President Signs Post-9/11 G.I. Bill; but what does that mean?
June 30, 2008
(More updates and comprehensives explanation of the program is now up on this blog. CLICK HERE.)
—————————
It will be officially known as the Post 9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008 (scroll down to Chapter 33), and it is one of the few popular and bipartisan bills to pass into law in recent memory. The new G.I. Bill will increase the education benefits of service members, give a monthly living stipend, a yearly expense for books, and offer the benefits to be transferable to spouses and children of service members.
However, don’t go running to your VA office yet. The Bill will not take effect until August 2009. Those that are already attending college or will use their G.I. Bil under the current Montgomery G.I. Bill will see a nearly 20 percent increase in their benefits starting August 2008.
The Montgomery G.I. Bill is referred to as Chapter 30. The new G.I. Bill will be known as Chapter 33.
THE NEW BILL
First, this Bill only applies to those who have served after September 11, 2001 for at least three months for partial benefits. Those who served a minimum of three years on active duty since 9/11 are eligible for four years of tuition costs equal to their state’s highest university tuition plus a monthly housing stipend equal to E-5 with dependents pay based on the schools zip code.
Each year, military/veteran students will be eligible for $1,200 in tutoring and $1,00 for books. These extra benefits could bring the yearly benefits to equal more than $25,000.
Students, who go to colleges with lower tuition, will not get to pocket the expense differences, and those students who choose to go to a private institution will need to pay the difference between the state college tuition and the private school costs.
Under the Chapter 33 system, private colleges have the option for a “yellow ribbon” program that will allow for more tuition to be given to military/veteran students if the school is willing to bring their tuition down to match certain state and federal funding.
Nevertheless, this Bill marks a significant improvement in the previous Montgomery G.I. Bill, which only covered 36 months of school at a flat $1,100 per month.
Veterans will remain eligible for 15 years after separating service instead of the previous 10 years.
FAMILY MEMBERS
The ability to transfer the benefits to family members was originally run as an Army-only pilot program. Now the benefit is law for all services. However, service members are only eligible to transfer those benefits after serving 10 years on active duty or after 6 years if the service member already has a degree.
This is a great idea. One of the major fears that many salty service members and veterans had with the concept of transferring benefits to family members were that immature service members would be tempted to give away this very important assistance program to a young relationship. With divorce in the military topping 8 in 10, the chances of a young Soldier losing his love and his educational opportunity are pretty good. A ten year veteran at least has had some perspective to put into that decision before giving his valuable G.I. Bill away.
It should be noted that only the cost of tuition will be transferred to family members and not the living stipend, tutoring or book expenses. This marks a significant decrease in the benefits, but it should also stop many young service members from trying to take advantage of the system.
RESERVISTS
Reservists, and Guardsmen, are eligible for the same full benefits as regular active duty if they have served at least three years on active duty in the past seven years. Those who have served less time on active duty will receive 40-90 percent of tuition based on the amount of active duty time accrued. Reservist and Guardsmen will be able to keep those benefits for 15 years just like active duty as well, which means they will not have to remain in the military to receive the benefits like other benefits.
VETERANS AND THEIR G.I. BILL
Veterans who have already used their G.I. Bill may receive funds, but only if you use the G.I. Bill. That is just the way the cookie crumbles. On the other hand, veterans who qualify and have not used their G.I. Bill will be eligible for all the new benefits. The only difference is that newly enrolled service members will not have to pay in the $1,200 like the service members used to, and those who have already paid will not receive a refund.
Overall, the average G.I. Bill tuition should see an average increase to $1,900 a month. That is an $800 increase. Many colleges have been preparing for the passing of this new Bill, and this should also see an increase in colleges looking to attract those G.I. Bill dollars.
Previously, most school under the Servicemembers Opportunities College (SOC) program have worked hard to find ways to adjust their tuitions to meet the low costs of active duty service member tuition assistance. Many of these colleges have also started developing military specific programs to attract veteran students. With the increased G.I. Bill, more veteran students will be expected to attend college, and that is a new market that universities cannot ignore.
Universities are businesses, and students are their customers. With the advent of online education and the increase in adult education for returning students, the marketplace for higher learning has become a highly-competitive battlefield. The new G.I. Bill funding will see September 2009 as a shopper’s paradise for anyone looking to get a degree.
