Florida Association of Veteran Education Specialists Briefed by: Robert M. Worley II, Director, Education Service June 6, 2018 1
Overview FY 2013-FY 2017 Trainees/Dollars Paid Claims Processing Highlights Education Call Center Highlights GI Bill Integrity and Protection Compliance Activity GI Bill Feedback System GI Bill Comparison Tool Outcome Measures Colmery Act Updates Contact Us 2
FY 2013 FY 2017 Trainees/Dollars Paid Benefit Education Programs FY 13 Trainees/Dollars Paid FY 14 Trainees/Dollars Paid FY 15 Trainees/Dollars Paid FY 16 Trainees/Dollars Paid FY 17 Trainees/Dollars Paid Chapter 30 Chapter 32 Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)- AD Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) 99,755 / $775M 77,389 / $512M 61,403 / $442.2M 47,307 / $365.1M 34,582 / $298K 29 / $496K 8 / $359K 4 / $35K 4 / $222 1 / $161 *Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill 754,229 / $10.2B 790,408 / $10.8B 790,507 / $11.2B 790,090 / $11.6B 755,476 / $11B Chapter 35 Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program (DEA) 89,160 / $483M 90,789 / $514M 91,755 / $493.2M 96,762 / $520.5M 100,275 / $553K Chapter 1606 Chapter 1607 Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB- SR) Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) 62,656 / $156M 63,745/ $150M 63,030 / $141.1M 61,388 / $139.3 54,909 / $130K 17, 297 / $70M 13,784/ $56M 9,965 / $40.5M 4,538 / $20.7M 1,586 / $7K 67,918 / $428M 52,288 / $413M N/A N/A N/A Total 1,091,044 / $12.1B 1,088,411 / $12.4B 1,016,664 / $12.3B 1,000,085 / 12.9B 946,829 / $12.04B As of May 30, 2018, VA issued $86.9 billion in Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit payments to 1,923,866 individuals since program inception (August 2009). 3
Claims Processing Highlights Claims Inventory FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 TD Claims Processed 4.3M 4.2M 4.1M 3.8M 2.1M Original Claims Timeliness (Average Days to Complete) Supplemental Claims Timeliness (Average Days to Complete) 16.7 18.4 16.7 24.7 21.4 5.9 7.0 6.7 8.6 12.0 Payment Accuracy 98.7% 99.4% 98.8% 98.09% 98.3%* Claims Processed Original Supplemental March 2018 23, 679 292,953 April 2018 23,925 224,722 *Note- The payment accuracy is for 1 st quarter FY18 only 4
Claims Processing Highlights January 25, 2013 September 6, 2013 February 6, 2014 September 12, 2014 February 5, 2015 September 4, 2015 February 3, 2016 September 13, 2016 February 10, 2017 Septemer 14, 2017 February 15, 2018 Peak Pending Claims (All Benefits Type) 89,260 119,016 76,260 93,987 77,976 155,181 81,927 111,024 108,114 141,507 146,902 AY 12-13 AY 13-14 AY 14-15 AY 15-16 AY 16-17 AY 17-18 5
Education Call Center Highlights JD Power External Quality Scores Courtesy Knowledge Concern Quarter 1 (FY18) Average Calls Answered Per Month: 185,165 9.5 9 8.5 8 100.00% 99.00% 98.00% 97.00% 96.00% Mar-18 Apr-18 Internal Quality Scores Overall Technical Courtesy-Professionalism Oct-17 Nov-17 Dec-17 Jan-18 Feb-18 Overall Satisfaction Score for April 2018: 861 Exceeds the government benchmark of 721 Exceeds the service industry benchmark of 815 2018 Scores Courtesy of Representative 9.2 Knowledge of Representative 8.7 Representative s Concern 8.8 Overall Quality 98.12% Technical Quality 98.93% Courtesy/Professionalism 97.31% 6
GI Bill Integrity & Protection Ongoing enforcement activity Coordinating with: Department of Education VA Office of Inspector General Criminal division DOJ, U.S. Attorney s Office Federal Trade Commission Consumer Finance Protection Bureau Sentencing of three owners and recruiter of two Non-College Degree programs Other investigations pending Conducting a nationwide look at Flight Programs Schools asked to recommit to the Principles of Excellence Compliance & Approval improvements GI Bill Feedback System 7
Compliance Activity Compliance Survey Data FY17 # of Surveys Dept. of Veterans Affairs 3,418 1,342 State Approving Agencies 2,263 1,248 Total 5,681 2,590 FY 17 Guidance: Continue to use SECVA s waiver Authority Emphasize private for-profit and non-accredited schools Include 100% of IHLs with flight programs, priority given to private for profit, non-accredited schools Visit all newly approved institutions Deployed a cloud base system for tracking compliance surveys findings nationally in real time FY 18 Guidance: PL 114-315 implemented Monitoring completed compliance surveys in real time Continuing build out of the cloud base systems to monitor special classifications FY18 # of Surveys (To Date) 8
GI Bill Feedback System On January 30, 2014, VA launched the Feedback System to intake student complaints concerning non-compliant POE schools Total complaints as of May 24, 2018: 10,315 Of these: POE complaints: 5,307 (51%) Pending: 166 Active: 68 Non-POE complaints: 4,774 (46%) Risk-based reviews conducted as of May 24, 2018: 134 18 withdrawals GI Bill Feedback System Observations: Communication Issues between school staff and students Financial issues Timeliness of certification submission Transfer of credits General lack of understanding by students Refund issues Administration with multiple types of financial aid (Title IV & VA) 9
