The VA is working on my case...

Second in the series.

I contacted the VA this week to get an update on our application. The VA rep picked up in less than 3 minutes, and had access to our information at his fingertips. My son, to whom I am transferring my benefit, was with me at the time, which became important. The rep needed to verify that he was speaking to me with my son's approval, since his social security number is now associated with the benefit.

Lesson 1: When transferring your benefit, in order to then get information about the application make sure your child is available to approve the release of information.

Question: Can I put a Power of Attorney on file?

The agent reviewed the application and assured me that all necessary information had been received. He asked if I had gone on the Dept of Defense web page to transfer the benefit. I told him I had, but apparently he could not see that side of the application.

Lesson 2: You must transfer your benefit with both the DoD and the VA, and they can't both see each other.

(Need the web page at DoD? It's best to use your CAC card to do this, but it takes only a few minutes.)

After just a few questions he let me know that everything I need to do has been done and that I can anticipate getting a response back soon. I asked if I should provide my certificate of eligibility to my son's school to verify that the process is underway. He advised me to do so.

More soon...

My Post 9/11 GI Bill Story

As you might know, I am in the process of transferring my GI Bill benefits to my two sons. The process is outlined on the VA website. I mailed my initial application to the VA on April 29, 2009 to make sure it reached the western office in Muskogee, OK on 1 May, the first day that the window opened. On June 9th I received my Certificate of Eligibility. I received my VA Form 22-1990E in late July, which was the application for transfer of entitlement. I completed that form, and sent it back with a VA Form 21-686C, the declaration of status of dependents.

About a month earlier I filled out the DoD web-form to transfer my benefit to my two sons. I received confirmation of the transfer about a week later.

I spoke to the Veterans' Affairs officer at my son's college, since his enrollment must be verified by the university before the VA begins making payments. I asked him about the bill I received that requested payment on August 15th. He advised me to delay making the payment until this was accomplished. I am reluctant to do this, however, since I hate missing a due date.

I'll keep posting regarding my progress. I am likely one of the first 15o,000 or so to get enrolled in the program, so I feel like a trailblazer.

More soon!