Minnesota GI Bill May 7, 2015 1. Agenda Minnesota GI Bill Overview of Program Review of Online...

Minnesota GI Bill

May 7, 2015

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Agenda

• Minnesota GI Bill• Overview of Program• Review of Online Process (Student,

School and MDVA)• Questions

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General Eligibility

• Student Eligibility – All students• Minnesota Resident Student• Complete a FAFSA for the aid year• Enrolled at a participating Minnesota

institution• undergraduate or graduate student• enrolled in an education program leading to a

certificate, diploma or degree

• Meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)• Meeting child support payment obligations• Not be 62 or older before the beginning of the

term

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Eligibility Based on Military Service• IMPORTANT: Institutions no longer

responsible for verifying a student is eligible based on military service

• If institution has documentation needed by MDVA on file, it must provide MDVA a copy or access to view it

• Institutions should generally understand the eligibility requirements to better serve students

• All students must meet one of four categories of eligibility based on military service:• Eligible Veteran• Eligible Non-Veteran• Eligible Dependent of Service Member • Eligible Spouse of Service Member

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Eligibility Based on Military ServiceEligible Veteran• Important: Active Duty/Service must be for

purposes other than training (change from 2013-14)

• Be serving or have served honorably in any branch or unit of the United States armed forces at any time; and• If not currently serving, been discharged under any

condition other than dishonorable

• Served on active duty for 181 consecutive days or more; or

• Discharged (released from active duty) due to a disability incurred while on active duty; or

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Eligibility Based on Military ServiceEligible Veteran (continued)• Served on active duty for 90 days or more in a

foreign country during a ‘time of hostilities’ in that country; or

• Been awarded any of the following medals: Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, any other campaign medal authorized for service after 9/11/2001; or

• Received a service related medical discharge during any period of service in a foreign country during a ‘time of hostilities’.

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Eligibility Based on Military Service

Eligible Non-Veteran• Student who has served honorably for a

total of five years or more cumulatively as a member of the Minnesota National Guard or any other active or reserve component of the United States armed forces and any part of that service occurred on or after September 11, 2001• Does not have to be currently serving to be

eligible

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Eligibility Based on Military ServiceEligible Dependent or Spouse of Service Member• Dependent or spouse of service member who

has served at any time; and • Who has died as a direct result of that military

service; or• Who has a total and permanent service-connected

disability as rated by the United States Veterans Administration

• Dependent or spouse must be eligible to receive Chapter 35 or Chapter 33 (as a dependent or spouse) federal VA education benefits

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Eligibility Based on Military Service• Required Documentation for Eligibility Based on Military

Service• Only verification provided by MDVA is considered Required

Documentation for eligibility based on military service• Must be documented within the MN GI Bill online database• If the MN GI Bill online database is unavailable for a short

period of time, written documentation in paper or email form is also acceptable to continue processing application but must have MDVA verification in online database before disbursement

• If a institution has documentation which is needed by MDVA to confirm eligibility based on military service, the institution must either provide it to MDVA or provide MDVA access to review it

• Must retain documentation used to determine eligibility prior to 2013-14 award year for program reviews.

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Eligibility Questions??

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Application Process

• Complete Application includes:• Student Application (online or paper form)

• Paper form can be submitted online on student’s behalf by OHE, institution, MDVA and MN National Guard Education Office

• Required Documentation for Eligibility Based on Military Service

• Provided by MDVA within the MN GI Bill online database

• Required Documentation for other Eligibility Requirements

• Completed FAFSA and if necessary, verification, resolution of conflicting information and/or reject codes completed

• Includes transcripts or other documents to complete application for the State Grant Program unless institution unless student would not qualify for a state grant award at any enrollment level

• Also includes but is not limited to documentation of Minnesota Resident status and Child Support Compliance

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Application Process

• Incomplete applications• Requested: Applications pending military service

documentation• Notified by MDVA within 30 days• Requests additional documentation to verify military

service

• Applications pending required documentation for other eligibility requirements

• Notified by institution after MDVA has verified eligibility based on military service in MN GI Bill online database

• If MDVA has verified eligibility based on military service in a previous award year, institution must notify student within 30 days of the receipt of the application if other documentation is needed

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Application Process

• Deadline – Student application must be submitted before end of term to receive benefit in that term• If application becomes complete after term has ended,

benefit can be retroactively paid to the term in which the student applied

• Complete application • Student should be notified of their eligibility or

ineligibility within 30 days of the receipt of a complete application

• Exception: If a complete application is received prior to the beginning of the award year, the school should notify the student of their eligibility or ineligibility within 30 days of the beginning of the first term in which the student is enrolled (could be leading summer term)

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Awarding Process

• Annual and Semester/Term Maximums• Eligible Undergraduate Students

• Full Time (12 credits or more): Up to $1,000 per term, up to $3,000 per year and $10,000 lifetime

