Charmain Bogue, Executive Director of VA Education Service, was live October 23 answering Forever GI Bill questions.

2019-10-17T13:58:27-04:00

Welcome to the Live Q&A event! I’m Charmain Bogue, the Executive Director of VA Education Service.

I was appointed to my current position in May, but I began my VA career many years ago as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. I joined VA from the non-profit sector, looking for ways to give back to those who served our country like my mother, father, grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law and husband. I am committed to going above and beyond to provide extraordinary services to those who have dedicated their lives to protect this nation, and I’m excited to spend this time answering your questions.

As a brief background, the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, also known as the “Forever GI Bill,” provides sweeping changes to VA education benefits, many of which expand and enhance your benefits.

During this discussion, I welcome questions on changes that may impact your Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA), The Edith Nourse Rogers Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) Scholarship and Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC).

I’ll be available to answer questions during the hour-long session, and my team in VA Education Service will be monitoring the Q&A throughout the week to respond to your questions.

This is your opportunity to get answers. Please, ask away.

Response by PO1 H Gene Lawrence made Oct 17 at 2019 2:04 PM

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I’m sure it will be interesting.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Oct 17 at 2019 3:56 PM

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Charmain Bogue: Ma'am it is quite an honor to have you with us. Thank You So Very Kindly: for joining us here; on Rally Point!
Most Lovingly and with My Biggest Salute: Margaret C. Higgins U.S. Army Retired: Soldier/Veteran/Warrior

Response by SPC Michael Chavez made Oct 17 at 2019 4:06 PM

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Why are Veterans from 2001 to 2005 excluded from the Forever GI Bill?

Response by SGT Pete Pelfrey made Oct 17 at 2019 4:11 PM

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Not sure if I can make it since it is during class, but it would be nice to know if housing stipends were being made more like those in the military...you know, where you get paid the whole month(s) you are in school, not just the exact dates you are. It's not like these places negate housing fees during "breaks", so I never understood why the VA decided they should. Are those who live on campus supposed to just live on the streets in between classes? It makes no sense.

For the other questions, how will we know if we are getting back pay, and when will the back pay be up through? According to the Forever GI Bill links I have followed, since I started school in 2017, my housing stipend should be $2042 per month for the Atlanta area right now. My last housing rate was $1785, and before that it was slightly less. That is almost $300 per month difference of what I supposedly should have been getting this whole time. Going back to when I started, that is around $5500+ that I didn't receive that apparently I should have since I think they were basing my housing on the school's main location in Savannah.

Response by TSgt Rolla Suttmiller made Oct 17 at 2019 4:23 PM

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Greetings any chance the Forever portion will be granted for all who are eligible for the New GI Bill? I left 14 months on the table because I didn't use up all my benefits within 15 years after retirement. When I wrote the VA they didn't seem to care that 9 of those 15 years I was overseas working as a civilian in a Dept of Defense job and unable to go to school!

Response by SSgt Troy Hale made Oct 17 at 2019 4:24 PM

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Am I eligible for the forever gi bill ?

Response by LCpl Ben Heald made Oct 17 at 2019 4:29 PM

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I will not be able to attend, but I have a question. I was employed and I decided to go to school while I get medically retired from my current job. I am not sure why people who already had the Post 9/11 granted aren't able to be under the forever GI Bill. I attempted to go through voc rehab but was declined because of the confusion of me still employed but not working, while my retirement goes through the process. I just want to be able to go back to school so I can get into a career after I am medically retired from my job now. What options do I have since I have exhausted the time of the Post 9/11 GI Bill?

Response by CPL Kenneth Flick made Oct 17 at 2019 4:51 PM

2019-10-17T16:51:15-04:00

I cant attend but I have a question. There is a 15 year limit on the post 9/11 GI bill and mine expires this december which is 6 months before I finish school. The only reason I waited so long was because I didnt know that I was eligible for this or any other GI bill until 2015. So what options do I have when it runs out due to the time limit?

Response by SMSgt Gary L made Oct 17 at 2019 4:54 PM

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Why is the Aviation -Commercial Piloting career path for education often shunned by VA VocRehab Counselors and often Vets are mislead, given incorrect/incomplete information, or redirected from this degree program? There also seems to be zero continuity or even a same page consensus between VA VocRehab Counselors when it comes to program benefits and coverage for those Veterans that do get approved for a Commercial Piloting college degree program.

