Montgomery GI Bill

Q: What do I do if I am not receiving the correct amount of GIBILL benefits?
A: Any time there is a problem with money contact the VA at 1-888-442-4551.

Q: How do I set up my GIBILL?
A: Soldier's unit needs to request a NOBE from the ESO. Soldier then takes the NOBE to their VA rep at school.

Q: How long does it take to receive my MGIB benefits?
A: MGIB benefits are usually deposited into your account within 10 days after you certify. It can take up to two months to receive your first check of the year. Any time there are issues with not receiving any money contact the VA at 1-888-442-4551 or contact your VA rep at school.

Q: Am I qualified for the new 1607 REAP?
A: If you were deployed after 9-11-2001 under title 10 and were eligible for chapter 1606, you are eligible for the 1607.

Q: How do I sign up for the 1607 REAP?
A: If you have never used GIBILL benefits, you need to fill out a VA Form 22-1990, write on top of the form -Request 1607 REAP Benefits- and send it, along with your DD 214 from your deployment, to the Regional VA office in ST. Louis or bring it to your VA Representative at school. You can also sign up for the 1607 at www.gibill.va.gov and clicking on electronic application form or

If you have used GIBILL benefits before, you need to fill out a VA Form 22-1995, write on top of the form -Request 1607 REAP Benefits- and send it, along with your DD 214 from your deployment, to the Regional VA office in ST. Louis or bring it to your VA Representative at school. You can also sign up for the 1607 at www.gibill.va.gov and clicking on electronic application form.

Q: If I qualify for more than one entitlement, do I get anymore time to use them?
A: When you become eligible for two federal entitlements, you receive an addition 12 months of use. Therefore if you have the 1606 MGIB and the 1607 REAP, you can get a total of 48 months of use. You can and should elect to use the entitlement that will pay you the most first. The most you can receive of any one entitlement is 36 months and any remaining time is paid out by the other entitlement.

Q: How long do I have to use my MGIB-SR (Selected Reserve)?
A: MGIB-SR expires 10 years from your eligibility date, which is the date you completed AIT. If your eligibility date is after 01 OCT 1992, MGIB expires in 14 years. NOTE - Deployed Soldiers get their MGIB extended the length of deployment plus 4 months.

Q: How long do I have to use my MGIB-AD (Active Duty)?
A: MGIB-AD expires 10 years from the date you ETS. NOTE - If you were deployed and have remaining months of eligibility, the 10 years is reset.

Q: Can AGR use the MGIB 1606?
A: NO. While a Soldier is in AGR status there 1606 is suspended.
 
Q: Can AGR use 1607 (REAP)
A: Yes

Q: How does 1607 (REAP) work for AGR?
A: It works the same as Chapter 30; it works as Top-Up.

Q: Can MGIB 1606, 1607 (REAP), or Chapter 30 be used along with FTA while deployed.
A: No

Q: Can MGIB 1606, 1607 (REAP), or Chapter 30 be used along with FTA when NOT Deployed?
A: Yes

Q: Once a Soldier finishes their AGR tour will they be able to get the full amount of 1607 REAP or Chapter 30 monies?
A: Yes

Q: What happens if a Soldier went to school after being deployed (post 9-11-01) and received 1606 (MGIB-SR)?
A: These Soldiers are now eligible to receive a retroactive payment for the difference between the 1606 MGIB-SR rate and the 1607 (REAP) rate. The classes have to be taken after or during the deployment. Also be aware that some Soldiers qualify for different amounts of 1607 benefits based on time of deployment. Go to www.gibill.va.gov for more information.

Q: If I am a Soldier who qualifies for the above, how do I get reimbursed?
A: For reimbursement, Soldiers need to fill out the VA Form 22-1995 and state on the top of the form in BIG LETTERS 1607 (REAP). Once the form is completed, print it off and sign it. The Soldier will need to mail a copy of this along with all DD 214s from deployments post 9-11-01. I would also advise sending a copy of orders for each deployment. The mailing addresses are on the last page of the VA Form 22-1995. Soldiers need to send the documents to the VA center that handles the state they went to school in.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Soldiers who attended a MN school need to send their info to the St Louis VA center. Part VI box 12A and 12B of the 22-1995 do NOT need to be signed by an Education Officer.

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STATE TUITION REIMBURSEMENT (STR)

Q: I got an e-mail from your office stating that my check would be delivered in 2-3 weeks about a month ago. Where is my check?
A: In most cases the Soldier has recently moved and not provided their unit with their new address. The post office does not forward STR checks. They are sent to the Department of Finance for an address correction and many of them get lost in the mail before they even make it back there. The best way to avoid this problem is to fill out a State Tuition Reimbursement Payment Request at your unit every time you bring in your paperwork for reimbursement. This will insure that your unit has your most current information.

