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Home :   Military Professional Development :   Veterans Information  

Veterans Educational Assistance Program Pamphlet

( Courtesy Veterans Administration: Public Reference Document )

Department of Veterans Affairs
SUMMARY OF EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS
UNDER THE POST-VIETNAM ERA
VETERANS' EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
CHAPTER 32 OF TITLE 38 U. S. CODE AND THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PILOT PROGRAM SECTION 903 OF PUBLIC LAW 96-342

VA Pamphlet 22-79-1, Revised 1996
Veterans Benefits Administration
Washington DC 20420


Contents

Introduction
Are You Eligible?
How Many Months of Benefits Can You Get?
How Is Entitlement Charged?
How Much Educational Assistance Will You Get?
How Long Are You Eligible?
What Training May You Take?
Are You Eligible for Remedial, Deficiency, and Refresher Training?
Are You Eligible for Tutorial Assistance?
Are You Eligible for Work-Study?
Are There Restrictions on Training?
Can You Be Eligible for More than One Benefit?
Is Counseling Available?
Are You Eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation?
Can You Change Programs?
Must You Maintain Satisfactory Attendance, Conduct, and Progress?
What Must You Do to Qualify?
What Should You Do if You Disagree with a VA Decision?
How Do You Receive Monthly Payments?
What Should You Do if You Do Not Receive a Check or Verification Form?
May You Go Part-Time?
Can You Get an Advance Payment?
What Are Your Responsibilities?
What Happens if You Change Your Enrollment?
How Can You Prevent Overpayments?
What Happens if You Have an Overpayment?
What if You Do Not Want Benefits?
Where to Go for Help?


[education/Select.htm]

 

INTRODUCTION

The Post-Vietnam Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (chapter 32 of title 38, U. S. Code) and the Educational Assistance Pilot Program (Section 903 of Public Law 96-342) were enacted by Congress to attract high quality men and women to the all-voluntary Armed Forces. The Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Program is also known as VEAP or chapter 32. The Educational Assistance Pilot Program is also known as non-contributory VEAP or section 903.

VEAP provides education and training opportunities to eligible persons who contributed to the program while on active duty. Certain persons were selected to participate in section 903. DOD (Department of Defense) paid the contributions for those individuals.

If you did not contribute or if you received a refund of your contributions, you are not eligible for additional educational benefits.

This pamphlet provides a general description of the education benefits. It includes information to help you understand how you receive payments under these programs. It offers suggestions on where to go for help and to get more detailed information.

The information may be of help to you in making a decision to enter training. You should read it carefully to understand fully the range of benefits available.

This pamphlet is a summary of the benefits available under these programs. Do not rely on it to determine if you are eligible for education benefits. To receive a formal decision from VA, you must file a claim for benefits.

 


ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?

VETERANS

You may be eligible for VEAP or section 903 as a veteran if:

  • You entered active duty for the first time after December 31, 1976 and before July 1, 1985.
  • You contributed money to VEAP (or DOD contributed money for you) while on active duty. You must have enrolled in and contributed to VEAP (or had money contributed for you by DOD) before April 1, 1987.
  • You served for a continuous period of 181 days or more. You may be eligible if you were discharged from a shorter period of active duty for a service-connected disability.
  • Your discharge or release from service was under conditions other than dishonorable.
  • You must have completed 24 continuous months of active duty if you enlisted for the first time after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty as an officer or enlistee after October 16, 1981. You meet the requirement if you completed a shorter period of active duty to which your service department called or ordered you.

You may be eligible for education benefits if you did not complete 24 continuous months of active duty if:

  • You receive VA disability compensation or military disability retirement.
  • You served a period of at least 24 continuous months of active duty before October 17, 1981.
  • Your discharge or release was for early out, hardship, or service-connected disability.

SERVICEPERSONS

You may be eligible for education benefits under these programs while still on active duty if:

  • You entered active duty for the first time after December 31, 1976, and before July 1, 1985.
  • You enrolled in and contributed to VEAP (or had money contributed for you by DOD) before April 1, 1987, and have at least three months of contributions available. For an elementary or high school program you need at least one month of contributions available.
  • You served for a continuous period of 181 days or more.
  • You completed your first active duty commitment.