Response by SrA Stephanie Bilodeau made Oct 17 at 2019 5:31 PM

2019-10-17T17:31:41-04:00

I’m unsure if I will be able to attend the QA, but thanks for taking your time to do this. My question is I paid into the Montgomery GI bill back in 2006. I’m currently using the post 9/11. I heard rumors of a one year extension for those who paid into the Montgomery. Is there any truth to this?

Response by PFC Tiffany Ortega made Oct 17 at 2019 5:38 PM

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I'm currently pursuing a Hospitality Management Degree. Does that qualify for the STEM Scholarship?

Response by SSG Phrederiquio Quijano made Oct 17 at 2019 5:42 PM

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Great topic up for discussion. How can a retired or veteran formerly taking classes or currently enrolled in a higher learning institution. Know how much funds available are left on their GI Bill /Post 9-11 ?
My next question. If a veteran just completed all course requirements for an Associates Degree and will or have graduated. Can he or she, use the remaining funds if available to transfer to a university to complete their Bachelor's Degree plan without having to sign up for extra Pell Grant's or Scholarships like the GySgt Fry scholarship ? Would the VA education department extend money for book stipends for full time online students or full time classroom student based off geographic location ?

Response by PO2 Melissa Stichel made Oct 17 at 2019 6:15 PM

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Will the VET TEC program pay for bootcamps, for example the CISSP bootcamp?

Response by SGT Kevin Wilkins made Oct 17 at 2019 6:38 PM

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Why is the STEM just for the BAS and MA

Response by SP6 James Blake made Oct 17 at 2019 6:39 PM

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In terms of Veterans Affairs and getting outsource, continuous medical care getting approved from one physician and paperwork setting on another awaiting their approval while the veteran has already used 6 of the 12 additional visits used at the VA everything stemming from La holla VA hospital.

When a veteran applies for employment and does not get veteran preference for the state, city, and loval VA positions qualified for why isnt someone looking into they why and or someone to monitor these occurrences.

Response by Sgt Andrew Roye made Oct 17 at 2019 8:11 PM

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I have question about the GI Bill?

Response by PO1 Jerry Henson made Oct 17 at 2019 8:21 PM

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How do I get an extension on my GI Bill. I retired from the US Navy on March 31st 2004. It expired on March 31st 2019. I wasn’t allowed the 15 years like everyone else. It wasn’t signed into law until 5 or 6 years after I retired so I was cheated out of those years. I wanted to go to school but my service connected injuries wouldn’t allow it during that time. Now the local college is going to work with me and make some accommodations. Please help

Response by PVT Tommie Pipkins made Oct 17 at 2019 8:34 PM

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vocational Rehabliiation I need it

Response by SPC Christian Downs made Oct 17 at 2019 9:40 PM

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What is Forever G.I. Bill

Response by MSgt L. Williams made Oct 17 at 2019 9:52 PM

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MSgt Lester Williams,
I attend an in-residence satellite campus that is in a completely different zip code from the main campus. The other campuses in the same region as the satellite campus are paid a higher housing allowance based on the local zip code. After the computer systems have been updated, making the necessary adjustments, will the students at the satellite campus receive retroactive payments back to the onset of the Colmery Act?
Thanks

Response by HN Dave Rengifo made Oct 18 at 2019 8:04 AM

2019-10-18T08:04:38-04:00

My Gi Bill money ran out and Fall 2019 will be my last semester, I just started my Bachelor's Program, I have tried to apply for many of the scholarships but I don't apply, will I be able to qualify for the Forever Gi Bill, thank you

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Oct 18 at 2019 8:18 AM

2019-10-18T08:18:26-04:00

As a Mustang I retired in 2004 as a LTC with 32 years if Svc for pay. I did not contribute to the GIbill and have never used any of the GIbill. Am I still able to use any GIbill benefits. I’m also eligible for the Illinois Veterans Scholarship but I live in GA and do not live in Illinois??

Thank you for your response and your dedication..

V/r,
Charles T Dalbec
LTC,Army,Retired

Email
[login to see]

Response by SPC Marvin Lattiboudeair made Oct 18 at 2019 8:33 AM

2019-10-18T08:33:46-04:00

I left the military in 2004 why is the education bill good for people who came on or after 2013? What about veteran like me who want go back to school? My education funds ends 11/05/2019 and I have not yet completed my education.

Response by SPC Gerald Young made Oct 18 at 2019 9:02 AM

2019-10-18T09:02:14-04:00

Could there be an opportunity for Veterans to use their GI BILL for their business?

