Champva And Chapter 35 Coverage

[cowgirl]

Was discussing this, don't know the answer, it doesn't apply to me and mine.

ChampVa and most other insurances stop for full time college dependents at 23, but Chapter 35 stops at 26.

Anyone familiar with any exceptions?

Thank you,

Cg'up!

[broncovet]

My son gets Ch. 35, and the VA website talks about exceptions but they were non-specific, so I called. They talked about 2 exceptions:

1. Once you start, you are allowed to finish, even if your past the age (but not past age 31)

2. My son got "too old" waiting for Ch. 35 because it took them 7 years to approve my disability compensation, and he got a waiver pretty easily.

I think there might be some other exceptions such as maybe if your child has something like ADD that causes them to learn slowly, etc.

I could not find these exceptions written down, at the VA website, so I suggest the best way is to call them. (Be ready for a long wait).

The VA uses the excuse about the new GI bill benefits applicants for huge, massive delays, so I suggest:

1. Apply EArly.

2. Dont count on the money being there on time for them to start school...my son's was months late even tho he applied 6 months ahead of time.

Finally, I recommend your child apply for an education grant, also, as you can get both. Go to www.fafsa.gov

Edited January 7, 2010 by broncovet

[Berta]

Good info Broncovet-

My daughter was awarded 7 years of additional Chapter 35 past her 26th birthday for her 7 years of military service.

That is one of the exceptions-military service time is added to the Chapter 35 entitlement date.

Also- as you all know when I graduated from American Military University- my Chapter 35 had paid only a partial amount of my tuition and I had to pay the additional 6 thousand myself to finish my degree.My entitlement date ran out (only 10 years after death of the veteran for widows under Chap 35)

But when BVA awarded me direct SC death in April I sent the award letter directly to VA Educational Department and they sent me within 4 weeks not only a check for about a thousand of what they owed me under Chapter 35, but told me the form my school had to send to them to obtain the rest of the tuition I had paid.The balance is in process.

I got a new Certificate of entitlement alreadyand was asked to pick the cut off date with some choices.

They need to change my daughters entitlement certificate too,

This is good info for all to have as it shows that-

although most Chapter 35s are entitled under the award of 100% P & T to the veteran- in some cases such as direct SC death of the veteran- any established CHapter 35 entitlement dates can be changed favorably by the VA.

Also if a vet has a 100% P & T award with Chap 35 for his/her dependents and the veteran successfully appeals the EED of that award-this is another factor too that coul;d favprably alter the CHap 35 entitlement date for the spouse and/or children.

This is a Wonderful benefit .

"Dont count on the money being there on time for them to start school.." Great point Broncovet.

The tuition for each semester has to be paid by the student first, then VA checks with the school for payment and length of the courses and then the check comes-often haphazardly-

once I got 3 Chapter 35 VA checks in the same week and the bank teller looked at me in an odd way-when I deposited them.So did the mailman.

They were all legit but 2 of them were weeks late in coming.

[Pete53]

My son was waivered at 33 because of his age was ok when I filed and was based on date of notification of 100%. It took an appeal to get it but was fairly easy to obtain per VA standards.

[LarryJ]

My son was waivered at 33 because of his age was ok when I filed and was based on date of notification of 100%. It took an appeal to get it but was fairly easy to obtain per VA standards.

Yup, my son was also over the age limit (he was 26) when I was finally awarded P&T. We just sent his paperwork off to Muskogee and a couple months later he got his first check. No Problema'

For those folks reading this post:

Each recognized school of higher education has on their staff, someone that "deals" with the VA Chap 35 bidness, this person will, when your dependent applies for DEA, keep the required paperwork "flowing". You or your dependent should have to do NO paperwork to keep the Chap 35 money flowing. Usually this person(s) is in the "financial aid" or "registrars" or "business" office. They will also help your dependent do the "original" filing for their Chap 35 DEA benefits.

Also, do NOT forget to apply for CHAMPVA for those dependents that qualify.

And, check with your property taxing authority (each state differs) about reduced property taxes (mine alone amounts to approx. $6K a year), and license and registration for your autos, etc.

Edited January 7, 2010 by LarryJ

[Pete53]

Larry:

Thanks a very good post on your part.

Pete

[cowgirl]

But doesn't ChampVa stop at 23? even if the student is in school? or, did I miss something?

Yes, thank you all good posts and information ~ !

Cg'up!