University of Wisconsin Stout | Wisconsin's Polytechnic University

The UW-Stout Veterans Benefit Worksheet is a form that notifies the Veterans Service office of your intent to utilize benefits for a given semester and which specific benefits you wish to use if you are eligible for multiple benefits, and therefore must be completed for each semester that you would like to receive benefits.

This worksheet should be completed immediately after you have enrolled in all of your courses for the semester. Once you have submitted the worksheet, there is no additional action that must be taken with the university as far as credit changes or withdrawals.

Please note that this form is only an internal form that notifies the Veterans Service office of your intent to use existing benefits. It is not an application to receive benefits, and does not take the place of an application for either federal or state benefits. You must make sure that you have completed and submitted the necessary paperwork required for your benefits, as outlined in this worksheet. If you are a new benefit user or transfer students, when you complete this worksheet it will ask for all of the necessary paperwork for the benefits you are applying for.

Overview

The Standard Form 180, Request Pertaining to Military Records (SF180) is used to request information from military records. Certain identifying information is necessary to determine the location of an individual's record of military service. Please try to answer each item on the SF 180. If you do not have and cannot obtain the information for an item, show "NA," meaning the information is "not available." Include as much of the requested information as you can. To determine where to mail this request see Page 2 of the SF180 for record locations and facility addresses.

Online requests may be submitted to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) by a veteran or deceased veteran's next of kin using eVetRecs at http://www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/.

Personnel records and Service Treatment Records (STR)

Personnel records of military members who were discharged, retired, or died in service less than 62 years ago and STR's are in the legal custody of the military service department and are administered in accordance with rules issued by the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS, Coast Guard). STR's of persons on active duty are generally kept at the local servicing clinic, and usually are available from the Department of Veterans Affairs approximately 40 days after the last day of active duty. (See item 3, Archival Records, if the military member was discharged, retired or died in service over 62 years ago.)

1. Release of information: Release of information is subject to restrictions imposed by the military services consistent with Department of Defense regulations and the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act of 1974. The service member (either past or present) or the member's legal guardian has access to almost any information contained in that member's own record. An authorization signature, of the service member or the member's legal guardian, is needed in Section III of the SF180. Others requesting information from military personnel records and/or STR's must have the release authorization in Section III of the SF 180 signed by the member or legal guardian. If the appropriate signature cannot be obtained, only limited types of information can be provided. If the former member is deceased, surviving next of kin may, under certain circumstances, be entitled to greater access to a deceased veteran's records than a member of the general public. The next of kin may be any of the following: unremarried surviving spouse, father, mother, son, daughter, sister, or brother. Requesters must provide proof of death, such as a copy of a death certificate, letter from funeral home or obituary.
   
   
2. Fees for records: There is no charge for most services provided to service members or next of kin of deceased veterans. A nominal fee is charged for certain types of service. In most instances service fees cannot be determined in advance. If your request involves a service fee, you will be notified as soon as that determination is made.

Archival Records

Personnel records of military members who were discharged, retired, or died in service 62 or more years ago have been transferred to the legal custody of NARA and are referred to as "archival" records.

1. Release of Information: Archival records are open to the public. The Privacy Act of 1974 does not apply to archival records, therefore, written authorization from the veteran or next of kin is not required. However, in order to protect the privacy of the veteran, his/her family, and third parties named in the records, the personal privacy exemption of the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552 (b) (6)) may still apply and preclude the release of some information.
   
   
2. Fees for Archival Records: Access to archival records is granted by offering copies of the records for a fee (44 U.S.C. 2116 (c)). You will be notified if there is a charge for photocopies of documents contained in the record you are requesting.

Where Reply May Be Sent

The reply may be sent to the service member or any other address designated by the service member or other authorized requester.

Overview

Credit may be awarded for military experience or military school training. Depending on the branch of the military, students are requested to supply their military services transcript to the Transfer Coordinator in the Admissions office to have the credit recommended by the American Council on Education be given for training to the student record. To request your military transcript, go to the appropriate site listed above.

Overview

Use this form to apply for educational assistance under the following benefit programs:

• Post- 9/11 GI Bill chapter 33 of title 38, U.S. Code
• Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) chapter 30 of title 38, U.S.Code
• Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) chapter 1606 of title 10, U.S. Code
• Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) chapter 1607 of title 10, U.S. Code
• Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) chapter 32 of title 38, U.S. Code, or section 901 or section 903 of Public Law 96-342
  

Do not use this form to apply for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment benefits (Chapter 31 of title 38, U.S. Code), Dependents Educational Assistance benefits (Chapter 35 of Title 38, U.S. Code), Transfer of Entitlement, or National Call to Service (Section 510 of Title 10, U.S. Code). These benefits require different application forms that can be completed online and printed from the VA Form Website or can be obtained from the nearest VA regional office. They may also be available where you received this application.

