TAP Briefing on VA Benefits Briefing for Transitioning Servicemembers.
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Transcript of TAP Briefing on VA Benefits Briefing for Transitioning Servicemembers.
TAP Briefing on VA Benefits Briefing for Transitioning Servicemembers
»www.ebenefits.va.gov
» One-stop shop for benefits- related online tools and information Transfer education benefit Access online TAP briefing on VA benefits Download DD 214 Apply for benefits View claim status and benefit payments online Print VA home loan guaranty Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)
Updated December 1, 2012
4
Accessing VA
www.va.gov
http://www.facebook.com/VeteransBenefits
http://twitter.com/VAVetBenefits
Or call us
1-800-827-1000 8:00 a.m. EST to 9:00 p.m. EST
5 Updated December 1, 2012
Department of Veterans Affairs
» Veterans Benefits Administration All non-medical VA benefits: Compensation, Pension, Education, Home Loan Guaranty, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, Life Insurance Administered by VA Regional Offices
» Veterans Health Administration All VA health care services Administered by VA Medical Centers, Ambulatory Care & Community Based Outpatient Clinics
» National Cemetery Administration National Cemeteries Support to State Veterans Cemeteries Headstones & Markers Presidential Memorial Certificates
Updated December 1, 2012
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8 Updated December 1, 2012
Veteran Service Organizations
» Accredited Veteran Service Organization representatives are available to assist Servicemembers and Veterans in filing for benefits and services.
» To obtain a listing of Veteran Service Organizations, visit: http://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp
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Compensation for Service-Connected Conditions
Service-Connected Compensation
» Compensation is paid for a disability resulting from disease or injury incurred or aggravated while on active service. The disability does not have to be combat or wartime related. » Examples: Torn knee ligament Hearing loss Back condition Post traumatic stress (including the result of sexual trauma) Traumatic brain injury Skin condition (psoriasis, eczema, scars)
Updated December 1, 2012
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Rating Process
» VA life cycle of a claim » Disabilities are rated from 0% to 100% Combined overall rating
» Compensation is tax free Compensation paid for disability rating from 10% to 100% Additional allowance for dependents with 30% or higher rating The Department of Treasury requires new Federal beneficiaries receive their recurring/monthly benefits electronically
Updated December 1, 2012
16
Related Benefits
» Free VA health care for all rated service-connected conditions » Vocational rehabilitation & employment services may be available if a Servicemember is 20% with memorandum rating or proposed IDES rating OR Veteran with a VA disability rating of at least 10% » VA life insurance - $10,000 » Veteran’s preference in Federal hiring » VA home loan guaranty funding fee waived » Possible state and local benefits
Updated December 1, 2012
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Compensation & Pension How to Apply
» Complete an application
» Provide other supporting records; VA can help obtai them. VA Form 21-4142, Authorization and Consent to Release Information to the Department of VA
Updated December 1, 2012
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Compensation & Pension How to Apply
Online through eBenefits at www.ebenefits.va.gov
-OR-
Online through Veterans ONline APPlication (VONAPP) atwww.va.gov
-OR-
Through a VA Regional Office (see Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents & Survivors, “VA Facilities”, for locations)
Updated December 1, 2012
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Compensation
» Severance and/or Separation pay may be recouped (after tax amount)
» Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP)
» Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC)
Updated December 1, 2012
19
Compensation & Pension No Time Limit
» No time limit to apply for Compensation or Pension
» Compensation may be paid retroactive to the first of the month after separation/retirement if VA receives the application within one year of separation/retirement. Otherwise, benefits are generally effective no earlier than the date VA received the application.
Updated December 1, 2012
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Life Insurance www.insurance.va.gov
Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
» $400,000 maximum coverage » Free coverage for 120 days after Servicemember’s separation from service » Convertible to Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) or commercial policy after separation from service (can split coverage) » Insures active duty members, Ready Reservists, cadets at service academies, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Public Health Service (PHS)
Updated December 1, 2012
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Traumatic Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (TSGLI)
» Rapid financial assistance payable to members who suffer a qualifying loss due to traumatic injury » Benefit of $25K—$100K depending on injury » Automatic for members with SGLI coverage » Traumatic injury need not be combat related » Traumatic injury must occur prior to separation from service » Qualifying loss must occur within two years of date of traumatic injury » TSGLI coverage ends at separation from service.
