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Veterans' education benefits could be put on hold
New Post 9/11 GI Bill scheduled to become effective Aug. 1, but many are skeptical that it will be complete by then
Rebecca Johnson
Issue date: 4/23/09 Section: News
By Rebecca Johnson
The Daily Barometer
A new chapter of veteran's education benefits, known as the Post 9/11 GI Bill, is scheduled to become effective Aug. 1.
There has been skepticism as to whether the Department of Veterans Affairs will be able meet this deadline.
For those who qualify, the benefits, also known as chapter 33, are the most extensive seen by any veteran's education benefit program.
The benefits are good for up to 36 months and will cover the cost of tuition and fees up to the most expensive tuition rate for a public university in the state, according to a letter sent out by the VA.
Students will also receive $1,000 a year for books and supplies and a housing stipend based on the cost of living for the area. For Corvallis, it is expected to be around $800 a month.
"This is the best education benefits that the VA has come up with so far," said Mitch Sparks, manager of the claims department at the Salem veteran's office.
The VA announced that veterans can begin applying for chapter 33 benefits on May 1, with payments being made by fall term.
But all the work that is still left to be done leaves some wondering how the VA can ensure that benefits will be available to veterans by next school year.
Keith Wilson, Veteran's Affairs education service director, went before the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs on March 25 to comment on the progress being made.
He told the committee that there is still a lot to be done, but insisted that the VA will be ready to start receiving applications in May and processing and sending out checks in August.
What has made the process so problematic is the VA's current method for distributing and calculating benefits.
Called the Benefits Delivery Network, it is the system responsible for delivering funds to intended recipients.
In the past, payments from the VA would be distributed in one lump sum directly to the student to cover educational costs.
The Daily Barometer
A new chapter of veteran's education benefits, known as the Post 9/11 GI Bill, is scheduled to become effective Aug. 1.
There has been skepticism as to whether the Department of Veterans Affairs will be able meet this deadline.
For those who qualify, the benefits, also known as chapter 33, are the most extensive seen by any veteran's education benefit program.
The benefits are good for up to 36 months and will cover the cost of tuition and fees up to the most expensive tuition rate for a public university in the state, according to a letter sent out by the VA.
Students will also receive $1,000 a year for books and supplies and a housing stipend based on the cost of living for the area. For Corvallis, it is expected to be around $800 a month.
"This is the best education benefits that the VA has come up with so far," said Mitch Sparks, manager of the claims department at the Salem veteran's office.
The VA announced that veterans can begin applying for chapter 33 benefits on May 1, with payments being made by fall term.
But all the work that is still left to be done leaves some wondering how the VA can ensure that benefits will be available to veterans by next school year.
Keith Wilson, Veteran's Affairs education service director, went before the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs on March 25 to comment on the progress being made.
He told the committee that there is still a lot to be done, but insisted that the VA will be ready to start receiving applications in May and processing and sending out checks in August.
What has made the process so problematic is the VA's current method for distributing and calculating benefits.
Called the Benefits Delivery Network, it is the system responsible for delivering funds to intended recipients.
In the past, payments from the VA would be distributed in one lump sum directly to the student to cover educational costs.
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