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 are acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated.
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Posted on 12/28/2002 12:03:29 AM PST by SAMWolf
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are acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated.
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| Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. We hope to provide an ongoing source of information about issues and problems that are specific to Veterans and resources that are available to Veterans and their families. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel free to address their specific circumstances or whatever issues concern them in an atmosphere of peace, understanding, brotherhood and support.
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From Roosevelt To Montgomery Purpose The purposes of the current educational assistance program, known as the Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty (MGIB), are stated in chapter 30 of title 38, United States Code. They are: To help the members of the Armed Forces adjust to civilian life after separation from service To give those who cannot afford a higher education the chance to get one To restore lost educational opportunities and vocational readjustment to service members who lost these opportunities as the result of their active military duty To promote and assist the All-Volunteer Force program of the Armed Forces To aid in the retention of personnel in the Armed Forces To enhance our Nation's competitiveness through the development of a more highly educated and productive work force The purpose of the educational assistance program for Selected Reservists, known as the Montgomery GI Bill--Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) is stated in chapter 1606 of title 10, United States Code. The purpose of this program is to encourage membership in units of the Selected Reserve and National Guard. The purposes of the educational assistance program for dependents and survivors of veterans, The Dependents Educational Assistance Program (DEA), are stated in chapter 35 of title 38, United States Code. The purposes are: To provide educational opportunities to children whose education is impeded or interrupted by the disability or death due to military service of a parent To help prepare surviving spouses of veterans who died because of military service and spouses of veterans who are totally disabled, to support themselves and their families America has traditionally compensated its veterans for their services. Veterans' benefits, in fact, date back to the earliest days of our history. In 1636 the Pilgrims declared: "If any person shall be sent forth as a soldier and shall return maimed he shall be maintained competently by the Colony during his life." Early in the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress created the first veterans' benefits package, which included life-long pensions for both disabled veterans and dependents of soldiers killed in battle. The last surviving dependent continued to receive benefits until 1911. Veterans of the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Civil War, the Indian wars, and the Spanish-American War also received benefits. The most common type of benefit was "mustering out" pay. Congress also passed several land grant acts during the 1850s to encourage the settling of the frontier. Veterans received more than forty-seven million acres of land as a result of these acts. Education benefits for veterans date back to the beginning of the twentieth century. Congress recognized that military service prevented young people from receiving training for employment or a vocation and passed the Rehabilitation Act of 1919. This act gave veterans disabled in World War I a monthly education assistance allowance.  On June 22, 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the "Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944," better known as the "GI Bill of Rights." At first the subject of intense debate and parliamentary maneuvering, the famed legislation for veterans of World War II has since been recognized as one of the most important acts of Congress. During the past five decades, the law has made possible the investment of billions of dollars in education and training for millions of veterans, and the nation has in return earned many times its investment in increased taxes and a dramatically changed society. An Uncertain Beginning - Though the GI Bill became law in a fast-paced six months, many in Congress and educators at colleges and universities had serious misgivings. Some felt it was too expensive and would encourage sloth among veterans. Others feared veterans would lower standards in education. But dire economic predictions for the post-war years created a great pressure to pass offsetting legislation. Many saw a postwar America faced with the loss of millions of jobs, creating unprecedented unemployment. Many business and government leaders anticipated a widespread economic depression after the war. As early as 1942, plans were being made to handle the anticipated postwar problems. The National Resources Planning Board, a White House agency, had studied postwar manpower needs and in June 1943 recommended a series of programs for education and training. It was the American Legion, however, that is credited with designing the main features of the GI Bill and pushing it through Congress. The Legion overcame objections by other organizations that the proposed bill was too sweeping and could jeopardize veterans getting any help at all. At the time Congress already had failed to act on about 640 bills concerning veterans. The GI Bill was introduced in the Congress in January 1944, and after a nationwide campaign it passed on June 13. President Roosevelt signed it into law on June 22. In the years since, legislation for veterans, often called GI Bills, has adjusted benefits to fit changes in America. Men and women in uniform still earn education benefits. In addition to being used to help veterans ease into civilian life, education benefits now are offered as an incentive to join the current all-volunteer military forces. We have included in the appendix to this report a brief summary of all of the GI Bill and amendatory laws passed since 1944. As background to our discussion of the current benefit programs, we have also outlined below the main provisions of the GI Bills associated with World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Era.  