• Part Time (Less than 12 credits): Up to $500 per term, up to $3,000 per year and $10,000 lifetime

• Eligible Graduate Students• Full Time (Determined by school): Up to $1,000 per

term, up to $3,000 per year and $10,000 lifetime• Part Time (Determined by school): Up to $500 per term,

up to $3,000 per year and $10,000 lifetime

• Minimum benefit per term is $50

• Lifetime Maximum: $10,000

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Awarding Process

• Each eligible student is awarded a benefit amount based on the following calculation:• State Grant budget for institution based on student’s

program and enrollment level multiplied by a factor of 1.2• Undergraduate :

• Four-year or less than four-year program MSG Budget X 1.2• Number of credits student is enrolled (1-15)

• Graduate:• Maximum State Grant budget for a four-year program X 1.2• Using number of credits student is enrolled (1-8)

• Minus: Pell Grant, State Grant and all Federal Military or Veterans education benefits received in that term (except VRAP)

• Remaining balance is term benefit amount up to maximums

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Term Benefit Calculation Example #1

Calculation Component Action Result

Full Time 9-month State Grant Budget

Consists of the lessor of full time annual average or capped tuition and fees plus the annual Living and Miscellaneous Expense (LME) used for term

Full time 9-month average or capped tuition and fees

Current Tuition and Fee Caps:$13,000 – 4 Year Programs$5,808 – Less than 4 Year ProgramsExample: 2 Year Program Inver Hills Community College Average Annual T & F = $5,272

$5,272

Living and Miscellaneous Expense (LME)

Current LME for Fall 2014:$8,490 $8,490

Full Time 9-month State Grant Budget $5,272 + $8,490 $13,762

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• Eligible Veteran attending Inver Hills CC at 12 credits (not online) for the Fall 2014 semester• Receiving Post 9/11 GI Bill at 80% and EFC of 6000• Independent Student without dependents other than spouse

Term Benefit Calculation Example #1Calculation Component Action Result


Full Time 9-Month MN GI Bill Cost of Attendance

$13,762 X 1.2 (120% of MSG Budget) $16,514

Full Time Term MN GI Bill COA Divide $16,514 by 2 for Semesters (3 for Quarters) $8,257

Term MN GI Bill COA Prorated for Enrollment

12 Credits – Prorate Full Time Term COA by 12/15$8,257 X 12/15 or .8(Reminder: Prorated using 8 credits as max for graduate students)

$6,606

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12 Credits – Prorate Full Time Term COA by 12/15 $6,606

Term Federal Pell and State GrantReduce by amount student received or will receiveExample: EFC: 6000Pell ($0) and MSG ($1,553)

$5,503

Term Remaining Need before Reduction for Federal Military and Veterans Education Benefits

$5,503


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Term Remaining Need before Reduction for all Federal Military and Veterans Education Benefits (except VRAP)

$5,503

Montgomery GI Bill BenefitsChapters 30,31,32,33,35, 1606 and 1607 and GI Bill Kickers

Reduce by amount paid directly to institution (Ch. 31 and 33) and amount paid to student

Post 9/11 GI Bill Tuition & Fees Paid to InstitutionNOTE: Private institutions Maximum Chapter 33 T&F benefit per academic year is $20,235.02 (8/1/14-7/31/15)

Institutions may estimate based on percentage of eligibility and actual T&F but must verify with Business Office or student’s account recordExample: Receiving Post 9/11 GI Bill at 80%Estimate Tuition and Fees paid to Institution = T & F (12 credits) = $2,636 X .80 = $2,109/semester

$3,394

Post 9/11 GI Bill Book AllowanceNOTE: Maximum is $1,000 per academic year prorated by eligibility percentage and enrollment level

Example: $1,000 * .8 = $800/year or $33.34/credit 12 credits * $33.34 = $400

$2,994


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Term Remaining Need before Living Allowance and other benefits $2,994

Post 9/11 GI Bill Living Allowance

NOTE: Enter zip code of institution and E-5 as Pay Grade then use ‘With Dependents’ amount regardless of whether or not student has dependents

Retrieve Living Allowance Rate for institution using BAH Calculator then calculate based on percentage of eligibility and length of termExample: Living Allowance Rate = $1,665/month$1,665 * .8 = $1,332/month or $333/week16 weeks in semester * $333 = $5,328

$0or

-$2,334

All other Federal Veterans or Military Education Benefits(Voc Rehab Stipend, ROTC, Fed Tuition Assistance, Army Cont. Education and others)

Reduce by benefits student received or will receiveExample: $0

$0

Term Remaining Need $0

Term MN GI Bill Benefit Amount Student eligible for lesser of term maximum or term remaining need (minimum $50) $0

https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/bahCalc.cfm



Full Time 9-month State Grant Budget

Consists of the lessor of full time annual average or capped tuition and fees plus the annual Living and Miscellaneous Expense (LME) used for term