OTHER ISSUES

You are not eligible for VEAP or section 903 if you are eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty (chapter 30 of title 38, U. S. Code) based on prior eligibility for Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance (chapter 34 of title 38, United States Code). Eligibility for the Montgomery GI Bill may exist if you served a period of active duty beginning before January 1, 1977, or if you contracted with the Armed Forces and enlisted in or were assigned to a reserve component before January 1, 1977, under a delayed entry program and began active service before January 2, 1978.

The following types of active duty do not establish eligibility:

  • Time assigned by the military to a civilian institution for the same course provided to civilians;
  • Time served as a cadet or midshipman at a service academy; or
  • Time spent on active duty for training in the National Guard or Reserve.

 


HOW MANY MONTHS OF BENEFITS CAN YOU GET?

You may be entitled to receive up to 36 months of education benefits.

Usually, the number of monthly payments for full-time training will be the same as the number of months contributed to VEAP. You can earn a maximum of 36 months under this program.

You may receive a maximum of 48 months of benefits under more than one VA education program. For example, if you used 30 months of Dependents' Educational Assistance (chapter 35 of title 38, U. S. Code) and are eligible for VEAP, you could have a maximum of 18 months of entitlement remaining.

 


HOW IS ENTITLEMENT CHARGED?

You are charged one full day of entitlement for each day of full-time benefits paid.

For correspondence and flight training, you use one month of entitlement each time VA pays the equivalent of one month of full-time benefits. If your full-time rate is $300, and you receive $900 for a correspondence course, the entitlement charge is three months. If your full-time rate is $250, and you receive $3,000 for flight training, the entitlement charge is 12 months.

For apprenticeship and job training programs, the entitlement charge changes every six months. During the first six months, the charge is 75% of full-time. For the second six months, the charge is 55% of full-time. For the rest of the program, the charge is 35% of full-time.

 


HOW MUCH EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE 
WILL YOU GET?

Your total dollar amount of benefits is:

  • Your total contributions, plus
  • Matching funds equal to two times your contributions, and
  • Any additional contributions or kickers by DOD.

How much money you receive each month depends on the type of training and your training time.

INSTITUTIONAL TRAINING: Your monthly benefit payment will vary depending upon the amount and number of your contributions. Divide the total contributions by the number of months you contributed. If you contributed for more than 36 months, divide by 36. This is your full-time institutional rate. If you contributed $50 a month for 36 months, compute your total entitlement as follows:

$1,800-- Your contributions
+3,600-- Matching funds (two times your contribution)
+ 0-- DOD Contributions ("kicker")
$5,400-- TOTAL ENTITLEMENT.

Your full-time monthly rate is:

$5,400-- Total Entitlement  = $150 FULL-TIME
36 - Months contributed MONTHLY RATE

You will receive 36 payments of $150 per month for full-time schooling. This will total $5,400 in educational benefits. If you attend less than full-time, you receive a lesser amount. But, you will receive a greater number of payments. If you attend three-quarter time, you can get 48 payments at $112.50 per month. If you attend one-half time, you can get 72 payments at $75.00 per month. If you attend one-quarter time, you can get 144 payments at $37.50 per month.

CORRESPONDENCE TRAINING: You can be reimbursed for the entire established charges you pay for a correspondence course. However, you cannot receive more than your total entitlement. As shown above, your total entitlement is your contributions plus matching funds plus any additional DOD contributions.

FLIGHT TRAINING: If you take flight training, you receive 60% of the approved charges for the course, including solo hours. VA does not pay for solo hours before October 1, 1992.

You cannot receive more than your total entitlement.

APPRENTICESHIP OR JOB TRAINING: To determine your payments for this type of training, find your full-time institutional rate. The monthly benefit amount is:

  • 75% of the full-time rate for the first six months of training;
  • 55% of the full-time rate for the second six months of training; and
  • 35% of the full-time rate for the rest of your training.

Your monthly payment is reduced if you work less than 120 hours a month.