Updated December 1, 2012
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Family SGLI Coverage (FSGLI)
» Coverage ends on the earlier of:
120 days after the member’s death
120 days after member cancels their own coverage or spouse's coverage
120 days after termination of a dependent’s status as an insurable dependent (e.g., divorce)
120 days from the date the member is separated or released from the uniformed services » Spouses can convert FSGLI to a commercial policy without proof of good health within 120 days following termination of coverage.
34 Updated December 1, 2012
Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
» Lifetime renewable term insurance
» Premiums increase with age
» Maximum coverage=amount of SGLI at time of separation from service
» Available in increments of $10,000
» Convertible to a commercial policy at any time
» VGLI-Buy-Up VGLI insureds can increase coverage by $25,000 up to legislated maximum every five (5) years from original coverage date Available to VGLI insureds under age 60 No underwriting required to increase coverage Apply by phone or online upon notification by Office of Servicemembers Group Life
Insurance
Updated December 1, 2012
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How to Apply for VGLI
» A series of three mailings are forwarded to last known address after separation
» Apply online at eBenefits or VA Insurance website; hard copy application also available online
» Have one year and 120 days from separation to apply •Applying within 240 days from separation = no-health review •Applying from 241 days through the end of the VGLI application period (one
year and 120 days from separation) = must undergo health review
Veterans separating prior to November 1, 2012 still have only
120 days with no-health review
Updated December 1, 2012
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Home Loan Guaranty www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/
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VA Home Loan Guaranty
» Lenders make the loan and VA guarantees it » VA guaranty usually means no downpayment required of Servicemember or Veteran » Servicemember or Veteran must qualify for loan with sufficient income and satisfactory credit » Limitations on closing costs » The right to prepay without penalty » Negotiated interest rates » Individuals having problems making payments may call 1-877-827-3702 for assistance
Updated December 1, 2012
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64 Updated December 1, 2012
VA Home Loan Guaranty
» Buy a home » Build a home » Refinance existing loan » Use only for property located in the US, its territories or possessions » Must occupy the property as your home
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act is intended to ease economic and legal burdens www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/scra.asp
65 Updated December 1, 2012
Loan Limits
» There is no maximum loan amount
» There are maximum loan “limits” Loans above this “limit” may require a downpayment
» Loan limits vary by county
www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/loan_limits.asp
67 Updated December 1, 2012
Funding Fee
» Law requires funding fee to be paid on VA loans
» Fee ranges from .5% to 3.3%, depending on loan type and if first-time or second-time user
» Fee can be included in the loan
» Fee is waived for Veterans entitled to VA disability compensation and certain surviving spouses
VA Home Loan Guaranty
Below are various steps involved in obtaining a VA home loan:
» Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (online)
» Obtain pre-approval from a lender
» Find property to buy
» Lender obtains a VA appraisal
» Close the loan and move in
Updated December 1, 2012
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Eligibility
» Generally, must serve 24 months of continuous active duty or the full period for which called or ordered to active duty » Service must be at least 90 days during a period of war (181 during peacetime), unless discharged earlier due to a service-connected disability » Certificate of Eligibility (COE) shows Servicemember’s or Veteran’s eligibility for the benefit - COE must be updated upon separation/retirement
Updated December 1, 2012
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How To Apply
Servicemembers or Veterans can obtain COE through eBenefitswww.ebenefits.va.gov
OR
Ask your lender to apply online through the VA Portal –https://vip.vba.va.gov, OR
Complete and mail VA Form 26-1880 to: Atlanta Regional Loan Center AIIN: COE (262)
P.O. Box 100034 Decatur, GA 30031 Eligibility can be restored if VA loan is paid in full and
property is no longer owned by Servicemember/Veteran.