Full time 9-month average or capped tuition and fees

Current Tuition and Fee Caps:$13,000 – 4 Year Programs$5,808 – Less than 4 Year ProgramsExample: 4 Year Program Rasmussen College Average Annual T & F = $15,255

$13,000

Living and Miscellaneous Expense (LME)

Current LME for Spring 2014:$8,490 $8,490


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• Eligible Veteran enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program at Rasmussen College St Cloud at 12 credits on campus for the Spring (April) 2015 quarter• Receiving Post 9/11 GI Bill at 80% and EFC of 6000• Independent Student without dependents other than spouse

Term Benefit Calculation Example #2Calculation Component Action Result


Full Time 9-Month MN GI Bill Cost of Attendance

$21,490 X 1.2 (120% of MSG Budget) $25,788

Full Time Term MN GI Bill COA Divide $25,788 by 3 for Quarters (2 for Semesters) $8,596


12 Credits – Prorate Full Time Term COA by 12/15$8,596 X 12/15 or .8(Reminder: Prorated using 8 credits as max for graduate students)

$6,877

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12 Credits – Prorate Full Time Term COA by 12/15 $6,877

Term Federal Pell and State GrantReduce by amount student received or will receiveExample: EFC: 6000Pell ($0) and MSG ($1,865)

$5,012

Term Remaining Need before Reduction for Federal Military and Veterans Education Benefits

$5,012


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Term Remaining Need before Reduction for all Federal Military and Veterans Education Benefits (except VRAP)

$5,012

Montgomery GI Bill BenefitsChapters 30,31,32,33,35, 1606 and 1607 and GI Bill Kickers

Reduce by amount paid directly to institution (Ch. 31 and 33) and amount paid to student

Post 9/11 GI Bill Tuition & Fees Paid to InstitutionNOTE: Private institutions Maximum Chapter 33 T&F benefit per academic year is $20,235.02 (8/1/14-7/31/15)Institutions may estimate based on percentage of eligibility and actual T&F but must verify with Business Office or student’s account record

Example: Receiving Post 9/11 GI Bill at 80%Annual Max T & F = $20,235.02 X .8 = $16,188Estimated Tuition and Fees paid to institution assuming student enrolled 12 credits/quarter ($339/credit) =

Fall 2014 = $4,068 * .8 = $3,254Winter 2014 = $4,068 * .8 = $3,254Spring 2015 = $4,068 * .8 = $3,254Summer 2015 = $4,068 * .8 = $3,254

$1,758


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Term Remaining Need before Book, Living Allowances, other benefits $1,758

Post 9/11 GI Bill Book AllowanceNOTE: Maximum is $1,000 per academic prorated by percentage of eligibility and enrollment level

Example: $1,000 * .8 = $800/year or $33.34/credit Fall 2014 – 12 credits * $33.34 = $400Winter 2015 – 12 credits * $33.34 = $400Spring 2015 – 12 credits = $0 (Rec’d max)

$1,758

Post 9/11 GI Bill Living Allowance

NOTE: Enter zip code of institution and E-5 as Pay Grade then use ‘With Dependents’ amount regardless of whether or not student has dependents

Retrieve Living Allowance Rate for institution using BAH Calculator then calculate based on percentage of eligibility and length of termExample: Living Allowance Rate = $1,257/month$1,257 * .8 = $1,006/month or $335/week11 weeks in quarter * $335 = $3,685

$0or

-$1,927

All other Federal Veterans or Military Education Benefits(Voc Rehab Stipend, ROTC, Fed Tuition Assistance, Army Cont. Education and others)

Reduce by benefits student received or will receiveExample: $0

$0or

-$1,927

https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/bahCalc.cfm


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Term Remaining Need$$0

or-$1,927

Term MN GI Bill Benefit Amount Student eligible for lesser of term maximum or term remaining need (minimum $50) $0

Awarding Process

• Students may apply for and receive funding up to the annual maximum award amount ($3,000)

• May receive funding for 3 semesters/4 quarters (full time)

• Will often include summer or ‘crossover’ terms• If a term does not overlap two aid years,

it must be paid from the aid year in which it occurs

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Awarding Process

• Crossover term awards may be made from either aid year on a student-by-student basis:• Whichever aid year is selected, the State Grant

award calculation budget for that aid year must be used to calculate the award

• The amount of Pell Grant and State Grant subtracted within the calculation should be the actual amount awarded, even if awarded from a different aid year

• Need analysis, laws, rules and policies in place for the aid year from which MN GI Bill funding is drawn must be applied when calculating the award

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Awarding Process

• Recalculation of Benefit Amount• Must recalculate if student receives federal veterans

education benefits not anticipated in the original calculation

• May recalculate if federal benefit amount is less than anticipated but must recalculate all subsequent terms

