Post 9/11 G.I. Bill 
"Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 1998", Chapter 33, Title 38 U.S.C.

Information Regarding the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill
VA Advice to Veterans Considering Changing to Chapter 33
UC Registrar's Office Procedures for Post - 9/11 G.I. Bill 
UC Registrar / Bursar Chapter 33 Promissory Note Agreement

U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs main website
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs G.I. Bill website

U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs 2008-2009 Maximum In-State Tuition and Fees Table:     http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/CH33/Tuition_and_fees.htm
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs "Veterans ON-line APPlication"  (VONAPP): http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp 

Information Regarding the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill

The following information was compiled by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Atlanta Regional Processing Office, to provide basic information that was current as of April 29, 2009.  For the most up-to-date information, visit www.gibill.va.gov

A. Eligible individuals

Generally, an individual who served a minimum of 90 days on active duty after September 10, 2001, will be eligible for educational assistance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.  (See paragraph D for length of service requirements.)  Active duty served as a member of the Armed Forces or as a result of a call or order to active duty from a reserve component under section 688, 12301(a), 12301(d), 12303(g), 12302, or 12304 of Title 10 is qualifying active duty service. 

The following periods of active duty service are excluded:

Active Guard Reserve Under Title 32;

ROTC under 10 U.S.C. 2107(b);

Service academy contract period;

Service terminated due to defective enlistment agreement; and

Service used for loan repayment.

B.  Period of Eligibility

In general, an individual’s eligibility to use Chapter 33 benefits expires 15 years from the date of the last discharge or release from active duty of at least 90 consecutive days. 

To retain eligibility, after meeting the service requirements, an individual must:

• Be honorably discharged from Armed Forces; or
  
• Be released from Armed Forces with service characterized as honorable and placed on the retired list, temporary disability retired list, or transferred to the Fleet Reserve or the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve; or
  
• Be released from Armed Forces with service characterized as honorable for further service in a reserve component; or
  
• Be discharged or released from Armed Forces for—

• A medical condition which existed prior to service (EPTS),

  Hardship (HDSP), or

  A condition which interfered with duty (CIWD); or 

  Continue on active duty.

C.  Chapter 33 Entitlement

Individuals eligible under chapter 33 are generally entitled to 36 months of educational assistance.  Individuals may not receive benefits under chapter 33 and 30, 31, 32, 35 of title 38 or chapter 107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10 concurrently.  Individuals are limited to a maximum of 48 months of entitlement when using benefits under two or more programs.

Note:  Individuals eligible under chapter 30 who elect to receive benefits under chapter 33 are only entitled to the number of months they had remaining under chapter 30 at the time of their election (including any revoked months of transferred entitlement) up to a maximum of 36 months.  If a person has used all of his/her chapter 30 benefits before electing chapter 33, then that person is entitled to up to 12 months of chapter 33 under the 48 month rule  (See paragraph G for more information.)

D.  Educational Assistance 

1.  Established Charges (Limited to the most expensive undergraduate in-State public institution of higher learning).  The amount of established charges (tuition and fees) payable for the entire quarter, semester, or term will be sent directly to the school as a lump sum payment.  The percentage of the maximum benefit payable to an individual is based on the aggregate amount of active duty served on or after September 11, 2001.  Individuals will receive the applicable percentage (see chart below) of the lesser of:

a. Established charges; or

b. Highest amount of established charges regularly charged undergraduate in-State students for full-time pursuit at an Institution of Higher Learning (IHL). 

Consult the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs "2008-2009 Maximum In-State Tuition and Fees Table" at
http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/CH33/Tuition_and_fees.htm
for tuition and fee rates established for the State of Ohio. 