Overview

Use this form to apply for Transfer of Entitlement (TOE) to basic educational assistance under chapters 30 and 33 of title 38, U.S. Code and chapters 1606 and 1607 of title 10, U.S. Code. Use this form only if you are a dependent of an individual eligible to transfer benefits to his or her dependents. The service member's military branch must have approved the request to transfer benefits. The eligible service member must have designated you by name, the number of months transferred, and the period for which the transfer is effective.

Do not use this form to apply for benefits based upon your own military service. To apply for benefits based on your own service use VA Form 22-1990. That form can be downloaded from the VA Form Website, completed on-line and submitted electronically on the GI Bill Website (click "Apply Online" and select the "Education" option). It can also be obtained from the nearest VA regional office and it may also be available where you received this application.

VA Vocational and Educational Counseling Help Available

If you need help planning your individual educational and career goals, VA offers a wide range of counseling services to help you make these decisions. Services include educational and vocational guidance and such testing as necessary for you to develop a greater understanding of your skills, talents, and interests. For further information on VA counseling, call VA toll-free at 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) or TDD at (800) 829-4833.

Overview

To apply for tutorial assistance read these instructions and complete the form in full. If you need help, reach us on the Internet on the GI Bill Website. You can call VA toll-free at 1-888-GIBILL1 (1-888-452-4551). If you are hearing impaired, call VA toll-free on 1-800-829-4833. To obtain information on other forms of assistance, contact the financial aid office at your school.

Eligibility

If you are eligible for education benefits and need help in a subject, you can get supplemental payments for tutorial assistance. The subject must be necessary for the completion of your approved program. You must be training at one-half time or more in a post-secondary program at an educational institution. Even if you are passing a course, you can get tutorial assistance if your grade will not be credited toward completion of your program.

Overview

This application is used by service members, veterans, or their family members who are already receiving federal benefits (other than Chapter 35) to request that their benefits continue on with them after they have changed programs (majors, certification programs, etc...) or schools.

When should you use this form?

Use this form when:

• you're changing schools,
• you're changing your educational, professional, vocational goal,
• you left your program due to unsatisfactory attendance, progress, or conduct; and you're now reentering the same program, or
  
• you were receiving VA education benefits as a veteran and now wish to receive benefits while on active military duty.

Instructions For Specific Items on the Form

Most items on this form are self-explanatory. Here is additional information on certain items.

Item #4A: Here are some examples of what we mean by "goals":

• Educational goal: GED certificate, high school diploma, bachelor degree, master degree, Ph.D
• Professional goal: lawyer physician, teacher, physical therapist, medical technologist, medical records librarian
• Vocational goal: stenographer, machinist, electronic technician, X-ray technician, radio and TV service technician, automobile mechanic, practical nurse.

Items #6: Provide your dependents information only if you have military service before January 1, 1977 (or delayed entry before January 2, 1978).

Items #11A and 11B: Make sure you sign and date these items. If you are currently on active duty, have your Education Service Officer sign and date Items 12A and 12B.

To file this form
(A) If you have selected a school or training establishment,

• Step1: Mail the completed form to the VA Regional Processing Office in the region of that school's or establishment's physical address: Determine the correct office from the list below.
• Step 2: Notify the veterans certifying official at your school or training establishment that you have applied for VA education benefits. Ask him or her to submit your enrollment information using VA Form 22-1999, Enrollment Certification, or its electronic version.
• Step 3: Wait for VA to process your application and notify you of our decision concerning your continued eligibility for education assistance.

(B) If you have not selected a school or training establishment,

• Step 1: Mail the completed form to the VA Regional Processing Office in the region of your home address. Determine the correct office from the list on on the next page.
• Step 2: Wait for VA to process your application and notify you of our decision concerning your continued eligibility for educational assistance.

If You Need Help
If you need help in completing this form, you can contact us through the GI Bill Website. Click on Ask a Question and Find Answers. Or you may call us toll free at 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551.) If you're hearing impaired, call 1-800-829-4833. Please call 1-800-827-1000 if you want a VA counselor to help you in planning your program.

Overview

This application is used by the dependents of veterans or service members to request certification for Chapter 35 benefits. Chapter 35 benefits are specific to each individual who requests them, as opposed to transferred Chapter 33 (Post 9/11) benefits, and are only available to dependents or spouses of veterans who are deceased or considered 100% disabled.

This form can also be used to request certification for the John David Fry Scholarship.

Do not use this form to apply for Veterans' education assistance based on your own service (Chapters 30, 32, 33, 1606, or 1607) or vocational rehabilitation benefits (Chapter 31). To apply for veterans' education assistance based on your own service, use VA Form 22-1990. To apply for vocational rehabilitation benefits, use VA Form 28-1900.