Response by 1stSgt Sybil Hester made Oct 18 at 2019 9:18 AM

2019-10-18T09:18:25-04:00

I’d like to know why my tuition payments from last fall semester and this fall semester still have not been sent through.
I took out personal loans to cover housing and tuition because I was afraid the VA wouldn’t send my money and I was correct. So now I have loans I need to pay back which I was going to do with the tuition payment.

Response by PO1 Evangelist Cathrene Wyckoff made Oct 18 at 2019 11:31 AM

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I recently requested the STEM bill, but was denied because my undergraduate degree "Cyber Security" did Not qualify for the STEM program. I have 3 more classes to take to finish my Masters in Cyber Security Management & Policy, and I only have 3 months of benefits left. Is there any reason, why I can't get more of the Post-911 to finish the MS degree? or get STEM benefits? I don't know what to do at this point. I am not employed, mostly because every position I apply to ask me about a security clearance. I retired in 2005, finished the Cyber Security Degree in May 2017. Can you provide any guidance, thank you in advance.

Response by SCPO Pam Lehman made Oct 18 at 2019 2:33 PM

2019-10-18T14:33:25-04:00

My GI Benefits went unused and expired in 2018, why do they need to expire? Why is there a time limit for Voc Rehab? Sometimes it takes a while before you are ready to get back out in the world and start school and go back to work.

Response by MSgt William Tuttle made Oct 18 at 2019 11:32 PM

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I am a retired USAF member; served from 9 July 1980 - 1 November 2004. I qualify for 100% of the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.
I am currently enrolled in my final two classes at UMGC and will complete requirements for my BA in East Asian Studies on 15 Dec 2019. My delimiting date is 1 Nov 2019. I recall reading on a VA forum that tuition & fees will be paid by the VA for the entire semester, as long as the student was enrolled prior to the delimiting date. I believe that BAH and book allowances do stop after reaching delimiting date.
My most recent VA benefits award letter shows that tuition was only paid through 31 October. I have contacted the VA GI Bill help site, but have received many conflicting answers and have been directed to a 2014 blog on an Army unofficial website. I expected a better answer (with supporting reference).
One source that I did locate (H.R. 2692) covers this subject; however, I am not sure that this applies to my case:

“§ 3031. Extension of entitlement to educational assistance expiring during a quarter or semester or after a major portion of a course is complete
“(a) EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OPERATING ON QUARTER OR SEMESTER SYSTEM.—If an individual eligible for educational assistance under this chapter is enrolled under this chapter in an educational institution regularly operated on the quarter or semester system and the period of such individual’s entitlement under this chapter would, under section 3013, expire during a quarter or semester, such period shall be extended to the end of such quarter or semester.

I look forward to the Live Q&A with Charmain Bogue, and hopefully I can get the correct answer based on a support reference.

Best, William Tuttle, MSgt, USAF (ret)

Response by PFC Donnie Harold Harris made Oct 19 at 2019 7:45 AM

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You are so impressive. Thanks for your work.

Response by CPL Johnnie White made Oct 19 at 2019 9:03 AM

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If I used my benefits to get a BA, can I use it to get an advance degree?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2019 2:47 PM

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I am a disabled veteran with a 90% rating, I take 4 full-time classes online because I have limited mobility. I would like to know why 4 classes which are considered full time by the school are considered part-time to the VA? That is not fair at all. That means veterans with severe disabilities and are not able to physically go the campus are paid part-time BAH for school while students who are not too disabled to attend on-campus classes are considered full time even though they are taking the same amount of classes. Online classes are longer and there are no days off, I have assignments due 7 days a week including holidays, I have assignments due on Christmas day, I am required to go to the campus for certain class assignments while campus classes only have assignments on class days, usually 2 days a week. Who came up with this discriminatory idea? It should not matter if a student is on the campus are not, it should only matter how many credit hours they are taking, what is full time for an abled body student should be the same for a disabled body student.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2019 3:03 PM

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Is this meant to help veterans or is this just for 'show'?

Response by CPL Rodney Washington made Oct 19 at 2019 9:37 PM

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I would like to speak for those of us who served prior to 9-11. It seems we are the forgotten ones. Many of us have suffered in silence because we were not exposed to our benefits until it was too late and although the effort to embrace our fellow soldiers who served POST 9-11 is strong, we are left out of the equation. I did not use most of my GI Bill when I left the service. I have been suffering from PTSD and a host of other ailments. I recently became aware of VOC REHAB and it has been a blessing, but my counterparts that I attend college with are privy to BHA and the Forever GI Bill, the STEM Scholarship and VET TEC. My question is, "WHY CAN"T WE BE GRANDFATHERED IN, THOSE OF US WHO SERVED IN DESERT STORM/DESERT SHIELD?"
Thank you for your consideration.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Oct 20 at 2019 10:25 AM

