VA Benefits for Guardsman and Reservists

[JeffA_AE]

I have been fighting tooth and nail with the Department of Veterans Affairs trying to figure out eligibilty requirements and overall funding for Guard and Reserve Soldiers. Please keep in mind this is just my interpretation of what I have found out so far, and the great folks at ATP have been a tremendous help along the way. I just wanted to post this info to give other Guard and Reserve Soldiers something to consider when making their financial plans for ATP.

The VA Reimbursement of $29,577 cited on the VA tab of the ATP website comes from Active Duty Chapter 30 benefits. The eligibly criteria to receive Chapter 30 benefits recently changed (less than two weeks ago) and now to be eligible, you'd need to spend 24 CONSECUTIVE months on Title 10 Active Duty. I have been deployed 4 times, and currently have over 50 months of Federal Title 10 time (one weekend a month my @$$!), but my longest total period on active duty is 19 months, so I’m not eligible.

I am, however, eligible for the Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606) and REAP (1607) educational benefits.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the two programs:

Chapter 1606 Selected Reserve:

Flight payments are paid at 60% of the approved charges. Entitlement is charged at the rate of one month for each $329 paid.

I cant remember if the average Soldier has 36 or 48 months of entitlement, so here are both figures.

- $329 x 48 mo. = $15,792 in VA reimbursement.
- $329 x 36 mo. = $11,844 in VA reimbursement.


Chapter 1607 Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)

This is where I got a little confused. The www.gibill.va.gov website says flight training is reimbursed at:
- 40% Level: 24% of the approved cost of course
- 60% Level: 36% of the approved cost of course
- 80% Level: 48% of the approved cost of course

The VA doesn’t cover certain things like some supplies, housing and a few other expenses included in the ACPP total cost. With some quick math and the help of my trusty Windows calculator, I believe the total amount of the VA-ACPP which the VA considers grounds for reimbursement is $49,295. This means that reimbursement on the:

40% Level will pay $11,830
60% Level will pay $17,764
80% Level will pay $23,661

The VA website says, “Entitlement is charged based on the rate of one month for a benefit amount equal to the full-time institutional rate.” I dont know if the Institutional Rate is set by ATP or if its the "Institutional Training" rate listed on the VA Website. Also, I dont know what determins what "Level" someone would be paid on.

Like I said before, this is my interpretation of the information I have found. If anyone has anything else to add or correct, please do so. I am still trying to find out answers to the things I dont know, and as soon as I do, I will post them on here too.

-Jeff

[ATP_James]

WOW!!

Have you been working with Carl at the scheduling center to get this all figured out?

[JeffA_AE]

Yes sir, I have talked to Carl, as well as education officers from Fort Hood, Fort Stewart and Fort Bliss, and I call the VA directly every day (mostly just to see how many different answers I get to the same question).

I found out about the REAP Chapter 1607 reimbursement level percentages too. Its based on how many continuous months of Active Duty you have.

- 40% Level if you have consecutive service of 90 days but less than 1 year
- 60% Level if you have consecutive service of 1-2 years
- 80% Level if you have consecutive service of 2+ years

*IET time doesnt count even though it is technically active duty time.

Another thing to keep in mind is the consequences of previously using benefits. There is a pretty substantial decrease in total available funds for every month you have used GI Bill benefits in the past. I used some for my Bachelors degree, but luckily I got so frustrated with the bureaucracy of trying to keep the claim open that I just gave up and found other means to pay for school, thus leaving more $$$ for ATP!

[ATP_James]

I understand your frustration.

We've been told by the VA that 1607 is the most difficult chapter when it comes to determining benefit dollar amounts.

We have been told by the VA that we should direct each individual to contact the VA at 888-442-4551. Is that the number you're using?

Have you been able to determine the amount that you will qualify for?

[JeffA_AE]

Hey James. The first time I tried using my VA benefits, I was a brand new Private E-2 fresh out of basic training and AIT. I had no idea what went into dealing with government agencies. Since then Ive gotten older and wiser...well, older at least. Either way, learning has occurred since then, and I have a much more realistic expectation this time around.

I wont know how much $$$ I'm going to get until I get my COE. When I made my daily call to the VA yesterday (that 888 number is the one I use) I told them to sign me up for the 1607 benefits (my app was already submitted, they were just waiting on me to make my decision between 1606 and 1607). When I get the COA I will find out how much money I have remaining. I know it wont be any more than $17k though. Even though I had my heart (and plans) set on the $29.5k, $17k ain't too shabby! If it turns out to be anything less than $10k I will just go ahead and pay for it all out of pocket and go with the $10k cheaper non-VA ACPP. I should be eligible for the Professional Testing & Certification Program as well, so that will help.

[ATP_James]

Jeff,

Carl has an answer for you. At least it was verified by two sources at the VA.

You can always do the Instrument rating part 141 get VA reimbursed for that and then do the non VA commercial program. You wouldn't need to pay the additional $10,000.

You'd pay $44,995 for the ACPP minus what the VA picked up for your instrument training.

Hope that makes sense. Call Carl for the details of how it would work for you.

[JeffA_AE]

James,

Man...you guys are awesome! What you're talking about makes perfect sense. I will call Carl today and see if I can get a breakdown of the prices.

If I do a split option like this, I assume it would still be considered the ACPP and be qualified for housing, right?

Thanks James,
Jeff

[ATP_James]

Originally Posted by JeffA_AE

James,

If I do a split option like this, I assume it would still be considered the ACPP and be qualified for housing, right?

If you enroll in the Fast Track Airline Career Pilot Program housing is included. The "split option" would still include housing.