—
Edit: I have added a quick fact on all the new G.I. Bill benefits HERE
Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)
Entry Filed under: air force, army, employment, jobs, marine, military, navy, stories, veteran. Tags: 9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008, education, G.I. Bill, Law, post 9/11 gi bill, VA, veteran, Webb.
67 Comments Add your own
Leave a Comment
Some HTML allowed:
<a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <pre> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>
Trackback this post | Subscribe to the comments via RSS Feed
1.
Major Dorian de #Wind (ret.) | June 30, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Excellent and thorough coverage…the best I have seen on the GI Bill.
Thank you,
Dorian de Wind
P.S. I am linking to your site from The Moderate Voice
2. Update -- The New G.I. Bill | June 30, 2008 at 8:43 pm
[...] of the information herein was obtained from the web site, Podcast Patriot,a site that contains some of the most up-to-date, [...]
3.
eddie l. bailey | June 30, 2008 at 10:35 pm
I,m a viet-nam diabled vet, how does this bill help me
4.
dragonflydm | June 30, 2008 at 11:11 pm
As a Vietnam veteran, you have possibly eligibility under the current Montgomery G.I. Bill if you had remaining entitlement under the Vietnam Era GI Bill (chapter 34, title 38, U.S. Code) on December 31, 1989.
I am still carefully reading the fine print of the new G.I. Bill, but currently it still reads pretty clear that those who have not served after 9/11/01 will not receive the new benefits of this program, and will stay on the Montgomery G.I. Bill.
5.
WARVet | July 1, 2008 at 11:28 am
I just retired in Sep 2007 w/24yrs and Iraq/Afg are just additional wars I’ve fought in since my first stint in El Salvador…but I understand only service post 9/11 is eligible for this bill, which I have my last 6 years. I have my college but would love to transfer my unused GI BILL for my wife (no college)…how is my situation addressed in the new scheme??? I find bits and pieces that allude I can do this, but nothing concrete – If you know we’d appreciate it – lots of multi war vets have been retiring and are seeing if they are fairly served by this. Its mind boggling a combat vet can fight in El Sal, Panama, Desert Storm, Somalia, and other smaller yet deadly skirmishes and not rate the benefit because they happened to retire in Aug 2001 and a guy handing out linen at Fort AP Hill who joined Nov 2001 will get it all…I know that’s life in these times.
6.
dragonflydm | July 1, 2008 at 11:46 am
According to the Bill, if you served after 9/11 then you receive the full benefits of this program. The program does not discriminate from those who joined before 9/11 and those who joined after. You are now eligible for the new program.
Since you have more than 10 years of service, you also qualify for the family transition option. Nevertheless, be aware that your spouse or child will only receive the tuition and not the living expenses, tutoring and book stipend. Your wife will also not be eligible for this transfer under the new Bill until August 2009; however, since it looks as if you are Army, you are still eligible under the Army program to transfer the benefits immediately to your spouse and receive the 20% bump in tuition benefits this August, if your wife has already signed up for services.
One important note: the current Bill is a reimbursement bill. That means that you currently have to pay tuition and resign up for benefits each semester. The G.I. Bill money comes directly into your bank account. Once the new Bill takes effect, the tuition will go directly to the schools. If your state has tuition programs you may find that you will loose that “other income” once you are on the new Bill.
7.
WARVet | July 1, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Thanks for the response! Concerning the below excerpt I’d like some clarification or links to info so you don’t have to type/cut-paste.
((“Your wife will also not be eligible for this transfer under the new Bill until August 2009; however, since it looks as if you are Army, you are still eligible under the Army program to transfer the benefits immediately to your spouse and receive the 20% bump in tuition benefits this August, if your wife has already signed up for services.”))
1 – Understand the Aug ‘09 delay, can live w/that, what’s important is that it is an available option. My reading of the bill just doesn’t come out that cut & dry….maybe I have the wrong/old version?
2 – You’re correct about Army (SF) retired. I haven’t heard anything about that making my wife eligible now under current MGIB for immediate transfer, nor anything about a ‘bump’…could you elaborate/link that info? that would be major as I don’t need the amounts in new GI Bill as much as just having any choice whatsoever old or new.
many thanks.
