VA Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of Educational benefits am I eligible for?
There are several different Chapters of Educational Benefits available for Veterans and each has specific criteria. Benefits may be available for those who have served or are presently serving on active duty; those serving in the National Guard or Reserves; and those dependents of 100% disabled, or deceased
How long do I have to use my benefits?
Once you have separated from the service you have 10 years to use all of your benefits. Although separating from service "starts the clock" on your 10-year time limit, you should know that if you rejoin active-duty service for more than 90 days, during the 10- year period, your 10-ear clock is reset. In other words, you get 10 years from your last discharge.
Example: Seaman Smith left the active duty and joined the Navy Reserve. Three years later she returned to active duty with seven years remaining on the MGIB clock. At that point, the clock is reset at the 10-year mark when she leaves the service again, at which point the clock will start ticking again. She now has a fresh 10 years left to use ALL of her benefits or she will loose her remaining balance, which then returns to Uncle Sam.
You can go to the following Web site for more information on whether you may qualify for any of these Educational Benefits: www.gibill.va.gov/education/benefits.htm
Can I stop and start using the MGIB at will?
YES! Unfortunately, many people believe that once you apply for benefits you have to remain enrolled in school to get the full benefit. Thankfully that's not true, you can use the MGIB for any period of time, take time off and re-apply to use it again at a later date.
What does a "month" of benefits mean?
For Veterans: Every time you use the current Fiscal Year (FY) maximum "payment rate" ($1,075) of MGIB benefits you use a month.
Here is what the VA says:
"If you are a veteran and you receive $4,300, and your full-time MGIB rate is $1,075, divide $4,300 by $1,075. Your entitlement charge is four months."
However for active duty:
If you are on active duty and you go to school full-time for four months, but your tuition is only $1,000, you will still be charged for four months of your GI Bill 36 month entitlement.
Note: It only "pays" to use your GI Bill on active duty if your tuition costs are high or you use it as Top-up.
How do I apply for the GI Bill?
You can apply by filling out VA Form 22-1990, Application for Education Benefits. The fastest way to get approved with the VA is to start your paperwork on line at: www.vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp
If you fill out the VA Form 22-1990 on-line, there are still some items that need to be covered by the VA rep at Group 3 Aviation. You will still need to complete enrollment forms for the specific school of attendance. You may request copies of forms be sent to you by contacting the VA Certifying Official with Group 3 Aviation:
Claudia Herrera, VA Certifying Official - cl@group3aviation.com
Alicia Rowley, VA Certifying Official - ar@group3aviation.com
Tel 818-994-9376 - Fax 818-994-9384
How Much Does VA Pay?
The monthly benefit paid to you is based on the type of training you take, length of your service, your category, and if DOD put extra money in your MGIB Fund (called "kickers"). You usually have 10 years to use your MGIB benefits, but the time limit can be less, in some cases, and longer under certain circumstances.
For information on current rates for Active or Reserve benefits under GI Bill please click on: http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/rates.htm
Will my Educational Benefits pay for my tuition and books?
All of your educational benefits will come directly to you by mail or be deposited in your checking account at your request. It is your responsibility to pay for your flight training, fees and books.
Can I receive an Advance Payment?
Unfortunately students pursuing Flight Training are not eligible for Advance Payment of their GI Bill at any flight training facility.
When will I receive my payments?
Veterans Educational Benefits normally take about 6 to 8 weeks after we have sent in your enrollment. Your paperwork is electronically sent to Muskogee, Oklahoma after we have verified your enrollment. You will be paid at the end of each month you are enrolled in courses. For example, you will receive your check for February in the beginning of March. Remember to notify Group 3's VA official as soon as you register for the next set of courses, so you can have continuous enrollment and your checks will not be late.
If you have direct deposit, the payment usually takes about 3 working days before it reaches your bank, if you receive a paper check it will take up to 2 weeks to receive your check via domestic mail, longer for overseas.
VA Flight: (60/40 program) For Commercial Pilot Courses: If you are flying at a VA approved flight school AND you have already obtained your Private Pilots license, you may be eligible for this Flight program. It pays 60% of your charges for the Commercial Pilot courses, including solo hours as well as Instrument and Flight Instructor Ratings.
Is the GI Bill considered Financial Aid?
Not in the traditional sense. In most cases, the school's financial aid department does not consider the MGIB financial aid because it is normally paid directly to you, not the school. Most schools will require you to sign a promissory note or apply for student loans to pay them upfront.
This also means that you are eligible for student loans, scholarships, and Pell Grants along with the GI Bill. However not many airplane/helicopter flight schools have the accreditation available to accept Pell Grants or other forms of financial aid. Also important to note that your GI Bill income will reduce the amount of student financial aid you are eligible to receive.
For help in locating scholarships, see the Scholarship Finder http://aid.military.com/scholarship/search-for-scholarships.do
Will I have to pay taxes on my MGIB benefits?
NO! Your MGIB benefits are NOT taxable!
General Information
General information about Active Duty & Reserve GI Bill programs including information on eligibility, how to apply, programs covered by the GI Bill & payment information.
VA Main Office The toll free number to your state office is: 800-827-1000
VA Regional Processing Office is: 888-442-4551
Email at: https://iris.va.gov
For Enrollment details, training guidance please contact us at group3@group3aviation.com
History of the Department of Veteran's Affairs
"To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan,"
-Abraham Lincoln 1865
Abraham Lincoln and the VA Motto
Many know that the VA's motto has its origins in Lincoln's second inaugural speech. However, the history of the speech gives a telling perspective on the words that shaped the mission of VA. For more on the history please visit: www.75anniversary.va.gov
History of the G.I. Bill
On June 22, 1944 President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the "Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944," better known as the "GI Bill of Rights." At first the subject of intense debate and parliamentary maneuvering, the famed legislation for veterans of World War II has since been recognized as one of the most important acts of Congress. www.75anniversary.va.gov
References:
Abraham Lincoln (March 4, 1865), Abraham Lincoln and VA Motto, Presidential Inaugural address [On-line] U.S.; Available: www.75anniversary.va.gov
Franklin D. Roosevelt (June 22, 1944), History of the GI Bill, "Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944" [On-line] U.S.; Available: www.75anniversary.va.gov