2019-10-20T10:25:17-04:00

https://www.volunteer.va.gov/physicianambassador/

I seek help about the above listed VA progrwm, which is off not an educational one, though one I seek.to use, despite being total perm.disabled, there's one other I also.week help with as well...I realize both of these programs.clearly.most.likely.fall outside your area, however, I've sought VAC, VBA, and VHA.help to make use of them to try to be allowed to assist with already existing ongoing clinical.research at the VA hospital.near us, as a VA legal.exception to policy, being as I'm a VA residency grad as well.as an allied health doctor,.my wife and I had me shut my NYS license sevl.yes ago, to avoid any possible conflict due to my disability...being as you're apparently quite high, I gather, in VACO, we'd be most grateful.for any possible help for the program here, as well as the other one I'll also send the site for, whenever possible and/or convenient, many thanks, I'm not seeking clinical.care involvement, per se, only clinical research, and have already chatted with sevl.VA attached academic clinical researchers, as.well, and also submitted through the VA voc rehab and educ (VR&E) program independent living track as.well,.any help would be most aopreciated, I'll try to be on for the event, I realize,.obv, that my question is clearly.atypical, however, being as VR&E apparently.invokes educ, I'd hoped that you might at least possibly be able to help, given your VA educ involvement, obv, I've of course been made no promises by anyone, whether at VA, or at any other organization I've spoken wjth, among sevl,.to.ask.for.similar help, if linking on here might also be possible to chat further, id.also.ask for that, if allowable,.as.well,.many thanks....

physicianambassador

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Oct 20 at 2019 10:26 AM

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https://www.research.va.gov/about/WOCemployment.cfm

This is the other program I've looked at in equal depth, as well....

WOCemployment.cfm

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Oct 20 at 2019 10:27 AM

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https://www.va.gov/oaa/

I'd also be most grateful for any possible help toward the volunteering end I seek, through this VA group.also, if at.all possible, much aporeciated, once again....

oaa

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Oct 20 at 2019 10:35 AM

2019-10-20T10:35:58-04:00

Sorry, I'd made a miske, obv, VA VR&E involved employment, I can never work again, merely seek to volunteer, though I'd still seek your help notwithstanding, if at all possible, I often make that mistake, many thanks....

Response by SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D made Oct 21 at 2019 9:58 AM

2019-10-21T09:58:02-04:00

Are there any College Assistance Programs available to Grandchildren of 100% wartime disabled veterans?

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Oct 22 at 2019 12:12 PM

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Excellent share Ms Charmain.

Response by Diamond Russell made Oct 23 at 2019 10:51 AM

2019-10-23T10:51:02-04:00

I won't be able to attend but I have a question. I am and have always been a full time student but I want to know why am I now being penalized for not taking a face to face class when my school doesn't offer face to face in their bachelor's program? I graduated from SPC with my AA in Psychology and I went to finish my Bachelors degree and my BAH was cut in half. I am a full time student, taking at least 15 credit hours a semester therefore I am not able to work. So i just want to know how a person is supposed to survive off of $800 as a housing allowance?

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2019 10:53 AM

2019-10-23T10:53:04-04:00

Hello!
I am a former active duty member that crossed over to the Air Force Reserve after my contract was up. I started going to school using my Post 911 GI bill but I had to stop school as my reserve squadron was being activated. I was initially non-voluntarily ordered back into active duty service that would have put me out for two semesters in college which would create a big financial hardship because the mobilization didn't align with the college schedule. There would have been months where I wasn't going to be paid for work or school. I was informed that if I volunteered to go on orders for the time period they needed personnel then that could possibly be worked out to where I could split my time up with another reservist who would want to go on orders. That is what I did. I will be able to catch the next semester of school now. A co-worker told me that when we work active orders our Post 911 GI Benefits are effected somehow. That is what I want clarity on. When I come off of the Active Duty orders that I am currently on how will my Post 911 GI Bill be effected, if at all?

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2019 11:06 AM

2019-10-23T11:06:30-04:00

Good day!
I heard there were going to be changes to how the Post 911 GI bill pays out BAH. I was a full time student utilizing my education benefits. I am currently on Active Duty military orders which have prevented me from continuing to use those benefits. When those orders end I am wondering if things will be different. Previously, I was a full time student with three online classes and one on campus class in San Francisco. I do not live in San Francisco. I was able to get the full BAH for the San Francisco area while only having to attend one class in person. Is that going to change? I have heard that the rules are changing to where a student utilizing their education benefits will have to have a majority of their classes on campus to acquire the full BAH for that region.