    The following table applies to all categories:

Post-9/11 Service	Percentage of Maximum Amount Payable
At least 36 months	100%
At least 30 continuous days on active duty and discharged due to service-connected disability	100%
At least 30 months, but less than 36 months	90%
At least 24 months, but less than 30 months  *	80%
At least 18 months, but less than 24 months	70%
At least 12 months, but less than 18 months	60%
At least 06 months, but less than 12 months	50%
At least 90 days, but less than 06 months	40%

Note:  Service of 90 days, but less than 24 months does not include entry level and skill training.  Service of 24 months and greater does include entry level and skill training.

* If you back out entry level and skill training and the aggregate days of service are still at least 730 days, then the entry level and skill training is included in the aggregate for determination of the level of benefit.  If backing out entry level and skill training brings the person’s service to less than 730 days, then it cannot be included in the aggregate for determination of the level of benefit.

2.  Monthly Housing Allowance.  The monthly housing allowance is based on the monthly basic allowance for housing (BAH) payable for a military member with dependents in pay grade E-5 residing in the same ZIP code for the college or university where the individual is enrolled.  Active duty members, individuals training at 50% pursuit or less, and individuals pursuing only distance learning are not eligible for a housing stipend.  The full BAH is payable for all pursuit that is more than 50% of full time pursuit, e.g., where 12 semester hours would be full time, the full BAH would be payable for all pursuit of more than 6 semester hours.  To determine the BAH for University of Cincinnati's zip code (45221), go to the following Web address:  http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/perdiem/bah.html

3. Stipend for Books and Supplies.  Individuals may receive a stipend of up to $1000 a year for books, supplies, etc.  The individual will receive a lump sum payment in the first month of each quarter, semester, or term at the rate of $41.67 per credit hour up to a yearly total of 24 credits.  Note: the amount of the monthly housing allowance and the book stipend must be prorated based on the percentage of maximum benefit payable as noted in the above chart.  (See examples below.)

Example 1: Individuals attending Veterans Affairs University (VAU) in Florida are charged $2,500 for full-time training each quarter.  The highest in-State undergraduate tuition in Florida is $5,000 per quarter and the monthly housing allowance for the zip code that VAU resides in is $1500. 

Individuals who served at least 36 months on active duty (eligible for 100% of benefit) and who attend VAU full-time would receive—

• $2,500 for tuition and fees (paid directly to VAU);
• A monthly housing allowance of $1,500 per month (while pursuing training at more than 50% of full time); and
• $41.67 per quarter hour in which the individual is enrolled up to a total of 24 quarter hours.

Individuals who served at least 24 months on active duty (eligible for 80% of benefit) and who attend VAU full-time would receive—

• $2,000 for tuition and fees (paid directly to VAU);
• A monthly housing allowance of $1,200 per month (while pursuing training at more than 50% of full time); and
• $33.34 book stipend for each quarter hour in which the individual is enrolled up to a total of 24 quarter hours.

Example 2: Individuals attending Private Benefits University (PBU) in Texas are charged $8,000 in tuition and $600 in fees for full-time training each quarter.  The highest in-State undergraduate tuition in Texas is $4,000 and the highest fees are $3,000 per quarter and the monthly housing allowance for the zip code that PBU resides in is $1000. 

Individuals who served at least 36 months on active duty (eligible for 100% of benefit) and who attend PBU full-time would receive—

• $4,000 for tuition and $600 for fees (paid directly to PBU);
• A monthly housing allowance of $1,000 per month (while pursuing training at more than 50% of full time); and
• $41.67 book stipend for each quarter hour in which the individual is enrolled, up to a total of 24 quarter hours.

Individuals who served at least 24 months on active duty (eligible for 80% of benefit) and who attend PBU full-time would receive—

• $3,200 for tuition and $480 in fees (paid directly to PBU);
• A monthly housing allowance of $800 per month (while pursuing training at more than 50% of full time); and
• $33.34 book stipend for each quarter hour in which the individual is enrolled up to a total of 24 quarter hours.

