ATTACHMENT_B_-_BIBII_IG_20151007v4.pdf

VA Benefits I & II Briefing | INSTRUCTOR GUIDE Transition Tools for a Brighter Future

September 2015, Version 3.0

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Purpose

The primary purpose of this Briefing Management Plan (BMP) is to identify briefing requirements and specify responsibility for each requirement. This BMP contains detailed information pertaining to the execution of the VA Benefits I and II briefings. All personnel involved in delivering the VA Benefits I and II briefings are the primary users of this BMP. There will be no modifications made to the instructor guides and slide decks.

Preparation

Prior to delivering the VA Benefits I and II briefings, it is important that you:

• Download and print the current version of both instructor guides

• Download the current version of both slide decks

• Download all videos

• Set up the “Parking Lot”

• Test equipment and videos* to ensure they are operational

Parking Lot

Collect contact information for those questions still in the “parking lot” and unanswered by the end of the briefing.

Contact Information

Post your contact information in the room.

Videos

Ensure videos and slide decks are synced in the same folder on your computer. To play the videos, click on the video icon in the slide. The videos will open in a separate window through the Windows Media Player.

Double click on the video icon to play in full screen. Once the video has finished, close it out and advance to the next slide.

Computers

During the VA Benefits I briefing, a live navigation of the Veterans Employment Center™ website (refer to separate VEC™ User Guide slides for instruction), and during the VA Benefits II briefing, a live navigation of the VA health care and eBenefits websites is the preferred method of conducting an overview. If computers are not available during the briefings, VA Benefits Advisors are required to use the screenshots provided in the slide deck to provide an overview of VA Health Care and eBenefits.

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Presentation Time

Each topic has an estimated presentation time listed in the VA Benefits I and II briefings Layering Tables.

Materials and Equipment

The following materials and equipment are needed to present all of VA Benefits I and II briefing modules:

• Butcher board paper w/easel

• Post-it notes

• Participant Guide

• VA Benefits I Instructor Guide and slide deck

• VA Benefits II Instructor Guide and slide deck

• Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors

Videos VA Benefits I Briefing

• Economic Landscape—4 minutes

• Introduction to Education, Training, and Upskilling—1 minute

• Introduction to Economic Opportunity—1 minute 30 seconds

• VECI—2 minutes

• Introduction to Estate Planning—1 minute

• Introduction to Housing—1 minute

• Introduction to Health Care—1 minute

• Vet Centers—1 minute

VA Benefits II Briefing

• Introduction to Compensation—1 minute

• Pre-Discharge: BDD and Quick Start—3 minutes

• TEEI Overview—4 minutes

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VA Benefits I Briefing Activities

• Education, Training and Upskilling: Plan Action Timeline Activity

• Economic Opportunity: Plan, Action, Timeline Activity

• Estate Planning: Plan, Action, Timeline Activity

• Housing: Plan, Action, Timeline Activity

• Health Care: Plan, Action, Timeline Activity

VA Benefits II Briefing Activities

• Disability Compensation: Plan, Action, Timeline Activity

Icons

The following icons are used throughout the instructor guides to indicate what type of activity will be conducted.

Activity Demonstration Guide participants through an Present information or through an Activity to support demonstrate an idea.

their learning.

Break Objective Review Take a 10-minute break. Review and summarize module discussion.

Check on Learning Video Conduct check on learning to Show video.

assess their understanding.

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VA Benefits I Briefing Layering Table

VA Benefits I Briefing Layering Table

Module Time (Min.) Subtopics & Activities

Welcome 12

• Advisor Introduction

• Purpose of Briefing

• Materials and Agenda Review

• Ground Rules

• Video – Economic Landscape

• DD 214 Overview

Education, Training, and Upskilling

• Video - Introduction to Education, Training, and Upskilling

• Education and Career Counseling

• Education and Training Benefits

• Upskilling Opportunities

• Activity – Plan, Action, Timeline

• Education, Training, and Upskilling Review Questions

• Module Objective Review

Economic Opportunity

• Video – Introduction to Economic Opportunity

• Video – VECI

• Veterans Employment Center™ (VEC™)

• Activity – VEC™

• VA for Vets

• Veterans Preference

• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)

• Activity – Plan, Action, Timeline

• Economic Opportunity Review Questions

• Module Objective Review

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VA Benefits I Briefing Layering Table

Module Time (Min.) Subtopics & Activities

Estate Planning

• Video – Introduction to Estate Planning

• Life Insurance

• Memorial Benefits

• Activity – Plan, Action, Timeline

• Estate Planning Review Questions

• Module Objective Review

Housing 15

• Video – Introduction to Housing

• Home Loan Guaranty

• Specially Adaptive Housing (SAH) Grant

• Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant

• Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant

• Home Improvement and Structural Alterations (HISA) Program

• Activity – Plan, Action, Timeline

• Housing Review Questions

• Module Objective Review

Health Care 25

• Video – Introduction to Health Care

• Health Care Overview

• Video – Vet Centers

• Counseling and Treatment for Coping with Traumatic Events

• Dental Care

• Activity: Plan, Action, Timeline

• Health Care Review Questions

• Module Objective Review

Moving Forward

• Prepare for Benefits II

• Taking Ownership

• Leveraging Resources

• Individual Assistance

• Closing

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VA Benefits II Briefing Layering Table VA Benefits I Briefing Layering Table VA Benefits II Briefing Layering Table

