CONTENTS

CHAPTER 10. DIRECT DEPOSIT

SUBCHAPTER I. GENERAL

PARAGRAPH PAGE

10.01 Introduction 10-1

10.02 How to Sign Up for Direct Deposit 10-2

10.03 How to Find Direct Deposit Data on a Check. 10-3

10.04 How to Process Requests for Direct Deposit. 10-4

SUBCHAPTER II. BDN CHANGES

10.05 Summary of BDN Changes 10-5

10.06 BDN Letters for Direct Deposit 10-6

10.07 BDN Paragraphs for Direct Deposit 10-12

FIGURE

Figure 10.01 Campaign Letter 10-7

Figure 10.02 Direct Deposit Acknowledgment Letter (Establishment) 10-8

Figure 10.03 Direct Deposit Acknowledgment Letter (Change). 10-9

Figure 10.04 Direct Deposit Acknowledgment Letter (Cancellation). 10-10

Figure 10.05 Direct Deposit Reject Letter. 10-11

Figure 10.06 Direct Deposit Acknowledgment Paragraphs (Establishment). 10-12

Figure 10.07 Award Letter Paragraphs for Direct Deposit Change. 10-13

Figure 10.08 Award Letter Paragraphs for Cancellation. 10-14

Figure 10.09 Paragraphs When Direct Deposit Data Is Unchanged. 10-15

Figure 10.10 Paragraphs When Veteran Does Not Have Direct Deposit. 10-16

CHAPTER 10. DIRECT DEPOSIT

SUBCHAPTER I. GENERAL

10.01 INTRODUCTION

a. Purpose. This chapter explains direct deposit for the chapter 30 benefit program. (The Education Service will announce by separate letter the exact date that direct deposit will be available.)

NOTE: "Direct deposit" and EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) mean the same thing in this chapter.

b. Who Should Read

(1) Veterans Services Activity and Finance employees will find that processing chapter 30 direct deposit requests is nearly identical to processing C&P direct deposit requests so that a quick skimming of this chapter is all that is necessary.

(2) Education claims processors at the RPOs (Regional Processing Offices) will need to study this chapter in more detail since direct deposit is new to them. Education claims processors need to be alert for direct deposit requests that may accompany an application or enrollment certification.

(3) Education Liaison Representatives will especially need to be familiar with sign-up procedures explained in paragraph 10.02.

c. Encouraging Participation. Veterans Benefits Counselors and Education Liaison Representatives should encourage participation in direct deposit whenever possible. The benefits of direct deposit to the claimant are faster receipt of payment and elimination of lost checks. It's easy to sign up for direct deposit.

(1) Only three data elements are needed as described in paragraph 10.02b.

(2) There are numerous ways to sign up as described in paragraph 10.02c.

CAUTION: It is important to advise veterans to keep VA advised of any changes in direct deposit data. VA will assume that direct deposit data remains unchanged unless the veteran tells VA otherwise.

d. Limitations

(1) Performance. Direct deposit does not mean same day or next day service. Direct deposit payments will take between 3 to 5 days to reach the bank once a payment is authorized. (A payment is considered authorized on the date a certification transaction (35, 35X, 35Z) is processed. The BDN (Benefits Delivery Network) M22 screen (Transaction History) will show these transactions immediately after they are processed.) By comparison, chapter 30 checks take from 4 to 6 days to be issued plus mailing time.

(2) Total Time to Receive Payment. In addition to the 3 to 5 days required to issue a direct deposit, veterans should allow for mailing time and processing time at the RPO. A 6 to 10 day estimate of overall processing time (from the date a certification is mailed to the date payment is received at the bank) is probably reasonable for most cases.

NOTE: The chapter 30 Schedule of Operations now provides a projected payment date for direct deposits.

