VA Information and FAQ
www.va.gov
Doane Lincoln/Grand Island VA Representative
Angie Klasek, Services Coordinator, 402-466-4774
Doane Crete VA Representative
Denise Ellis, Registrar, 402-826-6771
How do I get my benefits started? You must complete an application for VA education benefits for an eligibility determination. If you are applying for the first time as a veteran or reservist/National Guard soldier, VA Form 22-1990 is the appropriate application. If you are claiming education benefits as a dependent of a veteran, VA Form 22-5490 should be completed. If you have previously used VA education benefits, you may complete a short form application - VA Form 22-1995 (veterans/reservists) or VA Form 22-5495 if you are a dependent. Veterans are encouraged to provide member copy # 4 of the DD Form 214. Reservists/National Guard soldiers should obtain a Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) from your unit administrative official. These forms should be turned into your campus VA representative. Please note that all applications for education benefits are available at the gibill website and may be filed electronically or downloaded and submitted by paper.
What chapter am I? How much money am I eligible for? Education programs administered by VA include Chapters 30, 32, 35, 1606, and 1607. For additional information about these different chapters and the payment rates, please visit the VA website at www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/rates.htm.
Is my VA money sent to me or Doane? Education benefits are paid in arrears. VA checks are sent directly to the student at the current mailing address on record or by direct deposit. Direct deposit is available for all programs except Chapter 35. You can call toll free 1-877-838-2778 to sign up or change your direct deposit. Please remember that it is your responsibility to satisfy your financial obligation to Doane College.
How long does is take to receive my money? The first time you complete the Application for VA Education Benefits it will take about 8-10 weeks for processing to be completed by the St. Louis Regional Processing Office. At extremely busy times, such as the beginning of the fall term, processing may exceed 10 weeks. You will receive an award letter from VA when processing has been completed. Please read and keep this document since it contains important information about your benefit as well as instructions on how to self-verify your enrollment (if required).
How often does Doane report my enrollment to the VA? Doane submits an enrollment certification report to the VA each term/semester you are enrolled. These reports are done after census. Check the academic calendar to find the census date for the current term/semester.
I haven't received my money and I am concerned whom should I contact? You may call VA's toll-free number 1-888-442-4551 or submit a secure e-mail through the VA Inquiry System at www.gibill.va.gov. You can select the "Ask a Question" link to set up an e-mail account. Your inquiries will be answered by a VA employee generally within 7-10 days.
How much time do I have to use my money? This varies based on the education program for which you establish eligibility. Each education chapter is unique, and the entitlement-time period to use the benefit is established by law. There are fact sheets for each education chapter at the gibill website.
Can I receive Financial Aid and VA benefits? Yes. However when completing your FA application you need to declare the VA benefits you are receiving.
I need a refresher/developmental/remedial course to be successful in school. Will the VA cover it? Yes
I received an F in a course. Will the VA pay for me to retake it? Yes, the VA will pay to retake a course once. If you are unsuccessful twice, the VA generally will not pay for a third repeat.
I received a D in a course. Will the VA pay for me to retake it? This answer will vary depending on the circumstances. It is best to check with your campus VA representative for details. Questions the VA campus rep will consider include if you need to raise your GPA to get to a 2.0 for graduation. Also if repeating the course is counted in your full-time load or if it is in addition to your full-time load.
I am not doing well in a course and think I should withdraw from it. Will this impact my VA? This depends on if withdrawing from the course impacts your academic load, changing your status for example from full-time to part-time. If you do withdraw from a course and your load changes, you need to submit a statement explaining the circumstances. If you are having difficulty with a particular course, the VA does have a tutorial assistance supplemental benefit.
I am in the Reserves full-time and receive tuition assistance. Am I eligible for VA benefits too? Eligibility is established by the Department of Defense, not VA. Tuition assistance that is State-funded is not considered a duplication of benefit. Check with your National Guard Education Service Officer if you have questions.
I am in the Guard full-time, am I eligible for VA benefits? Eligibility is established by the Department of Defense, not VA. Tuition assistance that is State-funded is not considered a duplication of benefit. Check with your National Guard Education Service Officer if you have questions.
I am Chapter 35 and know some students get a tuition waiver. Am I eligible for that? This is a State benefit established by a Nebraska statute. Tuition waivers are only available through public post-secondary institutions in Nebraska. This does not include Doane. For more information on tuition waivers call the Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs at 402-471-2458.
How much money are Vocational Rehabilitation students eligible for? Voc Rehab students receive funds for tuition as well as a living allowance. The exact benefit will vary per student.
Where do I find more information on Voc Rehab? For more details see your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC), campus VA representative, or visit the Voc Rehab web site at www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/vrs.htm.