The first GI Bill provided six benefits: education and training loan guaranty for a home, farm, or business unemployment pay of $20 a week for up to 52 weeks job-finding assistance top priority for building materials for VA hospitals military review of dishonorable discharges The first three of these benefits were administered by VA. To be eligible for GI Bill education benefits, a World War II veteran had to serve 90 days or more after September 16, 1940; and have other than a dishonorable discharge. Veterans of the war were entitled to one year of full-time training plus a period equal to their time in service, up to a maximum of 48 months. VA paid the educational institution up to a maximum of $500 a year for tuition, books, fees, and other training costs. VA also paid the single veteran a subsistence allowance of up to $50 a month. This was increased to $65 a month in 1946 and to $75 a month in 1948. Allowances for veterans with dependents were higher. This program ended July 25, 1956. In the peak year of 1947, veterans accounted for 49 percent of college enrollment. Out of a veteran population of 15,440,000, some 7.8 million were trained, including: 2,230,000 in college 3,480,000 in other schools 1,400,000 in on-job training 690,000 in farm training Total cost of the World War II education program was $14.5 billion. Millions who would have flooded the labor market instead opted for education, which reduced joblessness during the demobilization period. When they did enter the labor market, most were better prepared to contribute to the support of their families and society.  Public Law 550, the "Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1952, " was approved by President Truman on July 16, 1952. To be eligible for Korean GI Bill benefits, a veteran had to: serve 90 days or more after June 27, 1950, enter service before Feb. 1, 1955, and receive an other than dishonorable discharge. Like the World War II program, the Korean GI Bill provided education and training benefits as well as home, farm, and business loans. But unlike the federally funded unemployment allowance for World War II veterans, it made payment of unemployment compensation a state function. VA paid a single veteran an education benefit of up to $110 a month, out of which the veteran paid for tuition, books, fees, supplies, and other training costs. Allowances for veterans with dependents were higher. The decision to have veterans pay for their tuition and books was made after Congressional hearings disclosed fraud by colleges and other institutions in the program for World War II veterans. Korean Conflict veterans were entitled to GI Bill education and training for a period equal to one and one-half times their active service, up to a maximum of 36 months of training. This program ended on January 31, 1965. During the course of the program, 2,391,000 of 5,509,000 eligible veterans received training, including: 1,213,000 in institutions of higher learning 860,000 in other schools 223,000 on the job 95,000 in institutional on-farm training Total cost of the Korean Conflict GI Bill education and training program was $4.5 billion. Public Law 358, the "Veterans Readjustment Benefits Act of 1966, " was approved by President Lyndon B. Johnson on March 3, 1966. Home and farm loans, job counseling, and an employment placement service were other benefits provided. The education and training program went into effect on June 1, 1966. It was retroactive, providing benefits to Post-Korean veterans, who served between February 1, 1955, and August 4, 1964, as well as to Vietnam Era veterans, who served between August 5, 1964, and May 7, 1975. For the first time in GI Bill history, service personnel also were eligible for GI Bill education and training while they were on active duty. To be eligible, a veteran had to serve more than 180 continuous days, any part of which was after January 31, 1955, and have other than a dishonorable discharge. Participants on active duty had to have two years of service. This was later changed to 180 days. Originally, this GI Bill provided one month of education and training for each month of service, for a maximum of 36 months. In December 1976, maximum entitlement was extended to 45 months. A major change in 1967 enabled veterans to take cooperative farm, on-job, flight and correspondence training. Disadvantaged veterans, those who did not finish high school before entering service, were given full VA benefits while completing high school without losing any entitlement for college or other training. VA paid the veteran directly, out of which he or she paid tuition, fees, books, and other training costs. At first, a single veteran received up to $100 a month. Later legislation increased this rate as the following table shows: Rate for Single Veteran 1967 - $130 1970 - $175 1972 - $220 1974 - $270 1976 - $292 1977 - $311 1980 - $327 1981 - $342 1984 - $376 This program ended on December 31, 1989. During the years of the program, a total of 8.2 million veterans and service members received training, as follows: 5.1 million in colleges 2.5 million in other schools 591,000 on the job 56,000 in on farm training VA spent more than $42 billion during this time to provide educational assistance.