8.
dragonflydm | July 1, 2008 at 3:55 pm
The current Montgomery G.I. Bill does not have a transfer clause in it, but the Army adopted that policy over a year ago. They are currently the only service that allows spouses to use a service member’s G.I. Bill. Contact your nearest Army base ESO and they can give you the details on how to proceed with that program.
The new G.I. Bill is pretty cut and dry. After 10 years of service the military member may opt to gift his education benefits (tuition only ) to his spouse or child. (6 years if the service member already has his bachelor’s degree).
9.
mike caress | July 2, 2008 at 10:42 am
Are there any provisions for Guard/Reserve members to transfer thier education benefits to a child or spouse after they have met the time requirements.
Also the new pamphlet that was issued by the VA says they will pay tuition and fees. What fees will be covered under provisions of the new bill?
10.
dragonflydm | July 2, 2008 at 11:41 am
Yes. Once you have become eligible for the new G.I. Bill, you are eligible for all the same benefits as active duty. However, note that if you do not have 3 years of activated service since 9/11, you will only receive a portion (40-90%) of the tuition and benefits.
And also remember that your spouse (or child) will only receive the tuition benefit and nothing else.
11.
anton | July 3, 2008 at 1:09 pm
i am a navy sailor and went to boot camp this January. I signed GI bill few months ago and already paid 500/5 months. As the new GI Bill was signed by President Bush, Do i still have to pay for other 7 months(700 dolloars)? Thanks a lot!
12.
dragonflydm | July 3, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Anton, you will not have to pay into the G.I. Bill any longer if you plan on using the G.I. Bill after August 2009. In August, you should be able to talk to your ESO and dispersing department and see how they plan on stopping the rest of your payments.
13.
Howard | July 4, 2008 at 9:17 am
I enlisted in the Navy pre-1977, got off of active duty in 1981 and used all of my Vietnam Era GI Bill to pay for my undergraduate degree and a portion of my masters degree. I re-entered the service and was commissioned in the Navy in 1992 and I am still on active duty today. Given my circumstances, am I eligible for the new GI Bill? If I am eligible and I do not wish to use this benefit, can I transfer this benefit to my wife or child? The reason I am asking this question is because I thought I saw a comment which basically said that if the veteran previously used their benefits under the old GI Bill, they could not transfer the new benefits to a family member.
14.
dragonflydm | July 4, 2008 at 9:25 am
Wow, you are really throwing up the obscure situations. Before I answer, I really suggest that you contact your local ESO (perhaps that petty officer might not be this involved– so you might want to contact the VA).
As the law reads, if you used the VEAP, then you were not eligible for the Montgomery G.I. Bill, and therefore not eligible for the new G.I. Bill. You only get to use the G.I. Bill once regardless of the program.
15.
dragonflydm | July 9, 2008 at 8:48 am
I have spoken with the VA, and reread the Chapter 30 and Chapter 33 text again. The way the brochure is written– I admit– is confusing. But that is the apparently the VA’s poor writing, not the law. It should read to include everyone who is eligible for the new program.
According the Veteran’s Administration in Washington D.C. those who have separated or retired from the military do not get the transferability benefit.
Terry Jemison, a VA spokesman, told me “DoD may allow an individual to elect to transfer entitlement to one or more dependents if he/she has served at least 6 years in the Armed Forces and agrees to serve at least another 4 years in the Armed Forces. It IS a retention tool. The person cannot elect to transfer their entitlement, then be discharged, as serving the additional 4 years is a requirement for transferability. Approval for transfer of entitlement is authorized by DoD or an individual’s military service branch.
16.
Kathleen Pearson, SPC | July 12, 2008 at 11:43 pm
I served from June 30, 2000, right after high school until June 29, 2004, including a tour to Iraq.
I was just 4 months shy of 36 months. What does this mean for me?
I went to college as soon as I finished my 4 yrs in the Army, from August 2004 until May 2008. I worked my way through school, because the GI bill only paid a fraction of what it actually cost.
I need to go back to school for my Masters in order to work in the industry I have studied for. Will the new post 9-11 GI Bill help me?
Just to clarify, I already used the MGIB, however the new Bill only stated eligibility based on time in service after 9-11.
Thank you in advance.
17.
dragonflydm | July 12, 2008 at 11:47 pm
If you have used your G.I. Bill benefits (all 36 months) then you have used all your benefits. It makes no difference which G.I. Bill you have access to.
