tap briefing on va benefits

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


6


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

10

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)


11

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


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


18

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


21

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)


22

Compensation

» Severance and/or Separation pay may be recouped (after tax amount)

» Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP)

» Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC)


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.


23

29

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)


30

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.


32

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.


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


35

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


37

Home Loan Guaranty www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/

62

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


63



» 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


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


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


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


68

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


69

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.


70

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


92

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


93

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


94

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


95

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


96


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


99


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


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


41


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)


» Reservists who served on active duty for operational and support missions (excludes active duty for training)


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)


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


47


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”)


Dental Care


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


Sign Up Today

Health information Medical Records Online prescription refills Mental health resources

Secure messaging to doctor and appointments



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


“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



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


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

71

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


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


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


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


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


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)


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


Transfer of Entitlement

» An individual (transferor) approved to transfer benefits may:


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


87


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


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


109

tap briefing on va benefits

Documents