and more.

On behalf of the VA EDU leadership, we thank you for your engagement and participation in the GI Bill Summit. Your questions and feedback are invaluable as we work to improve your education benefits experience, and we look forward to continuing these types of conversations with you in the future.

If you have any additional questions, please utilize the GI Bill hotline at 888-GIBILL- [login to see] ) between 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Central Time, Monday-Friday. For students outside the U.S., call 00 [login to see] . You can also ask us a question via Ask VA (https://ask.va.gov) or reach out to us through our Post- 9/11 GI Bill Facebook page (https://rly.pt/346jg4T).
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Responses: 174
Issy Wilson
I used my GI benefits for an out of state public university, it covered most of the costs but what type of VA loan can I get to cover my housing and dining student debts?
MSG Alan Purdie
MSG Alan Purdie
>1 y
VA doesn't do any education loans - hasn't for a great many years. VA only does the Home Loan Program. Talk to the financial aid office at your school about student loans.
Heather DeSpain
Heather DeSpain
>1 y
Not saying this is doable for you, but you may want to look into states that offer in-state tuition for military affiliated students regardless of their actual state residency. Colorado is one of these. Not sure what others have put this in place.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
>1 y
You may qualify for the Yellow Ribbon program which can help you pay for higher out-of-state, private school, foreign school, or graduate school tuition and fees that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn’t cover: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/yellow-ribbon-program/. For additional resources, check out Part Two of the Building Your Future with the GI Bill® Guide series: https://benefits.va.gov/gibill/docs/gibguideseries/chooseyoureducationbenefits.pdf
Sgt Vincent Rodriguez
Why does Ch 1606 and Post-9/11 GI Bill shared benefit entitlements, when Ch 1606 is a only small monthly stipend of $350 a month while full Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are worth tens of thousands of dollars per semester?
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
>1 y
Thank you for your question. Montgomery GI Bill benefits and Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are separate benefits programs with different service requirements for eligibility. To learn more about what qualifies a beneficiary for MGIB and Post-9/11 GI Bill, please see our website: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/.
SCPO Mike T.
I've recently received my 100% P&T rating. I'd like to understand how Post-9/11 GI BIll benefits work in conjunction with Chap 35 benefits. Thanks!
MSG Alan Purdie
MSG Alan Purdie
>1 y
It doesn't - those are two completely separate VA Education programs. Veterans can not use DEA Chapter 35 - only dependents can use DEA CH 35. If you transferred some of your Post 9/11 GI Bill to your children, they can not use both programs at the same time - they can use one, then the other one.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
>1 y
Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits (Chapter 33), and Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) benefits are two separate forms of benefits. As a Veteran who has a disability rating of 100% permanent and total, your beneficiaries may qualify for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program, also known as Chapter 35 benefits. If you have dependents who will be using Chapter 35, you will find more information about that benefit here: https://www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/. Chapter 35 is not available to the Veteran. However, you may qualify for Veteran Readiness & Employment (Chapter 31). You can find more information about that here: https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/how-to-apply/.

Please note that individuals cannot use more than one benefit at a time, regardless of eligibility.
SGT Lucille Phillips
The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship states graduate students cannot apply; however, veterinary medicine is on the list. Can veterinary students apply? What if we do an internship, fellowship, or residency? I think I know but can you also define a "clinical training program?"
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
>1 y
Thank you for your question. Yes, undergraduate students in the Veterinary Medicine field of study may be eligible to apply for the Rogers STEM Scholarship. Section 1001 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 removes "a medical residency program" from the approved list of STEM degree programs, since medical residency programs are typically graduate level programs. See the full list of eligible STEM programs (and the Health Professional Residency/Fellowship Programs in Section 60) here: https://benefits.va.gov/gibill/docs/fgib/STEM_Program_List.pdf . All covered clinical training programs for health care professionals are defined by the ones which are included in the list.
PO3 Crystal Trevino
Good afternoon VA Officials,

Hello my name is Crystal Trevino. I have recently been accepted into USC's DPT Hybrid 3 year program. I am currently trying to navigate the education benefits process for grad school and need direction.

I am a veteran who has exactly 14 months and 16 days left on my Post-9/11 GI Bill as I used the rest during my time in undergrad. I understand I must fill out and submit the VA Form 22-1995 online to change my program in order to obtain the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and submit that to USC's Certifying Official before I can use my benefits at USC.

My wife will be transferring the remaining months over to me to cover the rest of the DPT Hybrid Program from her Post-9/11. She is currently serving in the Navy on active duty. She has completed the Transfer of Education Benefits form and it has been approved. I understand that I must now fill out and submit the VA Form 22-1990E online before I can use those benefits.

My question to you is how will my Post-9/11 benefits work during grad school exactly? Will there be any differences on how I will be able to use my personal benefits versus the ones my wife is transferring over to me? Can I complete the VA-Form 22-1990E now so that the benefits will be already be ready available to use when I need them? Also, will I only be able to tap into hers once mine are completely exhausted? Or do they just become one when transferred over into my name after I complete and submit the form?

I am not entirely sure at this point if it works differently for grad school than it did for when I was in undergrad.
It is from my understanding that for graduate school the VA will pay tuition benefits based on what the school reports my training to be. Is that correct?

Basically, I just want to be sure I have the exact number of months needed to cover the cost of the entire DPT Hybrid Program.

I am aware that the Post-9/11 will only cover up to $26,042.81 for tuition each year of the DPT Hybrid program since it is a private school and has an annual cap. Although, from what I have read that cost can be offset through the Yellow Ribbon Program based on a first come first serve basis and the amount awarded to the student can vary based on various factors.