(3) Determining Receipt of Direct Deposit. Since chapter 30 payments are not issued at the same time each month, veterans will need to check their bank accounts to verify receipt of a direct deposit. The PAY DATE shown on the TINQ screen (Treasury Inquiry) is the date payment will be deposited at the veteran's bank.

e. Notification Letters. The Hines Benefits Delivery Center will notify persons who recently received chapter 30 benefits of the new direct deposit capability. This notification will be phased in over several months. See figure 10.01 for the text of the notification letter.

f. Other Instructions. This chapter covers both the basics of direct deposit and features that are unique to chapter 30. For the finer points of direct deposit, consult MP-4, part IV, chapter 6, and the undated guide titled Direct Deposit Working Guide (Draft), which Finance personnel at each regional office should have.

NOTE: The C&P program has had direct deposit for many years. All regional offices have employees who have developed expertise on this subject. Education claims processors at the RPOs should call on these experts for assistance as needed.

g. Questions. Refer policy questions to the Program Administration staff of the Education Service at (202) 273-7187. Refer procedural questions to the Procedures staff at (202) 273-7181. Refer finance questions to Central Office Finance at (202) 273-5920. Alternatively, send e-mail to MAIL VBA 22 (Wang) or 225 (Exchange) for delivery to the appropriate staff.

10.02 HOW TO SIGN UP FOR DIRECT DEPOSIT

a. Acceptable Institutions

(1) Acceptable: banks, savings and loans, credit unions, and mutual savings banks.

(2) Not acceptable: credit card companies, finance companies, mutual fund companies, brokerage firms, insurance companies, and other non-traditional financial services companies.

b. Minimum Required Information. Three pieces of information are required in addition to the veteran's name and file number. They are:

(1) Routing number of the claimant's financial institution.

(2) Claimant's account number at the financial institution.

(3) Whether account is checking or savings.

c. Acceptable Enrollment Methods. Any of the following enrollment methods is acceptable:

(1) Government Forms. These include Standard Form 1199A (Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form), VA Form 24-0296 (Direct Deposit Enrollment), VA Form 10051(JF) (Get Direct Deposit), or any other form which has the required information.

NOTE: The RPOs can issue VA Form 10051(JF) as an attachment to any letter issued through the PCGL (Personal Computer Generated Letter) system.

(2) Bank Forms. These include deposit slips, canceled checks, or voided checks.

(3) Telephonic enrollment. Either the beneficiary or the bank may call. If the bank calls, the beneficiary must be present at time of the call. RO personnel will verify the identity of callers for chapter 30 direct deposit in the same manner as they would for C&P direct deposit.

(4) Signed Statement. Any signed statement that includes the necessary enrollment information is acceptable.

(5) Attachment to Enrollment Certification or Other VA Form. The beneficiary may provide direct deposit data as an attachment to VA Form 22-1999, Enrollment Certification, or to any other VA form. If the beneficiary's school uses the VACERT (VA Certification) system to submit enrollment certifications electronically to VA, the school may include the claimant's direct deposit data in the Remarks section.

NOTE: Due to security concerns, direct deposit data received from the veteran by e-mail is not an acceptable enrollment method at this time.

10.03 HOW TO FIND DIRECT DEPOSIT DATA ON A CHECK

a. Routing Number. This is a nine-digit all numeric field at the lower left corner used to identify the financial institution.

NOTE: If the check shows "Payable Through" see subparagraph d below.

b. Account Number. This is the individual's account number assigned by the financial institution (lower middle area of the check). This number can be up to 17 positions with a combination of both alpha and numeric characters.