Module Time (Min.) Subtopics & Activities

Welcome 5

• Advisor Introduction

• Purpose of Briefing

• Agenda Review and Ground Rules

VA Health Care Portal Navigation

• Health Benefits Main Page

• Health Benefits Explorer Tool

• Families of Veterans

• Women Veterans

Compensation 45

• Video – Introduction to Compensation

• VA Pension

• Definition

• Establishing Service Connection

• Pre-Discharge Programs

• Video – BDD and Quick Start

• Applying for Disability Compensation

• Claims Process

• Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay

• Combat-Related Special Compensation

• Ancillary Benefits

• Activity – Plan, Action, Timeline

• Compensation Review Questions

• Module Objective Review eBenefits Navigation

• eBenefits Overview

• Apply for Benefits Tab

• Manage Tab

• Learn Tab

• National Resource Directory Tab

• Contact Tab

• VA Facility Locator

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VA Benefits II Briefing Layering Table

Module Time (Min.) Subtopics & Activities

Moving Forward

• Review Overall VA Briefing Objectives

• Video – TEEI

• Leveraging Resources

• Individual Assistance

• Closing

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Slide 1 Benefits I Briefing Getting Started Advisor Introduction

Good morning/afternoon, and welcome to the VA Benefits I Briefing. I would like to start by thanking you for your service!

My name is ______ and I am a consultant to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

I‘m here today to brief you on the broad range of VA benefits you have earned through your service to our country.

My role is to help you and make sure that you learn what you need to know about VA and VA benefits. I want you to feel comfortable with the information provided in today’s briefing, and I encourage you to ask questions. As some of your questions might be personal in nature, my colleagues and I offer individual assistance sessions where we can discuss your specific concerns. Understanding and using your VA benefits may improve your life through transition and into the future.

Slide 2 Purpose

The purpose of the briefing is to make sure you understand what VA benefits are available to you and how to use them as you transition to civilian life.

This briefing is an overview of VA benefits and is not meant to be a discussion of individual scenarios and circumstances. This overview is designed to introduce you to VA benefits and:

• Identify how they can help your transition into civilian life

• Connect you to the resources that are available

• Provide individual assistance appointments at the conclusion of this briefing, including help with establishing your profile in the Veterans Employment Center™, or VEC™, on eBenefits

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Slide 3 Materials

Throughout this briefing, we will reference the federal benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors, the Federal Benefits Handbook, for short. We’ll also be using the Participant Guide. Feel free to write in these resources; they are for your personal use during the briefing and as a reference tool in the future.

The Federal Benefits Handbook is a comprehensive book that provides benefits information. It is printed by VA once a year and is available online at www.eBenefits.va.gov.

The Participant Guide offers additional information about accessing your VA benefits and assists you in developing your Plan, Action, Timeline tool.

Agenda Review

VA Benefits I and II Briefings consist of six modules and two website navigations. The VA Benefits I Briefing includes:

• Module 1: Education, Training, and Upskilling

• Module 2: Economic Opportunities

• Module 3: Estate Planning

• Module 4: Housing

• Module 5: Health Care

The VA Benefits II Briefing includes the Compensation module as well as navigation of the Health Care and eBenefits portals. We encourage you to attend the VA Benefits II Briefing so that you may have knowledge and information of all the VA benefits that may be available to you. The VA Benefits I Briefing will start the overview of all the benefits process. If you aren’t able to stay for the VA Benefits II Briefing, you should make arrangements to come back for that session because we will walk you through not only compensation benefits but also the VA Health Care portal and eBenefits, which are both critical tools for a successful transition.

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Slide 4 Ground Rules

During today’s briefing, we ask that you:

• Actively participate by engaging in all classroom activities/exercises, taking notes, asking questions, and completing your Plan, Action, Timeline to apply what you have learned

• Respect other participants, including their opinions and values.

• Return from breaks on time

• Hold questions relating to personal circumstances until you’re in an individual assistance session. Feel free to ask general questions throughout the briefing

• Use the computers as directed

• Use the parking lot to place questions throughout the briefing; use sticky notes to write down your questions; I will address them at specified points during the briefing

Economic Landscape Video

Let’s start by watching this video that explains the current economic landscape for today’s Veterans.

