Only the calls on education will be consolidated at the new call center.

Veterans will learn they can receive benefits for 36 months, in most cases, depending on their time in the service and what kind of enlistment. The maximum benefit is $1,075 monthly for those who were in the military full-time. That is tax free, Jarvis said.

Those receiving the funds have to verify each month that they attended school before their check is issued. Some will be eligible for a work-study program to earn additional funds that are tax-free.

The GI Bill (educational funding for veterans) has been in existence since 1944 in some form, Wright said.

The center in Muskogee has been averaging an 18-day turnaround on processing original claims and eight days on supplemental claims or changes on claims.

The education center processes 15-20 percent of its claims without human interchange at all — via eight computers, which automatically processes claims sent in by schools in an electronic form, Jarvis said.

New jobs

WHAT: Department of Veterans Affairs call center.

PAY: Starting wage of about $28,000 per year.

HOURS: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.

TO APPLY: All applications for jobs at the new call center must be submitted via the Internet. Notice of when and how to apply will be found by accessing www.usajobs.opm.gov. Applications will not be taken at the VA Regional Office in Muskogee.