United States Department of Veterans Affairs
General Announcements
Yellow Ribbon Program Open Season for the 2013 - 2014 Academic Year
January 22, 2013 9:19 AM
VA will accept modifications to the terms of existing, open-ended Yellow Ribbon Program agreements (or withdrawal from participation), and will accept agreements for initial participation in the program or renewals of existing agreements from March 15, 2013 until May 15, 2013.
View the School Certifying Official Yellow Ribbon Page for more information.
Will Your Monthly Housing Allowance Change?
January 9, 2013 9:22 AM
As you may know, the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) payments you receive for the Post-9/11 GI Bill are based on the military's Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for an E-5 with dependents. The Department of Defense adjusts the military BAH rate every calendar year (or January 1) based on changes to housing costs across the country. Rates can either go up or down.
Public Law 111 - 377 (the Veterans Educational Assistance Improvement Act of 2010) amended the effective date for the adjustment of the MHA you receive under the Post-9/11 GI Bill from the beginning of the calendar year (January 1) to the beginning of the academic year (August 1).
If the BAH increased for your area, you will not see an increase until your September 2013 payment for training pursued in August. If the BAH decreases for your area, your MHA amount will not decrease unless you change schools or have more than a six-month break in training.
A Letter to Higher Education executives for spring 2013
December 14, 2012 1:23 PM
VA recognizes that timely payments of GI Bill benefits is critical to students and their schools, and we need to work closely with our educational partners in making the payment process more effective for all involved parties.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill, which Congress created in 2008, is a large and complex program to administer. In the past three years, VA has provided more than $24.4 billion in tuition and benefits to over 870,000 Veterans, Servicemembers, and their families, and to the universities, colleges, and trade schools they attend. By law, the tuition and fee payments to schools and the monthly housing allowance and books/supplies stipends paid directly to Veterans are triggered by receipt of enrollment certifications submitted by School Certifying Officials (SCO) at each institution. The law prohibits VA from paying benefits to beneficiaries or their schools until certification of enrollment is received; no funds can be authorized “up front,” therefore the earlier VA receives these certifications, the sooner payments can be made.
The Under Secretary for Benefits has provided a letter to education executives to 1) thank them for their support of the program thus far, 2) request emphasis on the prompt administrative processing of student Veteran certifications, and 3) seek ideas on how to improve the process so that VA can optimize the delivery of this comprehensive education benefit for Veterans.
Treasury Department Fraud and Identity Theft Prevention Public Service Announcement
December 7, 2012 2:22 PM
The following video was created to help inform Veterans and other federal beneficiaries on how to protect themselves and their benefit payments.
VA is Automating Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits and School Certifying Officials Can Help Increase the Volume
November 5, 2012 2:22 PM
VA recently began automating electronic certifications for Post-9/11 GI Bill recipients enrolled at degree granting schools. We are currently automating over one-quarter of the electronic submissions but this number can be increased with the assistance of School Certifying Officials by minimizing the use of free-text remarks. You can read more about it by clicking here.
Hiring Our Heroes Hiring Fair and Career Forum
October 18, 2012 10:30 AM
DC area job seekers: Register for a FREE Hiring Fair and Career Forum conducted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for Veterans, Servicemembers, Guard and Reserve Members, and military spouses at Nationals Park from 9 a.m. to noon on December 5, 2012. The Military Spouse Business Alliance and Blue Star Families will host workshops during the event.
To view other military hiring events conducted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce across the country, go to http://www.uschamber.com/hiringourheroes/events.
GI Bill Officially a Registered Trademark of VA
October 16, 2012 12:00 PM
President Obama signed Executive Order 13607 on April 26, 2012, directing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Department of Defense, and the Department of Education to undertake a number of measures to “stop deceptive and misleading” promotional efforts that target the GI Bill educational benefits of Servicemembers, Veterans, and eligible family members and survivors. Trademarking “GI Bill” was part of that order to protect military families from being misled by schools that target their federal education benefits.
Today GI Bill is an officially registered trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Milestone for the VRAP Program
September 18, 2012 9:18 AM
We hit 45,000 approved applications for the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP)! We're excited so many Veterans have taken the opportunity to achieve their educational goals. Help us continue the momentum. We are still accepting applications for VRAP. If your application is approved, you will be eligible for VRAP benefits beginning October 1, 2012.
