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Veterans

WHAT VETERANS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT VETERANS EDUCATION BENEFITS

Most programs of study are approved for veteran’s education benefits by the state approving agency for training veterans and dependents.  Generally, eligible veterans have 36 months of benefits.  For active duty veterans, these benefits expire 10 years after separation from the service.  For members of the reserve components, they expire 14 years after service members become eligible (normally upon completing initial date active training (IDAT).  Benefits may be used to earn a degree, diploma, or certificate.  Contact the College’s VA Certifying Official in the Financial Aid Office, Room 704, to apply for benefits or apply online at www.gibill.va.gov  

New Veteran students complete the Application for Education Benefits Form 22-1990 and provide member 4 copy of the DD214.  New dependents or widows of Veterans complete Form 22-5490.

Transferring Veterans from another school complete the Request for Change of Program or Place of Training Form 22-1995.  Dependents or widows transferring from another school complete Form 22-5495.

College Credit for military training and experience.  Following are the names of facilities, which provide military transcript to the college:

ON-THE-JOB TRAINING BENEFITS (OJT)

REIMBURSEMENT for cost of licensing or certification tests now available to Veterans.  Examples include the Microsoft, realtors, and FAA for airframe mechanics.  To determine if a test has been approved for reimbursement, go to http://www.gibill.va.gov/pamphlets/LC_brochure.pdf 

Direct Deposit.  Call 1-877-838-2778 to arrange.

Change of address:  Complete VA Form 50-572 available on the internet.

Monthly Certification of credit hours Call 1-877-823-2378 or go to the WAVE program on-line at www.gibill.gov

Questions about VA Benefits   Call 1-888-442-4551 or visit www.gibill.gov

To schedule an appointment with the Athens Tech VA Certifying Official call 706-355-5009

VETERANS EDUCATION BENEFITS
MEMORANDUM

Gay H. Jones
Veterans Certifying Official
 706-355-5133
FAX 706-425-3086
gjones@athenstech.edu

BEFORE YOU APPLY:
Starting in August 2009 there will be veterans using their GI Bill that will be eligible for both the old and new GI Bills.  You will have to choose which one to use, and the choice is irrevocable.  The link below will help you decide which the best choice is.  One bill may give the veteran more money; each case is different.  The new GI Bill is good for 15 years; the old one is good for 10 years.  Veterans should study this before making a decision.  Please read thoroughly the information at this website:

https://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/CH33/Benefit_Comparison_Chart.htm

There will continue to be changes but this is a good comparison chart.  If you have questions, please contact the Athens Veterans Office at 706-369-5630 or contact the Atlanta Veterans Office at 1-888-442-4551.

How to apply:

1. Veterans who have never used VA Education Benefits before, complete the Application for Education Benefits Form 22-1990; Survivors and Dependents who have never used VA Education Benefits before complete the Application for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Form 22-5490.
2. Veterans transferring from another school complete the Request for Change of VA Education Program or Place of Training Form 22-1995; Survivors and Dependents transferring from another school complete the Request for Change of Program or Place of Training Form 22-5495.
3. Return the completed forms with a copy of the DD214 (member 4 copy) to the Financial Aid Office.  These forms will be mailed to the Atlanta VA Office after the drop/add period of the quarter you are beginning school.
4. Bring a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility to your Veterans Certifying Official.
5. Bring a copy of your letter of acceptance to your Veterans Certifying Official.
6. Bring a copy of your letter from the Registrar with transfer credits from previous colleges to your Veterans Certifying Official.  You can only be certified for three (3) quarters without this information.
7. EACH QUARTER, when you register, bring a computer-generated copy of your class schedule to the Veterans Certifying Official or call Gay Jones at 706-355-5133.  Allow 30 days after drop/add period for information to reach Atlanta Office.
8. Veterans Education Benefits will pay only tuition if you register for 5 credit hours or less.
9. Should you decide to withdraw from a class, from school, or change your program of study, it is imperative that you inform the VA Certifying Official; otherwise, an overpayment will result and you will be liable for repayment.
10. VA regulations require recipients of VA Education Benefits to maintain satisfactory progress in the program of study.  All grades will be reported to the Atlanta VA Office each quarter.
11. The curriculum for your program of study has been approved by the State Approving Agency and you must follow this curriculum.
12. Currently enrolled students who do not register during returning student registration will have their VA Benefits terminated, unless they contact the Veterans Certifying Official to arrange for late registration.

It is your responsibility to certify your enrollment at the end of each month to the Atlanta VA Office.  On the last day of each month, you may call using Interactive Voice Response 1-877-823-2378 and follow the instructions or you may use the internet WAVE program at www.gibill.va.gov and follow the links to the WAVE program.

If you have any questions about your VA Education Benefits, you may call the toll free number 1-888-GI BILL (1-888-442-4551) or visit the web site:  www.va.gov    The toll free number and website provide information on VA Education Benefits 24 hours a day/7 days a week, and you have the ability to ask questions or send an email inquiry.  The toll free number also allows you to obtain information about your own benefits account if you receive Montgomery GI Bill benefits, and you may speak with an education case manager Monday through Friday during normal business hours.