4.  Limitation on Educational Assistance for Training Pursued at Half Time or Less and for Active Duty Members.

a.  Half-time Training or Less.  Individuals training at ½ time or less are not eligible for the monthly housing stipend.  They are eligible for an appropriately reduced stipend for books.  The amount of educational assistance payable is the applicable percentage (see chart above) of the lesser of:

(i)    Established charges; or

(ii)   Highest amount of established charges regularly charged in-State undergraduate students for full-time pursuit at an in-State public IHL.

b.  Active Duty Members.  Active duty members are not eligible for the monthly housing stipend or for the book stipend.  The amount of educational assistance payable is the lesser of the:

(i)    Established charges; or

(ii)   The Top-up amount not covered by military tuition assistance.

In the case of active duty members, tuition and fees are not limited by the highest cost at a public IHL in the state where they are attending school.

5.  Kickers.  Individuals eligible for a kicker (College Fund, Reserve Kicker) will remain eligible for such kicker under chapter 33.  The kickers will be paid monthly as an increase to the housing stipend.  Although active duty members, individuals training at ½ time or less, and individuals pursuing only distance learning are not eligible for the monthly housing stipend they will receive a monthly kicker payment. 

Note: Individuals will not receive an increased amount for additional contributions ($600 buy-up) paid under chapters 30 or 1607. 

6.  Refund of chapter 30 contributions (excludes $600 buy-up).  A proportional amount [based on the number of months remaining under chapter 30 at time of chapter 33 election] of the basic $1200 contribution will be included in the last monthly stipend payment when chapter 33 entitlement exhausts.  Individuals who do not exhaust entitlement under chapter 33 will not receive a refund of contributions paid under chapter 30. 

7.   Rural Benefit.  One-time payment of $500 (no entitlement charged) for claimants using chapter 33 to pursue a program of education if the claimant—

• Resides in a county with 6 persons or less per square mile (as determined by most recent decennial Census); and either
  

• Physically relocates at least 500 miles; or
  
• Travels by air to physically attend an IHL if no other land-based transportation exists.

8.   Other Benefits.  These benefits are authorized with no resulting charge to entitlement.

• Tutorial assistance may be paid up to $100 per month, not to exceed a total of  $1200;
  
• One licensing and certification test may be reimbursed, not to exceed the cost of the test up to a maximum of $2000; and 
  
• Work-study is authorized for individuals training at ¾ time or higher.

E.  Approved Programs.  Individuals may receive educational assistance for any program of education that is approved under chapter 30 and offered by an institution of higher learning (IHL – college or university).  Individuals who were previously eligible for chapter 30, 1606, or 1607 may continue to receive educational assistance for chapter 30 approved programs not offered by IHLs (i.e. flight schools, non degree vocational-technical schools, correspondence schools, APP/OJT programs, preparatory courses, and national tests).  See paragraph G for more information. 

F.  Chapter 33 Elections.  An individual who has met the requirements to establish eligibility under chapter 33 and, as of August 1, 2009 is--

• Eligible for either chapter 30, 1606, or 1607; or
  

• A member of the Armed Forces and making the basic $1200 contribution toward chapter 30; or
  
• A member of the Armed Forces who previously declined to elect chapter 30

must make an irrevocable election to use benefits under chapter 33. 

The individual will no longer be eligible under the chapter he or she elected to "trade in" in order to receive chapter 33.  Any contributions being made under chapter 30 will cease the month following the election.

Note:  Individuals electing Chapter 33 may use benefits under the revoked chapter if the type of educational assistance [flight, correspondence, APP/OJT, preparatory courses, and national tests] the individual wishes to pursue is not available under chapter 33.  Entitlement used under the revoked chapter will be deducted from Chapter 33.

H.  Transfer of Entitlement (TOE) Under Chapter 33.  The Department of Defense (DOD) is authorized to allow individuals who, on or after August 1, 2009, have served at least 6 years in the Armed Forces and who agree to serve at least another 4 years in the Armed Forces to transfer unused entitlement to their dependents (spouse, children).  The Department of Defense may, by regulation, impose additional eligibility requirements and limit the number of months transferable to not less than 18 months.

