Posted on Aug 18, 2020
VetXL: Back to School – live Q&A with VA and community partners. What are your questions?
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Join us on RallyPoint, August 27th from 3-4PM EST, for a live Q&A focusing on Back to School resources, GI Bill, learning options, and virtual tools. You can ask questions in writing now or during the live event. Please note that there is no audio or visual component to this Q&A event.
You can ask questions, on this page, to the following people:
LTC Tony Davis, Veterans Experience Office - Veterans, Family and Community Engagement
MCPO Eric Faulkner, Veterans Experience Office - Veterans, Family and Community Engagement
Charmain Bogue, Director, Department of Veterans Affairs - VBA Education Service
SGT Lauren Augustine, VP of Government Affairs - Student Veterans of America
CPL David Muir, SVP Veteran Staffing Network - Easterseals
LCDR Bill Ashton, Acting Division Director, Strategic Initiatives and Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison - Department of Agriculture
CPT Christine Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer - Service to School
Check out resources from Department of Education, Military Child Education Coalition, YMCA, and Cohen Veteran Network!
http://rly.pt/EdGov
Militarychild.org - https://rly.pt/2EsmUOR
YMCA - http://rly.pt/YMCA
http://rly.pt/MGHMilitaryFamilies
Veterans Experience Office-
https://rly.pt/VEO
To enable VA to be the leading customer service organization in government so that Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors Choose VA. VEO implements solutions based on Veteran-centered designs and industry best practices while aligning VA services with the secretary’s priorities. The Veterans, Family and Community Engagement Directorate supports Veterans through coordination and integration of local VA and non-VA services Veteran Friendly Communities Initiative working with the Community Veterans Engagement Board (CVEB) and leading federal advisory committees.
VBA Education Service-
http://rly.pt/EducationService
Administers VA's education programs that provide education and training benefits to eligible Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve Service members, Veterans, and dependents.
Student Veterans of America-
http://rly.pt/SVA
Since 2008, Student Veterans of America has worked to inspire tomorrow’s leaders. With a community network of more than 1,500 on-campus chapters, SVA is committed to transforming the current skills and experience of student veterans. Every day, these dedicated chapter leaders work to ensure that yesterday’s warriors have the resources at hand to succeed in their academic journey and beyond.
USDA-
USDA wants to ensure that veterans looking to return home, or start a new career on a farm or in a rural community have the tools and opportunities you need to succeed.
USDA’s veterans website serves as a one-stop navigator for veterans looking to learn more about employment, education, and entrepreneurship on or beyond the farm.
Easterseals -
Easterseals makes profound, positive differences in the daily lives of people of all ages with disabilities, special needs, military backgrounds and their families. Easterseals Veteran Staffing Network (VSN) connects veterans and military spouses to employers using a veteran staffing agency model. We work with employers to fill temp-to perm, contract, and direct-hire positions.
Service to School-
Service to School (S2S) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides free college and grad school application counseling to military veterans and servicemembers.
Our goal is to help veterans gain admission to the best college for them while empowering each veteran to make informed decisions about their education.
RallyPoint Answers and Discussion Conduct: https://rly.pt/33ySsg0
You can ask questions, on this page, to the following people:
LTC Tony Davis, Veterans Experience Office - Veterans, Family and Community Engagement
MCPO Eric Faulkner, Veterans Experience Office - Veterans, Family and Community Engagement
Charmain Bogue, Director, Department of Veterans Affairs - VBA Education Service
SGT Lauren Augustine, VP of Government Affairs - Student Veterans of America
CPL David Muir, SVP Veteran Staffing Network - Easterseals
LCDR Bill Ashton, Acting Division Director, Strategic Initiatives and Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison - Department of Agriculture
CPT Christine Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer - Service to School
Check out resources from Department of Education, Military Child Education Coalition, YMCA, and Cohen Veteran Network!
http://rly.pt/EdGov
Militarychild.org - https://rly.pt/2EsmUOR
YMCA - http://rly.pt/YMCA
http://rly.pt/MGHMilitaryFamilies
Veterans Experience Office-
https://rly.pt/VEO
To enable VA to be the leading customer service organization in government so that Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors Choose VA. VEO implements solutions based on Veteran-centered designs and industry best practices while aligning VA services with the secretary’s priorities. The Veterans, Family and Community Engagement Directorate supports Veterans through coordination and integration of local VA and non-VA services Veteran Friendly Communities Initiative working with the Community Veterans Engagement Board (CVEB) and leading federal advisory committees.