Thank you for helping us out with this Q&A session!
-Stephen

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2019 11:09 AM

2019-10-23T11:09:51-04:00

If I was looking to transfer my Post 911 GI Bill benefits to my wife, what needs to be in place for that to happen? I am currently an Air Force Reservist on Active Duty orders. I am a 6 year enlistee and have just shy of 3 years left on my contract. I plan to go back to school but my wife was considering going back to school also to train into another career field.

Thank you for your time,
Stephen

Response by Chiaki Ramirez made Oct 23 at 2019 11:19 AM

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When should students that applied for the STEM scholarship expect to hear whether or not they have been approved?

Response by SGT Rick Weishaupt made Oct 23 at 2019 12:41 PM

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I didn't have a forever GI bill, mine expired before I got out!!!

Response by PO1 Joseph Palmer made Oct 23 at 2019 12:45 PM

2019-10-23T12:45:20-04:00

Good morning! I have a 2 part question. I'm currently taking my final 3 classes for my bachelors degree at Strayer University and I know the rules require to take at least one class online, but what if you run into a situation where they do not have any of your 3 classes on campus and must be done on line. I believe as a military member to be punished for not receiving full housing due to the fact that your University does not have any on campus classes. Part two of my question is that I'm about to start my Master's degree and masters are only two classes and they both are online, so again I will be able to obtain full housing benefits. I believe the G.I. Bill rules and regulations need to come up to the times, because in the future all College classes will be online.

Thank you,
A concerned Military Service Member.

Response by J R made Oct 23 at 2019 12:50 PM

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Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2019 12:54 PM

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S.2327 - A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to modify the eligibility requirements for transfer of unused entitlement to Post-9/11 Educational Assistance, and for other purposes. Why isn't the VBA a proponent of easier transferability criteria for unused Post-9/11 Entitlement?

Response by David Roy made Oct 23 at 2019 12:56 PM

2019-10-23T12:56:41-04:00

Hello! I was hoping we could discuss the new STEM scholarships, specifically how these students are identified (I.E. they receive a Certificate of Eligibility or are the schools notified directly?) and how should these students be certified? Thanks, David Roy SCO SNHU

Response by Lori York made Oct 23 at 2019 12:56 PM

2019-10-23T12:56:51-04:00

Can you tell us how many STEM scholarships have been awarded since the application opened? There was mention of priority given to those who require more credits, so who is and who isn't getting this award?

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2019 12:57 PM

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Response by Charmain Bogue made Oct 23 at 2019 12:58 PM

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Good afternoon! I am here with my team in VA Education Service and we are ready to chat. What questions do you have?

Response by PO1 Lyndon Thomas made Oct 23 at 2019 12:59 PM

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My question is concerning BAH. I'm currently a full-time student taking all current courses on campus. I started July 1st 2129 and I keep hearing other Vets saying they're getting paid BAH. I started back to school in 2016 and this is my second school, and I haven't seen anything in the form of payment since I started this new school. Why am I not receiving BAH? StrayerMemphysTN

Response by Deborah Tillson made Oct 23 at 2019 12:59 PM

2019-10-23T12:59:06-04:00

1. In VA ONCE, will all VA Work Study students now have to have a separate login for each facility code to access? We've had facility codes added for all our extension campuses to accommodate the tracking of zip codes. It appears that we can only select one facility code at a time for their login and that they may need to have separate passwords for all facility codes?
2. Will there be a way to select several facility codes at once when certifying a student that may be attending classes, for example, at two different schools? Wondering if the SCO will have to process separately, or will be able to report terms in one transaction?

Response by MSgt Kim Micheloni made Oct 23 at 2019 1:00 PM

2019-10-23T13:00:06-04:00

I am half way finished with my Ph.D. when my education and housing benefits ran out. I can't afford to pay out of my pocket because I am also paying for my daughter to go to college. Would the "Forever GI Bill" help me? I was awarded the Post 911 GI Bill for my service in Irag after 14 years of service. Is there any options for me or for my daughter because I am an 80% disabled veteran?

Response by Sean Quesenberry made Oct 23 at 2019 1:01 PM

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Will the new definition of an online class be reevaluated?

Response by Red Rocks Community College Veteran Services made Oct 23 at 2019 1:02 PM

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Will this Q&A be compiled and made available?

Response by MSgt Kim Micheloni made Oct 23 at 2019 1:02 PM

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Chairmain did you get my question?

