• INTRODUCTION
• TYPES OF BENEFITS
• STEPS REQUIRED TO ATTEND USM AND RECEIVE VETERANS EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS
• DEGREE STATUS
• APPLYING FOR BENEFITS
• USM REQUEST FOR CERTIFICATION
• FINANCIAL/REGISTRATION POLICIES
• VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER AND OTHER IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the University of Southern Maine. This handbook is provided as a source of information for students eligible to receive VA Educational Benefits. Although the handbook does offer extensive information, it is not comprehensive. It cannot answer every question you may have. As a result, you should always check with the USM Office of Veterans Services or the Veterans Administration to confirm your understanding of particular VA Regulations or requirements which may affect you.

The USM Office of Veterans Services was established in 1974. Located in the Advising Services Office in Payson Smith Hall on the Portland Campus, the staff assists USM students with the the process of obtaining VA Educational Benefits. Application forms and basic information are available; however, the office is not a unit attached to the Veterans Administration and inquiries regarding eligibility for benefits, status of awards, or the release dates of checks are referred to the VA in Buffalo, New York. We do our best to assist you with your benefits questions, admissions questions, and basic University procedure questions.

It is important that you keep the USM Office of Veterans Services informed of any changes in your schedule, address, or telephone number.

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VA EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS

Students attending USM who are eligible to receive VA Educational Benefits may qualify for one of the following Chapters of the GI Bill of Educational Assistance:

CHAPTER 30
The Montgomery GI Bill provides educational assistance to veteran students who enlisted after July 1, 1985, and who contributed $1200.00 or were eligible for Chapter 34 and had no break in service from October 1984 to July 1, 1988.

CHAPTER 31
The Vocational Rehabilitation Program provides educational benefits to veteran students who receive or are entitled to receive compensation for a service-related disability. Eligibility is determined by the VA and usually begins with a service-related disability of 10% or greater. Veteran students under Chapter 31 have the cost of tuition, fees, books, and supplies paid by the Veterans Administration and also receive a monthly benefit check.

CHAPTER 35
Dependents of a veteran whose death or disability was service-connected may be eligible for monthly benefits. (Dependents may include a husband/widower, wife/widow, child or stepchild). Dependents may also be eligible to receive a tuition waiver from Maine Veterans' Services. The student should contact Maine Veterans' Services or the USM Office of Veterans Services for specific guidelines.

CHAPTER 1606
People who enlist for six years or longer in the Selected Reserve or National Guard after July 1, 1986, may be eligible to receive these educational benefits. Eligibility is determined by the Department of Defense.

CHAPTER 1607
Established as a part of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005. It is a new Department of Defense education benefit program designed to provide educational assistance to members of the Reserve components called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency (contingency operation) as declared by the President or Congress. This new program makes certain individuals who were activated after September 11, 2001 either eligible for education benefits or eligible for increased benefits.

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STEPS REQUIRED TO ATTEND USM AND RECEIVE VETERANS EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS

1. PROCESS AN ADMISSION APPLICATION
   1. Complete an application to USM and submit it to the Admissions Office with the application fee.*
   2. Request High School and College Transcripts.
   3. When applicable request Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) Scores.
2. APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID (OPTIONAL)
3. RECEIVE ACADEMIC ADVISING
4. REGISTER FOR COURSES
5. COMPLETE VA PAPER WORK FOR EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS
   • Applying for VA Educational Benefits

6. COMPLETE USM REQUEST FOR CERTIFICATION FORM

7. ATTEND CLASS

* Veterans under Chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation may be reimbursed for this fee.

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CENTER FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION

VETERANS/DEPENDENTS WHO WANT TO USE VA EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS FOR NON-CREDIT PROGRAMS SHOULD CONTACT STACY CALDERWOOD AT (207) 780-5904.

DEGREE STATUS

Students receiving VA Educational Benefits must apply for admission to USM and be accepted into a degree program to be eligible to receive VA Educational Benefits. They must take courses that fulfill degree requirements in their major, the core curriculum, and/or electives. The Veterans Administration will pay benefits for two semesters to a non-matriculated student. For an application or more information regarding the admission process, please contact the Office of Admission at (207) 780-5670.