So the answer would be no.
18.
Tayler | July 15, 2008 at 11:41 am
My husband qualifies for this new bill, but he has used 26 months of the his GI Bill. He is about to start the fall semester of school and continue until May which will be his last 10 months. When August 2009 arrives, he will have no remaining GI Bill left. Is he eligible to receive anything? I heard something about getting back pay? Is this true?? Thank you!
19.
dragonflydm | July 15, 2008 at 11:58 am
No. Once he has used his current Montgomery G.I. Bill benefits, he will no longer be eligible for further benefits. However, starting August 2008, his current G.I. Bill benefits will increase from $1,100 to $1,328 per month for that last 10 months.
There has been some confusion on benefits, because when the bill was first signed into law there were a few different bills in Congress that were kicking about. The final Bill that was signed does not repay previous investment into the program, including investment into the “Buy Up” program as well.
20.
Tayler | July 15, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Thank you for your help!! Can I ask one more question? My husband did the “kick back” thing where he paid a little more so instead of the $1100 monthly we get the $1225. Would that be upped by 20%, so we would get $1470/month or would we just get the 20% increase off the $1100 so the $1328. Thank you for your help!!
21.
dragonflydm | July 15, 2008 at 2:17 pm
That is a very good question. The rule says “increase of 20%” so that should be for the “Buy Up” program as well. Please contact your local VA rep and get back with me to confirm.
22.
Joe | July 23, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Hi, my name is Joe and I was given a “General Under Honorable Conditions” Discharge after serving more than 4 years. Do I qualify for this benefit? I have also used up more than 10 months of top-up benefits. Thanks!
23.
dragonflydm | July 23, 2008 at 1:33 pm
If you qualified for the MGIB with a General-Under Honorable Conditions discharge, AND you served more than 90 days after September 11, 2001– you qualify.
After August 2008, the Top Up benefits will no longer apply. Instead the MGIB will increase the regular benefits to $1,321 per month for all eligible members.
You also can opt NOT to take the Post 9/11 GI Bill and stick with the current MGIB
24.
Tayler | July 25, 2008 at 9:37 am
Hi! I just wanted to get back to you about something I learned, earlier I posted asking about the “Buy Up” program, and we got our info. yesterday, and we get the increase to $1471/month because of the kicker. Thanks for your help!
25.
Mollie | July 28, 2008 at 1:35 am
Oui, this is so confusing. First, thank you for being such a resource on this.
I have the Army College Fund for $50,000.
I paid the extra $600 buy-up.
I left the Army in April this year (honorable discharge) with 6 years active duty.
I understand the 20% increase (for the buy-up) that Tayler was talking about in relation to the current GI Bill. How will this work with the Post 9/11GI Bill? How much is the College Fund going to be per month?
Can I choose to stay with the current GI Bill and not switch to the Post 9/11 GI Bill, ever (in the next 15 years)?
Thank you again for providing such useful information.
26.
dragonflydm | July 28, 2008 at 5:01 am
IF you qualify and opt to use the Post 9/11 GI Bill (starting August 2009), you will–
- Still receive any enlistment related college money. That was part of your contract and it will be a part of your monthly stipend in addition to your BAH.
- Your college will directly receive tuition equal to the highest tuition of its highest state school tuition.
- In the new Post 9/11 GI Bill you will not receive any increases due to Buy Up, or be reimbursed for the MGIB pay in/
- YES YOU CAN OPT TO STAY WITH THE CURRENT MGIB GI BILL. BUT YOU WILL THEN STAY WITH THE 10 YEAR DEADLINE.
27.
Tayler | July 31, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Hi again- by the way, I really appreciate this site and your help! Okay next question, my husband has 10 months left for the MGIB, and the increase doesn’t start until August 2009, so we can choose not to use our benefits right now for this school year, and use them next year when they increase instead?
Thank you!
28.
dragonflydm | July 31, 2008 at 3:35 pm
NO one makes you use the GI Bill because you are attending college. So you CAN just not use the time and go to college, then start up with the new Bill next year.
29.
Alwyn | August 3, 2008 at 9:01 pm
I have 13 months of entitlements of MGIB left after Dec of 2008. My question is can stop my MGIB then reapply for Post 9/11 bill and receive 13 months of the new bill?