Do you know anyone who might qualify? If so, let them know about this great program and our website at www.benefits.va.gov/VOW/education.htm
VA to host the National Small Business Conference and VA for Vets Hiring Fair in Detroit June 26 - 29
May 23, 2012 11:33 AM
VA’s National Small Business Conference and Expo will give Veterans the opportunity to network and check out private and public sector job openings. About 500 booths will be on display at this year’s conference, taking place in Detroit, MI from June 26 to 29. For more information about the Small Business Conference visit http://nationalveteransconference.com/.
For more information about the Hiring Fair visit http://nationalveteransconference.com/hiring_fair.
VRAP Applications Are Open
May 15, 2012 10:30 AM
We are accepting VRAP applications now. Please visit eBenefits to apply. Remember, to complete the application, you will need to know your direct deposit information (bank routing number and account number), the name and location of your school, the program you wish to pursue, and the applicable high demand occupation.
President Obama Signs Executive Order Establishing Principles of Excellence for Educational Institutions Serving Service Members, Veterans, Spouses and Other Family Members
May 10, 2012 10:10 AM
The President signed Executive Order 13607: Establishing Principles of Excellence for Educational Institutions Serving Service Members, Veterans, Spouses and Other Family Members on April 27, 2012. These principles were developed to strengthen oversight, enforcement, and accountability of education programs, and to ensure our service members, Veterans, and their families have the information they need to make informed decisions concerning their well-earned educational benefits. You can read more about it at the White House link here.
Email Notification for VRAP Program Available
April 30, 2012 7:38 AM
You can now sign up to be notified of new developments in the VRAP program and receive a reminder email when we will begin accepting applications. Click here to be added to our email list.
Veterans Opportunity to Work website launched
April 19, 2012 9:25 AM
The Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) website is now available, providing a wealth of information on the VOW to Hire Heroes Act. It includes details about the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP), tax credits for employers, vocational rehabilitation services, transition assistance programs, and Department of Labor (DOL) resources.
VA and DOL are dedicated to outreach efforts to ensure information about the Veteran Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) reaches qualified Veterans and provides information on eligibility and how to apply.
Qualified Veterans will be able to apply for VRAP directly from the site beginning May 15, 2012.
Now Accepting Yellow Ribbon Program Agreements for the 2012 Academic Year
March 28, 2012 1:38 PM
Yellow Ribbon Program agreements and related documents are now posted to the School Resources Yellow Ribbon Program Information page.
Toolkit for Veteran Friendly Institutions
March 26, 2012 12:15 PM
The School Resource Page now has a link to the American Council on Education “Toolkit for Veteran Friendly Institutions.” This online resource is designed to help institutions of higher education build effective programs for veteran students and share information.
Direct Deposit Now Available for Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) Recipients
March 2, 2012 1:45 PM
If you receive DEA you can now sign up to have your benefits delivered via direct deposit.* To sign up for direct deposit you will need to know the type of account (checking or savings) you want your direct deposit sent to, your bank’s 9-digit routing number, and your account number.
Find the Routing Number on Your Check
If you don’t know your routing and/or account number, contact your bank for the information. Once you have your account type, routing number, and account number, you can sign up for direct deposit by:
- Calling the VA Education Call Center at 1-888-GI-Bill-1 (1-888-442-4551)
- Completing the direct deposit application located here (you should select “Education” under Type of Benefit) and mailing it to:
Department of Veterans Affairs
125 S. Main Street, Suite B
Muskogee OK 74401-7004
*Direct deposit is only available for beneficiaries with a U.S. mailing address.
Tillman Military Scholar Program Opens Monday, February 13
January 23, 2012 11:45 AM
On Monday, February 13, the Pat Tillman Foundation will begin taking applications for the Tillman Military Scholar Program. Applications will be accepted until March 16th.
In 2002, Pat Tillman left his NFL career and turned down a multi-million dollar contract with the Arizona Cardinals to enlist and serve his country as an Army Ranger in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks. A role model of courage and patriotism, he served several combat tours, but was killed in a firefight in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004.