For example, if your full-time institutional rate is $225.00 a month, you will receive $168.75 a month for the first six months, $123.75 a month for the second six months, and $78.75 a month thereafter. If you work less than 120 hours a month, your benefit will be reduced proportionately. For instance, if you work 60 hours during one month of your first six months, your rate for that month will be $84.38.

COOPERATIVE TRAINING: For cooperative training, you may receive payment at 80% of the rate to which you are entitled for institutional training.

 


HOW LONG ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?

Benefits end 10 years from the date of your last discharge or release from active duty.

VA can extend your 10-year period by the amount of time you were prevented from training during the period due to:

  • A disability; or
  • Being held by a foreign government or power.

VA can extend your 10-year period if you reenter active duty for 90 days or more after becoming eligible. The extension ends 10 years from the date of discharge or release from the later period. Periods of active duty of less than 90 days can qualify for extensions only if your discharge or release was for one of the following reasons:

  • A service-connected disability;
  • A medical condition existing before active duty;
  • Hardship; or
  • A reduction in force.

If your discharge is upgraded by the military, the 10-year period begins on the date of the upgrade.

 


WHAT TRAINING MAY YOU TAKE?

You may receive benefits for a wide variety of training.

  • You may train for a high school diploma or the equivalent.
  • You may seek an undergraduate or graduate degree at a college or university. You may take a cooperative training program. You may also take an accredited independent study program leading to a college degree.
  • You may take courses leading to a certificate or diploma from business, technical, or vocational schools.
  • You may work and train in an apprenticeship or job training program offered by a company or union.
  • You may take a correspondence course.
  • You may take flight training. You must have a private pilot's license and meet the medical requirements for a commercial license before beginning training, and throughout your flight training program.

If you would like to study abroad, education benefits are payable only for programs leading to a college degree.

A State agency or VA must approve each program offered by a school or company. If you want to know if you may receive benefits for a program, contact the nearest VA regional office.

 


ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR REMEDIAL,
 DEFICIENCY, AND REFRESHER TRAINING?

You may be eligible for benefits for remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses. Remedial and deficiency courses are special ones intended to assist a student in overcoming a deficiency in a particular area of study. Remedial and deficiency courses must be necessary for pursuit of a program of education. Refresher training is for technological advances that occurred in a field of employment. The advance must have occurred while you were on active duty or after your release. There is an entitlement charge for these courses.

 


ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR TUTORIAL ASSISTANCE?

You may receive a special allowance for individual tutoring if you enter school at one-half time or more. To qualify, you must have a deficiency in a subject, making the tutoring necessary.

The school must certify the tutor's qualifications and the hours of tutoring. If eligible, you may receive a maximum monthly payment of $100. The maximum total benefit is $1,200. There is no entitlement charge for the first $600 of tutorial assistance. To compute the charge for payments beyond $600, divide the amount paid by your full-time rate for schooling. To apply, complete VA Form 22-1990t, Application and Enrollment Certification for Individualized Tutorial Assistance. Give it to the certifying official in the office handling VA paperwork at your school to complete.

 


ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR WORK-STUDY?

You may be eligible for an additional allowance under the work-study program. The work-study program allows you to perform work for VA in return for an hourly wage. You may perform outreach services under the supervision of a VA employee, prepare and process VA paperwork, work at a VA medical facility, or other approved activities. You must train at the three-quarter or full-time rate. The maximum number of hours you may work is 25 times the number of weeks in your enrollment period. Payments will be at the Federal minimum wage or your State minimum wage, whichever is greater. To apply, complete VA Form 20-8691, Application for Work-Study Allowance. Send it to the nearest VA regional office.

Click here for more information on the Work-Study program.

 


ARE THERE RESTRICTIONS ON TRAINING?

There are some restrictions on training. Benefits are not payable for the following courses:

  • Bartending and personality development courses.
  • Non-accredited independent study courses.
  • Any course given by radio.
  • Self-improvement courses such as reading, speaking, woodworking, basic seamanship, and English as a second language.
  • Any course which is avocational or recreational in character.
  • Farm-cooperative courses.
  • Audited courses.
  • Courses not leading to an educational, professional, or vocational objective.
  • Courses you have taken before and successfully completed.
  • Courses taken by a Federal Government employee under the Government Employees' Training Act.
  • Courses paid for in whole or in part by the Armed Forces while on active duty.
  • Courses taken while in receipt of benefits for the same program from the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs.