30.
dragonflydm | August 3, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Yes… just stop applying for the GI Bill benefits until August 2009 and then apply for the new GI Bill when you start using the benefits again.
31.
GlenPH | August 5, 2008 at 7:14 am
I read #23 above related to Top-Up payments received. The response read “After August 2008, the Top Up benefits will no longer apply. Instead the MGIB will increase the regular benefits to $1,321 per month for all eligible members.” I’m wondering if you can elaborate a little more on the answer. If I used 50% of my then current GI Bill benefits under the Top-Up program (and otherwise entitled to the New 9/11 GI Bill) would the new (total) entitlements be reduced in line with what I have used (PERCENTAGE) under Top-Up? OR will the total amount I’m allowed to use under the new 9/11 GI Bill be reduced by the total DOLLARS used under Top-Up. Example: If I used $10,000 under Top-Up, my new (remaining) GI Bill benefits would be reduced by $10,000.
32.
dragonflydm | August 5, 2008 at 7:53 am
First I would recommend reading the full list of benefits for the new bill, and determine if you are eligible OR want to keep the benefits of the MGIB. You can read that post at The New GI BILL COMPLETE EXPLAINATION
According to the VA, the TOP UP program will not see an increase in benefits. It has been reported by many of the law makers that the 20% increase will become the only MGIB payment and that would mean that the TOP UP benefit would go away. However, I have received at least one e-mail that military students have received a “kicker” to their $1,321 and feel that is because of the TOP UP program.
The MGIB does not deduct funds based on amounts, but rather months. You have 36 months of benefits (48 under certain circumstances). If you use a month of benefits, you loose that month regardless of the money that was awarded.
If you have used some of your MGIB benefits and wish to use the Post 9/11 GI Bill next year, your school will receive the highest in-state tuition for the months you have left in the program.
33.
Tayler | August 7, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Hello~ when I look over the comparison chart that you have a link for regarding a complete explanation on the new GI bill, I see a housing allowance under the new bill. I assumed this was the normal amount of paid money with the Montgomery GI Bill. Is this something additional with the new bill as well? So there would the Montgomery GI Bill of ~$1900 as well as a monthly housing allowance. I didn’t think so, but after looking at the chart, I am questioning myself. Thank you so much for your help!
34.
dragonflydm | August 7, 2008 at 3:48 pm
No. The Montgomery G.I. Bill NEVER paid a housing allowance. They only paid a monthly stipend while you attended college (In 2008 that was $1,100/month and after August 2008 it went to $1,321/month).
The New GI Bill will not give you a monthly stipend for tuition. It will pay your tuition directly to the school equal to the highest in-state college tuition for undergraduate courses. You will ALSO receive a monthly living expense equal to BAH for an e-5 at the zip code of your school IF you are physically attending the school. Online and correspondence education will not receive this extra money.
35.
Tayler | August 11, 2008 at 8:42 am
So, if I’m putting this all together correctly- Monthly, we would actually pocket less with the new GI Bill. I say this because we are currently pocketing $1470/month (due to the 20% increase + the kicker) and the tuition is completely covered. With the new GI Bill, we would pocket a monthly payment equal to the BAH for an e-5 in the school’s zipcode (which is approximately $900). Granted, the new GI Bill gives us $1000 for books, but monthly I benefit more from the current bill correct? Thanks for your help!
36.
dragonflydm | August 11, 2008 at 11:00 am
It is possible that there will be scenarios where the new GI Bill will not be the advantageous way to go.
I know a student who was getting his tuition paid for by the college while he was a graduate student. He also received $10k a year for that work. He also received $4,500 from the state for being a veteran. His G.I. Bill helped pay for living expenses.
Under this new Bill he would have not received anything as a graduate student because his tuition was free (and therefore nothing for the government to pay). He would have received $900/month for BAH, plus the book payment.
And remember, online schooling does not receive the BAH.
37.
Dan | August 11, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Will the new GI Bill cover Masters degrees? I am using Tuition Assistance while I am in the military to get my B.S. but plan to use the new MGIB for my masters after I seperate. I cannot find anything stating it will or will not cover advanced degrees.
38.
dragonflydm | August 11, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Yes! You will be able to use your GI Bill for any degree, but you will only be paid for the highest in-state State College undergraduate tuition.