GI Bill Feedback System % Complaint by issue: Inception through May 2018 Post Graduation Job Opportunities 2% Release of Transcripts 3% Transfer of Credits 3% Student Loans 4% Change of Program 4% Grade Policy 4% Accreditation 5% Recruiting/Marketing Practices 6% Refund Issues 8% Quality of Education 11% Complaints by Issue (May 2018) Post-Graduation Job Opportunities 578 Release of Transcripts 414 Transfer of Credits 728 Student Loans 922 Change of Program 571 Grade Policy 510 Accreditation 802 Recruiting/Marketing Practices 986 Refund Issues 864 Quality of Education 1583 Other 23% Financial Issues (Tuition/Fee) 27% 0 1000 2000 3000 Other 1538 Financial Issues (e.g. Tuition/Fee Charges) 2910 1 0
GI Bill Comparison Tool Comparison Tool was launched on February 4, 2014, in response to Executive Order 13607 to implement and promote Principles of Excellence. The Comparison Tool has over 7 million unique page views and over 3 million schools searched. Future Enhancements: Forever GI Bill Updates More caution flag information Detailed accreditation information Feedback ratings 11
Outcome Measures Executive Order 13607 VA is required to develop and publish outcome measures, which will support Veterans, Servicemembers, and their family members in making the most informed educational decisions Outcome Measures Progress (Public Law 114-315 Section 404) Makes reporting academic progress for GI Bill students a condition of approval Notification of the updated reporting requirements will be sent later this summer Delayed in order to fully address stakeholder concerns Compliance with the new requirements will be expected in January 2019 Initial focus will be on Completion of Certificate Graduation Rate Persistence Rate Transfer-out Rate Retention Rate 12
Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017, Forever GI Bill 13 13
What is the Forever GI Bill? Since 1944, the GI Bill has represented this nation s commitment to Veterans. On August 16, 2017, the President signed into law the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-48), or the Forever GI Bill, which includes the most comprehensive changes to GI Bill benefits since enactment of the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act in 2008. The Forever GI Bill expands and enhances Veterans education benefits. The updates in this law benefit both Veterans and their families. 14
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What Changes Impact Me Now? VA started implementing many provisions in August 2017. Some highlights include: School Closure Eligibility Restoration: VA is now authorized to restore benefits to Veterans affected by school closures or some program disapprovals. Restore entitlement used during the term when the school closed. Can continue receiving housing payments until the original end of the term or for 120 days (whichever occurs sooner). 16
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What Changes Impact Me Now? Priority Enrollment: You will be able to find out if schools offer priority enrollment for Veterans with the GI Bill Comparison Tool. Visit Vets.gov to begin your search. Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) Eligibility Credited Toward Post-9/11 GI Bill Program: Individuals who lost their eligibility to REAP because of its sunset may apply for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. VA sent letters with instructions to eligible individuals. 18
What Changes Impact Me Now? Work Study Expansion: The law removes the expiration date for qualifying work-study activities. Beginning Date of Enrollment Certifications: Educational institutions can treat courses that begin seven or fewer days after the first day of the academic term as the first day of the academic term for enrollment reporting purposes. Use the GI Bill at Technical Schools and non-institutions of Higher Learning (IHLs): Allows GI Bill students to take independent study programs at career and technical education schools, or a postsecondary vocational school. DOD-VA Housing Allowance Alignment: Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) payments for those using the Post-9/11 GI Bill will be realigned to match DoD s Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) payments to active duty servicemembers. 19
What Changes Impact Me Soon? VA will continue to roll out additional provisions over the next four years. Some highlights include: Changes to Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) Effective August 1, 2018 October 1, 2018 The new law significantly increases the amount of educational assistance payable under DEA. Decreases the amount of entitlement that new eligible individuals will receive from 45 months to 36 months. 20