VA must reduce benefits if you are in a Federal, State or local prison after being convicted of a felony.

You may not receive benefits for a program at a proprietary school if you are an owner or official of the school.

If you seek a college degree, the school must admit you to a degree program by the start of your third term.

 


CAN YOU BE ELIGIBLE FOR MORE THAN ONE BENEFIT?

Yes, you can be eligible under more than one education benefit program. If you are, you must elect which benefit to receive for each program you take. The benefit programs are:

  • Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty Educational Assistance Program, Rehabilitation and Training for Veterans With Service-Connected Disabilities, Dependents' Educational Assistance;
  • Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve Educational Assistance Program;
  • Educational Assistance Test Program; and
  • The Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act of 1986.

IMPORTANT: If you are eligible for more than one benefit, we strongly suggest that you discuss your education plans with a Veterans Benefits Counselor. The counselor can help you explore the options open to you and plan your program to use your benefits fully.

 


IS COUNSELING AVAILABLE?

Counseling is available if you are:

  • Eligible for VA educational assistance; or
  • On active duty and within 180 days of discharge; or
  • A veteran with a discharge that is not dishonorable and you are within one year from date of discharge.

If you meet one of these qualifications and you request counseling, VA will provide services to help you understand your educational and vocational strengths and weaknesses and to plan:

  • An educational or training goal and the means by which you can reach that goal; or
  • An employment goal for which you qualify on the basis of your present training and experience. VA can also help you to plan an effective job search.

Contact the nearest VA regional office for more information or to schedule a counseling appointment.

 


ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR 
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION?

You may be eligible for Training and Rehabilitation for Veterans With Service-Connected Disabilities under chapter 31 of title 38, U.S. Code if

  • You have a service-connected disability or disabilities rated by VA at 20% or more,
  • You received a discharge from active duty that was not dishonorable, and
  • You have an employment handicap.

You may also be eligible if you have a service-connected disability or disabilities rated by VA at 10%, and

  • You have a serious employment handicap, or
  • You first applied for vocational rehabilitation benefits before November 1, 1990, you reapply after that date, and you have an employment handicap.

Vocational rehabilitation helps disabled veterans become independent in daily living and to the extent possible, to select, prepare for, secure and maintain employment that is compatible with their interests, talents, skills, physical capabilities, and goals.

To apply for vocational rehabilitation, complete VA Form 28-1900, Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation. Send it to the nearest VA regional office.

 


CAN YOU CHANGE PROGRAMS?

If you change your educational, professional, or vocational objective and this change requires a change in the courses you are taking, VA considers this a change of program.

The law permits one change of program without prior VA approval if your attendance, conduct, and progress in the last program were satisfactory. VA may approve additional changes if the proposed programs are suitable to your abilities, aptitudes, and interests.

VA will not charge a change of program when you enroll in a new program provided you successfully completed your immediately preceding program.


MUST YOU MAINTAIN SATISFACTORY
 ATTENDANCE, CONDUCT, AND PROGRESS?

Once you start receiving benefits, you must maintain satisfactory attendance, conduct, and progress. If you do not meet the standards set by your school, the certifying official must notify VA. VA will stop your benefits if the school reports unsatisfactory attendance, conduct, or progress.

VA may resume benefits if:

  • You reenter the same program at the same school; and
  • Your school approves your reentry and certifies it to VA.

If you do not reenter the same program at the same school, VA may resume benefits if:

  • The cause of your unsatisfactory attendance, conduct, or progress has been removed; and
  • The program you intend to pursue is suitable to your abilities, aptitudes, and interests.

 


WHAT MUST YOU DO TO QUALIFY?

Once you find a school with a program you want or a company or union offering an apprenticeship or job training program in your field, there are two important steps.

  • FIRST, make sure the program you choose is approved for VA training. If you are not clear on this point, VA will inform you or the school or company about the requirements.
  • SECOND, complete VA Form 22-1990, Application for Education Benefits. Send it to the VA regional office with jurisdiction over the State where you will train. If you are not on active duty, send copy 4 of your DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty.