Overview

This application is used by the dependents or spouses of veterans or service members who are already receiving Chapter 35 or John David Fry Scholarship federal benefits to request that their benefits continue on with them after they have changed programs (majors, certification programs, etc...) or schools.

Do not use this form to apply for a change of program or place of training for Veterans' education assistance based on your own service (Chapters 30, 32, 33, 1606, or 1607). To apply for a change of program or place of training for Veterans' education assistance benefits based on your own service, use VA Form 22-1995.

Overview

Under the Wisconsin G.I. Bill, an eligible veteran who entered active military duty as a Wisconsin resident is eligible for remission (waiver) of 100% of standard academic tuition and segregated fees at a University of Wisconsin System (UW) institution or 100% of the program tuition and material fees at a Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) institution. This benefit is also available to certain spouses and children of eligible veterans as well. The program is administered by each individual campus and the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) only certifies eligibility. This means that the waiver is approved by the school, not WDVA. This is a state, not federal, program.

ELIGIBILITY

Wisconsin G.I. Bill Tuition Remission Program for Veterans:

For the Wisconsin G.I. Bill, the veteran must have been a Wisconsin resident at the time of entry into active duty. Character of service and active duty service requirements apply.

• Served 90 days (Title-10) in a time of war

• 9/12/2001-Current (1/2011) is a qualifying period

• Served 2 years (Title-10) in peace time

• The benefit recipient must reside in Wisconsin, unless on active duty.

• For veterans, there is no post-service time limitation (such as the federal Montgomery G.I. Bill 10-year delimiting date or the Post-9/11 GI Bill's 15 year limit) on the use of the benefit.

• The benefit may be used for continuing education, or for study at the undergraduate or graduate level.
  
  

Wisconsin G.I. Bill Tuition Remission Program for Dependents:

A 100% remission is provided to the qualifying dependents of an eligible veteran:

• Spouse; or

• Surviving Spouse who is not remarried

• Child between the ages of 17 through 25,

• The benefit recipient must reside in Wisconsin and be charged "Resident" tuition by UW-Stout.
  
  

Eligibility for the qualifying Wisconsin Veteran to transfer benefits:

• Currently rated by the federal VA with a combined service-connected disability rating of 30% or greater (Effective Fall Semester 2005); or

• Died in the line of duty while on active, Reserve, or Guard duty (Effective Fall Semester 2005); or

• Died as the direct result of a service-connected disability, as determined by the federal VA (Effective July 1, 2006).
  
  

For qualifying spouses and non-remarried surviving spouses:

• The benefit must be used within 10 years of the date of death or the initial disability rating of 30% or greater.
  
  

For qualifying children:

• The benefit is available from ages 17 through 25.

BENEFITS

The Wisconsin G.I. Bill provides a full remission ("waiver ") of tuition and fees for eligible veterans and their dependents for up to 8 full-time semesters or 128 credits (whichever is longer) at any University of Wisconsin System (UWS) or Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) institution for continuing education, or for study at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Items covered by the Wisconsin GI Bill are:
· Base Tuition
· Segregated Fees

Items NOT covered by the Wisconsin GI Bill waiver include, but are not limited to:

• Laptop Lease Fees
• Textbook Rental Fees
• Special Course Fees
• United Council Fee
• Orientation Fee
• Placement Test Fee
• Room and Board Charges
• Parking Fees
• Customized Instruction Tuition- only covered at the regular campus rate. For example: If you are taking a course where the tuition will cost $260.00 per credit, the waived amount will be only the base tuition amount per credit ($210.07/undergrad credit). The difference is the responsibility of the student.

KEY NOTES

The Wisconsin G.I. Bill is a state program that is entirely separate from the federal VA's Montgomery or Post-9/11 G.I. Bills.

There are special requirements for individuals who are eligible for the Chapter 33 (Post 9/11) GI Bill, please contact the Stout Veterans Office or Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs for more details.

If you served after September 10, 2001, and are currently using the WI GI Bill or plan to use the WI GI Bill; DO NOT MAKE AN IRREVOCABLE CHOICE TO CHANGE TO POST 9/11 Chapter 33 FEDERAL BENEFITS UNTIL YOU HAVE ALL THE FACTS.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Information can be found from the Wisconsin Veteran Affairs website.

For more information about the WI GI Bill, call the Stout Veterans Office at 715-232-1659 or call the Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs at 800-947-8387.

ADDITIONAL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS

• A copy of their birth/adoption certificate

or

• A copy of the tax form demonstrating dependent status

• A copy of their marriage certificate

OVERVIEW

WHERE TO USE THE BENEFITS

• Any campus or extensions of the University of Wisconsin System or any Wisconsin Technical College established under chapter 38.