I also understand that whatever tuition is left unpaid after the Post-9/11 and Yellow Ribbon benefits are paid out will have to be paid through other sources such as grants, loans, scholarships etc.

I know this was a very lengthy message and I hope it all makes sense. I am just needing guidance navigating the financial aspect of grad school to make sure I get it done the right way. I greatly appreciate your help.

Very Respectfully,
Crystal Trevino
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
>1 y
Your benefits will be paid the same whether you use your own benefits or Transferred Benefits. While we are unable to provide a response for this individual case in this forum, we encourage you review the following page for more details regarding using of Transferred Benefits https://www.va.gov/education/transfer-post-9-11-gi-bill-benefits/ and if you have remaining questions, please contact the Education Call Center (ECC) Monday - Friday, 7am to 6pm CT, at [login to see] for further assistance. Additionally, you may qualify for the Yellow Ribbon program which can help you pay for higher out-of-state, private school, foreign school, or graduate school tuition and fees that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn’t cover. : https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/yellow-ribbon-program/.
PO1 Gene Henley
Simply stated, I have been unable to obtain a copy of my DD214. I have made many requests,and been responded with "Not available from archives. "
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
>1 y
Thank you for your question. You may be able to request a copy of your DD214 through various means, including visiting the National Personnel Records Center, or working with a Veterans Service Organization. Please take a look at our website to learn more: https://www.va.gov/records/get-military-service-records/.
1px xxx
Suspended Profile
During 2020-2022 because of COVID, I was unable to attend school, wasting my precious remaining years of benefit. Is there anything that can be done to extend it? My 15 years is up next year, and I won’t be able to get my degree in time…
MSgt Keith Hicks
Why is the STEM framed in such a way that multiple requests are required and with expiration or "must use dates" that fall before the end of a members graduation window if the cost doesn't exceed the $30K cap?
MSG Alan Purdie
MSG Alan Purdie
>1 y
Congress put into the law - up to 9 months or $30K. VA has to obey the law.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
>1 y
Thank you for your question. By law, eligible Rogers STEM Scholarship recipients can receive up to 9 months in Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits or $30,000, depending on whichever comes first. Please visit our website to learn more: https://www.va.gov/education/other-va-education-benefits/stem-scholarship/
SSgt Jennell Martin
Edited >1 y ago
Why are housing allowance payments pro rated for days when students are not in class. If the semester is in full swing, the students do not have control over what days they have classes and when they don't, and the need for housing exists whether or not the students are on break, or not. Pro rating payments is like saying, well since you did not have class that day, you must not need to pay your mortgage/ rent. I still have to pay my full mortgage whether I have class for half of the month, or the full month. As a full time student, pro rated housing payments cause a serious point of stress during the semester. Knowing that even though I am full time, I will not receive the full payments when there are breaks during the semester. What is the difficulty in paying students during breaks and days off, as these are built in parts of the semester. Students should not be punished for the school having breaks, something completely out of their control. Breaks are a chance for students to re charge and refresh, this should not be an opportunity to take away benefits from GI Bill students.
CPO Yeoman
CPO (Join to see)
>1 y
I believe you and many others are misinformed. When students say they are pro rated based on breaks it is not the breaks for the cause of receiving pro rated funds. Funds are paid out through certification periods. You only receive MHA for periods the school certifies you for being enrolled in class. Asking to be paid for housing allowances when not in school is the same as the school asking to be paid tuition for the VA for the times you were not enrolled in classes. This benefit has its flaws yes, but as veterans and especially educated ones we need to have a financial plan that is well thought out to secure stability throughout our time in school and not use this benefit as a means. There are grants and scholarships that are available that can help offset some costs.
SSgt Jennell Martin
SSgt Jennell Martin
>1 y
Thank you for your input, I disagree, I do not pick the start dates for the semester, so if a semester starts on 11 Jan, I still need somewhere to live for that entire month. Just because the semester starts on the 11th does not mean that is the first date I will need somewhere to live in preparation for the semester beginning. It would be helpful to students to consider that semester start date does not also equal days I need somewhere to live. It is called monthly housing allowance, not semester housing allowance.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
>1 y
Thank you for your question and feedback. The Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) you receive are based on the Department of Defense's (DoD) Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for an E-5 with dependents. Your MHA is based on your school's campus location, and VA pays MHA for the days you attended class, so if your term starts in the middle of January, the payment you receive in the beginning of February will be pro-rated accordingly, per federal law. While VA does not have control of how MHA rates are calculated from year to year, we appreciate the feedback and will continue to make Veterans’ experiences better. Visit our GI Bill Comparison Tool to learn more: https://www.va.gov/education/gi-bill-comparison-tool/. Check out VBA EDU leadership discussing this topic at the 2022 GI Bill Summit: https://youtu.be/0E5tw0zd4DY?t=1149
MSgt Freddy Cantu
Is there anything being pushed through to extend the COVID-19 housing benefits? Most veterans such as myself find it much easier to attend college online. There are several colleges that are still requiring you to be vaccinated, which forces us in the position to do online schooling.
MSG Alan Purdie
MSG Alan Purdie
>1 y
Currently the law ends 1 June 2022
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
>1 y
Thank you for your question and feedback. Per current legislation, Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) rates run equivalent to an active duty E-5's Basic Housing Allowance rate with dependents, which is determined annually by the Department of Defense to account for things like inflation and cost of living. VA then adjusts the MHA on August 1st of every year to match. Our rates are dependent on the Department of Defense's housing rates. We appreciate your feedback and continue to work with Congress and our GI Bill partners to improve the GI Bill experience for Veterans and their families. Check out VBA EDU leadership discussing this topic at the 2022 GI Bill Summit: https://youtu.be/0E5tw0zd4DY?t=1149

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