VA will review your application and let you know if anything else is necessary.

If you have started training, take your application to your school, or to your employer if you are in a job training program. Ask the certifying official to complete VA Form 22-1999, Enrollment Certification, and send both forms to VA.

One of the following VA regional offices has jurisdiction over your claim. Check the map to see which office has jurisdiction over the state where you will train.

NOTE: If you are training in the U. S. Virgin Islands, your claim will be handled by the Atlanta Regional Office.

If you are training on American Samoa, Guam, Midway, Wake Island, any of the islands of the Federated States of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau, your claim will be handled by the Muskogee Regional Office.

If you are training in the Republic of the Philippines, your claim will be handled by the Manila Regional Office.

Eastern Region

VA Regional Office Connecticut Massachusetts Rhode Island
PO Box 4616 Delaware New Hampshire Vermont
Buffalo, NY District of New Jersey Virginia
14240-4616 Columbia New York West Virginia
  Maine Ohio Foreign Schools
  Maryland Pennsylvania  

Southern Region

VA Regional Office Alabama Louisiana South Carolina
PO Box 54346 Arkansas Mississippi Tennessee
Atlanta, GA Florida North Carolina  
30308-0346 Georgia Puerto Rico  

Central Region

VA Regional Office Colorado Kentucky Nebraska
PO Box 66830 Illinois Michigan North Dakota
St. Louis, MO Indiana Minnesota South Dakota
63166-6830 Iowa Missouri Wisconsin
  Kansas Montana Wyoming

Western Region

VA Regional Office Alaska New Mexico Philippines
PO Box 8888 Arizona Nevada Texas
Muskogee, OK California Oklahoma Utah
74402-8888 Hawaii Oregon Washington
  Idaho    

 


WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU DISAGREE 
WITH A VA DECISION?

You may appeal VA decisions on education benefits. You must file an appeal within one year of the date you receive notice of a decision. Each notice of decision issued by VA contains your legal rights and appeal procedures. You may request a personal hearing on your claim.

If you need assistance in filing an appeal, contact the nearest VA regional office or a veterans service organization.

 


HOW DO YOU RECEIVE MONTHLY PAYMENTS?

After choosing a school and submitting your application to VA, ask the certifying official at your school to complete an enrollment certification. The certifying official will send the enrollment certification to the appropriate VA regional office. VA will process the form and determine your eligibility to benefits.

If you are taking courses leading to a degree at a college or university, you will receive payment for a month only after completing that month's training. You will normally receive a check after the first of the month for the previous month's training.

If you are in a high school program or a certificate or diploma program at a business, technical, or vocational school, you will not receive payment until you have completed a verification form showing your attendance. You will receive a form each month and you must complete and return it to the appropriate VA regional office. After processing, VA will release a check.

If you are in an apprenticeship or job training program, you will receive a form to report the hours worked each month. Sign the form and give it to the certifying official for the company or union. The certifying official must complete the form and send it to the appropriate VA regional office. After processing, VA will release a check.

If you are taking a correspondence course, you will receive a form on which you should show the number of lessons you completed that quarter, i.e., March, June, September, and December. Send the form to the school for certification of the number of lessons serviced during the quarter. The school will send the form to the appropriate VA regional office. After processing, VA will release a check. Payments are based upon the number of lessons serviced by the school.

VA sends flight schools a supply of blank monthly certification of flight training forms. The school completes the form by entering the number of hours, the hourly rate, and the total charges for flight training received during the month. Review and sign the completed form and send it to the appropriate VA regional office. After processing, VA will release a check.

The law prohibits schools from cashing VA checks under a power of attorney agreement.

 


WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A CHECK OR VERIFICATION FORM?

If you are taking courses leading to a degree at a college or university, you should receive your check for each month by the fifth of the next month.

If you do not, immediately contact the nearest VA regional office. Explain that you are receiving VEAP benefits and you have not received your check. The person answering the telephone will take the information and determine the status of the check. VA will contact you by letter or telephone with information about the check.

If you are taking courses leading to a certificate or diploma from a business, technical, or vocational school, or a high school, you should receive a verification form for each month by the fifth of the next month. If you do not, immediately contact the nearest VA regional office. Explain that you are receiving VEAP benefits and you have not received your monthly verification form. The person answering the telephone will record the necessary information and forward it to the appropriate VA regional office for processing.