39.
sTAN kURTZ | August 19, 2008 at 9:51 am
I’m a Navy retiree I served from Aug 1980-Nov 2003. I did not participate in the VEAP program (the only available educational program at that time) since that time; there were a few opportunities for VEAP participants to pay into the Montgomery GI Bill program. However you had to have signed up initially for VEAP. Does the New post 9/11 GI Bill offer any eligibility for Retired Veterans that did not participate in any college program? Would this apply to dependents?
40.
dragonflydm | August 19, 2008 at 10:28 am
You served active duty after 9/11. That is your qualifier for eligibility for the new GI Bill. Since you have not used any education benefits so far, you will be able to use all of the new Bill.
This does not apply to dependents… only active duty who re-enlist for the transfer option may give their dependents the GI Bill benefits.
41.
STAN KURTZ | August 19, 2008 at 10:54 am
Thank you for your quick response
42.
Todd | August 20, 2008 at 3:03 pm
We need to be careful, when it comes to the transfer of benefits section 3319 of the bill. It states that the SecDef “MAY” allow the respective Secretaries to establish and designate those who will be allowed to transfer their benefits to their spouses and dependents. If people re-enlist, and they get an SRB, they may be asked which do you want, SRB or do you want to transfer your benefits to your spouse or children? This is all up to the the individual Services. so, just becasue you enlist, you may not be eligible to transfer your benefits.
43.
dragonflydm | August 20, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Actually…the terms and conditions for the transferability will be determined by the individual services. AND the new GI Bill is only part of a greater spending Bill that was passed– it is not a law. So it may be changes and modified at any time.
44.
rksilver02 | September 5, 2008 at 12:05 am
My wife is prior Army and used her GI Bill to get a Bachelor’s degree. Can I transfer benefits to her, so she can use it towards her Masters?
45.
dragonflydm | September 5, 2008 at 5:37 am
IF you are still active duty. IF you have at least six years of service already, and IF you re-enlist for at least four more years, then you may transfer 18-36 months of your G.I. Bill (tuition only) benefits to your wife AFTER you have completed your re-enlistment contract.
46.
Leigh | October 8, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Thanks for all of the info! I had a question for you. I was discharged with a service connected disabilty after serving 7 months in the USMC. Do I qualify for full benfits?
47.
dragonflydm | October 8, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Leigh,
It depends on what years you were in the Marines. If you served between September 11,2001 to the present, then you qualify for the new GI Bill.
If you served from 1986- present and you invested in the Montgomery GI Bill, then you qualify.
If you served before 1986 you may qualify for VEAP.
And beyond all of that, you may qualify for vocational rehabilitation paid for by the VA if your service connected disability prevents you from earning a living in your trained expertise.
48.
Leigh | October 8, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Thanks. I served in 2003. Okay another question. I was just looking at the old GI Bill qualifications, and it said that I only qualified for benefits for the amount of time I served for, so benfits for 7 months. Now If I use all of that up will I still qualify for the chap 33? Or do I have to have some remaining benefit to qualify for the full 36 months?
Thanks again!
49.
Leigh | October 8, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Me again. Or can I use 5 months for the Spring semester and have two remaining months and then apply for the chap 33 and get 36 months?
50.
dragonflydm | October 8, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Leigh,
If you served and were discharged under honorable conditions as a service disability, then you will receive your full Chapter 33 benefits for 36 months. That is clearly stipulated in the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.
51.
Sergio | October 24, 2008 at 12:24 pm
I will only have about a month or so left on my GI Bill when the new GI Bill becomes effective in August of 2009. Will the GI Bill cover for me to finish the rest of the semester if I don’t have enough months left to finish? Thank you for your answer.
52.
dragonflydm | October 24, 2008 at 1:47 pm
If you have a month of benefits left on your GI Bill, then that is all you will get when the new GI BIll starts.
53.
John | December 7, 2008 at 3:56 pm
I recieved a 66k Army college fund I know I will still be paid money from that by a monthly basis for the 36 months my question is how much will I actually get paid?
I think I read somewhere (hidden) that the college fund amount paid to you is the total ACF value minus is the total amount of GI Benefits value you use. For example, I got 66k ACF used the full 38K(ish) of MIGB I would then be paid 28K over 36 months. This I believe is the policy the MGIB used for the ACF. What is the policy that the post 9/11 will use, will I get paid 66k over 36 months or nothing?
