Veterans Benefits Blog

The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee chairwoman is set to introduce on Wednesday, May 11, 2011, a bill that would require separating service members to attend the Transition Assistance Program, more frequently known amongst service members and veterans as “TAPs.” As it stands today, the TAPs class is a voluntary program meant to assist service members in achieving employment post military service. The course currently offers guidance in resumé writing, job-search techniques and interview preparation for departing Enlisted and Officer service men and women.

TAPs is available to all departing service members, discharged other than dishonorably. Unfortunately, most service members are unaware of this opportunity. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., is proposing to make the program mandatory. It appears the “Hiring Heroes” bill would maintain the same TAPs course format; there is no indication that the chairwoman is seeking any changes to what is offered. A substantial change to the program in general, however, is the government involvement in follow up.

Sen. Murray is critical of the government’s lack of assistance once service men and women separate from active duty. While the TAPs program is a step in the right direction, there is no follow up to continue to assist the veteran. It is important to note that there are programs available to assist veterans in obtaining employment after they have separated, if they ask for assistance. But again, according to Sen. Murray, many veterans are unaware of these services. The Hiring Heroes bill would require the government to contact veterans and notify them of these services while following up on their progress.

Additional programs would be available for disabled veterans as well, providing an additional 24 months of vocational rehabilitation and employment services, if the bill is passed.

To find out more information about the proposed bill, visit: http://murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?a=Files.Serve&File_id=0ea542fe-c8c9-4d9a-ae4d-bc67ffa0f909To find out more information about current Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment services, visit: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/

Jessica Mast Flage Education Benefits, FAQs FAQs, Veterans Benefits Legislation, Veterans legislation

The New GI Bill education benefits will be effective for programs starting after August 1, 2009. To be eligible, you must have had at least 90 days of active duty since 9/11/01, or have been honorably discharged after at least 30 days with a service connected disability. Full benefits require 36 months active duty, or discharge from service with a service connected disability, but reduced benefits are available for lengths of active duty between 90 days and 36 months.

The bill covers tuition and fees up to the cost of the most expensive public college in the state. Tuition and fees are paid directly to the school. There is a $1000 per year stipend for books and supplies, and a housing allowance which varies depending on the region. Private colleges can be paid up to the maximum public college tuition and fees and can also participate, through the Yellow Ribbon initiative, in a program which allows colleges to waive tuition and fees above the maximum otherwise allowed. That additional amount will be matched by the government.

VA’s website has more information about the education benefits. You can find this information at
www.gibill.va.gov.

Since the details of the program are still a “work in progress,” you can also sign up for email notifications of changes or developments in the program.

Sandra W Wischow Education Benefits, GI Bill Education Benefits, GI Bill