What Changes Impact Me Soon? Effective August 1, 2018 October 1, 2018 GI Bill Monthly Housing Allowance: Housing will be paid based on the campus where the student attends the majority of classes. Campus includes: The individual campus of a school where the student is taking classes (i.e. the school s science center, humanities building, or athletic center) The physical location where a student is learning in a study abroad program Any internship, externship, practicum or student teaching site 21
What Changes Impact Me Soon? Effective August 1, 2018 October 1, 2018 GI Bill Monthly Housing Allowance: Housing will be paid based on the campus where the student attends the majority of classes. VA sent notification to SCOs in early April IF YOUR STUDENT physically attends all courses at the actual campus location of the facility code shown on the Enrollment Certification being submitted: THEN: You may submit that student s certification. IF YOUR STUDENT begins a term on or after August 1, 2018, and physically attends any course (including internships, externships, training, practicums) or other aspects of their education located in any location, other than the one represented by the facility code being certified: THEN: Please HOLD and DO NOT submit that student s enrollment certifications until further notice. 22
What Changes Impact Me Soon? Effective August 1, 2018 October 1, 2018 Informing Schools About Beneficiary Entitlement: VA will share entitlement information with schools, but students may opt out if they choose. Changes to Licensing and Certification Charges: Entitlement charges for licensing and certification exams and national tests under the Post-9/11 GI Bill will be based on the actual amount of the fee charged for the test. 23
What Changes Impact Me Soon? Effective August 1, 2018 October 1, 2018 Changes to Transfer of Benefits (TEB): Veterans who transferred entitlement to a dependent can now designate a new dependent if the original dependent dies. If the Veteran dies, a dependent who received transferred entitlement can now designate a new eligible dependent of the Veteran to receive any of that dependent s remaining entitlement. Purple Heart Recipients: Servicemembers and honorably discharged Veterans who were awarded a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001, will be entitled to Post- 9/11 GI Bill benefits at the 100-percent benefit level. 24
What Changes Impact Me Soon? Effective August 1, 2018 October 1, 2018 Yellow Ribbon Extension to Fry Scholarship and Purple Heart Recipients: Extends the Yellow Ribbon Program to students receiving Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits through the Fry Scholarship and those who received a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001. 25
What Changes Impact Me Soon? Reserve Component Service under 10 U.S.C 12304a and 12304b counts toward Post-9/11 GI Bill: VA will consider time National Guard and Reserve members spend called to service on or after June 30, 2008, as active duty to establish Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits eligibility, including: Effective August 1, 2018 October 1, 2018 Major disasters or emergencies, as authorized under section 12304a of title 10, U.S. Code. Pre-planned missions in support of combatant commands, as authorized under section 12304b of title 10, U.S. Code. 26
What Changes Impact Me Soon? Effective August 1, 2018 October 1, 2018 Monthly Housing Allowance During Active Duty Service (Including Reserve Components performing Active Duty Service): VA will prorate the monthly housing allowance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. With this change, the student will receive housing payments effective the day after discharge. Medical Orders Equity: The time that a Reservist was ordered to active duty to receive authorized medical care, to be medically evaluated for disability, or to complete a Department of Defense health care study on or after September 11, 2001, now counts as active duty toward eligibility for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. 27
What Changes Impact Me in the Future? Effective August 1, 2019 Up to nine extra months of benefits (may not exceed $30,000) for STEM Programs, if you: Are currently enrolled in a STEM program. Completed 60 standard semester (or 90 quarter) credit hours. Additional benefits can t be transferred to dependents. Priority is given to those entitled to 100% of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits and to those who require the most credit hours. 29
What Changes Impact Me in the Future? Effective 2020 2022 Consolidation of Benefit Levels: The 40 percent benefit level will be eliminated and the 60 percent level expanded under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Yellow Ribbon Extension to Active Duty Servicemembers: Expands the Yellow Ribbon program to include active duty servicemembers. 30
Where Can I Find More Information? WEBSITE: www.benefits.va.gov/gibill FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/gibilleducation TWITTER: Follow us @VAVetBenefits TELEPHONE: 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) (Mon-Fri, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. CST) 31