NOTE: Some account numbers may contain dash (-) symbols.

c. Check Serial Number. This is the number of a particular check (upper right hand corner). In most situations, the check serial number is coded separately from the account number. However, in some cases it may be coded between the routing number and the account number. In any instance, be careful that the check serial number is not recorded as part of the account number. If in doubt, contact the financial institution.

d. Payable Through. If applicable, this phrase is shown directly under the logo of the financial institution at the lower left of the check. This indicates that a contractor is involved with processing certain transactions for the primary financial institution. This is a common practice among most credit unions but can also be used by banks, and savings and loan associations. When "Payable Through" is shown on the check, in all likelihood the routing number shown on the check belongs to the contracting financial institution. Contact the primary financial institution to obtain the correct routing number.

e. Name of Financial Institution. This identifies the financial institution the veteran is using.

f. Account Title Information. This indicates the person or persons entitled to the proceeds of the account. The name of the beneficiary must be shown in the account title. Joint accounts are acceptable.

10.04 HOW TO PROCESS REQUESTS FOR DIRECT DEPOSIT

a. Review Direct Deposit Data. Be sure you have the minimum required information listed in paragraph 10.02b above.

b. Access the 601 Screen. Use the CADD (Change Address) command to access the 601 screen (Change Address). The required entries are CADD, password, and file number. (RPO Adjudication staff may also access the 601 screen from the CADJ (Claims Adjudication, STOP, SUSP (Suspend), or RESU (Resume) commands by entering "601" in the NEXT SCREEN field.) If more than one record exists, you will obtain the usual S02 screen (Payee Selection). Select the chapter 30 record from this screen.

NOTE: You can change the veteran's address for chapter 30 and add or change chapter 30 direct deposit data at the same time (one CADD session). However, two separate CADD sessions are required to change both a C&P and a chapter 30 record.

c. Make Necessary 601 Screen Entries. The 601 screen fields listed below each require an entry except for the sixth one which is optional. (See par. 10.03 for assistance in locating information on a typical check.)

(1) DD/EFT (Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer) CHG CANCEL

To establish or change direct deposit data, enter an "X" after CHG. To cancel direct deposit data, enter an "X" after CANCEL.

(2) ROUTING. Enter the first eight digits of the financial institution's routing number.

(3) CHECK DIGIT. Enter the 9th digit of the financial institution's routing number. (The check digit is used to verify the routing number.)

(4) TYPE ACCT. Enter "C" (Checking) or "S" (Savings) as appropriate. (If unsure, enter "C".)

(5) ACCT NO. Enter the veteran's account number at the financial institution.

(6) DD/EFT LTR SUPPRESS. Enter an "X" only if you wish to suppress the direct deposit acknowledgment letter or special paragraphs (see figs. 10.02-10.04 and 10.06-10.08). This field should seldom be used.

NOTE: The same entries described above apply to cases processed by the chapter 30 PC system since payment for these cases is through BDN.

d. Refer Documentation for Drop-Filing. Refer all documentation of direct deposit for drop-filing in the chapter 30 folder. Non-RPOs should refer this documentation to their RPOs. Be sure the documentation is annotated to show that action was taken.
SUBCHAPTER II

BDN CHANGES

10.05 SUMMARY OF BDN CHANGES

Direct deposit required extensive changes to the chapter 30 BDN system. These include:

a. 601 Screen Changes. The existing direct deposit fields on the 601 screen as described in paragraph 10.04c are now available for chapter 30 processing. These fields were previously blocked for chapter 30. The only change on the screen is the addition of the DD/EFT LTR SUPPRESS indicator at the bottom left of the screen as described in paragraph 10.04c(6).

b. Commands for Direct Deposit. All regional offices can use the CADD, CNAM (Change of Name) or CFID (Change of Fiduciary) commands to enter direct deposit data on the 601 screen. In addition, Adjudication personnel at the RPOs can reach the 601 screen using the CADJ, STOP, SUSP, or RESU commands.

c. Limitations on Processing. Chapter 30 direct deposit data can be entered at any regional office by Finance, Veterans Services Division, or Adjudication employees but not by CEST (Claims Establishment) clerks nor Service Organizations.

d. Inquiry and Transaction History

(1) The chapter 30 M21 screen (Chapter 30 Status and Award History) now has a one-position direct deposit indicator field in the middle of the screen. A "Y" means the record has direct deposit data. An "N" means it does not.

