Post-9/11 GI Bill Education

The U.S. Armed Forces is always trying to improve on the many ways it gives back to its troops, and education benefits are a top priority. Starting in August of 2009, the Montgomery GI Bill will be getting a fresh new look, and it's better than ever before. Veterans who served after September 11th, 2001, will receive the benefits of:

In addition, Reserve and National Guard members who were activated for more than 90 days any time after 9/11 will share the same privileges and benefits as their full active duty brothers in arms.

QUALIFICATIONS

Just like the benefits have changed, the rules have slightly changed as well. So how do you know if you're eligible now? According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, you are eligible if you have:

• Served, at minimum, 90 days of active duty service after September 11th, 2001, and:
• Were honorably discharged from the Armed Forces, or
• Were released from the Armed Forces with honorable service and either placed on the retired list or the temporary disability retired list, or transferred to Fleet Reserve or Fleet Marine Corps Reserve, or
• Were released from the Armed Forces with honorable service to serve further in reserve capacity, or
• Were discharged or released from the Armed Forces for:
  • EPTS (Existed Prior to Service)
  • HDSP (Hardship) or
  • CIWD (Condition Interfered with Duty); or
• Continue to be on active duty.

OR

• Served, at minimum, 30 consecutive days of active duty service after September 11th, 2001, and were discharged on the basis of a service-related disability.

FRESH CHANGES

It isn't just the name that has changed with the GI Bill. The most notable change in the bill is the addition of stipends for housing and books, but that's not all:

• No more enrollment fee! If you paid to enroll in the original Montgomery GI Bill, that $1,200 will be refunded to you.
• More time! While the new GI Bill alone only provides for a maximum of 36 months of education, if you are entitled to more than one GI Bill benefit program, you may use them back-to-back for a maximum of 48 months of benefits.

That said, not all of the changes are as freeing. Whereas the Montgomery GI Bill offered funding for a wide breadth of education options, from flight school to prep courses to on-the-job training, the Post-9/11 GI Bill is strictly applicable at accredited colleges and universities. If, however, you have already been found qualified for the original bill, you may continue to receive benefits for courses offered outside of traditional universities.

FAMILIAR REGULATIONS

Just like the old GI Bill, the Post-9/11 GI Bill does have further restrictions that could affect your share of the benefits. For example, servicemembers who only served the minimum 90 days are only entitled to 40% benefit eligibility; unless disability-related discharge comes into play, a minimum of 36 months of service (equivalent to a four-year education!) are required to receive full benefits. Also, while active duty servicemembers are still entitled to activate benefits with the Top-Up plan before retiring, as with before it comes at a price-active duty are disqualified from both the housing and the supplies stipends.

THE SPOUSE FACTOR

For military spouses education is just as important as it is for servicemembers. But will your loved ones be covered under the new GI Bill? The short answer is yes - that said, the VA has yet to issue official policy on entitlement and transferability. Stick with us for more information in the coming months!