Video: Economic Landscape Time: 4 minutes Media/Materials: Video, Projector

VA’s 2015 Veterans Economic Opportunity Report uses key data points to analyze the trends in outcomes for Veteran economic competitiveness, and documents barriers to success as well as how VA benefits can help Veterans achieve more. Taking advantage of your VA benefits will help you reach your education and employment goals.

Now that we understand the opportunities that lie ahead, let’s take a look at one of the most important items for VA benefits: the DD Form 214.

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Slide 5 DD-214 Overview

Your DD Form 214 is your key to accessing VA benefits once you leave the service. A DD-214 sample is located on page _____ of the Participant Guide.

The DD Form 214 is your proof of military service, showing the nature of your discharge, record of service, and current classification code.

You will receive two copies: Member Copy #1 and Member Copy #4.

VA is most interested in #4 because we need to know your length of service and character of service (e.g., honorable, dishonorable, etc.) to determine eligibility for most benefits.

Before you leave active duty, you need to confirm the accuracy of your DD-214 because it’s much more difficult to make changes after separation. In particular, make sure that Block 13 lists all awards you received during service, as this may affect your access to certain VA benefits.

Keep your DD Form 214 in a safe and accessible location. Make sure that your next of kin or designated representative(s) know where it is.

Now that we have discussed employment benefits and DD Form 214, let’s consider how education, training, and upskilling play vital roles in securing meaningful employment.

Slide 6 Module 1: Education, Training, and Upskilling

VA offers many benefits and opportunities to enhance your education, training, and skills.

Video: Introduction to Education, Training, and Upskilling Time: 1 minute Media/Materials: Video, Projector

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

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• Explain how VA education benefits can assist your transition to civilian life

• Locate VA education benefit information using VA resources

• Identify the required form needed to apply for VA education benefits

• Learn about innovative VA programs and partnerships that provide upskilling opportunities

Slide 7 Education and Career Counseling

VA’s Education and Career Counseling program, or Chapter 36, offers a wide range of free personalized educational and career counseling services and support to Servicemembers, Veterans, and eligible dependents, including:

• Guidance on the effective use of your VA education benefits

• Information about other resources to help you achieve your education and career goals

• Assistance with understanding the best career options for you based on your interests and aptitudes

• Assistance with understanding your academic strengths and weaknesses

• One-on-one counseling with a qualified counselor who will help you evaluate your skills and strengths and compare this to your personal career goals

You can take advantage of this great program if you are:

• A Servicemember within six months of discharge from active duty

• A Veteran who has been discharged from active duty for less than a year

• A Servicemember or Veteran who is currently eligible for a VA education benefit

• A current VA education beneficiary

To apply for counseling, complete VA Form 28-8832, Education/ Vocational Counseling Application, which can be found on va.gov.

Mail it to your nearest VA Regional Office.

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For additional information about Chapter 36, see pages ____through ____in your Participant Guide. Refer to the Federal Benefits Handbook page ___ for location and address of your nearest VA Regional Office.

Education and Training Benefits

When Servicemembers and Veterans think of using their GI Bill® benefit, some may consider it only for attending a four-year college or getting an advanced degree. Actually, GI Bill® programs can be used for many types of training, such as:

• Vocational and technical training

• On-the-job training

• Correspondence training

• Flight training

• Licensing and national testing reimbursement

• Entrepreneurship training and potentially start-up funding

• Tutorial assistance

There are several education benefits. The most common GI Bill® is the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, which we will discuss first.

Slide 8 Post-9/11 GI Bill®

The Post-9/11 GI Bill®, also referred to as Chapter 33, is an education benefit program for individuals who served on active duty after September 10, 2001, and received an honorable discharge. The benefits that students receive under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® include tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, and an annual stipend for books and supplies.

Eligibility

Eligibility requirements for the Post-9/11 GI Bill® vary based on the following criteria.

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Active Duty and Veteran

For those who served on active duty, the Post-9/11 GI Bill® provides financial support for education to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate, or total, active duty service after September 10, 2001, or to individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. Servicemembers and Veterans may receive education benefits for up to 36 months. Generally, Veterans have 15 years from the date of last separation from active duty to use the benefit. Refer to www.

benefits.va.gov/gibill for more detailed information.

To be eligible for 100 percent of the benefit, an individual must have served an aggregate of 36 months of active duty service, or have served for 30 continuous days and been discharged from service due to a service-connected disability. For those who served fewer than 36 months, the percentage of benefit ranges from 40 percent to 90 percent. You’ll find more information about this on page ______ of the Participant Guide.

For example, an individual with five months of qualifying service could receive 40 percent of the tuition benefit, 40 percent of the monthly housing allowance, and 40 percent of the books and supplies stipend.

