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Did you miss the 2022 GI Bill Summit? VA Education Service leadership answered your GI Bill benefits questions at the first-ever event.
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Hear VBA Education Service leadership answer education benefits questions submitted by Veterans, Service members, and their families on RallyPoint: https://w...
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).
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).
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
GI Bill
Education
College
Benefits
Responses: 174
Why Does post 911 GI Bill not cover developmental math courses but will cover developmental courses in other subjects?
MSG Alan Purdie
The GI Bill does cover developmental math courses and other subjects.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for your question. The Post-9/11 GI Bill may be used to cover all required remedial/deficiency (developmental) courses, as well as pre-requisites for a required course in a program for students whose placement test results show the course is needed. However, approved programs may be dependent on the school and its GI Bill approved programs. We recommend using the GI Bill Comparison Tool to see what schools offer programs that are covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
My GI Bill money expires this summer and I haven’t used all of it. I start nursing school in august. Is there nothing I can do to extend the time I can use it? I earned this money, I don’t think it’s exactly fair it expires
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for your question. Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act eliminated the 15-year time limit for using Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for Veterans who left Active Duty on or after January 1, 2013, as well as qualifying dependents. If you were discharged before January 1, 2013, your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits expire 15 years after you separated from the military. There are various circumstances under which you may be eligible for an extension of GI Bill benefits. Learn more here: https://www.va.gov/resources/getting-a-gi-bill-extension/. Additionally, check out VBA EDU leadership discussing this topic at the 2022 GI Bill Summit: https://youtu.be/0E5tw0zd4DY?t=640. You may also be eligible for the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM scholarship which allows some eligible Veterans and dependents in high-demand fields to extend their Post-9/11 GI Bill or Fry Scholarship benefits. Find out more here: https://www.va.gov/education/other-va-education-benefits/stem-scholarship/
Why can't everyone receive the GI Bill for an infinite amount of time? Why should some of us get cut off at 10 or 15 years after retirement? Most of us did our due diligence in service above and beyond 20+ years, including participating in one or more deployments. I finally had some sparks of motivation to start school while trying to heal from PTSD and other service-connected issues. But now time is running out to use my GI BILL and I won't be able to finish it financially due to time. I gave my TIME and then some to the military and deployments. Why shouldn't I receive all the time I need for my education, like those who are granted infinite time to use their GI BILL in the most recent GI BILL rules? I think that decision should be applicable to ALL RETIRED MILITARY WHO ESPECIALLY SERVED 20 YEARS + AND DEPLOYED TO WAR ZONES. My hope is that the VA reconsider this rule to all GI BILL recipients who served in war zones, especially those of us who retired with 20+ years and SACRAFICED A LOT!!!!!
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The delimiting dates for Veterans depending on date of separation is a legislative mandate. While this is current policy, VA is committed to listening to your feedback and working with Congress and other GI Bill partners to improve the Veteran experience. There are various circumstances under which you may be eligible for an extension of GI Bill benefits. Learn more here: https://www.va.gov/resources/getting-a-gi-bill-extension/.
Why can't everyone receive the GI Bill for an infinite amount of time? Why should some of us get cut off at 10 or 15 years after retirement? Most of us did our due diligence in service above and beyond 20+ years, including participating in one or more deployments. I finally had some sparks of motivation to start school while trying to heal from PTSD and other service-connected issues. But now time is running out to use my GI BILL and I won't be able to finish it financially due to time. I gave my TIME and then some to the military and deployments. Why shouldn't I receive all the time I need for my education, like those who are granted infinite time to use their GI BILL in the most recent GI BILL rules? I think that decision should be applicable to ALL RETIRED MILITARY WHO ESPECIALLY SERVED 20 YEARS + AND DEPLOYED TO WAR ZONES. My hope is that the VA reconsider this rule to all GI BILL recipients who served in war zones, especially those of us who retired with 20+ years and SACRAFICED A LOT!!!!!
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The delimiting dates for GI Bill benefits, based on date of separation, is a legislative mandate. While this is current policy, VA is committed to listening to your feedback to improve the Veteran experience. There are various circumstances under which you may be eligible for an extension of GI Bill benefits. Learn more here: .https://www.va.gov/resources/getting-a-gi-bill-extension/.
