GI Bill Benefits and Post 9/11

1. What is a GI bill?

The GI Bill is the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 also known as the GI Bill.

2. Who can VA Educational Benefits cover?

Depending on the service time of the veteran, VA Educational Benefits could cover an eligible service member or veteran, their spouse, or any qualified dependents. https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/

3. What type of money can veterans receive?

Veterans, their spouses, and dependents can receive monthly housing stipends, book money, or tuition and fees payments based on the veteran or sponsor's military service time and benefit eligibility standing.

4. Does a benefit recipient have to be on Active Duty to receive educational funding for themselves?

No. Benefit recipients can be Active Duty service members, Retired Veterans, Reservists, National Guard members, spouses, or dependents and receive educational funding benefits.

5. If I am already discharged from the military, can my spouse or dependents use my benefits?

No. The Transfer of Entitlement process must be established prior to discharge from the military. Additional information on this process can be found at https://www.va.gov/education/

6. Can I, as a veteran, give my benefits to my spouse or dependents?

Service members have the ability to transfer their benefits to their spouse or eligible dependents by completing a Transfer of Entitlement form prior to discharge. Additional information on this process can be found at https://www.va.gov/education/

7. If I am not eligible or have used my educational benefits, what kind of funding is available to my spouse or dependents

Your spouse or dependent can review additional funding options under the Alternative Funding and Scholarships menu tabs found on the Veterans Engagement Services website. For more details and eligibility requirements go to Alternative Funding.

8. Can an approved benefit recipient receive 2 types of monetary benefits simultaneously?

A benefit recipient may be able to receive 2 different types of monetary benefits simultaneously as long as the benefits do not come from that same financial source or entity. Here are two different examples:

Funding from one federal military benefit & one state military funding

OR

Two federal military benefits whose funding is offset. (ie The eligible recipient's total bill is $4004.00. Federal Tuition Assistance is $3,000.00. The eligible recipient is also eligible for 100% Chapter 33 Post 9/11 benefits. Chapter 33 Post 9/11 benefit will only be billed for $1,004.00 instead of $4,004.00).

9. Does an eligible benefit recipient (veteran, spouse, or dependent) have to pay back any funds they receive?

Possibly. If an eligible beneficiary makes changes to their enrollment during the course of a semester, these changes may result in a debt to the beneficiary, which would need to be paid back to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Additional information on the Debt Management process can be found at https://www.va.gov/debtman/.

10. How often can an eligible benefit recipient receive money?

This depends on the benefit they are eligible for which is determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Further information can be found at https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/

11. Once approved, where do I submit my documents?

Your approved Certificate of Eligibility (COE) can be uploaded into the mandatory Military Funding Request Form located on the Veterans Engagement Services Online Forms page. 

12. How do I submit my DD214?

A service member or veteran can submit their DD214 by uploading the document into either the online Military Funding Request Form or by sending an email to veterans@morgan.edu. The Military Funding Request form can be found on the Veterans Engagement Services website by going to VES Online Forms

13. Do I have to apply for VA Educational Benefits every semester?

No. Once you are approved for VA Educational benefits by the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense, these benefits can be used ongoing based on the number of months identified on the Certificate of Eligibility.

14. When can veterans register for classes?

Veterans can register for classes during the university's Priority Registration Periods held each Fall and Spring semester through either their WEBSIS accounts or by using Schedule Planner and moving the data over from within the program.

15. What is the general processing time for benefits?

All school SCOs are mandated to process completed certification requests within 30 days from the date of receipt, pending all approved documentation, and valid registration being available. Each benefit type varies in processing methods performed by the DVA and the DoD. For more detailed information on individual benefit processing times, an eligible recipient can create and log into their eBenefits account or call the VA Benefits Hotline at 888-442-4551.

Basic checklist for timely benefit processing:

Utilize Priority Registration for each major term

Register for all your classes at the same time

Submit your Military Funding Request Form as soon as possible

Maintain your email confirmation from the VAOnce system, which identifies your information was submitted to the VA.

Create an eBenefits account to monitor your entitlement.

If you are using Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty or MGIB - Selected Reserve GI Bill you will need to make sure that on the last calendar day of the month you verify your attendance by using the Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) toll-free Interactive Voice Response (IVR) line at 877-823-2378 (877-VA-ECERT).

NOTE: You may also monitor your WEBSIS account for additional inquiries regarding any incoming funds to your account if your funding comes directly to the school.

16. Do I need to be enrolled in a degree-granting program to receive Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits

Yes, Non-matriculating students can be certified for GI Bill Benefits for up to only two terms.