National Guard

Effective October 1, 2011, VA began paying benefits to members of the Army National Guard and Air National Guard based on qualifying service under Title 32. Payments may be made retroactively for enrolling at an approved educational institution for attendance on or after August 1, 2009. The following service may qualify:

• Full-time service in the National Guard for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training

• Activations in support of a national emergency under Section 502(f) of Title 32

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Tuition and Fees

These benefits cover full tuition and fees at in-state public schools for Servicemember beneficiaries and are paid directly to the school on the student’s behalf. VA is working with all public colleges and universities to offer in-state tuition and fees for all recently released Veterans and their family members by December 2015. If your prospective school does not offer this, consult the Section 702 fact sheet on page _____ of the Participant Guide.

Benefits for private and foreign educational institutions are capped at $_____________________ per academic year.

Yellow Ribbon Program

If you plan to attend a private school or a public school as a nonresident student, you may be interested in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Institutions can choose to enter into an agreement with VA to share tuition and fee costs that exceed the in-state tuition charges at a public institution or the fee cap of $_________________ at private institutions. The VA matches each additional dollar that an institution contributes, up to the total cost of tuition and fees. Only Veterans entitled to the 100-percent rate may receive this funding.

Active duty Servicemembers and their spouses are not eligible for this program. Child transferees of active duty Servicemembers may be eligible if the Servicemember is qualified at the 100-percent rate. Check out the link on the GI Bill® website to see which schools participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Books and Supplies Stipend

The stipend for books and supplies gives you up to $______ per academic year, paid proportionately based on enrollment (e.g., full time, part time). If you are enrolled in a non-college-degree, apprenticeship, or on-the-job training program, the benefit pays $____ per month up to $_____ per year. Once the school verifies your enrollment, VA will process the payment and send it to you directly.

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Monthly Housing Allowance

The Monthly Housing Allowance, or MHA, is equivalent to the Basic Allowance for Housing, or BAH, for an E-5 with dependents based on the school’s ZIP code. For those attending classes at a greater than halftime rate, and at least one class in a “brick and mortar” setting, the benefit is paid proportionately based on enrollment and is sent directly to the student. Any attendance under full time will be prorated while attendance half time or less does not qualify for MHA. Distance learners get half of the national BAH average, which is currently $__________.

Slide 9 Transfer of Entitlement

Under the Transfer of Entitlement, or TOE, benefit, eligible Servicemembers may be able to transfer unused GI Bill® educational benefits to eligible dependents. It serves as a retention program for the Department of Defense, or DoD. To take advantage of this benefit, Servicemembers are usually required to serve additional years under rules established by DoD or the Department of Homeland Security.

Each service has its own rules about a Servicemember’s eligibility for this program, and you must transfer the benefit while you are still in the Armed Forces (which includes the Selected Reserve). If you choose to transfer at least one month to your eligible dependents before leaving military service, the dependent may be eligible to receive additional months of entitlement. More information is available at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.

To apply for benefits under the TOE program, eligible dependents must complete VA Form 22-1990e, Application for Family Member to Use Transferred Benefits.

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Slide 10 Montgomery GI Bill®—Active Duty

The Montgomery GI Bill®–Active Duty, or MGIB-AD or Chapter 30, is a benefit that provides up to 36 months of educational benefits to eligible Veterans with a high school diploma and an honorable discharge. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following release from active duty. These benefits are paid directly to the student, unlike the Post-9/11 GI Bill® where the benefit is paid to the school. If the MGIB-AD benefit is used on active duty, the Servicemember will be paid only for the cost of tuition and fees. Check www.benefits.va.gov/gibill for activation specifics.

Montgomery GI Bill®—Selected Reserve

The Montgomery GI Bill® –Selected Reserve, or MGIB-SR or Chapter 1606, is for Selected Reserve Servicemembers who meet certain requirements, including a six-year commitment. This benefit requires a high school diploma or certificate, and eligibility is determined by the Reserve component. Normally, eligibility ends on the day you leave Selected Reserve unless you were mobilized. For more information, visit www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Reserve Educational Assistance Program

Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP), or Chapter 1607, is a DoD education benefit program. Under this program, Reservists who were activated for at least 90 days after September 10, 2001, may be eligible for education benefits based on length of service.

To apply for any of these VA education benefits, submit VA Form 22- 1990, Application for VA Education Benefits, online at www.ebenefits.

va.gov.

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Irrevocable Election

If you are eligible for MGIB-AD, MGIB-SR, or REAP, you must elect to give up eligibility under the program for which you are eligible to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. This is an irrevocable election. Having multiple periods of service may result in an entitlement of an additional 12 months. However, you may not receive more than a total of 48 months of education benefits under two or more programs.

Slide 11 Resources for Choosing a School

There are many resources available to help you decide which school is right for you. The good news is you don’t have to do this on your own—there are key tools that can help.

The Transition Goals, Plans, Success, or GPS (www.dodtap.mil/ transition_gps.html), Accessing Higher Education, or AHE, track will lead you through the steps and provide a wealth of resources to help you make an informed decision. The Transition GPS AHE track is your first step toward selecting the right school for you. This track focuses on topics such as how to achieve academic success, how to research and compare institutions, and how to finance higher education. The AHE track will help you become an informed education consumer and maximize the return on your GI Bill® benefits; you will learn more about grants and low-interest loans offered through Federal Student Aid, and discover thousands of scholarships and state aid programs.