Response by SGT Craig Luna made Oct 23 at 2019 1:04 PM

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I have recently completed my Bachelors degree and started taking graduate courses. I have 9 months left of my GI Bill. Once my GI bill is all used up, I will need about another year to complete my MBA in Business Data Analytics. Will I be able to apply for STEM or any other type of assistance?

Response by Kelly Murphy made Oct 23 at 2019 1:04 PM

2019-10-23T13:04:36-04:00

how do you connect to the live Q&A

Response by LCDR Paul Jones made Oct 23 at 2019 1:05 PM

2019-10-23T13:05:02-04:00

Why is the “Forever” aspect of the GI Bill only available to those discharged after Jan 1, 2013? Many veterans served through some of the worst fighting, including Fallujah, prior to that date, were discharged and so are now not eligible. Why isn’t their service good enough?

Response by Lori York made Oct 23 at 2019 1:05 PM

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Response by SP5 John Yingling made Oct 23 at 2019 1:07 PM

2019-10-23T13:07:03-04:00

I separated in 2005 from active duty so I am currently using the original Post 9/11 GI Bill (100% eligible) with the 15 year cap, which is May 31, 2020. I am currently in a Bachelor's Program for Electrical Engineering and still have approximately 35 credits to go. My original 36 months of Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits will be exhausted mid-Spring 2020 semester, so the additional 9 months through the STEM scholarship would be extremely beneficial in my situation. My question is though...since I am not under the Forever GI Bill...and my cap is occurring May 31, 2020...am I still able to receive the STEM scholarship? I have already submitted my application for the STEM program on August 1, 2019.

Response by Chiaki Ramirez made Oct 23 at 2019 1:07 PM

2019-10-23T13:07:26-04:00

I noticed in VAOnce there is a check box for STEM, how will we know a student is using this to be able to indicate in VAOnce?

Response by Gaby De la Vega made Oct 23 at 2019 1:07 PM

2019-10-23T13:07:31-04:00

how do i log into the live Q&A?

Response by Tristan Rackow made Oct 23 at 2019 1:07 PM

2019-10-23T13:07:35-04:00

What is a school's responsibility when it comes to the STEM Scholarship? Do schools need to somehow notify the VA which programs we have that are eligible, or let the VA know that we want to participate? Is there an agreement like the Yellow Ribbon agreement? Thank you! Tristan Rackow SCO Wheaton College

Response by SPC Chris Scheuerman made Oct 23 at 2019 1:08 PM

2019-10-23T13:08:22-04:00

Is there a live stream that we will be able to view?

Response by SGT Craig Luna made Oct 23 at 2019 1:08 PM

2019-10-23T13:08:35-04:00

I have recently completed my Bachelors degree and started taking Graduate classes. I have 9 months left on my GI Bill. I will need about another year once my GI Bill is used up. Would I qualify for STEM or any other type of assistance?

Response by Pat Sherman made Oct 23 at 2019 1:09 PM

2019-10-23T13:09:55-04:00

Apologies if you have already answered this question. When should veterans expect to receive the retroactive amount for their Housing Allowance for the Extension Campuses and how are the schools reporting this information?

Response by SSgt Jeremy Lenker made Oct 23 at 2019 1:11 PM

2019-10-23T13:11:07-04:00

Is this a video thing or just answering questions in the comments?

Response by MSgt Kim Micheloni made Oct 23 at 2019 1:11 PM

2019-10-23T13:11:16-04:00

I am a 14 year 80% disabled veteran. I was awarded the Post 911 GI Bill when I got back from Iraq. I went back to school and got half-way through my Ph.D. when my education & housing benefits were exhausted. I can't afford to pay to go back to school because I have a daughter in her Junior yer of college. Can the "Forever GI Bill" help me or is there some type of assistance/scholarship she can qualify for? Can someone help me? I have contacted the VA Education Dept and they said that since I used all of my benefits for housing and education that there is nothing they can do to help neither my daughter or myself.

Response by Tierra Martinez made Oct 23 at 2019 1:12 PM

2019-10-23T13:12:03-04:00

Should students expect delayed payments?

Response by Esa Khalid made Oct 23 at 2019 1:14 PM

2019-10-23T13:14:52-04:00

Hello, how does housing allowances work for a student who is Vet Tec approved? Do they get their full stipend like Post 911?

Response by Stephen Pusateri made Oct 23 at 2019 1:16 PM

2019-10-23T13:16:59-04:00

Will there be opportunities for Master's-level students training in STEM, but without seeking a teaching credential, to qualify for the Edith Norse Rogers Stem Scholarship?