Updated December 1, 2012
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90
Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E)
Program Objective
VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program (VR&E) helps active duty Servicemembers and Veterans who have service-connected disabilities become suitably employed, maintain employment, or achieve independence in daily living
Updated December 1, 2012
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Rehabilitation Plan
The following service-delivery options may be provided under a Rehabilitation Plan: Reemployment Rapid access to employment Employment through long-term services Independent living services Self-employment
Updated December 1, 2012
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Benefits and Services Available
» Veterans enrolled in an approved training program have the following expenses covered: Tuition and fees Books Equipment Supplies
» Veterans receive a monthly subsistence allowance, which is based on rate of pursuit and number of
dependents
Updated December 1, 2012
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Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvement Act of 2010
» Effective August 1, 2011, eligible Veterans enrolled in the VR&E program may elect the monthly housing allowance from the Post-9/11 GI Bill in lieu of the subsistence allowance
» Housing allowance based on BAH for E-5 with dependents
» Veterans must be eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill and have remaining entitlement under that program
Updated December 1, 2012
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Eligibility To Apply
» Servicemembers may apply for the VR&E program with a 20% memorandum rating or proposed IDES rating » Veterans are eligible to apply with a VA disability rating of at least 10% » Veterans must receive an Honorable or other than dishonorable discharge
Updated December 1, 2012
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97 Updated December 1, 2012
Entitlement To Services
» Combined service-connected disability rating of 20% or more and an employment handicap resulting primarily from such disability
» Veterans rated as 10% disabled with a serious employment handicap may be entitled to VR&E services
Counseling
A counseling appointment will be set for eligible Servicemembers and Veterans to accomplish the following: Evaluate the applicant’s interests, aptitudes, and abilities based upon testing and interviews Explore the applicant’s vocational goals and objectives
Updated December 1, 2012
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100 Updated December 1, 2012
Eligibility Period
The law provides a 12-year basic period of eligibility. The 12-year period begins on the latter of these dates: Date of separation from active military duty Or Date VA first informed the Veteran of a qualifying service-connected disability rating
The period of eligibility can be extended for Veterans found to have a serious employment handicap
101 Updated December 1, 2012
VetSuccess.gov
» VR&E’s comprehensive employment web site for all Veterans
» Veterans can post resumes and search and apply for jobs
» Employers can post jobs and search resumes
40
VA Health and Dental Care
Overview
» VA health care system consists of 21 networks of care to meet local health care needs and provide broad access to care » VA provides care at over 1,500 facilities: 153 hospitals 956 ambulatory care and community-based outpatient clinics 232 Vet Centers 134 community living centers (formerly known as nursing homes) 90 residential rehabilitation treatment programs 5 Poly Trauma Rehabilitation Centers
Updated December 1, 2012
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42 Updated December 1, 2012
Comprehensive Medical Benefits
» Screening exams for: Depression, Substance Abuse, PTSD, TBI » Readjustment Counseling » Military Sexual Trauma » Preventive Care Services » Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment » Prescription Services » Women’s Health Care Programs » Prosthetic and Rehabilitative Devices
Women Veterans
» Women Veterans are eligible to receive: Complete medical benefits package and prescriptions Complete reproductive health services including birth control, maternity care and newborn services (VA pays up to seven (7) days of care for the newborn at private hospitals) Preventive health care
» VA services and programs for women Veterans include: Comprehensive Women’s health care at every facility Women Veterans Program Managers at every facility Mental health services including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Military Sexual Trauma Treatment Women’s benefits coordinators available to discuss gender-specific conditions for disability claims Women’s Trauma Recovery Program (Palo Alto)
43 Updated December 1, 2012
» Reservists who served on active duty for operational and support missions (excludes active duty for training)
