# Plain Language Summary: Overseeing the GI Bill Act of 2021

This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to build a modern computer system to handle education benefits claims for veterans. Right now, the VA uses outdated technology to process GI Bill applications and related paperwork, which slows things down and creates headaches for veterans trying to access their education benefits. This bill says the VA needs to replace those old systems with new commercial software by August 2024.

The new system needs to do several important things better than the current setup. It should process claims faster and more accurately, let veterans and schools communicate with the VA through an online portal to check on their claims in real time, and automate as much of the work as possible so claims get handled without unnecessary delays. Veterans should be able to apply for benefits, make changes to their applications, and manage their education assistance all online. Schools should also be able to submit information electronically and have it processed automatically. The system needs to verify that students are actually attending their schools and validate information from educational institutions.

To make this happen, Congress is authorizing $250 million in funding spread across 2022, 2023, and 2024. The VA has to report back to Congress with detailed information about the project's costs, timeline, and progress. If the project goes over budget by 10 percent, takes six months longer than planned, or fails to meet key performance goals, the VA must notify Congress within 60 days and explain what went wrong. This oversight ensures that veterans get a better experience accessing their hard-earned education benefits without the system getting bogged down in cost overruns or delays.

Overseeing the GI Bill Act of 2021

Moore, Barry

Overseeing the GI Bill Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement an information technology service using one or more commercial software systems to process claims for VA educational assistance benefits. Under the bill, the VA must ensure the service has specified capabilities, including the ability for entitled individuals to electronically apply for, withdraw from, transfer, and amend their educational assistance entitlement. The VA must annually report on the updated cost, schedule, and performance of the project for implementing the information technology service. Additionally, the VA must submit a notification if certain actions occur, such as an instance where a key business objective is not attained.