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Latest VA education benefit policy changes, rate updates, and important announcements
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2024-2025 Academic Year Benefit Rate Increase
Annual cost-of-living adjustment increases benefit rates across all chapters
Details
All VA education benefit payment rates increased effective August 1, 2024. Chapter 33 max tuition increased to $28,937.18. Chapter 30 MGIB full-time rate increased to $2,150/month. Chapter 35 DEA full-time rate increased to $1,488/month. Online MHA rate increased to $1,054.50/month. Book stipend remains $41.67 per credit hour with $1,000 annual cap.
Effective Date
August 1, 2024
⚠️ Action Required
Update any rate cards, calculators, or advising materials with new 2024-25 rates. Review certifications to ensure students receive correct amounts.
Clarification on Online Course MHA Impact
Even ONE online course drops entire MHA to online rate
Details
VA reiterates policy: If a student takes even one credit hour that is online-only, the ENTIRE MHA for that term is paid at the online rate ($1,054.50/month), not the residential BAH rate. This applies even if the student is taking 11 in-person credits and 1 online credit. The determination is made per term. Hybrid courses (meeting both online and in-person) count as in-person.
Effective Date
Ongoing policy clarification
⚠️ Action Required
Clearly inform students during advising that any online courses affect their entire MHA. Document online vs in-person status for each course when certifying. Track carefully in Enrollment Manager.
📚 Resources
Enhanced SAP Monitoring Requirements
VA emphasizes proactive SAP monitoring during compliance surveys
Details
Recent compliance surveys show increased focus on schools' proactive SAP monitoring. VA expects schools to: (1) Monitor grades continuously, not just at term end, (2) Reach out to struggling students early, (3) Document SAP counseling provided, (4) Have clear SAP policies readily available, (5) Maintain SAP appeal documentation for 3+ years. Schools with poor SAP monitoring receiving compliance findings.
Effective Date
Immediate
⚠️ Action Required
Review SAP monitoring procedures. Implement mid-term grade checks for VA students. Document all SAP counseling. Prepare SAP documentation for compliance surveys.
Enrollment Manager System Improvements and New Features
Enrollment Manager receiving user interface updates and new reporting features
Details
Enrollment Manager system undergoing improvements: (1) New dashboard with certification statistics, (2) Improved search functionality, (3) Bulk amendment capabilities for eligible situations, (4) Enhanced reporting tools, (5) Mobile-responsive interface improvements. Updates rolling out gradually through summer 2024. Training webinars available.
Effective Date
Rolling updates May-August 2024
⚠️ Action Required
Attend Enrollment Manager training webinars. Familiarize yourself with new interface. Test new features in non-production environment first.
Many Schools Expanding Yellow Ribbon Programs
Increase in schools offering Yellow Ribbon and higher contribution amounts
Details
Trend: More private schools and out-of-state public schools expanding Yellow Ribbon programs for 2024-25. Some schools increasing contribution amounts or removing caps on number of students. Schools must sign new Yellow Ribbon agreements with VA annually. Verify your school's current Yellow Ribbon status and amounts.
Effective Date
Varies by school for 2024-25
⚠️ Action Required
Verify if your school offers Yellow Ribbon. Know contribution amounts. Update advising materials. Ensure Yellow Ribbon indicated correctly in Enrollment Manager certifications.
Improved VR&E Counselor-School Coordination Emphasized
VA requesting better communication between VR&E counselors and schools
Details
VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (Chapter 31) emphasizing three-way communication between VR&E counselor, school, and student. Schools should: (1) Contact counselor before certifying each term, (2) Verify courses are on rehabilitation plan, (3) Report academic progress issues immediately, (4) Coordinate with counselor for any program changes. VR&E students have unique needs - work closely with counselors.
Effective Date
Immediate
⚠️ Action Required
Establish direct contact with VR&E counselors for your Chapter 31 students. Create communication protocol. Document counselor approvals before certifying.
Stricter Enforcement of 30-Day Certification Deadline
VA addressing chronic late certifications with compliance actions
Details
VA reports significant delays in student payments due to late certifications. Increased focus during compliance surveys on certification timeliness. Schools with pattern of certifying beyond 30 days may face: (1) Additional training requirements, (2) More frequent compliance surveys, (3) Potential loss of approval for new programs. Late certifications harm students and violate regulations.
Effective Date
Immediate enforcement
⚠️ Action Required
Audit your certification timelines. Set up calendar reminders for 14 days after term start. Consider automated alerts. Train backup VASCO. Prioritize timely certification.
Enhanced Documentation Required for Concurrent Enrollment
VA requiring better documentation of concurrent enrollment arrangements
Details
For concurrent enrollment (student taking courses at multiple schools): VA now emphasizing proper documentation. Each host school must have: (1) Official Letter of Concurrent Enrollment from home school, (2) Verification that courses are on home school's degree plan, (3) Consortium agreement if applicable, (4) Clear communication between schools on certification timing. Compliance surveys checking concurrent enrollment documentation.
Effective Date
Immediate
⚠️ Action Required
If certifying concurrent enrollment students: Obtain and keep Letter of Concurrent Enrollment, verify courses with home school, document in Enrollment Manager remarks, coordinate certification timing.