• A public institution of higher education under the Minnesota–Wisconsin student reciprocity agreement. There is limited reciprocity with Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan Schools.

• Public institution of higher education under a statutorily approved interstate agreement

• An accredited institution of higher education, as defined in 20 USC 1002, that is physically located within the State of Wisconsin.

WHAT COURSES CAN BE REIMBURSED

• The part-time classroom study is not offered within 50 miles of the veteran’s residence and the school where it is offered is located not more than 50 miles from the state boundary.

• The correspondence course is not offered in-state.

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION REQUIRED

AMOUNT OF REIMBURSEMENT AVAILABLE

HOW TO APPLY

NATIONAL GUARD TUITION GRANT AND RESERVE TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

MONTGOMERY G.I. BILL, POST 9/11 G.I. BILL AND WISCONSIN G.I. BILL

TIME RESTRICTIONS

INCOME LIMITATIONS

PAYMENT PROCESSING TIME

• Provides a statement signed by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families or its designee showing that all delinquent obligations have been paid.

• A copy of a child-support repayment agreement that has been kept current for the six month period before the date the WDVA receives the application as long as no lien exists.

Overview

This form is used by members of the Wisconsin National Guard who are receiving the Wisconsin National Guard Tuition Grant to verify credit totals and request payment for the semester. This form must be completed each semester, and must be received by the Veterans Services office as soon as possible, as the application must be received by the DMA within 60 days after the courses you are requesting reimbursement for have been completed.

ELIGIBILITY

You are eligible for this tax-free tuition assistance grant if:

• You are an actively drilling, enlisted soldier or warrant officer of the Wisconsin National Guard who has not already earned a bachelor’s degree.

• You must not be flagged for unexcused absences or failing to meet guard standards.

• You do not need to have completed basic and advanced training, but you must be an active drilling member in good standing during the semester that the Tuition Grant covers.

• Being in the Inactive Ready Reserve makes you Ineligible.

BENEFITS

The Wisconsin National Guard Tuition Grant is a program whereby an eligible guard member, upon satisfactory completion of course(s) at a qualifying school, can apply for a tuition reimbursement. Reimbursement is based on 100% of the tuition charged at the student’s qualifying school or the maximum resident undergraduate tuition charged by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, whichever is less. The grant cannot pay for any room & board, books, fees or continuing education credits (CEUs). The grant program reimburses up to eight semesters.

WHERE TO USE THE BENEFITS

If you were enlisted in the Wisconsin National Guard on July 25, 2003, or later, you may use the Wisconsin National Guard Tuition Grant at

• Any campus or extensions of the University of Wisconsin System or any Wisconsin Technical College established under chapter 38.

• A public institution of higher education under the Minnesota–Wisconsin student reciprocity agreement. There is limited reciprocity with Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan Schools.

• Public institution of higher education under a statutorily approved interstate agreement

• An accredited institution of higher education, as defined in 20 USC 1002, that is physically located within the State of Wisconsin.

If you enlisted in the Wisconsin National Guard prior to July 25, 2003, you may be able to use the grant outside parameters above.

The schools above are subject to change based on accreditation or amendments of the statute of governing this grant.

HOW TO APPLY

Read the directions on the form thoroughly. After completing the student portion, submit the application to your school certifying official at the same time. The school has instructions to forward the certified application to DMA. It is vital that your application reach DMA within 60 days of completing your course(s). If you question the status of your application, call the POC listed above prior to the 60 day deadline. DMA strives to process applications for reimbursement within 30 days of receipt.

Additionally, the Pre-Application is no longer needed.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Must I pay the school before getting reimbursed via the grant?
The arrangement is between you and your school. It is strongly encouraged by DMA that you pay your school upfront and be reimbursed your tuition after your course(s) are completed. After all, that is what defines a reimbursement.

Is there a mandatory Grade Point Average?
Yes, students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 in each term to receive the tuition grant.

Is the grant available for graduate degree credits?
No, it is for undergraduate degrees only.

What form of reimbursement may I expect?
A check is written from DMA to you and mailed to the address you write on your application.

If I take only six credits will that use up one of the eight semesters eligible to me?
No, part-time use of the grant is prorated. So, six credits, for example will use up .40 of one semester.

What determines if a school is a qualifying school for this grant?
The United States Department of Education regulates that specific accreditation. There are other types of accreditation so if you question whether or not your school qualifies, call your POC. Most out-of-state schools are not eligible.

What if I don’t fulfill my military obligation?
Depending on the reason for your separation from the National Guard, it may be determined that you must repay the grant money you received.

POINT OF CONTACT