54.
shannon | January 25, 2009 at 10:54 am
Good morning,
I have read through all of the postings and didn’t see my the answer to the questions I have. I have asked around quite a bit, but no one seems to have the answers?
I am currently ADAF. I entered in 1988 but did not originally sign up to the GI Bill and there was no opportunity to sign up since. Since I meet the post 9-11 requirements, will I be eligible for the Post 9-11 GI bill? If so, what will I need to do to sign up for it or is it automatic. Thanks for your time.
Shannon
55.
dragonflydm | January 25, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Well, fortunately for you I do have an answer for you. The answer is– you did not have to be previously eligible for Chapter 30 Montgomery G.I. Bill to also be eligible for the new Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. That means that if you currently qualify for the 9/11 G.I. Bill, you are eligible. You don’t need to sign up for it.
Also.. look at my more recent post on the changes for transferability for retired service members.
56.
Tim | February 19, 2009 at 8:07 am
I enlisted in Dec 1976 and spend 11 months on AD before getting an ROTC schoarship. I was eligible for and used 18 months of GI bill. I am still on active duty and will retire next year. Am I eligilble under the post 911 GI bill?
57.
dragonflydm | February 19, 2009 at 1:56 pm
If you are eligible for 18 months of the GI Bill because you had used 18 months already, AND you have service active duty since 9/11/01– you are eligible for 18 months of the new G.I. Bill
58.
whiteaker | February 25, 2009 at 8:06 pm
Would our son be eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill? Husband served 20 years, honorably discharged/retired in 2005 with a 50% or 60% disability rating. Did not have/use the Montgomery GI Bill. Thanks for answering!
59.
Joshua Hudson | March 4, 2009 at 10:10 am
The transferability section of the GI Bill is for active duty personnel only and they must reenlist to use the program. There is legislation that is working to change that, but that law will not be retroactive. You son will not be able to use the GI Bill money from the father’s miltiary service, sorry.
60.
Rainer Elliott | March 4, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Ok, I’m a bit confused here. If I am entitled to the chapter 30 benefits, and 100% of the post 9/11 bill (chapter 33), why am I not eligible to have both at once. I have earned both in different ways, shouldn’t I be allowed to received what I paid for?
61.
Joshua Hudson | March 4, 2009 at 10:41 pm
Federal law only allows you to have 36 months of education benefits (with some rare exceptions of 48 months). If you use your GI Bill, you are no longer eligible for other programs like the Department of Veteran Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation program. There are many ways in which you can earn college tuition from the government, but you can not double or triple dip the system. It would open the door for those who are looking to “game the system.”
The purpose for the GI Bill is to give veterans an opportunity to earn a college degree and get a leg up in society, not randomly throw money at them for everything they can bilk out of the GOV.
62.
Jessica | March 13, 2009 at 3:10 pm
I am an Air Force Vet, medically discharged in Dec 2005, enlisted in 1997. I enrolled in the Montgomery GI bill around July 2006. I only used 3 months of benefits because the “old” GI bill didn’t cover all college tuition and I couldn’t afford to pay the balance. Am I eligible to receive anything under Chap 33?
63.
Joshua Hudson | March 20, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Yes you are eligible for the Chapt 33 bill for the remaining balance.
64.
missy | July 16, 2009 at 5:41 pm
My husband never signed up for the GI bill when he enlisted in 96 he is still active duty…is he eligible?
65.
dragonflydm | July 23, 2009 at 12:01 pm
If your husband has been active duty since 9/11, or met the drilling requirements since that date, then he is eligible.
66.
Jon M | November 13, 2009 at 11:32 am
Thanks for the work on this…
I enlisted in 2002 and got the 50K ACF. I’m trying to figure out what my monthly allotted dollar amount would be. Do you happen to know how much I would receive with this kicker on top of the Post 911 fund? I already have the Post 911 amount.
Thanks in advance,
67.
SSG Germaine LaPorte | November 24, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Question: I came back to active duty with the Michigan Army National Guard post 9/11, Feb of 2002 to be exact. I did not have the GI bill, can my son still get entitilements to go to school here in MIchigan, like tuition cuts? I am still AGR with the State.
Thanks, please email me at germaine.laporte@us.army.mil
Germaine La Porte