17. What fees are covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill?

The fees covered are: 

1. Athletic and Intramural Fee
2. Student Activity Fee
3. Student Center Fee
4. Auxiliary Facility Fee
5. Academic Facility Fee
6. Shuttle Bus Fee

18. How can I find out what the difference will be between my Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit payment and the balance on my student account?

To determine the difference between a GI Bill payment and any remaining account balances the benefit recipient can contact the Office of Bursar via email at Bursar@morgan.edu. A student can also follow the below scenario to estimate the difference:

Students' tuition and fees are $5,000.00. The student benefit is payable at the rate of 60% of tuition and fees. The student is responsible for the remaining 40% of the bill. 

19. Do I have to verify via WAVE for any part of the Post 9/11 GI Bill or Yellow Ribbon Program benefits?

No, you do not need to verify your enrollment via WAVE for the Post 9/11 GI Bill or Yellow Ribbon Program funding. The School Certifying Official will verify each student's enrollment as long as the student has submitted a Military Funding Request Form and has a valid registration in the system for the semester in question. 

20. How will the tuition payments work under Chapter 33: Post 9/11 Benefits?

Morgan State University participates in the 2-Step Certification process. Each initial enrollment submitted to the Department of Veterans Affairs will only identify the credit load of the student for the term. An updated enrollment with billing information will be submitted to the Department of Veterans Affairs after the close of the Drop/Add period of each term. This delay in indicating tuition and fees is called the Dual Certification Process. The Department of Veterans Affairs will process tuition payments based on the benefit type and according to the processing timeframes for that benefit. For more detailed information on individual benefit processing times, an eligible recipient can create and log into their eBenefits account or call the VA Educational Hotline at 888-442-4551.

21. Can I receive VA Educational Benefits if I am receiving other sources of aid?

Possibly. Based on the source of the additional aid used, the SCO may need to offset your VA Educational Benefit around the additional aid payable from the same source. 

Example: Your tuition is $4,500. Federal Tuition Assistance is paying $3,000 towards your tuition. Your GI Bill Chapter 33 at 100% will pay the $4,500. The GI Bill Chapter 33 will be offset to pay only $1,500 instead. Therefore, the regular GI Bill payment of your full-time tuition will be reduced to cover the balance of your tuition minus the $3,000 paid by FTA. These two funding sources are both Federal funding sources and therefore one must be offset by the other. 

If your additional aid used is from two separate funding sources, such as state and federal, or private funding and federal, there will be no need to offset the funding.

22. Where can I find out how much my Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) will be?

To determine the amount of the current Monthly Housing Allowance you can Google military benefits monthly housing allowance for 2021.

23. What is the formula for calculating your monthly allowance amount?

The calculation for the monthly housing allowance is based on the Rate of Pursuit (RoP) and applies to eligible Chapter 33 recipients. this is determined by the VA which calculates the RoP by dividing the number of credits the student is taking by the number of credits the institution deems full-time. 

Example - 6 credits (or credit equivalents) is 50% (6/12=50%) or 9 credits (or credit equivalent) is 75% (9/12=75%)

NOTE: Housing allowances are paid if the student's RoP is more than 50%. Any student less than 50% RoP will not receive 

24. What are the requirements for Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for undergraduates?

The requirements are:

a) maintain at least 1/2 time registration status
b) one (1) course has been taken "in a classroom setting"

NOTE: At the graduate level, if you take a distance education (online class) you are eligible for 1/2 the national average BAH. However, you have to be enrolled in at least one course on-campus and are registered at half-time status. 

25. When can I expect to receive my books/supplies stipend and my MHA allowance?

You can expect to receive the books and supplies stipend and your BAH housing allowance once Morgan State University's Certifying Official submits your information to the VA.

NOTE: There may be a delay between certifying your enrollment and the VA's processing and distribution of your payments. Please ensure that you are prepared to cover your living expenses in the event of a lengthy delay in VA payments. If you are connected about your ability to do this contact Morgan Stae University's Office of Financial Aid. 

26. Why do I sometimes receive monthly housing allowance checks in different amounts?

Your monthly housing allowance is paid directly to you a the beginning of each month for the previous month. 

Possible explanations for varying check amounts include:

• A break paycheck (in many cases, you will receive a partial allowance for breaks between terms
• Delay because of re-certification at the start of the term
• A partial payment month (at the start and end of the term)
• Rate change between calendar years

27. Will I receive any of my MHA during breaks between Summer/Winter terms?

Yes, you can receive a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA), if you are enrolled at the same school and the break between terms is less than 8 weeks. 

NOTE: Exceptions to this would be in cases where the student went into active duty status, withdrew from all courses during the preceding term, or if the student requests no pay for a break.