45 Updated December 1, 2012
Eligibility for VA Health Care
» Veterans with active duty military service who were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable
» National Guard members if mobilized by a Federal order (Title 10 or Presidential Executive Order)
46 Updated December 1, 2012
VA Enrollment & Health Care Combat Veterans
VA provides up to five years of free health care for enrolled Veterans who served in a theater of combat operations and are seeking care for conditions related to their combat service
VA has gone mobile! Learn more about PTSD Coach app at:
www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/PTSDCoach.asp
VA Enrollment & Health Care Non-Combat Veterans
Veterans who have not deployed to a combat theater of operations may be eligible to enroll in VA health care: Veterans with a service-connected disability Qualify under other eligibility factors, such as being in receipt of VA pension or a Purple Heart recipient Qualify under VA’s national means test or geographic means test income thresholds
Updated December 1, 2012
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48 Updated December 1, 2012
Copayments
Veterans with a non service-connected illness/injury may be charged a co-payment for services at VA for treatment of conditions not from service, such as flu, colds, auto accident
VA provides recently separated Veterans a free, one-time evaluation and treatment for service-connected dental conditions if: Served for 90 days or more on active duty Applied within 180 days of separation DD-214 indicates that a complete dental exam and all appropriate dental treatment was not
provided within 90 days of separation (DD214 line 17 should be checked “No”)
49 Updated December 1, 2012
Dental Care
50 Updated December 1, 2012
How to Apply
» Identify the VA medical center closest to your home » Submit 10-10EZ to VA medical center staff, by mail, or electronically through www.ebenefits.va.gov orwww.va.gov/healtheligibility
» You will receive a letter from VA confirming your enrollment
For additional information: Call 1-877-222-8387
VA Form 10-10EZ, Application for Health Benefits
51 Updated December 1, 2012
Sign Up Today
Health information Medical Records Online prescription refills Mental health resources
Secure messaging to doctor and appointments
52 Updated December 1, 2012
53 Updated December 1, 2012
Help Your Buddy
VA’s Veterans CrisisLine
1-800-273-8255 www.veteranscrisisline.net
54
Vet Center
Vet Center Services to Returning Combat Veterans and Their Families
55 Updated December 1, 2012
“To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan.”
Abraham Lincoln
Vet Centers serve Veterans and their families by providing a continuum of
quality care that adds value for Veterans, families, and communities
We welcome home war Veterans with honor by providing readjustment
counseling in a caring manner.
Vet Centers understand and appreciate Veterans’ war experiences while assisting them and their family members toward a successful post-war adjustment in or near their community.
“Walk on in”
What we Offer Individual Counseling
Group Counseling
Military Sexual Trauma Counseling
Marital/Family Counseling
Bereavement Counseling
Drug and Alcohol Referral
Liaison with VA and Community Resources
Benefits Assistance Referral Community Education and Career Referral
What is the Vet Center A safe and protected place to talk Confidentiality – no stigma Flexible hours Easily accessible community- based setting Network knowledgeable about the resources available Vet Center staff are >65% combat Veterans Veterans serving Veterans All family members are welcome No cost....ever
www.vetcenter.va.gov
56 Updated December 1, 2012
57 Updated December 1, 2012
Eligibility
» Veterans, National Guard, and Reservist who served in a combat or hostile zone and received a campaign or expeditionary ribbon
* Must be reflected on DD-214
» Military Sexual Trauma
61 Updated December 1, 2012
Looking for your closest Vet Center?
www.vetcenter.va.gov
Contact Information: Looking to connect with a fellow warrior or family member, call:
1-877-WARVETS (927-8387)
Welcome Home!
VA Welcomes All Combat Veterans With Honor
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Education Benefits
www.GIBILL.va.gov
» Eligibility: At least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service- connected disability after 30 days. An Honorable discharge is required to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Benefit: » Up to 36 months of benefits; payable for approved training on or after August 1, 2009. » Determined by the length of active duty service (40% up to 100% per length of active duty service). » Expires 15 years after last period of active duty service of at least 90 days. » Usable for any program at an institution of higher learning (IHL) approved for MGIB-AD. » Effective October 1, 2011, usable for NCD, OJT, flight programs, and correspondence training.