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APPLYING FOR VA EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS

All veterans/dependents must complete an Application for Educational Benefits.
Please note: All forms can be obtained from the USM Office of Veterans Services

• CHAPTER 30: COMPLETE VA FORM 1990
• Chapter 30/1606 Checklist 
• CHAPTER 31: COMPLETE VA FORM 1900
  
• CHAPTER 35: COMPLETE VA FORM 5490
• Chapter 35 Checklist 
• CHAPTER 1606: COMPLETE VA FORM 1990
• Chapter 30/1606 Checklist 
• Chapter 1607: Complete VA FORM 1990 or 1995 (whichever is applicable)
  • Chapter 1607 Checklist
    

All veterans must submit a copy of their DD-214 or a Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE)

CHAPTER 31 VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
Veteran must complete and submit VA Form 1900 to the Vocational Rehabilitation Division at Togus. If accepted into the Vocational Rehabilitation Program, the veteran will be required to attend a counseling session with a Counselor at Togus to discuss educational goals. Vocational Rehabilitation will notify Student Billing and the USM Office of Veterans Services of the veteran's eligibility. Vocational Rehabilitation will pay for the tuition, books, fees, and supplies.

CHAPTER 35 DEPENDENTS
Dependents must complete and submit VA Form 5490. The dependent may also be eligible for tuition assistance from the State of Maine. He or she should contact Maine Veterans' Services, State House Station 117, Augusta, Maine 04333. The application is also available in the USM Office of Veterans Services.

CHAPTER 1606 SELECTED RESERVE/NATIONAL GUARD NEW GI BILL
Student must complete and submit VA Form 1990 and have a Notice of Basic Eligibility completed by his or her unit. These forms may be returned to the USM Office of Veterans Services and we will forward them to the appropriate VA Regional Office.

CHAPTER 1607 RESERVE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (REAP)
If you have never submitted an Education Claim to VA:
Submit an Application for “Application for VA Education Benefits” (VA Form 22-1990) and submit any available documents such as your Discharge from Military Service (DD Form 214), copies of orders to active duty and anything else available as evidence of qualifying service. Annotate “Chapter 1607” prominently on all correspondence and documents.

If you have previously filed a claim for Education Benefits:
A new application form is not required. However, you should submit any available documents such as your Discharge from Military Service (DD Form 214), copies of orders to active duty and anything else available as evidence of qualifying service to help establish eligibility for this program. You should also submit a “Request for Change of Program or Place of Training” (VA Form 22-1995) which should be annotated “1607.” Annotate “Chapter 1607” prominently on all correspondence and documents.

ACTIVE DUTY PERSONNEL
A student on active duty may be eligible for VA Educational Benefits. He/she must complete and submit VA Form 1990.

PLEASE NOTE: ACTIVE DUTY PERSONNEL ARE PAID ONLY THE COST OF TUITION AND FEES.

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USM REQUEST FOR CERTIFICATION

All students who receive VA Educational Benefits must complete and submit a REQUEST FOR CERTIFICATION FORM each time he/she registers for courses. This can and should be done at the time of registration. If the REQUEST FOR CERTIFICATION FORM is not submitted at least thirty days prior to the beginning of the semester it may cause a delay in the arrival of the first benefit check. The purpose of the REQUEST FOR CERTIFICATION is to signal the USM Office of Veterans Services that you are taking courses and the appropriate paperwork will then be forwarded to the Veterans Administration. Failure to complete USM's REQUEST FOR CERTIFICATION will prevent the Veterans Administration from processing your benefits. If the VA is unable to process your benefits, you will not receive benefit payments for this semester.

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BREAK PAY

Veteran/dependent students enrolled in six or more credit hours will receive break pay between semesters: FALL/SPRING, SPRING/SUMMER, SUMMER/FALL, provided there is not more than a thirty (30) day break in class attendance between the ending of one semester and the beginning of the next semester.

ADVANCE PAY

Advance pay consists of the first two monthly benefit checks paid in a lump sum at the beginning of the semester. Advance pay may be requested 30 to 120 days BEFORE the beginning of the semester. The advance pay check is sent to the USM Office of Veterans Services as enrollment must be verified before the check can be released. The student is notified when the check arrives and must come to the office to sign for the check. All other VA Educational Benefit checks are mailed directly to the student. Students who do not attend for a semester or during the Summer are eligible to receive advance pay.

FINANCIAL AID

All veteran/dependent students should apply for Federal Financial Aid. Receiving Educational Benefits from the VA does not disqualify a veteran/dependent student from receiving Financial Aid. Types of Financial Aid include grants, student loans, and work-study. Financial Aid Applications are available in Payson Smith Hall, Portland, and Corthell Hall, Gorham.

TUTORIAL SERVICES

Students receiving VA Educational Benefits may be eligible for tutorial assistance. For more information veterans/dependents who may be experiencing problems with course work should contact the USM Office of Veterans Services. Students may also want to contact the Learning Center.

COURSE REPEAT POLICY

The repeat policy for the University of Southern Maine states: "When a student repeats a course and earns a grade of A,B,C,D,F, or P, the initial grade remains on the transcript, but only the later grade is used in computing the grade point average or for credit. No course in which one of the above grades has been earned may be repeated more than once without written permission of the Dean or Director of the appropriate school, college, or division. This policy does not apply to courses specifically designed to be repeated."