Is there an intent to evaluate the cost of living in Florida as the BAH no longer covers the cost to hold a mortgage / rent in the state.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
We understand that cost of living can rise with inflation. Monthly Housing Allowance rates run equivalent to the Basic Housing Allowance rate for an Active Duty E-5 with dependents, which is determined annually by the Department of Defense (DoD), to account for exactly that. Annually, on January 1, the DoD updates its Basic Housing Allowance rates. VA then adjusts the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) annually on August 1 to match. Our rates are dependent on the DoD’s housing rates, and we don’t have control over how those change year to year. You can use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to get an estimate of your benefits, including the expected MHA payment, which can be accessed here: 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. Thank you for your feedback, VA is listening and are continuously looking for ways to improve the Veteran experience.
One Instance during a semester, I lost my brother and the workload of my classes became too much. So I had to contact my school to drop a class and the VA. It was brought to my attention that there is a one time forgiveness under certain circumstances. Could you please mention what can be done for people who may have had such circumstances and they have to drop a class or classes, and they fear having to pay out of pocket.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for your question. The VA recognizes certain mitigating circumstances which may cause a student drops a course or withdraws from school once the drop period is over and receives a non-punitive grade. VA reviews mitigating circumstances in a case by case basis, and we recommend working with your School Certifying Official to report the circumstance and file for a review of your claim. For more information visit: https://benefits.va.gov/gibill/resources/education_resources/debt_info.asp
Why is the VA fighting so hard against the multiple legal victories by Mr. Rudisill that granted veterans with qualifying periods of service the ability to use both GI Bills up to a combined 48 month limit? If a Veteran earned it, the VA needs to pay it. The statutory reading is reasonable and the courts are behind Mr. Rudisill's claim, but the VA continues to deny these benefits to Veterans.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for your question. This case is still going through the court system and VA cannot comment further on it at this time.
Who is talking to congress about changing it so that online students receive housing allowance for their location and not half of the national average?
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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
My question is about being able to transfer G.I.Bill benefits to dependents after retiring from service. I had an issue while I was active duty in the Navy where I was denied being able to transfer my G.I. Bill as I didn't meet the time of service requirements at the time. Is this something that could change in the future with being able to expand transfer opportunities?
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The Department of Defense (DoD) determines eligibility for Service members to transfer GI Bill benefits to their eligible family members after meeting all the requirements while on active duty or in the Selected Reserve. Current legislation does not include a provision that allows individuals to transfer benefits after leaving military service. We know this is an important topic and many people have asked similar questions. VA is listening to your feedback, and we are consistently looking to provide a GI Bill process that works for you and other Veterans. Learn more about transferring benefits here:
Visit https://www.va.gov/education/transfer-post-9-11-gi-bill-benefits/. Check out VBA EDU leadership discussing this topic at the 2022 GI Bill Summit: https://youtu.be/0E5tw0zd4DY?t=528.
Visit https://www.va.gov/education/transfer-post-9-11-gi-bill-benefits/. Check out VBA EDU leadership discussing this topic at the 2022 GI Bill Summit: https://youtu.be/0E5tw0zd4DY?t=528.
Is there a way for a veteran with 4 years time in service with a 100% disability rating to transfer their Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits to their child?
MSG Alan Purdie
Veterans have never been allowed to transfer their GI Bill to anyone - per the law. Having a VA disability rating doesn't give you that ability. Your dependents could be eligible for 36 months each of the Survivors and Dependent Education Assistance (DEA) program. https://www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/dependents-education-assistance/
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance | Veterans Affairs
Learn about the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program. If you’re the child or spouse of a Veteran or service member who has died, is captured or missing, or has disabilities, you may be able to get help paying for school or job training through the DEA program—also called Chapter 35. Find out if you’re eligible for this benefit.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Thank you for your question. The Department of Defense determines who can transfer their GI Bill benefit and must approve the Transfer of Entitlement while you are on active duty. However, as you are a 100% service-connected disabled Veteran, your child may qualify for other education benefits such as Dependents Education Assistance (DEA). You can apply by going to http://www.va.gov/education and searching DEA: https://www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/dependents-education-assistance/
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