The multi-year modernization initiative of the GI Bill® provides nearly 1 million students annually with an online platform to access and manage VA education benefits. This system helps deliver real-time eligibility and enrollment processing; more timely and accurate claims processing and payment distribution; immediate access to beneficiary records; and timely communication with beneficiaries via phone, email, text, and chat.
During the phased releases of the Digital GI Bill, OIT focuses on meeting all Veterans’ needs by gathering feedback from students and GI Bill partners to guide the design and development process. Recent updates make applying for the Post 9/11 GI Bill easier by allowing Veterans to access their pre-filled service history and digital Certificate of Eligibility as well as receive same-day eligibility determinations. These enhancements streamline claims processing and enrollments, putting Veterans and their families in control of their benefits on their own time. OIT is continuing to explore new features and ideas received from users, such as a chatbot and secure inbox…
In January 2021, OIT launched VA’s online Debt Management Tool, which provides Veterans with a central location to access and manage their debt information. Rather than relying solely on paper notification letters, Veterans can access the tool using their VA.gov login to view the status and balance of their VA debt. Since launching the online debt management tool, more than 1.5 million Veterans have accessed their account information.
The Debt Management Tool also provides general information about flexible repayment options, disputing a debt, and requesting assistance. This technology provides Veterans with more control and transparency over their financial wellbeing. Additionally, Veterans who share their email addresses with VA receive an email notification when a new debt occurs. Since launching email notifications in April 2021, VA has sent more than 894,000 messages — a huge win for streamlining communication with Veterans… Read the full article here.