After completing the AHE track, Servicemembers will be prepared to complete an application to an accredited institution, schedule a session with a counselor at an academic institution, or meet individually with education counselors, as needed. Further, the impact of obtaining a college degree increases one’s career opportunities and earning potential. This track is optional and not a part of the Transition GPS core curriculum. Be sure to contact your local Transition Assistance Program office to register. We highly encourage spouse participation in this track as well.

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GI Bill® Comparison Tool is hyperlinked

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GI Bill® Comparison Tool Demonstration

On the GI Bill® website, you can open the School Decision Resources page, which has the following tools to help you find a school and determine your GI Bill® benefits. Clicking the GI Bill® Comparison Tool gives you:

• Access to CareerScope, an aptitude and interest assessment to help Servicemembers and Veterans focus on success when transitioning (and a tool that you can get hands-on experience with in VA’s Career Technical Training Track)

• The ability to compare VA-approved institutions and review other information to choose the program that works best for you

• Key information about college affordability and value so you can make the most of your benefits

• Access to apply for your GI Bill® benefits

<Demonstrate Comparison Tool>

Take a 10-minute break

Slide 12 8 Keys to Veterans’ Success

The White House, Department of Education, and DoD, in addition to other agencies, support the 8 Key to Veterans’ Success Initiative. The 8 Keys to Veterans’ Success are steps that postsecondary institutions can take to assist Veterans and Servicemembers as they transition to higher education, complete their college programs, and obtain career-ready skills for jobs in high-growth areas in the economy.

The 8 Keys

The 8 keys are as follows:

1. Create a culture of trust and connectedness across the campus community to promote well-being and success for Veterans

2. Ensure consistent and sustained support from campus leadership

3. Implement an early alert system to ensure all Veterans receive academic, career, and financial advice before challenges become overwhelming

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4. Coordinate and centralize campus efforts for all Veterans, together with the creation of a designated space for them, even if limited in size

5. Collaborate with local communities and organizations, including government agencies, to align and coordinate various services for Veterans

6. Utilize a uniform set of data tools to collect and track information on Veterans, including demographics, retention, and degree completion

7. Provide comprehensive professional development for faculty and staff on issues and challenges unique to Veterans

8. Develop systems that ensure sustainability of effective practices for Veterans

Postsecondary institutions have voluntarily affirmed their support for the 8 Keys, which highlight specific ways that colleges and universities can support Veterans.

More information is available on the Department of Education website.

VetSuccess on Campus

I also want to mention that through the VetSuccess on Campus, or VSOC, program, VA has professionally trained counselors on many college campuses who can provide you with all the Chapter 36 services discussed earlier. The program provides Veterans seamless access to VA benefits and services; supports successful integration into college and university campuses; and supports individualized educational goals so you can graduate, improve your life circumstances, and successfully live and thrive in the career field and community of your choice.

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Slide 13 Upskilling Opportunities We Can’t Wait Initiative

In October 2011, President Obama launched the We Can’t Wait initiative. Within the We Can’t Wait initiative, a fast track certification program for Veterans was instituted, which created partnerships between the military and manufacturing groups. President Obama said, “I believe that no one who fights for this country should ever have to fight for a job when they come home.” An aim of this initiative is to help Servicemembers obtain jobs in manufacturing, health care, and trucking, based on their military training and experience.

In line with We Can’t Wait, the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Navy have Credentialing Opportunities On-Line, or COOL, programs. The U.S. Air Force has the Credentialing and Education Research Tool, CERT. Using these tools, individuals can find information related to their military occupation, training, and career progression goals and investigate equivalent civilian jobs, professional certifications, and professional organizations as well as certification funding opportunities. Reference page ____ of the Participant Guide for more information on these programs.

Slide 14 Coursera and VA Learning Hubs

VA has partnered with Coursera, an online education platform, to offer transitioning Servicemembers and Veterans one free Verified Certificate in one of hundreds of in-demand courses offered through universities worldwide.

A Verified Certificate is a convenient way to demonstrate course completion, build your professional qualifications, and advance your education and career. These certificates may help improve employability skills in high-demand fields such as data science, cybersecurity, health care, and entrepreneurship. Transitioning Servicemembers and Veterans can access this opportunity online through http://blog.coursera.org/veterans.

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VA Learning Hubs are a blended learning approach that establishes a physical network of space, facilitators, and students worldwide.

Learning Hubs give you an opportunity to build your skills through a combination of online classes and in-person sessions. Each VA Learning Hub focuses on select Coursera courses. VA Learning Hubs enhance your learning experience and may include networking opportunities, discussions on course material, guest speakers, and Q&A opportunities with experts from the community. To learn more about VA Learning Hubs, email VeteranEmployment.vbaco@va.gov with the subject line “Learning Hub.”

