Education & Employment

Topics on education benefits and employment protections including the GI Bill, post military training, and employment rights.

GI Bill?

Question:

I served on active duty in the Army for two years ending in June 1963. This was a "volunteer for the draft" full term. (Which I did). I received some VA education benefits for two years in college ending in 1968. I think I used the GIBill home mortgage benefit one time in about 1972 - 1974. Right now I am 40% VA disabled (hearing loss). I'm getting kind of old, but would like to get a two year degree. Do I have any educational benefits left?

 

Jim's Reply:

Probably not. However, over the years the education benefits that we receive have morphed into something unrecognizable by a Vietnam era vet. Benefits are greatly different for each era and the only person I know who keeps up with all that is the financial counselor at the institution you're thinking of attending. 
 

I refer veterans to these financial counselors at colleges all the time. The finance folks have a real interest in getting the answers right...that's how they earn a living.
 

I think your ambition to earn a degree at this time of your life is commendable and I wish you the best! Good luck.

 

P.S. from StatesideLegal

You can learn more about possible educational benefits here. The link will take you to an overview of several benefits, how to qualify, and how to apply.  Best of luck!

 

Photo credit: Esther Tuttle. A white woman, in profile, stands wearing a black graduation cap and gown

Selected Reserve GI Bill (MGIB-SR)

The VA has a GI Bill for certain Reserve members which offers up to 36 months of educational and training benefits. Read here for more information on the Selective Reserve GI Bill.
Photo credit: Princess Olanrewaju. A black woman in a graduation gown looks up.

Chapter 33 - Post 9/11 G.I. Bill

The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill is the newest version of the program and includes several types of benefits. This article talks about the program, eligibility and how to apply.
Photo credit: Esther Tuttle. A white woman, in profile, stands wearing a black graduation cap and gown

Chapter 32 – Veterans Education Assistance Program (VEAP)

Veterans Education Assistance Program (VEAP) is available only to veterans who elected to make VEAP contributions from their military pay. Read more about the VEAP program here.
A man in a flannel shirt gathers corn seed for planting in a large, open field

Chapter 31 - Veteran Readiness and Employment

Veteran Readiness and Employment is a program for veterans with service-connected disabilities. Read more about the program and eligibility here.
A woman in a U.S. Coast Guard uniform holds a flag at a parade.

Chapter 30 - Active Duty GI Bill (MGIB)

Chapter 30, officially known as The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB), provides up to 36 months of education benefits for eligible servicemembers. Learn more about it in this article.

Employment Opportunities?

Question:

Hello, I’m currently under a TDRL from the USAF with a 20% for injury on left foot and 50% on mental health. But in VA with additional claims I’m 100% permanent. I was a firefighter in the military and a firefighter in the federal government, but they have me on a temporary duty while my follow-up mental health appointment happens, would this be disqualifying for me to continue to be a firefighter in the federal side?

 

Jim's Reply:

Great question but I don't know the answer. The process you'll go through for civilian employment will evaluate your rated conditions much differently than the DoD and the VA will. 
 

Many of the conditions that will class us as unable to complete the requirements of our active duty MOS won't seem as disabling in the civilian sector. I know plenty of veterans who are rated 100% disabled and they work in law enforcement, emergency services and so on.
 

Each potential employer will have unique policies about disabled veterans and until you begin the application process you won't really know how they'll react to your ratings.
 

If one employer isn't hiring, don't give up...the next will appreciate your skills. Good luck. 

 

UXC Benefits?

Question:

I read your UCX Facts and did not see VA disability compensation as a factor that would reduce UCX benefits. Can you explain why?

 

Jim's Reply:

I didn't write the piece that I believe you're reading but although VA disability compensation isn't specifically mentioned, I think there are enough references to understand that in most instances VA disability compensation will have an effect on unemployment compensation. 
 

Most notably, "The law of the State where you file the claim will determine your weekly benefit amount, the number of weeks paid, and other program rules."  For example, in my state of Florida the rules say, "You may be unable to receive benefits for the following reasons: You are receiving income, such as retirement pay or severance pay." That "you are receiving income" alone would disqualify you.
 

UCX is determined in large part by the state so for the details, you have to look for data at your state level.

 

Student Loan Forgiveness via TPD for future loans

Question:

Greetings: Total and Permanent Discharge program (TPD). I'm 100% P/T. I would like to return to school and complete a graduate program. After reading several websites about the TPD program, I'm confuse with the requirements of the timeline. I have yet to find clear guidance. Therefore, my question is if I can apply future loan (graduate degree) towards this program. Or if the program is only for existing loans which I have none (used GI Bill). Would you have any further information to clarify this confusion? Thank you.

 

Jim's Reply:

Hmm, that sounds almost too good to be true. You'd think that they would have thought of a way to prevent that from happening.

Oh wait...they did,

If and when you apply for another loan...Direct Loan, Perkins Loan, TEACH Grant or whatever the flavor of the day will be...you'll be required to sign off that you won't seek a TPD based on your 100% rated current condition which you'll be required to acknowledge.

To get another TPD you'll have to come up with another 100% disability rating that is subsequent to that first rating and diagnosed after the date of the loan.

Yeah, so...back to the drawing board! Good luck.

 

A photo of people, from the knees down, wearing camoflague uniforms and tan combat boots.

The American Veterans and Servicemembers Survival Guide

The Veterans and Servicemembers Survival Guide is a detailed 600 page guide originally printed in 2009. Read more to access the guide and learn more about what it has to offer.