The mission of the Pat Tillman Foundation is to invest in Veterans and their spouses through educational scholarships and building a diverse community of leaders committed to service to others. The Military Scholar Program offers financial assistance to Servicemembers, Veterans, and their spouses to cover academic and/or living expenses while in school. You must pursue an undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate degree as a full-time student at a public or private, 4-year U.S.-based accredited institution to qualify. For more information on application and eligibility requirements please go to The Pat Tillman Foundation
Some Attendance Verifications Delayed
January 12, 2012 12:34 PM
There was a delay in processing verifications submitted through WAVE and the automated phone system over the New Year's holiday. If you verified your attendance on 12/31 or 1/1, your payment will be delayed approximately one week. This was a system error and we apologize for the inconvenience.
Reminder of Housing Allowance Changes
December 20, 2011 2:15 PM
As you may know, the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) payments you receive for the Post-9/11 GI Bill are based on the military's Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for an E-5 with dependents. Department of Defense adjusts the military BAH rate every calendar year (or January 1) based on changes to housing costs across the country. Rates can either go up or down.
Public Law 111 - 377 (the Veterans Educational Assistance Improvement Act of 2010) amended the effective date for the adjustment of the MHA you receive under the Post-9/11 GI Bill from the beginning of the calendar year (January 1) to the beginning of the academic year (August 1). Therefore , if the BAH increased for your area, you will not see an increase until your September 2012 payment for training pursued in August. If the BAH decreases for your area, your MHA amount will not decrease unless you change schools or have more than a six-month break in training.
VOW to Hire Heroes Act Information
November 22, 2011 9:00 AM
Congress passed, and the President has signed into law, the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011. A new benefit for unemployed veterans. For more information click here.
Questions & Answers Section of Website Unavailable
September 8, 2011 11:11 AM
The Questions & Answers section of our website will be unavailable from Friday September 9, 2011 at 8:00 PM EDT until Saturday September 10, 2011 at 8:00 PM EDT for a software upgrade.
The Consumer Financial Protection Board Helps Servicemembers, Veterans, and their Families
August 8, 2011 700 AM
Now available on the CFBP homepage - Information for servicemembers, veterans, and their families.
Read their latest Blog post – "Military Advocates On Duty". Military personnel, veterans, and family members can submit a credit card complaint and "Tell Us Your Story.” From paying for education to personal financial management; from your VA Benefits to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, the CFPB has information to help servicemembers, veterans, and their families.
Visit them at www.consumerfinance.gov
Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act of 2011 Signed Into Law
August 4, 2011 10:00 AM
On August 3, 2011, President Obama signed the “Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act of 2011” into law. This legislation amends the Post-9/11 GI Bill, modifying the rules governing the way VA pays for private colleges or universities that have tuition & fee charges greater than the $17,500 per academic year. Click here for more information.
The Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System is Down back up as of 15:24hrs, July 8, 2011
July 8, 2011 3:24 PM
UPDATE: The IVR system is now available. Full functionality has been restored. Verifications received today through the weekend via IVR will be processed on Monday.
July 1, 2011 12:00 PM
We are experiencing a problem with the hardware that supports IVR, the system that allows you to verify your attendance over the telephone. The IVR system is expected to be unavailable for up to four weeks. You may verify your attendance electronically on the GI Bill website by clicking on the “Verify Attendance” button in the middle of the page. That button will direct you to our Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) system. You will have to register as a new user if you have never verified your enrollment through WAVE.
If you are receiving benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill you do not have to verify your attendance through WAVE. Your School Certifying Official (SCO) is responsible for verifying your attendance with VA at the beginning of your term. You are responsible for ensuring that your SCO is aware of your enrollment, and any subsequent changes in your schedule.
If you have further questions, please submit them using "Submit a Question" at (www.gibill.va.gov)
The Post-9/11 GI Bill and debt - understanding why and how it works
June 20, 2011 3:00 PM
If you incur a debt as a result of overpayment of GI Bill benefits we have some Frequently Asked Questions to assist you. Click here for more information.
