The Post- 9/11 GI Bill is a new benefit providing educational assistance to individuals who have served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001.
When is The Post-9/11 GI Bill effective?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are payable on August 1, 2009 towards training completed after 7/31/2009.
Am I Eligible?
An individual must have a minimum of 90 days active duty after September 10, 2001, and
- Be honorably discharged from Armed Forces; or
- Be released from Armed Forces with service characterized as honorable and placed on the retired list, temporary disability retired list, or transferred to the Fleet Reserve or the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve; or
- Be released from the Armed Forces with service characterized as honorable for further service in a reserve component; or
- Be discharged or released from Armed Forces for:
o EPTS (Existed Prior to Service)
o HDSP (Hardship) or
o CIWD (Condition Interfered with Duty); or
- Continue to be on active duty.
If I am eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill (chapter 30), Montgomery GI Bill- Selected Reserve (chapter 1606,) or the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (chapter 1607), am I eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill?
An individual may elect to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill if, on August 1, 2009, the individual is eligible for chapter 30, 1606, 1607, or is serving in the Armed Forces.
How many months of assistance can I receive?
Generally the number of months of entitlement you can receive is 36 months. A person could earn 36 months of entitlement after serving the minimum 90 days.
How much will I receive?
Eligible individuals will receive a percentage, as determined by length of credible active duty service, of the following:
- Amount of tuition and fees not to exceed the most expensive in-State public institution of higher education;
- Monthly housing allowance equal to the basic allowance for housing (BAH) amount payable to E-5 with dependents, in same zip code as school *; and
- Yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1000*; and
- A one time payment of $500 may be payable to certain individuals relocating from highly rural areas.
*NOTE -Housing Allowance and books and supplies stipend is not payable to individuals on active duty. Housing Allowance is not payable for those training at less than half time.
Individuals must serve an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of:
Affects on Existing GI Bill Benefits
If you are already enrolled in the Montgomery GI Bill and also meet the criteria for the Post 9/11 GI Bill, you have the option to transfer your remaining MGIB benefits to the new program.
For many veterans this will be a good option. However, due to the tuition limits set by this new GI Bill, many veterans who are pursuing a post-graduate degree may find the MGIB better suits their needs. This is also true for those students pursuing an online degree, as this new benefit will not pay the housing stipend to students enrolled in distance learning programs.
Further Eligibility Details:
•· You qualify for 100% of the benefit if you have a total of at least 36 months on active duty in the Armed Forces. This includes service on active duty for entry level and skill training.
•· You qualify for 100% of the benefit if you have a total of at least 30 continuous days on active duty in the Armed Forces; and after completion of service were discharged or released from active duty in the Armed Forces for a service-connected disability.
•· You qualify for 90% of the benefit if you have a total of at least30 months, but less than 36 months, on active duty in the Armed Forces. (including service on active duty in entry level and skill training).
•· You qualify for 80% of the benefit if you have a total of at least 24 months, but less than 30 months, on active duty in the Armed Forces. (including service on active duty in entry level and skill training).
•· You qualify for 70% of the benefit if you have a total of at least 18 months, but less than 24 months, on active duty in the Armed Forces. (excluding service on active duty in entry level and skill training).
•· You qualify for 60% of the benefit if you have a total of at least 12 months, but less than 18 months, on active duty in the Armed Forces. (excluding service on active duty in entry level and skill training)
•· You qualify for 50% of the benefit if you have a total of at least 6 months, but less than 12 months, on active duty in the Armed Forces. (excluding service on active duty in entry level and skill training)
•· You qualify for 40% of the benefit if you have a total of at least 90 days, but less than 6 months, on active duty in the Armed Forces. (excluding service on active duty in entry level and skill training)
How long am I eligible?
Individuals who serve at least 90 consecutive days are eligible for 15 years from their last period of active duty. If service is 30 days or more and you are released for a service connected disability, you will be eligible for 15 years.
What does The Post- 9/11 GI Bill cover?
Approved training under The Post 9/11 GI Bill includes graduate and undergraduate degrees, vocational/technical training, and foreign training. All training programs must be offered by an institution of higher learning and approved for purposes of chapter 30. Additionally, tutorial assistance, and licensing and certification test reimbursement are approved under the Post- 9/11 GI Bill.
Additionally, if you are eligible for chapter 30, 1606 or 1607, you may be eligible to pursue training for on-the-job training, apprenticeship, correspondence, flight and preparatory courses under Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Can I transfer my entitlement to my dependents?
You must be approved by the Department of Defense (DOD) for eligibility to transfer entitlement to your spouse and dependent children. Please contact DOD or your military service for more information.
Visit WWW.GIBILL.VA.GOV for up to date information on this and other education benefits. Or Military.Com
The January Eagle Remembrance Ceremony is Wednesday, Jan. 14. This monthly remembrance ceremony, which honors soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Fort Campbell is scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday at McAuliffe Hall.