Whenever you contact VA, have your VA claim number readily available.

 


MAY YOU GO PART-TIME?

If you are unable to attend full-time, consider going part-time. Benefit rates for part-time training are less than the full-time rates. Likewise, the entitlement charge for part-time training is less than the charge for full-time training. For example, if you receive full-time benefits for 12 months, the charge is 12 months. If you receive one-half time benefits for 12 months, the charge is six months.

 


CAN YOU GET AN ADVANCE PAYMENT?

You may receive an advance payment for the initial month or partial month and the following month, if:

  • You train at one-half time or more;
  • The school agrees to handle advance payments;
  • You request an advance payment in writing; and
  • VA receives your enrollment certification at least 30 days before classes start.

VA will mail an advance payment check, made out to you, to the school for delivery to you at registration, but not more than 30 days before classes start. Before you request an advance payment, ask the certifying official if your school has agreed to process advance payments. Your request for an advance payment must be on VA Form 22-1999, Enrollment Certification, or a sheet of paper attached to the enrollment certification.

If you receive an advance payment at registration, be sure that the appropriate school official certifies to VA that you received the check. If you reduce your enrollment or withdraw from all courses during the period covered by an advance payment, you could have an overpayment that VA is required to collect from you. If you think the amount of a VA check is incorrect, contact VA before cashing the check.

 


WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES?

CHANGES IN YOUR ENROLLMENT

If you change your enrollment, immediately tell the certifying official at your school. Request the certifying official to notify the appropriate VA regional office of the change. Also notify the appropriate VA regional office of the change yourself. If VA does not receive prompt notice of a change, you could be liable for an overpayment of benefits.

NOTE: School employees who process VA forms are not VA employees.

CHANGES OF ADDRESS

Promptly notify the appropriate VA regional office of any change in your address. Send your complete new address, including the ZIP code.

 


WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU CHANGE YOUR ENROLLMENT?

If you withdraw from one or more of your courses after the end of the school's drop period, VA will take one of the following actions:

  • Reduce your benefits at the end of the month of withdrawal, if you are in a college degree program.
  • Reduce your benefits on the date of withdrawal, if you are not in a college degree program.
  • Stop your benefits effective the date of withdrawal, if you withdraw from all courses.

If you withdraw from a course after the end of the drop period, you may have to repay all benefits for the course unless you can show that the change was due to mitigating circumstances.

VA defines "mitigating circumstances" as unavoidable and unexpected events that directly interfere with your pursuit of a course and are beyond your control.

Examples of reasons VA may accept are:

  • Extended illness;
  • Severe illness or death in your immediate family;
  • Unscheduled changes in your employment; and
  • Lack of child care.

Examples of reasons VA may not accept are:

  • Withdrawal to avoid a failing grade;
  • Dislike of the instructor; and
  • Too many courses attempted.

NOTE: VA may ask you to furnish evidence to support your reason for a change. If a serious injury or illness caused the change, obtain a statement from your doctor. If a change in employment caused the change, obtain a statement from your employer.

The first time you withdraw from courses up to six credit hours, VA will "excuse" the withdrawal and pay benefits for the period attended. Remember, this only applies to your first withdrawal.

If you receive a grade that does not count toward graduation, you may have to repay all benefits for the course. You should check your school's grading policy with the registrar or the office handling VA paperwork. The school may have "non-punitive grades." VA defines "non-punitive grades" as those not used to compute graduation requirements. Common examples are:

  • An "I" grade for an incomplete which is not made up during the time period required by the school or within one year from receipt;
  • A "W" grade for withdrawing;
  • An "AU" grade for auditing; or
  • Any grade the school does not use to compute the GPA (grade point average) or its equivalent.

If you receive non-punitive grades, the school will notify VA. Upon receipt of the notice, VA may reduce or stop benefits. You may not have to repay the benefits if you can show that the grades were due to mitigating circumstances.

 


HOW CAN YOU PREVENT OVERPAYMENTS?