VBA Education Service-
http://rly.pt/EducationService
Administers VA's education programs that provide education and training benefits to eligible Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve Service members, Veterans, and dependents.
Student Veterans of America-
http://rly.pt/SVA
Since 2008, Student Veterans of America has worked to inspire tomorrow’s leaders. With a community network of more than 1,500 on-campus chapters, SVA is committed to transforming the current skills and experience of student veterans. Every day, these dedicated chapter leaders work to ensure that yesterday’s warriors have the resources at hand to succeed in their academic journey and beyond.
USDA-
USDA wants to ensure that veterans looking to return home, or start a new career on a farm or in a rural community have the tools and opportunities you need to succeed.
USDA’s veterans website serves as a one-stop navigator for veterans looking to learn more about employment, education, and entrepreneurship on or beyond the farm.
Easterseals -
Easterseals makes profound, positive differences in the daily lives of people of all ages with disabilities, special needs, military backgrounds and their families. Easterseals Veteran Staffing Network (VSN) connects veterans and military spouses to employers using a veteran staffing agency model. We work with employers to fill temp-to perm, contract, and direct-hire positions.
Service to School-
Service to School (S2S) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides free college and grad school application counseling to military veterans and servicemembers.
Our goal is to help veterans gain admission to the best college for them while empowering each veteran to make informed decisions about their education.
RallyPoint Answers and Discussion Conduct: https://rly.pt/33ySsg0
Posted in these groups: 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Student Veterans of America (SVA)
Education
Bachelors Degree
GI Bill
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Student Veterans of America (SVA) Education Bachelors Degree GI Bill
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 130
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If I have only one month remaining on my GI Bill (transferred it all to my kids), and I'm 100% P&T disability after retiring, what would be a good course of action for me to receive assistance for continuing education. I'm not in a position where I can't work (in fact, I have a job), but I can't afford school out of pocket. I'm 2 classes from my Bachelor degree, would like to look into a Masters if possible and am already an O2O alumni (did that upon retiring).
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Charmain Bogue
The Veterans Readiness and Employment program may be a good option. You can find out more information at this link: https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/
Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31) | Veterans Affairs
Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31), formerly called Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, can help if you have a service-connected disability that limits your ability to work. If you qualify, vocational rehabilitation services can help you explore employment options and required training.
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I have 3 questions. I am using my Post 9/11 education benefits in Hawaii. I am an IT student at 2 year community college planning to transfer to 4 year university in Hawaii.
The 3 questions.
1. I recieved an email from VA an extend delimiting dates to GI bill programs due to Covid 19. I was in school at this time and camus closed and went to remote online class for the remainder and our finals. If I applied for this how long would they extend the delimiting date for school? My beneifts expire September 2022. I am in last semester fall and I should graudate with AS in Information Technology.
2. I want to continue my IT education after AS IT degree 2 year what options do I have to extend my education benefits to finish my 2 years for a undergraduate degree in Information Technology in Hawaii at the Univeristy of Hawaii. Edith Norse Rogers Stem Scholarship? Is it an option for undergraduate degree in Information Technology to finish school under VA?
3. Last question the VET TEC program is this a good option for me as a Veteran who wants to get into Information Technology? What I read about the program its new, and when I looked at schools in Hawaii there were no programs on the list of schools for Hawaii. Accepted into a program by a VA-approved training provider none in Hawaii.
The 3 questions.