Slide 15 VA Career Technical Training Track

Whether you want to use the skills you learned in the military or are looking to pursue a brand new challenge, the Career Technical Training Track will provide you with the information you need to plan for career success. CTTT is designed to prepare you to enter the workforce quickly after separation. This two-day workshop will help you choose a field and target position, identify required credentials, and select and apply for a technical training program. We highly encourage spouse participation in this course as well.

Slide 16 Registered Apprenticeship and On-the-Job Training

VA has partnerships and programs in place to provide opportunities for Servicemembers and Veterans to improve their skills in many trending/rapidly growing career fields. VA provides information about Registered Apprenticeship and on-the-job training through several programs including CTTT. The Department of Labor has several programs as well for Registered Apprenticeship and on-the- Job training. For additional information, please refer to www.dol.

gov/apprenticeship/ or go to an American Job Center in-person for assistance.

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Slide 17 DoD SkillBridge

The DoD SkillBridge initiative promotes the civilian job training authority available for transitioning military Servicemembers.

Servicemembers meeting certain qualifications can participate in civilian job and employment training, including apprenticeships and internships. Such training can take place starting up to six months prior to a Servicemember’s separation. Additionally, the training must offer a high probability of employment and be provided to the Servicemember at little or no cost. Through DoD SkillBridge, tremendous potential exists for Servicemembers, companies, trade unions, and others to leverage this new DoD authority.

For additional information, please refer to www.dodskillbridge.com/.

Slide 18 Module Closing Plan, Action, Timeline Introduction/Activity

Activity: PAT Activity Time: 5 minutes Media/Materials: Participant Guide, Pen/Pencil Instructions: Turn to page _________ in your Participant Guide, and you will see a sample Plan, Action, Timeline, or PAT, tool. This tool can help you turn your post-separation priorities into actionable steps. By using the template to organize your plan, you can identify benefits that will help you focus on your priorities during transition. We encourage you to update your PAT tool as necessary during your transition process. Take 5 minutes to begin your PAT for education, training, and upskilling.

Hopefully, you were able to identify the benefit or benefits that you feel will work for you. I encourage you to research each benefit and see which ones fit your needs.

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Education, Training, and Upskilling Review Questions

Let’s review what we’ve covered in this module.

What tools are available to assist you in selecting which GI Bill® benefit to use?

Education and Career Counseling; GI Bill® Comparison Tool Where can you locate VA education benefit information?

va.gov website, Federal Handbook, Participant Guide Which form would you use as a Veteran to apply for GI Bill® benefits?

VA Form 22-1990 Which form is used to apply for Education and Career Counseling?

VA Form 28-8832

Slide 19 Module Objective Review

You are now able to:

• Explain how VA education benefits can assist your transition to civilian life

• Locate VA education benefit information using VA resources

• Identify the required form needed to apply for VA education benefits

• Learn about innovative VA programs and partnerships that provide upskilling opportunities

Slide 20 Module 2: Economic Opportunity

Let’s shift focus and look at the resources available through VA to help you find a meaningful career that will maximize economic outcomes for you and your family.

Video: Introduction to Economic Opportunity Time: 1 minute 30 seconds Media/Materials: Video, Projector

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By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Use the VEC™

• Describe the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program

Slide 21 Introduction to Employment

The Veterans Economic Communities Initiative, or VECI, aims to increase the number of education and employment opportunities for Veterans and their families through a network of support at the community level.

Utilization of the resources and support by Veterans and their families returns enormous value to their communities by enabling Veterans and their families to become local students, home owners, entrepreneurs, and employees. The community in turn supports Veterans and their families by more aggressively reaching out to them through social services within the community, and educating and assisting Veterans and their families on how to access these services and resources. Economic Liaisons in each VECI community will collaborate with government leaders, businesses, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations to help build an integrated network of support and resources for Veterans and their families.

Let’s watch a video about VECI communities.

Video: VECI Time: 2 minutes Media/Materials: Video, Projector

Now that we have seen how the VECI can assist you within your community, let’s see how you can use the Veteran’s Employment Center™, or VEC™, to find employment within your community.

Veterans Employment Center ™

The VEC™ is the Federal Government’s single authoritative Internet source for connecting transitioning Servicemembers, Veterans, and their families to meaningful career opportunities. It is the first

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27Instructor Guide government-wide product that brings together a reputable cadre of public and private sector employers with real-time job opportunities.

In addition, it provides transitioning Servicemembers and Veterans with tools that can translate their military skills and experience into their civilian equivalents.

The VEC™ also allows users to build a profile that can be shared with employers that have made a public commitment to hire Veterans.

Creating a brand through the VEC™ will be invaluable should you choose an entrepreneurial path.

In addition, you can import your LinkedIn profile as a resume on the VEC™, making your professional identity consistent across both platforms. As an added bonus, LinkedIn is offering all Servicemembers and Veterans a free one-year Job Seeker Premium subscription to assist in the search for civilian employment—a $360 value.