Q: What does STR reimburse for?
A: Soldiers are reimbursed for the cost of tuition only, not any fees or room and board.

Q: What do you need in order to process my STR payment?
A: Your grade slip, fee statement and State Tuition Reimbursement Payment Request filled out will your current mailing address included. (Grade slips obtained via the internet are acceptable).

Q: How long does it take to get my check?
A: Up to 30 days from the time that your request is received in the Education Services Office. Information about how to obtain direct deposit is included with your STR check.

Q: I just joined the Guard, for which semesters am I eligible for STR?
A: You are eligible for any classes that you were attending on the day that you joined the MN National Guard. Just remember that if you ETS before your last day of classes, you are not eligible for STR for any of them.

Q: What if I have an incomplete in one of my classes?
A: Turn in your STR payment request for the classes that are complete. Once you complete the incomplete class, you may turn that in for reimbursement.

Q: Do I have to have my tuition bill paid in full before I can be reimbursed?
A: No, the fee statement just needs to show the amount that you were charged for tuition. It does not matter if there is a balance that needs to be paid.

Q: Why was not reimburse for all of the credits that were on my grades slip?
A: The STR program does not reimburse for a grade of a C- or below for undergraduate students and B- or below for Graduate students. The programs does not reimburse for classes that a Soldier has withdrew from either.

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FEDERAL TUITION ASSISTANCE (FTA)

Q: How long does it take for my FTA to be approved?
A: It can take from 2 weeks up to 8 weeks and possibly longer if there are other complications. Some of these complications can be a change in your schedule, point of contact information is not up to date, or if the Education department is tasked with other duties (i.e. deployments and other missions which are detrimental to today's readiness.)

Q: What is the status of my FTA?
A: Your unit clerk should be your first point of contact. They have access to view the status of your FTA on IMARC, which is a program that the Education Department uses to process FTA.

Q: I tried applying for FTA at www.virtualarmory.com and forgot my password.
A: If this occurs, try to log on and right below the log on is an icon, which says "Forgot Password". Type in your Social Security number and your DOB.

Q: As I was applying for FTA some of the windows were frozen.
A: If this occurs, try a different computer or try logging in at a different time. If the problem still persists contact the education department.

Q: I just found out about FTA can I apply for past semesters?
A: It depends on the circumstance. It is the discretion of the Education Services Officer to determine the eligibility.

Q: After I agree to all the statements on the Statement of Understanding it seems I cannot continue?
A: You have a pop-up blocker installed.  You need to read the system requirements on the main page once you log-in to disable it.

Q: The school I am going to is not listed?
A: Make sure you are under the correct state.  If it is still not listed then towards the end of the application there is a comments block.  Please enter the actual school you are attending to include name, address, phone numbers and fax.  We will enter it in our system once we receive your application.

Q: How long does it take for the school to receive payment?
A: From approval time to when the school will receive the funds can take at a minimum of up to 90 days.  Please be advised that it can take longer.  That time frame is a minimum.

Q: How do I apply for FTA?
A: Go out to www.virtualarmory.com.  Click on the Education tab.  Then click on ‘Online Applications’.  Then click on ‘Application for Federal Tuition’.

Q: How do I know if my FTA has been approved?
A: Monitor your AKO account.  A confirmation email will follow shortly after you submit your request.  This is the only way of correspondence we have with you.  It is vital to check your AKO email account on a daily basis.

Q: How soon can I apply for FTA?
A: You can go out 90 days prior to your course begin date to apply.  The sooner you apply for FTA the quicker it might be processed.  Do not wait until the very last moment to apply.

Q: Does FTA have any limits?
A: Yes, a max cap of $4500.00 per Fiscal Year.  i.e. FY 2006 ran from 20051001 through 20060930.  With that limitation we also will only pay $250.00 per semester credit and $167.00 per quarter credit.

Q: I was denied due to my ETS.  Why and what can I do?
A: In order to use FTA you have to be a Soldier in the MNARNG.  You have to be in a drilling status.  Once you get out or ETS you lose this benefit.  Once you get denied please re-enlist and then go back out to www.virtualarmory.com and re-apply.

Q: What other education benefits can I use along with FTA?
A: You can use your GI Bill, State Tuition Reimbursement and FTA all at the same time.

Q: My start date for my classes is 9-28-2006 and I was denied for FTA because of funding.  Why?
A: FTA is based on your start date of your classes.  If your classes for example started on 9-28-2006, FTA will be paid out of FY 2006 funds, once the funds are depleted, we can not make anymore payments. FTA is based on Fiscal years and is a first come first served basis.  FTA is not based on whether you have a Bachelors or Associated or no degree.  It is also not based on your rank.  Again, FTA is based on a first come first served basis. 