Advice to Veterans Considering Changing to Chapter 33

The following advice items were compiled by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Atlanta Regional Processing Office, to provide basic information that was current as of April 29, 2009. For the most up-to-date information, visit www.gibill.va.gov 

University of Cincinnati assumes no responsibility for any consequenses arising from the student-veteran choosing to act on this advice, not choosing to act on this advise, or choosing not to act on this advice.

Entitlement and Revoking a Benefit

• If your only other benefit is CH 30 and you elect CH 33 – your entitlement will be 36 months, minus whatever was used under CH 30.  If your CH30 entitlement was exhausted before you elect CH33, then you are limited to no more than 48 including what you used under CH30.

• If you are eligible for CH 1606 and or CH 1607 and you elect CH 33 – your entitlement will be 36 months, but is limited to no more than a total of 48 months if you used benefits under 1606 or 1607.

• If you are eligible for CH 30 and either 1606 or 1607 – you should revoke 1606 or 1607 – then your entitlement will be 36 months but no more than a total of 48 months including what you have already used under 1606 or 1607.

• IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR CH 30 AND 1606 OR 1607 – DO NOT REVOKE CH 30.
  (You can revoke CH 1606 or CH 1607 if you are eligible, even if you never applied).

• Be sure to compare how much money you will receive under both benefits.

• If you are eligible for CH 30 with at least 36 months of service, and then you were called up to active duty after that time and did not serve another 36 months – don’t relinquish
  CH  30.   Compare monthly rates.  You should probably relinquish 1606 or 1607.

• Make sure all “call up” service is after 9/10/2001.

UC Registrar's Office Procedures for Post - 9/11 G.I. Bill Eligibility Certification

For a PDF document containing these instructions, click here.

Step 1: Apply for Admission to University of Cincinnati

Apply for formal admission to University of Cincinnati by following the procedures outlined by either the office of Undergraduate Admissions or Graduate School, as appropriate. 

Step 2: Confirm Your Degree Program and Major

To successfully apply for your veteran education benefits, you must be certain of both the specific degree (e.g., associate, bachelors, masters, etc.) that you will be pursuing upon entry to University of Cincinnati and the major discipline of study within that degree (e.g., biology, accounting, nursing, history, computer science, etc.).  Your college office will notify you of its admission decision.  If you are admitted, the college will provide you with information regarding the specific degree requirements for your particular major.  The college also will evaluate any prior study you have completed and will advise you in selecting the appropriate classes for registration.

After you receive notification from University of Cincinnati confirming that you have been admitted to your UC college, be sure to formally accept the offer of admission and pay any required matriculation fee by the deadline.  Please be aware that registering for classes does not mean you are accepted by and matriculated into a degree program.

If you have any doubts as to whether or not you are matriculated into a degree program, check with the
UC Admissions Office, the Graduate School, or your UC college office.

Important Note:  as required by U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs regulations, to be certified at University of Cincinnati for VA educational benefits, you must be matriculated in an approved program of study. 

For a list University of Cincinati programs approved by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, follow these steps: 

•  Go online to  http://www.gibill.va.gov/;

•  Under "Educational Benefits" in left-hand menu, click "Search for Approved Programs";

•  On the resulting page, click "here";

•  On the resulting page, enter 'University of Cincinnati' into the "institution name" box.  Do not click
   Ohio on the U.S. map;

•  On the resulting page, click the link "University of Cincinnati Vet Certification"; and

•  On the resulting page, click the link "Programs" in the grey box placed at the top of the page.

If your program is not included on this list, immediately contact the Office of the Registrar, Veteran Education Benefits area at 513-556-6811.  
 

Step 3: Contact or Visit the Office of the Registrar, Veteran Education Benefits Area

Immediately after you have been officially admitted to a UC college and degree program, contact the Office of the Registrar, Veteran Education Benefits area.  The Office of the Registrar is located on the 5th floor of the University Pavilion building (telephone: 513-556-6811; operating hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time).  

