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Pa. veterans, higher education organizations launch portal for National Guard members

Patriot-News - 3/1/2021

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) have collaborated to create a portal that automates the education benefits application process for Pennsylvania National Guard (PNG) members and their families.

The new electronic process allows for the submission of applications for the Military Family Education Program (MFEP) and the Education Assistance Program (EAP), as well as the ability to change/update enrollment information, assign beneficiaries, and change credit allocations. It can be completed from any device such as a computer, tablet or smartphone, a press release said.

Officially launched today, the new portal was created quicker than expected, under budget and provides an administrative cost reduction, according to the press release.

“Pennsylvania National Guard members and their families have earned valuable education benefits thanks to their incredible service, support and sacrifice,” Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania’s acting adjutant general and acting head of the DMVA, said in the release. “By partnering with PHEAA and leveraging technology, we can now provide a faster and more convenient experience when our soldiers, airmen and their families apply for the benefits they have earned.”

Before automation, paper applications and enrollment changes and updates were sent out to service members through their unit of assignment, then sent to the PNG Education and Incentives Center for manual entry into their system for approval, according to the release. Once approved, they were then couriered to PHEAA for manual entry into its system.

Before automation, paper applications and enrollment changes and updates were sent out to service members through their unit of assignment, then sent to the PNG Education and Incentives Center for manual entry into their system for approval, according to the release. Once approved, they were then couriered to PHEAA for manual entry into its system.

Rep. Mike Peifer, chairman of the PHEAA Board of Directors, said, “In partnering with the DMVA in administrating the program, PHEAA dedicated itself to developing a transformative digital application and management process that provides an immediate, all-electronic workflow that increases speed, accuracy and convenience for our service members.”

Pennsylvania has the second-largest National Guard in the country with approximately 18,000 members located in more than 80 armories and readiness centers statewide, the release said.

To learn more about valuable education benefits that help the PNG retain and strengthen its readiness, visit https://www.pa.ng.mil/education/.

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