<Refer to the VEC™ for Job Seekers-User Guide and associated slide deck>

Activity: VEC™ Activity Time: 30 minutes Media/Materials: Computer, Internet Instructions: Using what you just learned in the VEC™ demonstration, take about 20 minutes to create your own VEC™ profile. I will walk around the room to provide assistance.

There may be more information that you will want to add or refine.

If you need assistance after this class, please feel free to make an appointment with me or one of my colleagues and we will be happy to help you.

Take a 10-minute break

VA for Vets

We have discussed how the VEC™ can assist you in finding employment and develop your personal brand. Let’s look at another

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28Instructor Guide service that is available to help you find federal employment and jobs within the VA. The Veteran Employment Services Office, or VESO, VA for Vets initiative helps transitioning Servicemembers and Veterans find federal careers. VA for Vets facilitates the reintegration, retention, and hiring of Veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs and all federal agencies.

Slide 22 American Job Centers

American Job Centers, or AJCs, provide free help to job seekers and employers for a variety of career and employment-related needs.

More than 2,500 AJCs, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, are located throughout the United States. Many locations have staff directly assigned to assist Veterans in finding employment. Although the AJC provides assistance to everyone looking for a job, Veterans are given priority. This means Veterans are offered services before non-Veterans and have priority of access to all Department of Labor-funded programs offered at the AJC.

Slide 23 Department of Labor TAP Workshops

Every Servicemember who transitions from active duty needs to understand how to operate in today’s civilian job market. To meet this need, the Transition Assistance Program, or TAP, includes the mandatory Department of Labor Employment Workshop. The DOLEW is the largest component of the Transition GPS curriculum, and focuses on the practical skills required to find and obtain civilian employment.

The DOLEW has four core focus areas:

• Developing and executing a job search plan

• Planning for success in a civilian work environment

• Creating resumes, cover letters, and other self-marketing materials

• Engaging in successful interviews and networking conversations

The DOLEW is available through a live classroom environment at military installations. Military spouses are also eligible to attend.

Servicemembers and spouses may access the DOLEW at any time

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29Instructor Guide through the Transition GPS Virtual Curriculum on Joint Knowledge Online (https://jkodirect.jten.mil) or at the Department of Labor website at www.dol.gov/vets/.

Slide 24 Veterans Preference

Veterans Preference gives eligible Veterans preference over other applicants when applying for federal and some state or county positions. To be eligible, a Veteran must have received an honorable or general discharge. Retired members of the Armed Forces are not included unless they are disabled Veterans or retired below the grade of O-4. A five-point preference is available for non-disabled Veterans who meet specific service criteria. A 10-point preference is available for service-connected Veterans or those who received a Purple Heart.

Veterans Preference letters can be obtained from eBenefits.

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment

The mission of the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program—also known as VR&E or Chapter 31—is to provide assistance to eligible Servicemembers and Veterans with service-connected disabilities and an employment handicap to enable them to prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable employment or achieve independence in daily living.

To apply for VR&E benefits, Veterans must have at least a 10-percent service‐connected disability and must have received an other-than-dishonorable discharge. To apply for VR&E benefits, you must complete VA Form 28-1900, Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation, through eBenefits.

You are eligible to apply if you expect to receive a VA disability rating of at least 20 percent. You must also apply and complete the program within 12 years after VA is notified of your service-connected disability.

If you think you might qualify, it’s smart to apply as soon as possible.

For Veterans whose 12-year period of basic eligibility has passed, the period may be extended if certain criteria are met.

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A Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor determines entitlement to the VR&E program by deciding whether you have any barriers to employment because of your service-connected disability. Your counselor will clearly explain his or her decision to you orally and in writing.

SBA Introduction to Entrepreneurship Workshop

The Small Business Administration Introduction to Entrepreneurship Workshop will explore your interest in business ownership and introduce you to the agencies and organizations that can assist you on the path to business ownership. Learn more at www.SBA.gov/ bootstobusiness.

Slide 25 Module Closing PAT Activity

Activity: PAT Activity Time: 5 minutes Media/Materials: Participant Guide, Pen/Pencil Instructions: Based on your plans for employment after transition, turn to page ______ in the Participant Guide. Take 5 minutes to begin your PAT for economic opportunity.

Debrief: Were you able to identify ways that VA, along with all federal agencies, can help you improve your economic outcomes?

Economic Opportunity Review Questions

Let’s review what we’ve covered in this module.

What VA Form is used to apply for Chapter 31 benefits?

VA Form 28-1900, Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation What VA employment resources are available to help Servicemembers transition to the civilian workforce?

VR&E, VEC™, VA for Vets, Veterans Preference

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Slide 26 Module Objective Review

You are now able to:

• Use the VEC™

• Describe the VR&E program

Slide 27 Module 3: Estate Planning

VA life insurance and memorial and survivor benefits can assist your family.