• Must recalculate if EFC or other FA eligibility changes impact Pell or State Grant amount during a term and must recalculate for all subsequent terms

• May recalculate if student does not fully withdraw but adds/drops courses after the drop/add period or award adjustment end date if the student is eligible for an increased MN GI Bill due to the change in enrollment

• If student fully withdraws must use the OHE refund calculation

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Disbursement Process

• Benefit must be disbursed by academic term • No benefit disbursed to a student for a payment

period or period of enrollment until the student is enrolled (registered) for classes for that period

• Refund required if student, before the first day of classes or end of add/drop period:

• officially or unofficially withdraws; or• is expelled; or• fails to attend any classes

• Institution must ensure calculation and disbursement records submitted in MN GI Bill online database are accurate and match internal records

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Allocation Process

• Initial allocation based on amount requested by institution when completing annual participation agreement• Notification of allocation amount sent prior to distribution• Institutions will generally receive 50% of initial annual

allocation in September/October and remaining 50% in January

• Institutions may request additional funds if the initial allocation does not cover its anticipated need

• Refund requests and reallocation notices sent regularly to institutions at different times during the year

• Excess funds not disbursed to students must be refunded within 30 days of any refund request or by August 31

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MN GI Bill Overview Questions??

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Online Process – Students

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Click here to login

Online Process – Financial Aid Office

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1. Select the program you wish to access


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1. Select your school code from the drop down list

2. Enter your username and password

3. Then, click ‘Log In’ button


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1. Select Schools from menu(Don’t click on ‘Schools’ just hold mouse over it)

2. Click on desired tool from the menu

Important Reminders:To view a list of applications you wish to update or submit/edit benefit checklists and calculators for, click on the words ‘List of Applications’

To view or edit an application and submit/edit benefit checklists and calculators for an individual student click on ‘Update Student Application’


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Current Status of MDVA verification of eligibility based on military service verified

displays on List of Applications


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Online Process – Financial Aid Office• Military Service Eligibility Status from MDVA can be seen on

List of Applications and individual calculators• Must say Veteran, Non-Veteran, Spouse or Dependent• Other statuses show where student application is in process

– Pending: New application and no action has been taken by MDVA– Requested: MDVA not able to confirm student meets military

service requirements based on its records and contacted student by email and/or phone requesting additional documentation

– Not Eligible: MDVA determined student does not meet military service requirements (student may contact MDVA Coordinator for clarification and to provide additional documentation)

– Disqualified: Students received MN GI Bill in the past but not currently eligible (due to MDVA clarification of veteran definition)

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1. Choose Award Year

2. To see only applications with or without a submitted benefit checklist and calculator select desired type from drop down

3. Click on ‘Get the List’

4. To view or edit application and benefit checklist and calculator for student, click on ’Edit Application’ button associated with student’s record


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Displays bio and application info submitted online Important Reminders:

• To make changes to biographical data for student (other than SSN), edit the information and click on ‘Submit’ at bottom of page

• Contact OHE to make a change to the SSN


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Important Reminders:

• No need to make changes to other application information including other benefits, military service dates, etc.

• If paper application submitted by student but institution entered application online at a later date, enter date paper application received as ‘Date Student Submitted Application’ and click on ‘Submit’

1. To submit/view/edit benefit checklist and calculator for student, click on ‘Calculator’


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1. Select term to submit, view or edit a benefit checklist and calculator for that term

2. Click on ‘Get Data’ button

NOTE: Lifetime Benefit Disbursed information displayed here


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Current Status of MDVA verification of eligibility based on military service verified displays on calculator

3. Complete all required fields marked with (*) including School Official Name and Date Award Calculated

4. Click on ‘Calculate’

5. To save benefit checklist and calculator, click on ‘Save’


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Note: May list benefits sent directly to institution under one benefit type and those sent to student under another

1. Click on ‘View and Update Student Disbursements by Term’ to view award and disbursement info by term


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1. Select desired term

2. Click ‘Get Data’

3. Click on ‘Edit’ link next to student’s SSN to update disbursement amount for an individual student


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5. To save disbursement amount, click on ‘Update’ link next to student’s SSN

4. Enter amount disbursed to studentNote: Amount cannot be more than Term Award


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MN GI BillOnline Process – Questions??

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Contact Information

Megan FitzGibbonMinnesota Office of Higher EducationManager of Scholarship Programs1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 350Saint Paul, Minnesota [email protected] (651)355-0606(800)657-3866 (651)642-0675 (FAX)

Dave BellefeuilleMDVA Higher Ed Veterans ProgramsDirector of Veterans Education and [email protected] (651)757-1564

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mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Minnesota GI Bill May 7, 2015 1. Agenda Minnesota GI Bill Overview of Program Review of Online...

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