Post-9/11 GI Bill
Updated December 1, 2012 72
74 Updated December 1, 2012
Tuition and Fees
» Active Duty and Veterans: Full tuition and fees (based on length of active duty service) for public, in-state students Private and foreign schools cap at $18,077.50 academic year Exception: Active Duty are not eligible to participate in the Yellow Ribbon program
» Paid directly to the school on student’s behalf
75 Updated December 1, 2012
Monthly Housing Allowance
» Must attend more than half-time » Prorated by rate of pursuit rounded to nearest tenth » Equivalent to the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents based on school’s zip code » Distance learners (e.g., online students) can receive 1/2 the national average monthly housing beginning October 1, 2011
» Active duty Servicemembers are not eligible
76 Updated December 1, 2012
Books and Supplies Stipend
» Pays up to $1,000 per year
» If taking classes at an IHL: Amount paid determined by number of credit hours, with full stipend paid for 24 credit hours per academic year
» If taking a non-college degree, apprenticeship, or on-the-job training program: Pays $83/month up to $1,000 per year
77 Updated December 1, 2012
Yellow Ribbon Program
» Institutions voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to share tuition and fee costs that exceed the tuition and fee cap of $18,077.50 at non-public schools and for out-of-state charges » VA matches each additional dollar that an institution contributes, up to total cost of tuition and fees.
Training at private
institutions
Out-of-state tuition
78 Updated December 1, 2012
Yellow Ribbon Program
» Payable to school when student’s tuition and fees exceed the cap:
Based on school participation
Based on student
qualification
Veterans only at 100% benefit
level
Spouse of Veteran (transfer of entitlement)
Dependent children (transfer of entitlement)
79 Updated December 1, 2012
Transfer of Entitlement
» Serves as a retention program for Department of Defense (DoD) » Must be member of Uniformed Services and » Agree to serve at least from one to four additional years per rules established by DoD/Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
The Secretary of Defense may grant the Secretary of each of the uniformed services the ability to authorize transfer of entitlement for benefits.
VA does not determine eligibility to transferred benefits
80 Updated December 1, 2012
Transfer of Entitlement
» An individual (transferor) approved to transfer benefits may:
85 Updated December 1, 2012
Tutorial Assistance
» Tutorial assistance is available if receiving VA educational assistance at the half-time or higher rate and have a deficiency in a subject that makes tutoring necessary
» Reimbursement up to $100 per month up to a maximum of $1,200
» To apply for tutorial assistance, complete VA Form 22- 1990t, available online. The school certifying official and tutor must sign the form.
Educational and Vocational Counseling
COUNSELING IS AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE if you:
» Are a Veteran or dependent eligible for educational benefits under a program that VA administers;
» Were discharged or released from active duty under other than dishonorable conditions not more than one (1) year ago;
» Are on active duty and six (6) months or less remain before your scheduled release or discharge from service.
You may get counseling about career choice and preparation, school
or job training, job selection and job search, training possibilities;
sources of financial aid; and how to carry through on plans that you
make.
Apply online with VA Form 28-8832 atwww.vetsuccess.gov
Updated December 1, 2012
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88 Updated December 1, 2012
How to Apply
» Apply anytime online at www.ebenefits.va.gov OR www.va.gov through Veterans online application (VONAPP) » Submit (scan) records electronically
DD Form 214 - Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty
Copies of orders if activated from the Guard/Reserves
89 Updated December 1, 2012
Contact us: 1(888) 442-4551
www.GIBILL.va.gov www.facebook.com/gibillEducation
Learn More Stay Updated
108
Resources
VA on the Internet VA by Phone
eBenefits Benefits information
www.ebenefits.va.gov (800) 827-1000
VA Home Page Education Benefits
www.va.gov (888) 442-4551
Returning Servicemembers Health Care Eligibility www.oefoif.va.gov (877) 222-8387
VA on Facebook SGLI/VGLI www.facebook.com/VeteransAffairs (800) 419-1473
VA on Twitter VA Life Insurance www.twitter.com/DeptVetAffairs (800) 669-8477
Updated December 1, 2012
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