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Greetings School Certifying Official,
We continue to make every effort to make you aware of updates and statuses of provisions based on Public Law 116-315, Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M. D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, signed January 5, 2021.
Public Law 116-315 Section 1015:
Effective August 1, 2021, Public Law 116-315 Section 1015 amends Section 3675 of Title 38 to require accredited institutions to be approved for and participate in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
What do you need to do?
As we continue to review, interpret and implement all provisions of Public Law 116-315, VA advises accredited education institutions that currently do not participate in Title IV to begin that process now. Provisions for a waiver are under review and will be communicated to all schools no later than August 1, 2021. Therefore, there is no expectation of immediate disapproval on August 1, 2021. All waiver requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and an institution should not assume a waiver will be granted.
For those institutions that are accredited and currently have a Program Participation Agreement with the Department of Education, it is expected Title IV eligibility and participation continue beginning August 1, 2021. If eligibility is lost or participation ceases at any point after August 1, 2021, a waiver would need to be sought to continue GI Bill® eligibility.
Public Law 116-315 Section 1018:
Applicable August 1, 2021, Public Law 116-315 Section 1018 amends Section 3679 of Title 38 to require educational institutions make certain disclosures to students, and to mandate or prohibit certain practices regarding enrollment and recruiting.
What do you need to do?
While the provisions of section 1018 take effect on June 15, 2021, they are not applicable to educational institutions until August 1, 2021. VA is continuing to review and interpret the provisions of this section and will inform schools as soon as possible regarding the requirements, including any criteria and procedures for applying for a waiver, if necessary. As with section 1015, there is no expectation of immediate disapproval on August 1, 2021. All waiver requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and an institution should not assume a waiver will be granted.
For more information
We are committed to regular updates through briefings, direct mail campaigns, social media and/or training as we move towards implementing each of these provisions.
If you have general questions, please contact the Education Call Center at: 1-888-442-4551 between 8 a. m. and 7 p. m. ET, Monday-Friday, or your State Approving Agency (SAA) with questions regarding your program approval.
For timely updates about this new law, please visit the Isakson and Roe Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 webpage.
Thank you for being a valued partner in support of the GI Bill program.
Respectfully,
Education Service
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