Earn While You Learn

Did you know that eligible Veterans can receive their GI Bill money while working in an approved apprenticeship or on-the-job training program?

All types of training in Alaska must first be approved by the State Approving Agency (SAA) for Veterans' educational benefits. Once you determine what program is right for you, contact the SAA, Mercedes Angerman, to see if the program is approved to participate. If it isn’t currently approved, the SAA will contact the employer and work directly with them in the approval process. Across Alaska, there are over 30 training facilities and more than 50 programs within those facilities approved to participate.

It is your responsibility to determine your eligibility to receive the GI Bill. An application for educational benefits (VA Form 22-1990) is the first step in this process. The application can be completed and submitted on the GI Bill website at www.gibill.va.gov. Once the VA has processed your application, you will be sent a denial or a Certificate of Eligibility that will outline what benefits are due you.

As part of the employer’s approval process, they will have designated a representative at their facility to handle all necessary paperwork on your behalf to get you your GI Bill monies on a month to month basis. It is as simple as that!

Apprenticeship and OJT payments for the GI Bill are established as a percentage of your established benefit amount as determined by your application for benefits. The percentages are as follows:

• 75% of your benefit amount – each month for the first 6 months of training;
• 55% of your benefit amount – each month for the second 6 months of training;
• 35% of your benefit amount – for the remainder of your training or until benefits are exhausted, whichever is first.

As of August 1, 2008, the full-time Chapter 30 basic rate for the GI Bill is $1,321* per month. Using the above percentages, an apprentice can earn an additional $990.75 on top of their wages each month for the first 6 months of training; $726.55 each month for the second 6 months; and $462.35 each month for the remainder of the training or until the benefits are exhausted.

Don’t hesitate! Apply for your educational benefits today!

*Benefit rates change annually. Chapter 35 (dependents); Chapter 1606/1607 (reservists) have different base amounts. Other base amounts are determined by varying factors upon processing of initial application for benefits. The Alaska State Approving Agency or approved employers do not determine eligibility. For further questions regarding the GI Bill, contact the VA Regional Office at 1-888-442-4551 or the GI Bill web site at www.gibill.va.gov.

Veterans can contact the following person about veteran benefits for registered apprentices:

Mercedes Angerman, Program Coordinator
Department of Veteran Affairs State of Alaska, Office of Veteran Affairs
P.O. Box 5800
Ft. Richardson, AK 99505
Phone: (907) 428-6513
Fax: (907) 428-6055
E-mail: mercedes.angerman@alaska.gov
Internet: www.ak-prepared.com/vetaffairs