Video: Introduction to Estate Planning Time: 1 minute Media/Materials: Video, Projector

In this module, we will:

• Describe VA life insurance benefits

• Explain VA memorial and survivor benefits

Slide 28 Life Insurance

As part of our mission to serve Servicemembers, Veterans, and their families, VA provides valuable life insurance benefits to give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your family is protected. VA’s life insurance programs were developed to provide financial security for your family given the extraordinary risks involved in military service. There are many different options—so many that this can be overwhelming! We will review each type of life insurance through this module. To help with understanding all of these options, VA has created an overview that you can access online at www.benefits.

va.gov/insurance/overviewInsurance.html.

One click for summary box, one click to put summary into

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Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance, or SGLI, is what you may currently have while on active duty or in Reserves or National Guard. If so, you will have free coverage for 120 days after separation.

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Disability Extension, or SGLI DE, is available if you are disabled and unable to work or have certain statutory conditions when you separate from service. You can apply to have your SGLI coverage extended for up to two years following separation at no cost to you. When your extension ends, you will be automatically converted to Veterans Group Life Insurance, or VGLI, subject to payment of premiums.

Veterans Group Life Insurance

Veterans Group Life Insurance, or VGLI, is lifetime renewable term insurance. Veterans have one year and 120 days from separation to convert from SGLI. If you convert within 240 days and submit the first premium payment with a completed application, no proof of good health is required. This policy is renewable every five years, regardless of health, and can be retained for life; if you convert after 240 days, you must prove that you are in good health. Additionally, if you are totally disabled at the time of discharge, you can retain your SGLI coverage for up to two years from the date of discharge, at no cost. At the end of that two-year period, you will automatically be issued VGLI upon receipt of the initial VGLI premium.

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection Program

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection, or TSGLI, is traumatic injury insurance that provides payment to any member of the uniformed services covered by SGLI who sustains a traumatic event in service that results in a qualifying loss within two years of the traumatic event. The injury need not be combat-related.

TSGLI payments range from $25,000 to $100,000, based on the qualifying loss suffered. The branch of service certifies eligibility.

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Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance

Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance, or VMLI, requires a service-connected disability rating. To be eligible, a Servicemember or Veteran must have received a Specially Adapted Housing, or SAH, grant from the VA. VMLI is mortgage protection insurance that can help families of severely disabled Servicemembers or Veterans pay off their home mortgage in the event of the Servicemember’s or Veteran’s death.

VA can pay the proceeds of the insurance only to the mortgage company. They cannot pay a family member.

Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance

Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance, or S-DVI, requires a new service-connected disability rating, even if 0 percent. A Veteran must apply for this insurance within two years of VA notification of a new service-connected disability.

To qualify, the Servicemember must be in good health except for their service-connected conditions.

If you are totally disabled for six consecutive months, premiums can be waived. If approved for a waiver of premiums, you can apply for an additional $30,000 of coverage.

Family Servicemembers Group Life Insurance

Family Servicemembers Group Life Insurance, or FSGLI, provides term life insurance coverage to the spouses and dependent children of Servicemembers insured under SGLI. The Servicemember pays the premium for spousal coverage, while dependent children are insured at no cost. Spouses may convert their coverage to a policy offered by participating private insurers within 120 days from the Servicemember’s date of separation or other events including divorce, death of the Servicemember, or termination of the Servicemember’s SGLI or FSGLI coverage. Participating companies can be found at va.gov under the life insurance link: www.benefits.va.gov/INSURANCE/ forms/ParticList.htm.

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Slide 29 Memorial Benefits

You will want to let your spouse and family members know that VA offers memorial benefits.

Burial Benefits

Burial benefits available include a gravesite in any of VA’s national or state cemeteries with available space, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government headstone or marker or a medallion, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate—all at no cost to the family. VA also provides burial allowances, which are partial reimbursements of costs for an eligible Veteran’s funeral, burial, and plot in a private cemetery.

Survivors and Dependents Education Benefits

VA offers education assistance for surviving dependents through the Fry Scholarship and Survivors and Dependents Education Assistance, or DEA, Program.

The Marine Gunnery Sergeant David Fry Scholarship

The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship is for children and spouses of active duty Servicemembers who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001. Individuals are eligible for up to 36 months of educational benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.

Beneficiaries are not eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program. Children must use the benefits before they turn 33; generally, spouses must use their benefits within 15 years from the Servicemember’s date of death or before remarriage, whichever occurs first.

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Slide 30 Survivors Dependents Educational Assistance

The Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance, or DEA, Program, or Chapter 35, offers education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or to dependents of Veterans who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition. Survivors will receive up to 45 months of education benefits. Children are eligible up to 26 years old and spouses generally have up to 10 years

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, or DIC, is a survivor benefit paid monthly for death of a Servicemember during military service, a post-service death related to…