Minnesota Administrative Rules

9055.0445 STATE SOLDIERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM VETERANS' EDUCATION BENEFITS.

Subpart 1.

Definitions.

A.

For the purpose of this part, "eligible veteran" means a veteran as defined by Minnesota Statutes, section 197.447, who meets the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 197.75, subdivision 1, paragraph (g), clauses (1) to (4), and who has not earned a bachelor's degree or equivalent.

B.

For the purpose of this part, "eligible institution" means a postsecondary educational institution meeting the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 197.75, subdivision 1, paragraph (e).

Subp. 2.

Program purpose.

A.

Upon application approval, the commissioner must provide educational assistance to an eligible veteran who is attending an eligible institution.

B.

To qualify for education benefits under this part, an applicant for education benefits must meet the requirements of this part and be an eligible veteran as defined in subpart 1.

C.

An eligible veteran who has already attained a bachelor's or equivalent degree is not eligible for education benefits under this part.

D.

This part applies only to the veterans' education program activity.

Subp. 3.

Benefits provided.

The benefit provided under this part is limited to a single payment for tuition in an amount up to $750 paid by the commissioner to an eligible institution or reimbursed to an eligible veteran.

Subp. 4.

Application for veteran education benefits.

A.

The commissioner must issue the education benefit to an eligible veteran as a onetime benefit.

B.

To be eligible for benefits under this part, an eligible veteran must submit a completed application and the required supporting documentation to the commissioner before the final day of the term or semester for which the eligible veteran is requesting benefits.

C.

Payment is prohibited for a term or semester ending before the commissioner receives a completed application and supporting documentation.

Subp. 5.

Veteran education authorization letter.

A.

The commissioner must issue an education authorization letter to an eligible veteran approved for education benefits under this part. The commissioner must issue only one education authorization letter to an eligible veteran.

B.

The education authorization letter must confirm the eligible veteran is approved for education benefits in the form of a onetime payment for tuition to the eligible institution stated on the authorization letter or reimbursement for tuition the eligible veteran paid to the eligible institution stated on the authorization letter.

C.

An education authorization letter is valid only for the eligible institution stated on the authorization letter.

Subp. 6.

Veteran education denial letter.

A.

The commissioner must issue a veteran education denial letter to a veteran who is denied education benefits under this part.

B.

A veteran education denial letter must explain the reasons for denial and the veteran's right to appeal under part 9055.0290, subpart 8.

Subp. 7.

Veteran education payments.

A.

To receive education payments under this part, an eligible institution must submit documentation to the commissioner with its request for payment of the eligible veteran's tuition.

B.

The eligible veteran must submit documentation to the commissioner with the request for reimbursement for tuition paid to the eligible institution.

C.

The commissioner must make reimbursements or payments for tuition directly to a veteran or eligible institution.

D.

Documentation submitted for payment or reimbursement of tuition must confirm the following:

(1)

the eligible veteran's name;

(2)

the amount requested for payment or reimbursement of tuition;

(3)

the name and payment address of the eligible institution the eligible veteran is attending;

(4)

the start and end date of the term or semester for which benefits are being requested;

(5)

the eligible veteran attended the institution stated on the education authorization letter during the term or semester for which tuition is being requested; and

(6)

the eligible veteran attended and paid tuition to the eligible institution stated on the education authorization letter for the term or semester if reimbursement for tuition paid is requested.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 14.06; 196.04; 196.05; 197.03; 197.05; 197.06; 197.75

History:

46 SR 928

Published Electronically:

October 27, 2022