(2) The MO1 screen (Deduction/Receivable/Balance Data) now displays the full direct deposit data in the record. The new data fields are as follows:

(a) DD/EFT STATUS. This will be either blank, "Active", or "Inactive". Blank means VA has not received direct deposit data or that direct deposit data previously on file has since been canceled. "Active" means VA has active direct deposit data. "Inactive" means VA has direct deposit data but this data is considered inactive because the most recent direct deposit payment was returned from the financial institution.

(b) ROUTING. This shows the first eight digits of the financial institution's routing number.

(c) CHECK DIGIT. This shows the ninth digit of the financial institution's routing number.

(d) TYPE ACCOUNT. This will be either C (Checking) or S (Savings).

(e) ACCT NO (Account Number). This is the individual's account number at the financial institution. (3) The M22 screen (Transaction History) will now display a "22D" transaction when direct deposit data is added, changed, or deleted in a chapter 30 master record. The 22D is recorded in addition to any other transaction that may be processed.

e. Direct Deposit Payment Standard. All payments for a chapter 30 beneficiary will be released via direct deposit (except for advance payments) if there is active direct deposit data in the master record. This includes out-of-system payments for correspondence, flight, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training as well as tutorial and work-study payments. There is an exception for fiscal payments. A field has been added to the F15 screen (Special Payments) and the F45 screen (Unassociated Clearance) giving the operator the choice of issuing a payment by direct deposit or by check if appropriate.

f. Returned Payment

(1) If a chapter 30 direct deposit is returned for "bad address" (that is, the bank did not accept the payment), BDN will automatically reissue the payment by check unless the master record is in a terminated status. When a direct deposit is returned, the DD/EFT STATUS field on the M01 screen will be changed to "Inactive". (Any subsequent entry of direct deposit data on the 601 screen will reactivate the direct deposit status.) If a chapter 30 direct deposit is returned for a reason other than bad address, or if the master record is terminated, the payment will go into proceeds and no check will be reissued.

(2) If a chapter 30 check is returned due to a bad address, BDN will reissue the payment via direct deposit if the DD/EFT STATUS field shows "Active".

g. TINQ. TINQ processing will show CH30-EFT as the TYPE of payment for direct deposit payments. The financial institution's routing number will appear under ZIP-CODE; the student's account number will appear under ADDR LINE 1; and either C (Checking) or S (Savings) will appear under ADDR LINE 2. For returned direct deposit payments, TINQ will show the check issue date, amount, cancel date, trace (check) number (under CHECK #), reason code, and benefit type.

h. Letters. New letters and new paragraphs for existing letters have been developed to keep the veteran advised regarding direct deposit. See paragraphs 10.06 and 10.07 below.

i. Award Documentation Changes. VA Form 22-8945, Education Award, which is printed at the RPOs, now contains direct deposit data in the name and address block. The 50B screen (Education Award), available at the St. Louis RPO in connection with their imaging system, also displays direct deposit data.

10.06 BDN LETTERS FOR DIRECT DEPOSIT

BDN will issue the following direct deposit letters under the conditions indicated. The letters shown in figures 10.02 through 10.04 will be suppressed if the DD/EFT LTR SUPPRESS indicator is checked on the 601 screen.

10.07 BDN PARAGRAPHS FOR DIRECT DEPOSITS

BDN will issue the following special paragraphs to existing letters under the conditions indicated. These paragraphs will be issued unless the operator checks the DD/EFT LTR SUPPRESS indicator is on the 601 screen.

Figure 10.01. Campaign Letter

(When issued: Issued in stages over a 6-month period to all chapter 30 veterans with recently active master records.)

RETURN ADDRESS DATE

In Reply Refer To:

ADDRESSEE File Number: [Insert File Number] [Insert Stub Name]

Direct Deposit Now Available

Direct Deposit is the safest and fastest way to receive your VA education payment. You no longer have to worry about your check being delayed by the mail, or being lost or stolen.