Response by SGT Craig Luna made Oct 23 at 2019 1:17 PM

2019-10-23T13:17:45-04:00

Response by PO1 Alex Moore made Oct 23 at 2019 1:17 PM

2019-10-23T13:17:46-04:00

How will Veterans be informed that they have qualified for the STEM Extention? I've personally only received two poorly worded letters stating that "A determination could not be made at this time" which, honestly, tells me nothing.

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Oct 23 at 2019 1:17 PM

2019-10-23T13:17:56-04:00

I am retired and used the GI Bill to get my BSN while raising children as a single parent. How will the new GI Bill address the issues of families, especially those who are homeless?

Response by Sara Boykin made Oct 23 at 2019 1:19 PM

2019-10-23T13:19:04-04:00

Are the questions going to be answered randomly? I am having a hard time keeping up with feed.

Response by SPC Chris Scheuerman made Oct 23 at 2019 1:19 PM

2019-10-23T13:19:09-04:00

We have been having issues getting VA to accurately calculate rate of pursuit for graduate students in non-standard terms. We have requested a recalculation and provided the supporting SCO handbook references, but are still having trouble getting VA to process these accounts correctly. Are we expecting updates to LCS sooner than 21/1 to address this issue, or will we have to continue to wait?

Response by Tierra Martinez made Oct 23 at 2019 1:20 PM

2019-10-23T13:20:36-04:00

Can we access answers to questions after this hour long discussion?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2019 1:22 PM

2019-10-23T13:22:22-04:00

I have request for audit of my 9/11 and yet nothing happens there no way to get an answer . Your people that answer your phone don’t know nothing about your program and never can get any answers or feedback this is another thing that we won’t greet answers again. What makes you qualified? Why hasn’t anyone answer about audit ?

Response by Lt Col Joanne Ruggeri made Oct 23 at 2019 1:23 PM

2019-10-23T13:23:35-04:00

I am not hearing the live discussion--please advise.
Thank you

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Oct 23 at 2019 1:25 PM

2019-10-23T13:25:59-04:00

Thank You For This Opportunity.
My email is
[login to see]

I retired in 2004 with 32 years for pay. I never used GI Bill and know that I’m nit able to transfer to spouse. Am I still eligible to use the gi bill and go to school. I have been told that it expired!!

Response by Jennifer Lundquist made Oct 23 at 2019 1:27 PM

2019-10-23T13:27:04-04:00

I must say that I find the email we received to be very misleading. It stated that information would be provided regarding the upcoming changes to the Forever GI Bill, the impact to our students' BAH, the STEM Scholarship and the VET TEC. It seems that this is a very large message board and in order to obtain any of this information, one needs to comb through the messages being posted. And that is only if the correct question is asked. Is there an additional website/page where all of this information is provided in greater detail that I may read through to get the answers we are seeking?

Response by TSgt Kevin Tremitiere made Oct 23 at 2019 1:32 PM

2019-10-23T13:32:33-04:00

Important question regarding Chapter 30 Mont GI Bill Expiring before able to use. Requested multiple times to use but was turned down. I was unable to use because I was enrolled in the Rehabilitation reTraining program through VA and had to wait until I was done using this benefit. Unfortunately , I was not able to become a pilot like planned. THe rehabilitation Program payed the degree but I was going to use the Capt 30 Bill to pay flying time. I got a high interest private loan to pay for partial flying but ran out of money and was unable to finish my Professional Commercial Pilot degree. Please advise. Is there ANYWAY to re-visit the benefit I was never able to utilize due the use of another program and in-turn ran out of time to use the Chapter 30 GI Bill??? Please help. I earned the right to use this benefit. Kevin Tremitiere ( [login to see] ) .

Response by TSgt Kevin Tremitiere made Oct 23 at 2019 1:40 PM

2019-10-23T13:40:25-04:00

Response by SPC Chris Scheuerman made Oct 23 at 2019 1:42 PM

2019-10-23T13:42:00-04:00

How will schools be notified that students have been approved for the STEM scholarships?

Response by Cpl Gustavo Benitez made Oct 23 at 2019 1:46 PM

2019-10-23T13:46:40-04:00

I am currently on my last 6 months of my GI Bill. I am a kinesiology major and will continue grad school in either physical therapy or occupational therapy. Under the STEM scholarship what majors qualify for the extension, and if I do qualify, do I apply through my schools veteran office or by contacting the VA directly?