New School Certifying Official Handbook Released Today
June 3, 2011 12:50 PM
We have written and published a School Certifying Official (SCO) Handbook for VA Certifying Officials and anyone at a school involved with certification of beneficiaries of VA education benefits. This SCO Handbook is a collaboration of the four Regional Processing Offices and Education Service and is intended to be the official source of information for VA Certifying Officials.
Certification instructions in this handbook are based on the use of VA-ONCE and include general information about the program. VA-ONCE is a VA Internet based application for certifying students. Detailed information about VA-ONCE and about accessing VA-ONCE is available at www.gibill.va.gov/school-certifying-officials. We strongly encourage all schools to utilize the VA-ONCE program for electronic certification.
There are a number of additional resources that are also available on the School Certifying Officials webpage, including Online Training For New Certifying Officials. The web-based training course is strongly recommended for new VA Certifying Officials and is also useful as refresher training for existing VA Certifying Officials.
The SCO Handbook can be downloaded at http://gibill.va.gov/school-certifying-officials/sco-training-resources/handbook.html as a PDF file.
2011 - 2012 Participating Yellow Ribbon Programs
May 27, 2011 1:25 PM
The Yellow Ribbon Program enrollment season has ended. We’ve published a list of participating programs on our website here. The participating Yellow Ribbon programs in this list are the ones we've processed. We will continue to process and update this list. We expect all approved agreements to be posted by June 3, 2011.
Pat Tillman Scholarship Initiative
May 24, 2011 1:15 PM
If you don't qualify for the GI Bill, are interested in reducing your out-of-pocket costs for school, or just know someone who can use the information, we now have scholarship information available on our website.
Included is information about the Pat Tillman Scholarship Foundation, which offers scholarships to servicemembers, veterans, and dependents as well as covering other needs such as housing and child-care expenses as well as a link to the Department of Education’s scholarship database.
We also have information for schools or scholarship providers who wish to be added to the scholarship listings provided by the Department of Education.
For more information click here.
How Will Changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill Affect Flight Training?
May 16, 2011 10:30 AM
Effective October 1, 2011 Vocational Flight Training will be payable under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, for a summary of the changes click here.
Veterans Field Guide to Government Shutdown
April 8, 2011 2:55 PM
In the event of a federal shutdown, most VA services will still be available. However, it’s important that you know how the GI Bill will be impacted.
Vice President Biden’s Call To Boost College Graduation Rates
March 28, 2011 11:05 AM
On March 22, 2011 Vice President Biden issued a call to action to boost college graduation rates across the country. The Vice President released a new College Completion Tool Kit for states and Governors to draw ideas and options from.
Click here for more information.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a School
March 21, 2011 12:35 PM
We have put together a helpful guide that contains many factors that may assist you when choosing a school.
Click here to access the guide.
Choosing A School Section of website unavailable this Sunday
March 3, 2011 12:35 PM
The “Choosing A School” application will be unavailable this Sunday, March 6, 2011 from 5 - 9 pm for scheduled maintenance
Post-9/11 GI Bill Change for some servicemembers and their transferee spouses
March 3, 2011 12:35 PM
All active duty servicemembers and their designated transferee spouse’s tuition payments will reflect the eligibility tier based on length of service for enrollments beginning on or after March 5, 2011.
2011 Yellow Ribbon Program Agreements Now Being Accepted
February 24, 2011 01:30 PM
We are currently accepting Yellow Ribbon Program Agreements for the 2011 academic year. The form as well as instructions and related materials can be found by clicking here.
Information Related to Delayed Processing of Spring 2011 Enrollments
February 8, 2011 03:00 PM
We would like to make you aware that VA’s offices responsible for processing Education benefits payments have been closed several days during January due to inclement weather. We are working hard to get caught up including working mandatory overtime on Saturdays and Sundays. We expect to have the situation under control within the next week to ten days. We are very concerned about the difficulties this can cause if you have not yet received your February 1 check and we are working hard to get you paid.
Until your February 1 payment is received, we have created a letter you may wish to show creditors. That letter may be found below.
Severe Winter Weather Causes Claims Processing Delays
February 8, 2011 02:35 PM
Severe winter weather across much of the nation has caused unexpected delays in processing payments for Spring 2011 enrollments. We are implementing many stopgap procedures to bring the workload down, including temporary staff reassignments, mandatory overtime, and tiger teams. Rest assured we are doing our best to get your benefits to you as soon as possible.