An overpayment is a benefit payment that is more than the amount to which you are entitled. If you promptly notify VA of changes affecting your benefits, you can prevent overpayments.

In addition, use reasonable judgment when you accept and cash a check. Carefully read all letters from VA about the monthly rates and effective dates of your benefits. If you think the amount of a VA check is incorrect, contact VA before cashing the check. Return any checks for the wrong amount to VA.

If you cash a check for the wrong amount, you will be liable for repayment of any resulting overpayment.

 


WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU HAVE AN OVERPAYMENT?

VA is required to take prompt and aggressive action to recover overpayments. You have the right to request a waiver of the overpayment or verification that the amount is correct. If an overpayment is not repaid or waived, VA may add interest and collection fees to your debt. VA may also take one or more of the following actions to collect the debt:

  • Withhold future benefits to apply to your debt.
  • Refer your debt to a private collection agency.
  • Recover the debt from your Federal income tax refund.
  • Recover the debt from your salary if you are a Federal employee.
  • File a lawsuit in Federal court to collect the debt.
  • Withhold approval of a VA home loan guarantee.

 


WHAT IF YOU DO NOT WANT BENEFITS?

If you do not wish to use your VEAP benefits, you may apply to your nearest VA regional office for a refund of your contributions.

You may not receive a refund of contributions under section 903, since those were made for you by the service department. Certain participants in section 903 may be allowed to transfer entitlement to a dependent spouse or child.

You may transfer entitlement to dependents if:

  • You re-enlisted in the Army after June 30,1981, and before October 1, 1981,
  • You have a critical military specialty designated by the Secretary of Defense,
  • You were selected for this part of the program by the designated DOD official, and
  • You are not already receiving benefits under section 903 for the same period.

 


WHERE TO GO FOR HELP

For forms and information, one or more of the following offices or representatives can assist you:

  • Any VA regional office.
  • Any VA office or Vet Center.
  • Local representatives of veterans organizations.
  • Education Services Officers at military posts or installations for persons on active duty.
  • American embassies or consulates, if you reside in a foreign country (except the Republic of the Philippines).

Consult a telephone directory under United States Government, Department of Veterans Affairs or Veterans Administration, for the telephone number of the office nearest you. Toll-free telephone service is available in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U. S. Virgin Islands. Call 1-800-827-1000 or for the hearing impaired 1-800-829-4833.

VA supervisory personnel occasionally monitor telephone calls. They do this to assure that the public receives accurate information and courteous responses. The person monitoring a call does not keep a record of the caller's name, address, file number, or telephone number.

You can also reach us through VA OnLine, the VA electronic information system. To connect to VA OnLine you need a PC and modem. You can enter the system by:

Dialing 1-800-871-8387, or

VA OnLine provides general information about VA education benefits. In some states you can also ask questions about your claim for education benefits. If you are going to school in one of these states, follow the prompts under the "Education Payment Inquiry" option on the main menu. We are expanding this option state by state, but in all states you can get general information.

In addition to VA OnLine, VA Education Service has a Home Page on the World Wide Web. You can get information about education benefits on the Home Page. The address is:

http://www.va.gov/benefits/education/.

To obtain information on other sources of assistance, contact the financial aid office at your school.

RESCISSION: VA Pamphlet 22-79-1, dated June 1995

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nt certification.

If you receive an advance payment at registration, be sure that the school certifies to VA that you received the check. If you reduce your enrollment or withdraw from all courses during the period covered by an advance payment, you will have an overpayment that VA is required to collect from you if you cash the check. If you think the amount of a VA check is incorrect, contact VA before cashing the check.

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CAN YOU GET PAYMENTS SENT THROUGH DIRECT DEPOSIT?

You can get your chapter 30 payments sent directly to your savings or checking account. VA does this through Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer. For information about how to get your payments sent through direct deposit, contact your local VA office or your bank.

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WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES?

CHANGE IN YOUR ENROLLMENT

If you change your enrollment, immediately tell the certifying official at your school. Request the certifying official to notify the appropriate VA regional office of the change. Also,notify the appropriate VA regional office of the change yourself. If VA does not receive prompt notice of a change, you could be liable for an overpayment of benefits.