28.  I just transferred to Morgan from another school, where I was using my Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.  Do I need to do anything to transfer benefits from my old school to Morgan?

Yes, You will need to complete and submit a Request for Change of Program or Place of Training (VA Form 22-1995) to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The form can be accessed electronically through the link provided (VA 22-1995).

29. Once my benefits are transferred to Morgan State University, what do I do next?

You will be sent a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) identifying that approved benefit, this letter should be uploaded into our mandatory Military Funding Request form, located on the Veterans Engagement Online Forms page.

30. Can Dissertation students receive full-time BAH?

Yes, if your school or program considers you to meet the VA's qualifications (indicated below) on a "greater than half-time" basis, then you are eligible to receive BAH.

NOTE: According to the Department of Veterans Affairs "in-residence" training for graduate students consists of regularly scheduled, conventional classroom or laboratory sessions; or consists of research (either on campus or in absentia) necessary for the preparation of the student's master's thesis, doctoral dissertation, or similar prerequisite treatise; or consists of a combination of scheduled classroom or research."

31. I am a visiting student at Morgan.  Can I use my Post-9/11 GI Bill while I study here?

Yes. You can use your Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits as a visiting student at Morgan.

NOTE: If you are pursuing a degree at another college or university and are taking courses at Morgan that apply to your degree program, Morgan would be considered your "secondary school" and your degree-granting institution would be your "primary school".

Your primary school's VA Certifying Official must write a letter stating that the coursework taken at Morgan State University applies to your degree program. Provide this letter to the SCO in the Veterans Engagement Services area by sending an email to veterans@morgan.edu. 

32. Can I use my Post-9/11 GI Bill at another school while attending Morgan State University?

Yes. You can use your Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits as a GUEST student while attending Morgan and pursuing your degree.

Morgan State University would be considered your "primary school" and is your degree-granting institution. Each academic school MUST approve the course(s) to determine that the components of the course(s) meet the academic requirements necessary for your degree completion.

Step 1: Students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor, Dean or Chair to discuss the best options.

Step 2: Each academic school has a request form that MUST be completed in its entirety. All approved signatures should be obtained before coordinating with your School Certifying Official

Step 3: Once the student receives the department's approval to take the course, approved students MUST complete the Off-Campus VA Educational Benefits Certification Request Form. Courses taken at a "secondary institution" can be certified under the student's benefit entitlement as a "guest school".  All guest school information to include, name of school, name of SCO, email address, and contact information for guest schools SCO, should be provided on the form. 

The Veterans Engagement Team will coordinate with the "guest school" verifying approvals and granting permission for eligible student veterans to be certified. 

Student veterans will coordinate with "guest school" for class start information and enrollment.  

33.  If I'm failing some or all of my classes, Can I still receive benefits?

Possibly. Some benefits will continue to pay the eligible beneficiary for punitive grades, while other benefits may only pay the student for the classes where passing grades have been received. Contact the VA Educational Hotline at 888-442-4551 for a case-by-case evaluation.

34.  Is tutoring covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill?

Yes, tutoring could be covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill. However, Morgan State has an on-campus Resource Center that provides academic tutoring to students at no additional charge. For more details, you can speak with a Veterans Engagement staff member.

NOTE:  You can receive funds for external individual tutoring if you are enrolled on a part-time (6 credits) or full-time (12 credits) basis and if you have a deficiency in a course. However, you must be enrolled in a course during the same term in which the tutoring is received.

35.  How much would the VA pay for tutoring?

The VA will pay up to $100/month, with a maximum amount payable of $1,200 per year.

36.  How do I get reimbursed for tutoring services outside of the university?

At the completion of your tutoring sessions, you must do the following:

Step 1: Obtain and complete VA Form 22-1990t, Application, and Enrollment Certification for Individualized Tutorial Assistance. This form can be found at:

http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/tutorial_assistance.asp

Step 2: Take it to your tutor. The tutor must sign and date the application in:

Items 14A and 14B

Step 3: Take it to a Veterans Engagement Services team member. The VA School Certifying Officials must:

Complete Items 15 and 16, 

Sign in Items 17A and 17B

Step 4: Then take this form to your Professor/Instructor of the course for which tutoring was performed. The Professor/Instructor must:

Sign 18A & Complete 18B

Step 5: Review the form. After you have completed it in its entirety, send it to the VA as soon as possible for your claim for reimbursement.

37. Recently, I completed a degree program at Morgan as an active duty service member with access to the new GI Bill. Am I eligible for loan reimbursement and/or a reduction in total tuition costs?

No. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is not specifically designed for retroactive loan reimbursement.

However, there may be other loan repayment options available from the VA that you can explore. For more information, visit www.gibill.va.gov.