Yellow Ribbon Program Agreement Information for 2011
January 24, 2011 08:00 AM
The Department of Veterans Affairs will start accepting Yellow Ribbon Program Agreements for the 2011 - 2012 academic year on or about February 23, 2011. The agreement and detailed instructions will be available on our website on that date. Program enrollment season will last until May 23, 2011. Click here for more information.
2011 BAH Rate Increase Payments Coming
January 20, 2011 10:00 AM
Effective January 1, 2011, DoD adjusted most housing rates. VA’s housing payments under the Post-9/11 GI Bill are based on the E-5 with dependents level for the zip code where you attend school. The DoD rates changed in January, so if your housing rate went up, you will see it in your February payment. Your payments will update to the 2011 rates automatically.
If your housing rate decreased for 2011, you will continue to receive the higher 2010 rate unless you change schools or have more than a 6-month break in school attendance.
You can see the new rates at https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/bah.cfm
Major Changes Coming to the GI Bill in 2011
January 5, 2011 06:52 AM
Major changes are coming to all GI Bill programs next year, especially the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Click here for more information.
Reporting Requirements for Spring 2011 Semester
December 7, 2010 10:10 AM
School Certifying Officials are encouraged to submit enrollment certifications for the Spring 2011 semester as early as possible even if the tuition and fee rate is not set.
Click here for more information.
National Call Center Unavailable
November 30, 2010 01:54 PM
If you’re trying to reach the Muskogee, OK education call center today, it is currently down and no calls are getting through. The outage is due to an equipment malfunction. Technicians are now onsite replacing the faulty equipment. Estimated time of completion is COB today, November 30, 2010.
Find a School Section of Website Unavailable Saturday November 20
November 18, 2010 09:50 AM
The “Find a School” section of our website will be unavailable Saturday November 20 from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM for a software upgrade.
Information on Preparatory Courses Online
October 29, 2010 09:00 AM
Information now online about preparatory courses and how you may be eligible for benefits while taking them. Click here for more information.
Student Veterans of America 2010 National Conference Approaching
September 14, 2010 01:25 PM
The 2010 Student Veterans of America National Conference will be held October 1 - 4 at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. For more information click here.
Website Unavailability This Weekend
October 5, 2010 01:25 PM
The telephone certification system and some portions of the GI Bill website may be unavailable Saturday October 9 @ 6:00 PM EST through Monday October 11 @ 1:00 PM EST for routine maintenance. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.
Student Veterans of America 2010 National Conference Approaching
September 14, 2010 01:25 PM
The 2010 Student Veterans of America National Conference will be held October 1 - 4 at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. For more information click here.
VA has begun updating housing payments with the 2010 BAH rates for Post-9/11 GI Bill students
September 01, 2010 02:15 PM
Effective January 1, 2010, DoD adjusted most housing rates. VA’s housing payments under the Post-9/11 GI Bill are based on the DoD basic allowance for housing at the E-5 with dependents level for the zip code where you attend school. Our new education claims processing system will begin phasing in the new rates September 1, 2010. You can see the new rates at www.defensetravel.dod.mil/perdiem/bah.html
When will VA start paying the 2010 rates?
We will begin issuing checks at the 2010 rate on September 1st. We expect all files to be updated by the October housing payment.
Do I have to submit a form or do anything to get the new housing rate?
Your payments will update to the 2010 rates automatically, you do not need to do anything.
My housing rate increased in 2010. Do I get back-pay?
We will send you a one-time payment for the additional amount you are owed for your school attendance in 2010. The payment will cover any increase due you for housing allowance during the period January 1, 2010 through July 31, 2010 and will be direct-deposited to your account during the first week of September. The housing allowance for August, that is payable on September 1, will be at the 2010 rate.
I’m in school now and am expecting an increase. How does that work?
If you are currently in school or plan to re-enroll this year, your monthly housing allowance for August 2010 (paid on September 1st) will be at the 2010 rate.
I started school for the first time under the Post-9/11 GI Bill after January 1, 2010 and the housing rate for my area decreased for 2010. What happens to my payments?