How to Sign Up

You may provide the necessary information by mail or phone. VA's toll-free number is 800-827-1000. The information we need is

* Your financial institution's routing number

* Your account number

* Type of Account (Checking or Savings)

If you write, just tell us you wish Direct Deposit of education checks and include a voided personal check or deposit slip. If you don't include one of these documents, be sure to include the information about your account listed above.

Thank you.

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Figure 10.02. Direct Deposit Acknowledgment Letter
(Establishment)

(When issued: Whenever direct deposit is established for the first time but no award is processed.)

RETURN ADDRESS DATE

In Reply Refer To:

ADDRESSEE File Number: [Insert File Number] [Insert Stub Name]

We have received your request for Direct Deposit of your VA education benefits. Your next education payment will go to your financial institution.

* Your Financial Institution's Routing Number: [Enter 9-digit number]

* Your Account Number: [Enter veterans' account number up to 17 characters]

* Type of Account: [Enter "Checking" or "Savings"]

Direct Deposit to Continue

We will assume this Direct Deposit information is valid for any future education payments even if these payments occur years from now. Therefore, it is very important to let us know of any changes in Direct Deposit information.

Reporting Changes

VA's toll-free number is 800-827-1000. If you write, include a voided personal check or a deposit slip. If you don't include one of these documents, be sure to give us the information about your account listed above.

Mailing Address

Keep us informed of any change in your mailing address even though you have Direct Deposit. We will continue to send correspondence to your mailing address.

Thank you.

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Figure 10.03. Direct Deposit Acknowledgment Letter (Change)

(When issued: Whenever Direct Deposit is changed but no award is processed.)

RETURN ADDRESS DATE

In Reply Refer To:

ADDRESSEE File Number: [Insert File Number] [Insert Stub Name]

We have received your request to change the Direct Deposit information for your education benefits. Your next education payment will go to

* Your Financial Institution's Routing Number: [Enter 9-digit number]

* Your Account Number: [Enter veterans' account number up to 17 characters]

* Type of Account: [Enter "Checking" or "Savings"]

Direct Deposit To Continue

We will assume this Direct Deposit information is valid for any future education payments even if these payments occur years from now. Therefore, it is very important to let us know of any changes in Direct Deposit information.

Reporting Changes

VA's toll-free number is 800-827-1000. If you write, include a voided personal check or a deposit slip. If you don't include one of these documents, be sure to give us the information about your account listed above.

Mailing Address

Keep us informed of any change in your mailing address even though you have Direct Deposit. We will continue to send correspondence to your mailing address.

Thank you.

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Figure 10.04. Direct Deposit Acknowledgment Letter (Cancellation)

(When issued: Whenever Direct Deposit is canceled but no award is processed.)

RETURN ADDRESS DATE

In Reply Refer To:

ADDRESSEE File Number: [Insert File Number] [Insert Stub Name]

We have received your request to cancel your Direct Deposit for education benefits. Future education payments will go to your mailing address.

Reporting Changes

If you wish Direct Deposit in the future, please let us know. VA's toll-free number is 800-827-1000. If you write, include a voided personal check or a deposit slip. If you don't include one of these documents, be sure to give us your financial institution's routing number, your account number, and if your account is saving or checking.

Thank you.

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Figure 10.05. Direct Deposit Reject Letter

(When issued: Whenever a direct deposit payment is returned from the bank and a check will be automatically issued.)

RETURN ADDRESS DATE

In Reply Refer To:

ADDRESSEE File Number: [Insert File Number] [Insert Stub Name]

We were unable to make a Direct Deposit of your education benefits. If we made an error, we apologize. We will send your education checks to your mailing address until this matter is resolved.