1. I recieved an email from VA an extend delimiting dates to GI bill programs due to Covid 19. I was in school at this time and camus closed and went to remote online class for the remainder and our finals. If I applied for this how long would they extend the delimiting date for school? My beneifts expire September 2022. I am in last semester fall and I should graudate with AS in Information Technology.
2. I want to continue my IT education after AS IT degree 2 year what options do I have to extend my education benefits to finish my 2 years for a undergraduate degree in Information Technology in Hawaii at the Univeristy of Hawaii. Edith Norse Rogers Stem Scholarship? Is it an option for undergraduate degree in Information Technology to finish school under VA?
3. Last question the VET TEC program is this a good option for me as a Veteran who wants to get into Information Technology? What I read about the program its new, and when I looked at schools in Hawaii there were no programs on the list of schools for Hawaii. Accepted into a program by a VA-approved training provider none in Hawaii.
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Many students are choosing to take a leave of absence or gap year until classes resume in person. What is your advice on whether students should consider these options? And if so how can they best utilize that year in an internship, job, or volunteer opportunities?
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CPT Christine Schwartz
Hi Marland,
I think this depends on whether the student has been accepted to a school and chooses to defer a year, or is simply waiting to apply. My one concern is that, with so many students choosing to take a gap year, there will be even more applicants next year making admissions decisions harder/more competitive. That said, if the person chooses to defer than an internships, job, or volunteering are all wonderful options!
I think this depends on whether the student has been accepted to a school and chooses to defer a year, or is simply waiting to apply. My one concern is that, with so many students choosing to take a gap year, there will be even more applicants next year making admissions decisions harder/more competitive. That said, if the person chooses to defer than an internships, job, or volunteering are all wonderful options!
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SGT Lauren Augustine
While not an exhaustive answer to your question, this page might be helpful: https://resources.studentveterans.org/
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Hello,
I separated active duty (Honorable) in Feb 2006 but was on inactive reserve until 2010. I was called up once for a random drill during that time. Given that info, would my post-9/11 benefits run out 15 yrs from the first date, or the second? I am still waiting to hear back from the VA.
I separated active duty (Honorable) in Feb 2006 but was on inactive reserve until 2010. I was called up once for a random drill during that time. Given that info, would my post-9/11 benefits run out 15 yrs from the first date, or the second? I am still waiting to hear back from the VA.
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Charmain Bogue
It depends on which service periods were counted towards eligibility. We are processing new applications in less than 20 days, so you should hear back from us soon.
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Charmain Bogue
Public Law 116-140 authorizes VA to extend the 10-year eligibility period for MGIB and the 15-year eligibility period for Post-9/11 GI Bill beneficiaries who meet the following criteria may apply for the extension:
• Were actively enrolled between March 1, 2020, and December 21, 2020;
• Had an interruption in training due to COVID-19;
• Had not reached their delimiting date prior to the interruption; AND
• Experienced a closing (temporary or permanent) of their educational institution or
• Experienced a temporary suspension of a program
In order to apply for this extension, you must submit a request to VA. The request doesn’t require a particular VA form, but the beneficiary’s signed statement should include:
• The beginning and ending dates showing the beneficiary was unable to attend training and
• A statement indicating, it was due to COVID-19
You may send your request through the “Submit a Question” link at: https://gibill.custhelp.va.gov/
• Were actively enrolled between March 1, 2020, and December 21, 2020;
• Had an interruption in training due to COVID-19;
• Had not reached their delimiting date prior to the interruption; AND
• Experienced a closing (temporary or permanent) of their educational institution or
• Experienced a temporary suspension of a program
In order to apply for this extension, you must submit a request to VA. The request doesn’t require a particular VA form, but the beneficiary’s signed statement should include:
• The beginning and ending dates showing the beneficiary was unable to attend training and
• A statement indicating, it was due to COVID-19
You may send your request through the “Submit a Question” link at: https://gibill.custhelp.va.gov/
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I was never told my GI bills ( had 2 of them because I joined the Reserves first) would expire.