Q: On the online application it asks for semester hours.  What do I enter?
A: You need to enter the number of credits your class is.  Please do watch whether your class is semester or quarter and check the correct box on the online application.

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1. Soldier has Mob History and NO Bachelor’s Degree
2. Soldier has NO Mob History and NO Bachelor’s Degree.
3. All other Eligible Soldiers.

Scenario #1:  SPC Jones has deployed to Iraq.  Jones is taking 15 credits at the University of Minnesota-TC pursuing a Bachelor’s.  Jones is not eligible for the GI Bill. FTA funds are available.

Remarks:  Soldier could elect to pay $44 out of pocket and not get charged the 1 credit against lifetime tally (144 STR credits max).

Scenario #2:  PFC Olson has never deployed. PFC Olson has completed IADT and is taking 14 credits at University of St. Thomas pursuing a Bachelor’s.  PFC Olson is eligible for the GI Bill but not the Kicker.  FTA funds are available.

Scenario #3:  CPT Smith has deployed to Bosnia (11 Months).  CPT Smith is pursuing a Master’s Degree at University of Phoenix-Online.  She is taking 8 credits.  FTA funds are available for Priority 1 and 2.  1607 REAP Eligible (40% of active duty rate.)

Scenario #4:  SSG Kelly has deployed to Iraq (18 months) and Afghanistan (13 Months). SSG Kelly is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree at Saint Cloud State University.  SSG Kelly is taking 17 credits.  SSG Kelly is eligible for the 1607 REAP (60%). FTA funds are not available. 

Scenario #5:  SGM Hernandez is pursuing a PhD at the UMN-TC.  He is taking 10 credits.  He has deployed to Bosnia (11months) and Iraq (18 Months).  He has never used STR.  He has used GI Bill to pay for past degrees. He has no GI Bill remaining.  FTA funds are available.

Scenario #6: SPC Vang has deployed to Iraq (18 Months). SPC Vang is taking 16 credits at Bethel University for a Master’s Degree.  SPC Vang is eligible for 1607 GI Bill, and FTA funds are available.

STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM (SLRP)

Q: How do I receive the SLRP benefit?
A: The SLRP is an option if you are reenlisting and have served 3 consecutive good years in the guard. We will pay only those loans that have been dispersed prior to the date that you sign the SLRP addendum (contract). Also, the loan type must be eligible per the SLRP addendum. If you are going to reenlist for 6 years we will pay 18,000 if you enlist for 8 you will get 20,000. The payment will be made on your anniversary date every year and we will pay 15% or $500 which ever is higher.

Q: What loans are eligible?
A: Loans eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program are: Stafford Loans (subsidized), Stafford (unsubsidized), Federally Insured Student Loans, Perkins Loans, Auxiliary Loans to Assist Students (ALAS), Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS), Consolidated Loan Program (CLP) and (SMART), William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program.

Q: I just contracted for SLRP, where is my payment?
A: Once you contract for SLRP the first payment comes 1 year after the entitlement date (the day you contracted for the benefit). For example, if you enlisted/extended for SLRP on 15 January 2004, your first SLRP payment would come on or after 15 January 2005.

Q: Who is responsible for getting my SLRP paid?
A: Ultimately it is the SOLDIER'S responsibility to initiate the SLRP payment for that year. It is stated right in the SLRP addendum with the Soldier's initials next to it. Soldier's need to bring their annual SLRP payments to the attention of the unit admin NCO and they can guide the process.

Q: How does my SLRP actually get paid? What do I have to do?
A: Once the unit and Soldier have completed their portions and signed the DA 2475, the Soldier/unit sends this paperwork to the lending institution. The lending institution then sends it back to the unit. The unit prepares a commanders certification letter. The Commanders Certification can be signed by the Unit Commander or the unit administrator.

Q: I was promised $10,000 or $20,000 in loan repayment over 6/8 years! Where is it?
A: The way that SLRP works is it pays 15% or $500 on the total amount borrowed on EACH loan with a maximum of $1,500 (for the 10K contract) and $3,000 (for the 3K contract) respectively. For example, if you have $13,000 out in student loans and you have the $20,000 SLRP contract you will receive $1,950 per year. (15% of $13,000 is $1,950) The least amount of money you will receive per year is $500.

Q: My SLRP has been submitted. How long until my lender receives the money?
A: This question depends on how long it takes USPFO (at Camp Ripley) to process the payments. A general guideline is 4-6 weeks from the time the payment was sent to them.

Q: How do I know when the payment has made it to my lender?
A: Check your student loan statements or send a written request to your lender asking them to notify you when the payment has been received.

Q: I haven't received a payment in three years. Are my old payments gone forever?
A: Negative. Once we receive a 2475 packet from the unit we can pay on every year that you missed at one time. All the payments will be sent to the lending institution at the same time.