You were receiving the 2009 rate. Your payment on September 1st (for the housing allowance for the month of August 2010) will be paid based on the 2010 housing rate. You will not continue to be paid at the higher 2009 rate. However, any housing payments previously paid to you at the 2009 rate will not be reduced and there will not be an overpayment on your record.
I started school under the Post-9/11 GI Bill in 2009 and the housing rate decreased for 2010. How does that work?
You will continue to receive the higher 2009 rate during 2010 unless you change schools or have more than a 6-month break in school attendance. However, in the transition to our new computer system, some housing payments were inadvertently reduced to the lower 2010 rate. VA is taking immediate action to pay you the higher 2009 rate.
- Your award is being adjusted to return your monthly housing allowance rate to the higher 2009 rate. You will receive a payment for the difference between the 2010 and 2009 rate for your September 1, 2010, payment.
- For future payments, your monthly housing allowance will remain at the higher 2009 rate. You will continue to receive this rate unless you change schools or have more than a six-month break in attendance.
My housing rate is the same, is there a change to my VA housing?
Your VA housing payment will not change.
If you have other questions, be sure to check www.GIBILL.va.gov and use the “Ask a Question feature, or call 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).
2010 - 2011 Maximum Tuition and Fee Rates for the Post-9/11 GI Bill are Available
August 31, 2010 02:00 PM
The maximum in-state tuition and fee rates are now available for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. You can find the rates at the following link: http://www.gibill.va.gov/gi_bill_info/ch33/tuition_and_fees.htm
These rates are effective for training pursued on or after August 1, 2010 through July 31, 2011.
Introducing My Story
August 23, 2010 08:22 AM
As part of our National Outreach and Awareness Campaign, Education Service is now featuring its new series, My Story, on the GI Bill Website at: www.gibill.va.gov/my-story. Through this page we are sharing the real life stories of Veterans and Servicemembers, and their personal experiences with the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Every My Story is different. Yet they all share a common thread — creating a better future using the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
We invite you to read and watch the videos about these inspiring students. If you have a personal success story that you want to share on our My Story page please email us at post911.gibill.vbaco@va.gov. Make sure to include your full name, email address, and a few sentences about why you think you’d make a good candidate and why you would like to participate.
Also, be on the lookout for the My Story print ads in your favorite military publications and look for more videos on the website in the future.
2011 Rate Tables Now Online
August 19, 2010 12:22 PM
2011 Rate Tables for Montgomery GI Bill, REAP, and DEA are now online. Rate increases are effective October 1, 2010. Click here to view the new rates.
Trying to Remember our Phone Number?
July 20, 2010 8:30 AM
We’ve noticed a few schools and webpages with an incorrect phone number for questions about the GI Bill. We want to remind you that the correct toll free number for the GI Bill Hotline is 1-888-GIBILL-1, not 1-800-GIBill-1. That phone number again is 1-888-GIBILL-1.
Yellow Ribbon Program Submission Deadline Extended
July 9, 2010 6:15 PM
Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Yellow Ribbon Program, VA has decided to extend the deadline for Yellow Ribbon Program agreements for the 2010 - 2011 academic year. The original deadline was May 21, 2010, but VA has extended it to July 23, 2010. Schools who otherwise sent their agreement late or missed the deadline now have an opportunity to participate in the Yellow Ribbon program.
All fields must be properly filled out and the form must be signed by an official that has the authority to enter into agreements for the school. Please send questions or concerns to the Yellow Ribbon Program Management Team at yellow.ribbon@va.gov. Completed forms must be received by VA no later than July 23, 1010.
Mississippi and Alabama Claims Are Now Serviced by the Muskogee Office
June 21, 2010 5:25 PM
Effective immediately, the Muskogee Regional Processing Office will now process claims for Mississippi and Alabama. The address for the Muskogee office is P.O. Box 8888, Muskogee, OK, 74402-8888.