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38 U.S.C. Chapter 32, Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
VEAP was the first GI Bill program which required a contribution by the service member. It was available to people who entered on active duty between December 31, 1976, and July 1, 1985. These service members could volunteer to contribute between $25 and $100 a month which would be matched on a 2-for-1 basis by the government. Total contribution by the service person could be no more than $2700, but DOD could make additional contributions, or "kickers", into the fund on behalf of individuals in critical military fields to encourage enlistment or reenlistment in the Armed Forces. In 1996, Public Law 104-275 provided that certain VEAP participants who were on active duty on October 9, 1996, could elect MGIB. The deadline for this election was October 8, 1997. 41,041 veterans and servicepersons took advantage of this opportunity to elect MGIB. Here is a summary of the main features of VEAP:
First entered on active duty after December 31, 1976 and before July 1, 1985
Contributed to VEAP while on active duty and before April 1, 1987
Maximum contribution of $2700
Government matches $2 for $1
Maximum entitlement is 36 months
Must be used within ten years of discharge from the service
Refunds of unused contributions available
Additional "kickers" from DOD
Current full-time VEAP rate is $300 per month plus any DOD "kicker"
MGIB is the education program for individuals initially entering active duty after June 30, 1985. Payments for MGIB benefits currently represent 78 percent of the total VA educational assistance payments. MGIB was enacted not only to help with the readjustment of discharged service members, but also to support the concept of an all volunteer armed force. With this in mind, a provision was made to allow certain veterans with remaining entitlement under the Vietnam Era GI Bill, to qualify for MGIB benefits if they continued their active duty.
MGIB is available to honorably discharged veterans and to service-members. Although there are a number of categories of eligibles, generally, veterans must:
meet their basic service requirement,
have completed their high school education or its equivalent, and
receive an honorable discharge.
MGIB is a contributory program. Service pay is automatically reduced by $100 per month for 12 months unless the service person declines to participate at the time of enlistment. Individuals on active duty must complete a minimum of two years of continuous active duty to be eligible. Qualified service members with remaining Vietnam Era entitlement are exempt from the pay reduction requirement.
The MGIB benefit rate varies depending on active service and Selected Reserve obligation.
MGIB has proven to be extremely popular among young people enlisting in the services. 94.8 percent of those who enlisted in service in Fiscal Year 1996 enrolled in the program. 75.7 percent of all enlistees since the inception of the program have enrolled.
The following briefly summarizes major MGIB provisions:
Served on active duty after June 30, 1985.
Must fulfill one's basic service obligation.
Must have completed high school.
Received an honorable discharge.
Maximum entitlement is 36 months.
Additional "kicker" as determined by DOD.
Generally must use benefits within 10 years following discharge.
10 U.S.C. Chapter 1606, Montgomery G. I. Bill - Selected Reserve Educational Assistance Program (MGIB-SR)
MGIB-SR is the first GI Bill to provide educational assistance to members of the Selected Reserve (including National Guard units.) This program is primarily an incentive for recruitment into the Selected Reserve. DOD funds this program and is responsible for determining eligibility to MGIB-SR. VA administers the program. In general to be eligible, a reservist must:
have accepted a six year reserve obligation after July 1, 1985,
have completed high school or its equivalent,
have completed Initial Active Duty for Training (IADT), and
continue to satisfactorily participate in required Selected Reserve training.
Eligible reservists are currently entitled to full-time education benefits of $208.93 monthly in MGIB-SR benefits. Some states are now offering their own tuition assistance programs to complement the MGIB-SR benefits. Generally reservists must maintain their Selected Reserve status to receive benefits. While other VA programs usually give the veteran ten years from the date of military discharge to use benefits, MGIB-SR must be used within 10 years from the date eligibility began. Here is a summary of the main features of MGIB-SR:
Based on a 6-year Selected Reserve obligation after July 1, 1985
Must have completed high school education
remain a member in good standing
Maximum entitlement is 36 months
Current full-time rate is $208.93 per month
Generally must use benefits within 10 years of date eligibility began
38 U.S.C. Chapter 35, Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA)
DEA is the only VA educational assistance program designed for students who have never served in the Armed Forces. Public Law 84-634, The War Orphans' Educational Assistance Act of 1956, established this benefit program. It is therefore the oldest active VA educational assistance program. DEA provides educational assistance to the spouses and children of living veterans who:
are permanently and totally disabled because of a service-connected disability, or
have been listed for more than 90 days as missing in action, or
were captured in line of duty, or
are detained or interned in line of duty by a hostile force or foreign government.