When you contact the office, you will be asked to provide information such as your military status, educational background, current and permanent address, etc.  The Veteran Education Benefits area will use this information to prepare a document “packet” tailored specifically to you that contains the required VA benefits application, general benefits information, and Office of the Registrar procedures and policies regarding benefits processing that you will need know while pursuing your degree at University of Cincinnati.  Your packet will be mailed to you at the address that you provide.

The Veteran Education Benefits area also will provide you with information that will aid you in completing the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Veterans ON-line APPlication (VONAPP).

Note: it is critical that you contact the Office of the Registrar, Veteran Education Benefits area as soon as you have been admitted.  Both the Office of the Registrar and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs will require time to process your benefits application.  Initiating the eligibility certification process as soon as possible is critical to minimizing the time it will take for your education benefits to be certified and disbursed.   

Step 4: Complete the Veterans ON-line APPlication (VONAPP)

Once you have completed Step 3 above, go online to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs "Veterans
ON-line APPlication" (VONAPP) at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp.  Follow the instructions to apply for your education benefits.  

Where the VONAPP application asks you to name identify a specific VA regional office to which to electronically submit your benefits application, be certain to enter "Buffalo, New York VA Regional Office."  This is the regional office affiliated with University of Cincinnati.

Print two copies of your VONAPP application: one copy for your records and one copy that you will submit to the Office of the Registrar, Veteran Education Benefits area.

Following its successful processing of your benefits application, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs will issue a "Certificate of Eligibility" to you by mail.  The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) currently estimates that processing will require twenty-eight calendar days.  University of Cincinnati cannot be responsible for complications or delays in benefit awards due to VA delays in application processing.

Once you have received the VA "Certificate of Eligibility," you will submit that certificate to the Office of the Registrar, Veteran Education Benefits area, by following Step 5.

Step 5: Schedule a Veteran Education Benefits Orientation Appointment

Completion of a Veteran Education Benefits area orientation session is required.  Students are required to schedule an orientation appointment prior to attending a session.

This orientation session will provide you with updated information specific to your benefits eligibility and the steps you must take each term to ensure that your education benefits are disbursed by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs in a timely manner.

When you receive your packet by mail, thoroughly read all included materials.  Bring your packet with you to your orientation session.  Do not return mail the packet to the Office of Veteran Education Benefits area.  Also, do not mail the packet to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

Once you have obtained the required eligibility documentation for your specific benefit chapter, as indicated by the packet's cover letter (e.g., the VONAPP application and "Certificate of Eligibility" noted in Step 4 above, a copy of your DD214 (member copy 4), the "Transfer & Title" document and supporting copy of marriage or birth certificate, etc.), call the Office of the Registrar, Veteran Education Benefits area at 513-556-6811 to schedule an Orientation appointment.

At the orientation appointment, you will: 1) review the packet data information with a Veteran Education Benefits area staff member --- asking whatever questions you may have about your benefits and the certification process; and 2) complete additional required forms.

Step 6: Complete and Submit the Chapter 33 Promissory Note Agreement

Under the “Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008,” University of Cincinnati will receive payment for the pursuit of eligible enrollment in approved programs each term for the academic year direclty from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs for the percentage of the student’s tuition and fee for which the student qualifies, as determined by VA.  In recognition of this pending payment, University of Cincinnati will credit the student’s tuition and fee bill each term with an amount equal to that percentage once the student completes the Chapter 33 Promissory Note agreement and submits that form to the Registrar's Office Veteran Education Benefits area. 

Step 7: Check Your Eligibility for Ohio In-State  Tuition through the 
             "Ohio G. I. Promise" and Apply if Appropriate

Effective Summer Quarter 2009, veterans of the U.S. Armed Services, their spouses, and dependents, may qualify for immediate classification as Ohio residents-for-tuition-purposes.  For details, click here. 

Step 8: Work With a College Advisor to Select Appropriate Courses