Now I can't use what I PAID INTO. More and more now they want certifications in the IT field and although I have TONS and YEARS of experience it is now all for naught because I have no formal education. Is there anyway for me to get US Government to NOT cheat me out of not only what I earned but what I PAID INTO?
Now I can't use what I PAID INTO. More and more now they want certifications in the IT field and although I have TONS and YEARS of experience it is now all for naught because I have no formal education. Is there anyway for me to get US Government to NOT cheat me out of not only what I earned but what I PAID INTO?
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MSG Alan Purdie
You signed paperwork when you joined the reserves and were briefed - then if you went active duty, you signed more paperwork to pay into MGIB and were briefed- all the paperwork your signed explained how the programs work. Plus when you separated, you sat through the out-processing briefings which covered VA benefits.
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Charmain Bogue
Give us a call at 1800-GIBill-1 so we can review your record with you to make sure you don't qualify for an extension or VET TEC program may be another option.
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SPC Dillard Ringold
Charmain Bogue - Thank You Very much for the Helpful Advice.
I will contact you guys as possible.
I will contact you guys as possible.
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I was in the army for just about a year.. Is that long enough to pay into my gi bill and use it? Also I owe my school a balance.. is the a grant or some kind of funding I can get to pay off the balance.
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Charmain Bogue
Apply online and we can look up your service period to determine if you are eligible. Here is the link: https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/
How to apply for the GI Bill and related benefits | Veterans Affairs
Find out how to apply for the GI Bill and other VA education benefits as a Veteran, service member, or qualified family member. You can apply online, by mail, in person, or with the help of a trained professional.
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Can veterans who are using VR&E to get a degree still qualify and use Federal Aid like Pell Grants?
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MSG Alan Purdie
Yes, just fill out the FAFSA application online then talk to your school's financial aid office.
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In a couple years i'm up to retire but fear Social Secutity won't be enough. The VA helped me through vo-tech with a 40% service connected disability years ago, my question, can the VA assist me with retraining for a gunsmithing course.
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Andi Martinez
Please apply for VR&E benefits or Education Benefits to see if you qualify. https://benefits.va.gov/gibill/ and https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/
Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.
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My son just started using his Post 9/11 Transferred Education Benefit. Would I would I be able to resume my graduate degree using other VA education benefits without affecting his benefit? I will need 45 more credits to complete my Bachelors Degree. I am 100% P&T with 21 Yrs of AD service. Thank you.
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SFC Thomas Lindsey
I'd like to know this as well. I'm 2 classes from my Bachelors (which I am going to test out of both, they are not upper level but a math course and an elective). I transferred my GI bill to my kids all except for one month (so I could shuffle around the amounts to either), and same disability rating. I'd like to pursue a Masters, but can't do that with a month of the GI Bill. I do know that you can apply for a grant and/or interest free loan from AER for education: https://www.aerhq.org/Home and I've heard a lot about Pell Grants. I did take a course on continuing education (pre-retirement workshop), and while most of it covered those utilizing the GI Bill, there was a portion of the class where we looked for grants by searching and there is a lot of money out there for schooling (we searched the most ridiculous stuff, but found a lot in every case). Due diligence on that one. Another helpful link: https://usveteransmagazine.com/list-of-military-scholarships-for-service-members-spouses-and-dependents/
The grants thing is a good idea, it takes a lot research. Coffee rant, sorry.
The grants thing is a good idea, it takes a lot research. Coffee rant, sorry.
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MSG Alan Purdie
You can use up to 48 months of VA education benefits if you qualify for 2 or more programs - but those months you transferred to your children count as part of your 48 months. You can apply for VR&E CH 31. https://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/
Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.
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MSgt Jennifer Lemon
Check with your area Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) program. There are over 70 across the nation who provide these education services at no cost. Typically a university will host the grant but the veteran can attend any school, program, or location and still receive assistance. If you are in Oklahoma you can call the STRIPES-VUB office at [login to see] . Other states can find local VUB programs at https://www.navub.org/
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