NOTE: School employees who process VA forms are not VA employees.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Promptly notify the appropriate VA regional office of any change in your address. Send your complete new address, including the zip code.

CHANGE IN SELECTED RESERVE STATUS

If you receive increased benefits or additional months of entitlement due to Selected Reserve service, notify the appropriate VA regional office if you change reserve status. If you do not satisfactorily complete your four-year Selected Reserve obligation, you may not receive increased benefits.

Examples of changes you must report are:

You do not need to report changes of units or components.

CHANGE IN DEPENDENCY

If you receive chapter 30 benefits and one-half of the chapter 34 rate (based on Category 2 eligibility), your allowance may include an additional amount for dependents. Dependents include your spouse, natural children, adopted children, stepchildren, and dependent parents. You must report any change affecting your dependents.

Examples of changes you must report are:

VA requires documentary proof to establish dependents. The preferred evidence is a copy of the public or church record of a marriage or birth.

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WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU CHANGE YOUR ENROLLMENT?

If you withdraw from one or more of your courses after the end of the school's drop period, VA will reduce or stop your benefits on the date of reduction or withdrawal.

If you withdraw from a course after the end of the drop period, you may have to repay all benefits for the course unless you can show that the change was due to mitigating circumstances.

VA defines "mitigating circumstances" as unavoidable and unexpected events that directly interfere with your pursuit of a course and are beyond your control.

Examples of reasons VA may accept are:

Examples of reasons VA may not accept are:

NOTE: VA may ask you to furnish evidence to support your reason for a change. If a serious injury or illness caused the change, obtain a statement from your doctor. If a change in employment caused the change, obtain a statement from your employer.

The first time you withdraw from up to six credit hours, VA will "excuse" the withdrawal and pay benefits for the period attended. Remember, this only applies to your first withdrawal.

If you receive a grade that does not count toward graduation, you may have to repay all benefits for the course. You should check your school's grading policy with the registrar or the office handling VA paperwork. The school may have "non-punitive grades." VA defines "non-punitive grades" as those not used to compute graduation requirements. Common examples are:

If you receive a non-punitive grade, the school will notify VA. Upon receipt of the notice, VA may reduce or stop benefits. You may not have to repay the benefits if you can show that the grades were due to mitigating circumstances.

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HOW CAN YOU PREVENT OVERPAYMENTS?

An overpayment is an incorrect benefit payment that is more than the amount to which you are entitled. If you promptly notify VA of changes affecting your benefits, you can prevent or reduce overpayments.

In addition, you should use reasonable judgment when you accept and cash a check. Carefully read all letters from VA about the monthly rates and effective dates of your benefits. If you think the amount of a VA check is wrong, contact VA before cashing the check. Return any checks for the wrong amount to VA.

If you cash a check for the wrong amount, you will be liable for repayment of any resulting overpayment.

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WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU HAVE AN OVERPAYMENT?

VA must take prompt and aggressive action to recover overpayments. You have the right to request a waiver of the overpayment or verification that the amount is correct. If an overpayment is not repaid or waived, VA may add interest and collection fees to your debt. VA may also take one or more of the following actions to collect the debt:

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WHERE TO GO FOR HELP

For forms and information, one or more of the following offices or representatives can assist you:

Consult a telephone directory under United States Government, Department of Veterans Affairs, for the telephone number of the office nearest you. Toll-free telephone service is available in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U. S. Virgin Islands. Call 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442 -4551). If you do not have access to this number, call 1-800-827-1000, or for the hearing impaired call 1-800-829-4833.

VA supervisory personnel occasionally monitor telephone calls. They do this to ensure that the public receives accurate information and courteous responses. The person monitoring a call does not keep a record of the caller's name, address, file number, or telephone number.

You can also reach us on the World Wide Web (Internet). VA Education Service maintains a Home Page on the Web. You can get information about education benefit programs and send us questions about your claim for education benefits. The Home Page address is:

http://www.va.gov/ education/

Follow the prompts under the "Claim Inquiry" option on the main menu to inquire about your claim for education benefits.

To obtain information on other sources of assistance, contact the financial aid office at your school.

RESCISSION: VA Pamphlet 22-90-2, dated February 1998

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