Response by SGT Rick Weishaupt made Oct 23 at 2019 1:48 PM

2019-10-23T13:48:22-04:00

I had Vietnam era benefits, that expired??? Now I have NO benefit, is that correct?

Response by SGT Dejuan Bryant made Oct 23 at 2019 1:55 PM

2019-10-23T13:55:56-04:00

How do you connect to the live

Response by SPC Dru Macasieb made Oct 23 at 2019 1:58 PM

2019-10-23T13:58:48-04:00

I recently wrote an article on LinkedIn regarding the unfair, stigmatizing, and disabling policy of the Post 9/11 MHA for online students. As a veteran, student, and higher ed instructor, there is no basis for the difference in MHA pay as both types of degrees (online and on ground) are of equal value.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/opinion-online-veterans-should-get-same-mha-on-campus-dru-macasieb/?trackingId=CUZzc3DdQkabUjQabAtmAg%3D%3D

Opinion: Online veterans should get the same MHA as their on-campus counterpart

I wrote this article several days ago on another site but thought I share it here. You Is it just me? Or does the Veteran Affairs (VA) need to get with the program and update their unfair policy regarding the Post-9/11 education benefit’s monthly housing allowance (MHA) between online and on-campus

Response by SPC Dru Macasieb made Oct 23 at 2019 2:04 PM

2019-10-23T14:04:23-04:00

In regards to the STEM Scholarship, does this apply to a Master's Program in a STEM field? I have run out of benefits but want to eventually pursue my Masters in Cybersecurity.

Response by Charmain Bogue made Oct 23 at 2019 2:19 PM

2019-10-23T14:19:25-04:00

All, Thank you for taking part in today’s event! We hope your questions were answered. If I didn’t address your questions yet, don’t worry. We will continue responding throughout the coming week so check back here. If you have further questions, please reach out to the Forever GI Bill inbox at [login to see] .

Response by SPC Chris Scheuerman made Oct 23 at 2019 2:20 PM

2019-10-23T14:20:09-04:00

This was pretty unhelpful. We have appreciated the opportunity to attend previous Q&A's and webinars, but this did not provide any new or clarifying information. Can we look at using another venue more suitable for this type of interaction in the future?

Response by Yuko Johnson made Oct 23 at 2019 2:33 PM

2019-10-23T14:33:25-04:00

I see that a portion of the Forever GI Bill refers to eliminating the expiration date for work-study students. Aside from only being able to extend 30 days beyond the last date of term, I wasn't aware of an 'expiration.' Can you please clarify? Thank you!

https://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/docs/factsheets/FGIBSections.pdf

Also, when will the remaining entitlement information be available in VAONCE for Chapter 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill recipients?

FGIBSections.pdf

Response by Bryce Buckley made Oct 23 at 2019 4:13 PM

2019-10-23T16:13:48-04:00

Hello,
I'm not sure if this is the appropriate place to ask questions? I'm a little confused. I apologize.

I am a School Certifying Official. I just began the role in July. I see that their is a annual reporting fee. I heard that we need to have a separate bank account at the school for these funds, but I cannot find guidance for that. Could someone point me in the right direction?

Response by PO2 Yu To Chan made Oct 23 at 2019 4:47 PM

2019-10-23T16:47:22-04:00

Any update on STEM scholarship? How do I know if I get the scholarship?

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Oct 24 at 2019 1:50 AM

2019-10-24T01:50:31-04:00

I have a Vietnam era GI bill. I retired in 1992 and went straight to work as a GS 11 and then one year later I made GS 12. I spent a year in South Korea in 1970. Itti was 10 years and now it is 15 years. Am I still entitled? I have used zero. I got my GED in Wiesbaden Germany in 1967. I took CLEP tests and passed a few. Warrant Officer Senior course graduate 1988. Fort Rucker. Basic question is GI Gill forever apply to me?

Response by Nicky Sefiane made Oct 24 at 2019 9:53 AM

2019-10-24T09:53:10-04:00

Chairman Bogue,
Thank you for trying this new platform to ask and answer questions and to build community. Will you be compiling any Q&A's into a document that would be easier to read through and to use for reference?

Response by SGT Pete Pelfrey made Oct 24 at 2019 2:50 PM

2019-10-24T14:50:01-04:00

What did this really serve to do? Most real questions were not even answered. Horrible way to approach a Q&A and leave so many unanswered questions. This was pointless.

Response by SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D made Nov 7 at 2019 3:05 PM

2019-11-07T15:05:21-05:00

Thank you Executive Director for responding to my inquiry concerning educational benefits for grandchildren (non adoptive) of 100% disabled veterans.