DEA provides educational assistance to surviving spouses and children of veterans who: died while on active duty, or
died as the result of a disability arising from active duty, or
died from any cause while rated permanently and totally disabled from service-connected disability.
Here is a summary of the main features of DEA:
Eligibility is based on the veteran's service-connected death, total service-connected disability, or MIA/POW/hostage status.
Current full-time DEA rate is $404 per month.
Maximum entitlement is 45 months.
Children generally have eight years in which to use benefits.
With some exceptions, children must be between ages 18 and 26.
Spouses have ten years in which to use benefits.
A spouse's remarriage bars further benefits, but a child's marriage does not affect eligibility.
The Education Service administers the following benefit programs. We are also including documents and forms which will aid school officials, veterans and dependents. We trust you will find what you are looking for in our program descriptions. If you need additional assistance, please call our toll-free number 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) to speak with a Veterans Benefits Counselor.
Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (MGIB)
The MGIB program provides up to 36 months of education benefits. This benefit may be used for degree 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 commonly known as Chapter 30.
VA now reimburses for some Licensing and Certification Tests.
You can receive reimbursement for licensing and certification tests you take on or after March 1, 2001. These tests must be specifically approved for the G.I. Bill. VA can pay only for the cost of the tests and not other fees connected with obtaining a license or certification.
Tuition Assistance "Top-Up" General Information
On October 30, 2000, the President signed into law an amendment to the Montgomery GI Bill
- Active Duty education program that permits VA to pay a Tuition 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.
Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
The MGIB-SR program may be available to you if you are a member of the Selected Reserve. The 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 correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.
Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
VEAP is available if you first entered active duty between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985 and you elected to make contributions from your military pay to participate in this education benefit program. Your contributions are matched on a $2 for $1 basis by the Government. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA)
DEA provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service related condition.. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and 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 circumstances.
Summary of Benefits Under the Educational Assistance Test Program Section 901 of Public Law 96-342
Section 901 is an Educational Assistance Test Program created by the Department of Defense Authorization Act of 1981 (Public Law 96-342) to encourage enlistment and reenlistment in the Armed Forces. Benefits are available to individuals who entered on active duty after September 30, 1980, and before October 1, 1981 (or before October 1, 1982, if entry was under a delayed enlistment contract signed between September 30, 1980, and October 1, 1981).
NOTE: Although Public Law 96-342 established a beginning date for the test program as October 1, 1980, the military service departments did not start offering the test program to new enlistees until December 1, 1980.
Work-Study Program
This program is available to any student receiving VA education benefits who is attending school three-quarter time or more. An individual working under this program may work at the school veterans' office, VA Regional Office, VA Medical Facilities, or at approved State employment offices. Work-study students are paid at either the state or Federal minimum wage, which ever is greater. If you have questions on this program contact our toll-free number 1-888-442-4551.
Tutorial Assistance Program
Tutorial assistance is available if you are receiving VA educational assistance at the half-time or more rate and have a deficiency in a subject making tutoring necessary. If you have questions on this program please contact our toll-free number 1-888-442-4551.
VA Education Manual for School Officials (AACRAO)
This Education Manual is used by School Certifying Officials to gain information about VA education programs and as a guide to aid them in the completion of forms for submission to VA. It is mainly intended for School Certifying Officials but we feel the information may be helpful to anyone interested in VA Benefits. (This manual is currently under revision.) Education Forms
This area has common VA forms and related forms available for you to print. Contact our toll-free number 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) to request Education forms.
<=== Click to go to the VA Education Benefits Website
| GI Bill toll-free number: 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) If you have a service connected disability, Information for the home buying veteran. Information on Service Connected Disability Compensation, Information on VA Life Insurance. Information on the VA's National Cemetery System. Information on VA Medical Benefits. Information on resolving debts resulting from participation |
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The GI Bill was one of the main reasons I joined the AF after high school. While I was in the AF, I used some of my GI Bill benefits to complete a BS degree which qualified me for OTS. Now that I'm retired, I'm using my remaining GI Bill benefits to train for a new career as a Web Site Designer.
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