Q: I just contracted for SLRP what do you need to set-up my file and make it easier for future payments to be made?
A: To process the Student Loan Repayment Program, we need the following in our office:
- A copy of the Soldier's contract (DD 4/DA 4836)
- A copy of the Soldier's SLRP Addendum
- A copy of all Promissory Notes (and Disbursements)
- Yes. As indicated in their contract.
- Are SLRP payments taxable to the Soldier?

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FEDERAL INCENTIVES

Q: I have a Soldier who hasn't received the first part of there bonus and they have graduated AIT. How do I get them paid?
A: You will need to send the DD 214 up to the Education office. Once we receive it we will process it for pay.

Q: I have a SM that is not showing up on the bonus one report. What do I do?
A: 1st- You need to check and make sure that it is not the first payment on the bonus. 2nd- Check to see if the SM is actually scheduled for payment during that month, if they are then just send an email to Education@mn.ngb.army.mil, with the SM’s contract and addendum and the Incentive Manager will do the research to make the payment.

Q: How long before a Soldier receives their Bonus payment?
A: Bonus payments are usually received within 20-30 days from the date it leaves the Incentive Managers Office. (That date it posted next to the TL number in iMARC).

Q: A Soldier was supposed to get a $4000 payment but only received $2400. Can you tell me why?
A: Yes. Soldier’s bonus was taxable as indicated in the contract. Soldier did receive the 4K bonus payment but net amount was substantially less as a result of Federal and State Taxes being deducted.

Q: Can a Soldier get an exception to policy for termination and or recoupment issues/reasons?
A: Soldier was suppose to get a $4000 payment but only received $2400. Can you tell me why?
Absolutely not. Programs are governed by Public Law and not policy. Therefore exceptions are not permitted for any reason.

Q: I just finished OBC, how to I apply for the Officer Accession Bonus?
A: If you were commissioned into a critical skill (review SRIP Policy 05-04 for all eligibility requirements) on or between 04 FEB 05 and 26 JAN 06, completed OBC within 36 months of commissioning, you qualify for a $6000.00 Bonus.

If you were commissioned into a critical skill (review SRIP Policy 06-05 for all eligibility requirements) on 27 JAN 06 or after and completed OBC within 36 months of commissioning you qualify for the $10,000.00 bonus.

With the assistance of your Unit Admin NCO complete the ARNG Accession Bonus Agreement, the ARNG Accession-Affiliation Request Form (both found on Education Intranet Site under Federal Bonus Folder) and request a Bonus control number through iMARC to apply for your bonus. Once these documents are complete and Bonus Control number requested forward documents plus their DD214 and DA 1059 to education@mn.ngb.army.mil for processing. All policies are found in iMARC.

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DEPLOYMENT QUESTIONS

Q: I am deployed, are there educational benefits available to me, if so how do I apply?
A: Yes, you go through your MOBE site Education Office. Check out the appropriate Programs pages for details. Basically you are entitled to the same benefits as if you were home here going to school, you just apply for them a little differently.

Q: How do I apply for STR while I am deployed?
A: You go through your Rear Attachment Support personnel and apply the same procedures as if you were state side. See State programs page for details.

Q: What is the difference between withdrawing or taking an incomplete for a class?
A: Withdraw - you essentially drop the class w/o penalty and get no credit. Incomplete - you are allowed to finish the course for credit determined by a schedule you set up with the school and professor.

Q: What happens to my student loans while I am deployed?
A: They can be deferred if you send a letter requesting such action along with a copy of your deployment orders. Most financial Institutions will defer for total time stated on your orders. It is your responsibility to notify the financial institution once your deployment is finished.

Q: I was deployed under one of the following campaigns; GWOT, SFOR, KFOR, OIF or OEF. If I ETS are there any benefits availble to me?
A: Yes, refer to Extended State Tuiton Reimbursement.
If you were deployed for 24 continous months or more, you may be eligible for the Active Duty GI Bill. If you elected to sign up for this benefit, you retain it for a period of 10 years from the first day you became eligible.

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MISCELLANEOUS

Q: Are there any benefits for military spouses?
A: Yes, spouses can take CLEP and DSST exams for free. There are colleges that offer discounted tuition, there are special scholarships available and possibly some grants. We have provided links to help you research these benefits to find out more information.

Q: Can I use STR, FTA, SLRP, MGIB and MGIB Kicker all at the same time?
A: Yes, however to use MGIB Kicker with FTA, you must be enrolled at minimum as a half time student. Refer to SRIP Policy letter on the Federal Programs page for exact details. Tuition Assistance -Top Up- allows current active duty/AGR Soldiers to use their MGIB-AD benefits to pay the tuition costs not paid by the military through Tuition Assistance.

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• Virtual Armory FAQ page.
• GI Bill FAQ Page.