The financial institution did not accept the following account data we submitted for you:

* Your Financial Institution's Routing Number: [Enter 9-digit number]

* Your Account Number: [Enter veterans' account number up to 17 characters]

* Type of Account: [Enter "Checking" or "Savings"]

How to Reapply for Direct Deposit

If you wish to receive Direct Deposit, please recheck these numbers and contact us by mail or phone. VA's toll-free number is 800-827-1000. If you contact us by mail, just tell us you wish Direct Deposit of education checks and include a voided personal check or deposit slip. If you don't include one of these documents, be sure to include the information about your account listed above.

Thank you.

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Figure 10.06. Direct Deposit Acknowledgment Paragraphs (Establishment)

(When issued: Whenever direct deposit is established for the first time and an award is also processed.)

Information about Direct Deposit

We have received your request for Direct Deposit of your VA education benefits. Your next education payment will go to your financial institution.

* Your Financial Institution's Routing Number: [Enter 9-digit number]

* Your Account Number: [Enter veterans' account number up to 17 characters]

* Type of Account: [Enter "Checking" or "Savings"]

Direct Deposit to Continue

We will assume this Direct Deposit information is valid for any future education payments even if these payments occur years from now. Therefore, it is very important to let us know of any changes in Direct Deposit information.

Reporting Changes

VA's toll-free number is 800-827-1000. If you write, include a voided personal check or a deposit slip. If you don't include one of these documents, be sure to give us the information about your account listed above.

Mailing Address

Keep us informed of any change in your mailing address even though you have Direct Deposit. We will continue to send correspondence to your mailing address.

Figure 10.07. Award Letter Paragraphs for Direct Deposit Change

(When issued: Whenever direct deposit is changed and an award is also processed.)

We have received your request to change your Direct Deposit information. Future education payments will go to

* Your Financial Institution's Routing Number: [Enter 9-digit number]

* Your Account Number: [Enter veterans' account number up to 17 characters]

* Type of Account: [Enter "Checking" or "Savings"]

If you need to make further changes in your Direct Deposit information, please let us know. VA's toll-free number is 800-827-1000. If you write, include a voided personal check or a deposit slip. If you don't include one of these documents, be sure to give us the information about your account listed above.

Figure 10.08. Award Letter Paragraphs for Cancellation

(When issued: Whenever direct deposit is canceled and an award is also processed.)

We have received your request to cancel your Direct Deposit for education benefits. Future education payments will go to your mailing address.

If you wish Direct Deposit in the future, please let us know. VA's toll-free number is 800-827-1000. If you write, include a voided personal check or a deposit slip. Otherwise, be sure to give us your financial institution's routing number, your account number, and if your account is saving or checking.

Figure 10.09. Paragraphs When Direct Deposit Data Is Unchanged

(When issued: Whenever a reentrance award is processed and direct deposit data exists in the master record.)

We will continue Direct Deposit of your education payments. The Direct Deposit information we have is

* Your Financial Institution's Routing Number: [Enter 9-digit number]

* Your Account Number: [Enter veterans' account number up to 17 characters]

* Type of Account: [Enter "Checking" or "Savings"]

If you need to change your Direct Deposit information, please let us know. VA's toll-free number is 800-827-1000. If you write, include a voided personal check or a deposit slip. Otherwise, be sure to provide the information about your account listed above.
Figure 10.10. Paragraphs When Veteran Does Not Have Direct Deposit

(When issued: Whenever there is a reentrance award and there is no direct deposit data in the master record. These paragraphs will be issued only after the campaign letter (see fig. 10.01) has been issued to all recently active chapter 30 master records.)

You can now receive Direct Deposit of your education checks to your bank or other financial institution. You may sign up either by mail or by phone. The information we need is:

* Your Financial Institution's Routing Number.

* Your Account Number.

* Type of Account (savings or checking).

To sign up, call VA's toll-free number at 800-827-1000. If you write, just tell us you wish Direct Deposit of education checks and include a voided personal check or deposit slip. If you don't include one of these documents, be sure to include the information about your account listed above.