If a veteran/dependent receives a grade that is unacceptable to the particular school or college, the VA will pay for the course to be repeated ONE time only.

CREDIT HOURS AND BENEFITS FOR UNDERGRADUATES

Monthly benefit rates for all VA Educational Assistance are based on the number of credit hours taken during each semester. Twelve credit hours is considered to be full-time. Nine credit hours is three-quarter time, and six hours is considered half-time. Students enrolled in less than six credit hours will only receive payment for the cost of tuition and fees. All benefit checks, except advance pay, are sent directly to the veteran/dependent at the end of each month of attendance. Chapter 30 payment is generally six weeks after the start date of the semester. USM will not allow veterans/dependents to defer payment of bills based on VA Educational Benefits. Vocational Rehabilitation is the exception to this rule, because the Veterans Administration compensates USM directly for these students.

CREDIT HOURS AND BENEFITS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS

Monthly benefit rates for all VA Educational Assistance are based on the number of credit hours taken during each semester. In the graduate program six credit hours is considered full-time. Four to five credit hours is three-quarter time, and three credit hours is half-time. Students enrolled in less than three credit hours (one-quarter time) will receive payment for cost of tuition and fees.

LAW SCHOOL

VETERANS/DEPENDENTS ATTENDING THE SCHOOL OF LAW SHOULD CONTACT THE REGISTRAR AT THE LAW SCHOOL FOR ALL VETERAN STUDENT INFORMATION: (207) 780-4346

BILLING

All students who do not receive Financial Aid are expected to pay the University upon receipt of their bills. (Dependents who are eligible to have his or her tuition waived by the State of Maine are only responsible for fees which are not covered by the tuition waiver). Students may participate in USM's Payment Plan. For more information please contact Student Billing.

If a student repeatedly fails to satisfy his or her financial obligation to USM, the Student Billing Office may exercise the option to cancel the student's registration. A cancellation of registration would immediately place the veteran/dependent student in a state of overpayment of VA Educational Benefits for that semester, and he or she would be required to repay the Veterans Administration.

AUDIT

The VA WILL NOT pay educational benefits for courses that are audited.

ADDS/DROPS/WITHDRAWALS

ADDS:
If a veteran/dependent student adds a course, he or she must contact the USM Office of Veterans Services. A change in credit hours will sometimes mean a change in enrollment status resulting in an increase of VA Educational Benefits.

NOTE:
The following information is an attempt to summarize a very complex VA Regulation concerning drops and/or withdrawals. For additional information contact the USM Office of Veterans Services or The Veterans Administration.

DROPS:
If a student reduces his or her credits during the first 30 days of the semester and the reduction results in a change in the full or part-time enrollment status of the student, benefits are not reduced for that month. The student must notify the USM Office of Veterans Services of any reduction in credit hours. A reduction in benefits will take place beginning with the next month.

WITHDRAWALS:
If a student withdraws from a course, benefits may be reduced back to the first day of the semester if mitigating circumstances are not reported to the VA. Students are allowed a one-time automatic mitigating circumstance if they remain in at least six credit hours. If there are extenuating circumstances, he or she must submit a statement of explanation. This will be forwarded to the VA by the USM Office of Veterans Services. The student should realize that the submission of the statement WILL NOT guarantee that he or she will be released from the overpayment liability. The VA has the final authority to determine whether or not the circumstances are acceptable.

CHANGE OF PROGRAM

Under the law, a person receiving VA Educational Benefits is entitled to an unlimited number of program (major) changes as long as no more than 12 credit hours are lost in the resulting change. All major changes must be reported in writing to the USM Office of Veterans Services.

VA WORK-STUDY

Chapters 30, 31, 35, and 1606 may qualify for VA Work-Study if they are enrolled at least three-quarter time. The veteran or dependent student may work as many as 25 hours per week. Pay rate will be the current Federal Minimum Wage and is tax free. For more information contact the USM Office of Veterans Services.

SUPPLEMENTAL & CONCURRENT ENROLLMENTS

A student may take courses at more than one school that apply to his or her degree. The school that will grant the degree is the "parent" institution. All other schools are "non-parent" institutions. The VA can pay benefits for courses taken at "non-parent" institutions, provided the student submits a Form ME - 315 to his or her "parent" institution.
 

VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER

The VRC provides USM students who are veterans and dependents of veterans with information, referrals and services that can help them succeed in college.  Located in 119 Payson Smith Hall, the Center is staffed by VA Work Study Students.  It is open from 8 AM-4:30 PM (Monday-Friday) and 8 AM-6 PM on Tuesday.

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IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

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