VA Begins Accepting Applications for the fry scholarship May 1
April 30, 2010 2:25 PM
Marine Gunnery Sergeant John D. Fry, 28, of Lorena, Texas, only had a week left in his Iraq tour in 2006 when he injured his hand. He was given the option of leaving Iraq after the injury and going home with a Bronze Star. He declined and volunteered to go on one last run to defuse bombs. After working seven more hours, Gunnery Sgt. Fry was killed March 8, 2006, by an improvised explosive device in Anbar province, Iraq. He left behind his widow and three small children.
Public Law 111-32, The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship, amends the Post-9/11 GI Bill to expand the benefit to children of fallen U.S. soldiers who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001.
On May 1, 2010, VA will begin accepting applications for the Fry Scholarship. Please see the Fry Scholarship fact sheet here.
2010 - 2011 Yellow Ribbon Program Information Now Online
April 19, 2010 10:30 AM
Initial Yellow Ribbon Information is now posted for the 2010 - 2011 school year. The list is not final and will be updated periodically as additional information is received. The final listing of schools participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program will be posted approximately June 7, 2010. Click here to view the list.
Advance Pay Recoupment Issues
April 3, 2010 9:05 AM
Many of you have commented on the fact that your Advance Payment recoupment was more than the amount you asked VA’s Debt Management Center (DMC) to withhold from your April benefit. We hear you loud and clear and we're looking into some glitches in the system that snagged a number of people accidentally. We should have the issue solved within a few days.
Everyone is going to get all the money to which they are entitled. We understand that a number of student Veterans did not receive their March education benefit as expected on April 1 because of an error in the process of recovering funds for the Fall 2009 advance payments. For some student Veterans, the full amount of the benefit was deducted to recover the advance payment when a lesser amount should have been deducted. VA’s actions to refund this error are underway.
Letters will be sent within the next 48 hours to everyone affected by the issue either by email or through the United States Postal Service. We apologize for the inconvenience this inadvertently caused Veterans and their families. We ask for your patience as we resolve this important issue. We will update with any changes to our progress of correcting the error. You do not need to take any action; VA is working with the U.S Department of the Treasury to refund the over-collections. Payments will be issued to student Veterans within a week.
Advance Pay Recoupment
March 19, 2010 10:15 PM
If you wish to set up a payment plan for the deduction of an advance payment of benefits you received for the Fall 2009 semester you must submit a request form. Please note that requests for payment plans or credit card payments must be received prior to 10 working days of month's end to prevent deduction of the advance payment the following month. ALL REQUESTS FOR REDUCTIONS IN OFFSET ARE SUBJECT TO REVIEW AND APPROVAL BY DEBT MANAGEMENT CENTER.
Break pay Frequently Asked Questions updated
March 19, 2010 10:45 AM
We have updated the Frequently Asked Questions pertaining to break (or interval) pay. Click here to see them.
Extended hours at the Education Call Center
March 10, 2010 1:45 PM
The Education Call Center is now open from 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM central time.
Call Center Information on Advance Pay Repayment
March 4, 2010 10:52 AM
VA’s Debt Management Center (DMC) recently sent out letters advising veterans of their options for repaying the Advance Payment of education benefits they received for this past Fall term. If you are having trouble reaching DMC over the phone in regards to Advance Payment recoupment, you can also contact VA’s Education Call Center (ECC) toll-free at 1-888-442-4551 or visit http://www.pay.va.gov for instructions on how to submit payments. You may also go to our “Ask a Question” page to submit a question online.
Ask A Question portion of our website unavailabilty
February 26, 2010 1:20 PM
The Ask A Question portion of our website will be unavailable from 8:00 PM, Saturday February 27 to 12:00 PM, Sunday February 28 for a software upgrade.
Education Call Center Now Open Monday Through Friday
February 19, 2010 10:00 AM
Effective immediately, VA's Education Call Center is now open Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 5:00pm Central Time. Please contact us at 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) with any inquiries.
Information About Advance Pay Availability
February 17, 2010 10:55 AM
Effective February 19, 2010, emergency advance payment checks will no longer be available. Individuals who received advance pay for the fall semester will receive notification letters explaining the repayment process.
Information About Advance Pay Recovery Procedures
February 11, 2010 10:00 AM
We have posted a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding the recovery procedure of the Emergency Advance Payment for Fall 2009 GI Bill benefits some personnel may have received. For more information click the headline above.