Veterans Benefits And The New Post 9/11 GI Bill
The first GI Bill was passed by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944. It provided students with five hundred dollars per school year to cover tuition and additional compensation for living expenses.
The new GI Bill, often referred to as “Post 9/11 GI Bill,” provides the most lucrative benefits military personnel have seen since the original GI Bill of 1944. Its benefits go into effect on August 1, 2009.
At the moment, the Department of Veteran Affairs is not accepting applications for this bill. College bound veterans should continue following the progress of the bill at www.gibill.va.gov to see when applications are open. The bill will aid in tuition with all college taken after July 31, 2009, the coming fall semester. Applications for the fall term FAFSA have already begun, so the Post 9/11 GI Bill should be available for application in the near future. When applications are open, filling it out online will bear the most immediate return time.
The 9/11 GI Bill covers everything listed below for up to three years after the application is accepted.
What are the Eligibility Requirements for the 9/11 GI Bill?
If you have served for a minimum of consecutive 90 days in the armed forces since September 11, 2001, you may be eligible for the 9/11 GI Bill’s benefits. The amount you are eligible is determined by how much post service has been accumulated since 9/11.
The full benefits are given to veterans that have accrued three years of active duty since 9/11 or were discharged due to a service-connected disability.
The Montgomery GI Bill is considered separate from this one. Previous application to the Montgomery GI Bill is not required to qualify for the 9/11 GI Bill.
What Benefits Does the 9/11 GI Bill Offer?
The GI Bill provides up to 100% of tuition, variable by colleges attended. In addition, it grants up to $1,000 a year for books and supplies. Students that do not attend school full time will receive benefits based upon the amount of units taken.
The amount paid, as mentioned previously, is determined by the amount of time the veteran was in service. Though this varies state-to-state, this is a general guideline: 100% for 3 years; 100% for 30 days with discharge; 90% for two-and-a-half years; 80% for 2 years; 70% for one-and-a-half years; 60% for a year; 50% for half a year; and 40% for 90 days.
There is also a housing stipend available for full-time students that attend campus colleges. Students that enroll in distance learning education do not qualify for this stipend. It varies by the zipcode but averages at $1,200/month. Students that participate in hybrid learning, or distance learning and campus settings, also qualify for this stipend.
Can my Dependents Use My Benefits?
Military veterans that have served at least 6 years and agree to serve another 4 years may provide the benefits of the GI Bill to dependents, such as children and their spouse. The Department of Defense has the rights to stipulate additional requirements for this transfer of eligibility, and the dependent may only use up to 18 months of the benefits.
How is the 9/11 GI Bill Different from the Montgomery GI Bill?
The Montgomery GI Bill offered less than the 9/11 GI Bill. It offered no financial aid for living expenses or books and was limited to $1,321/year for tuition, instead of variable tuition by the college’s demand. It also required an enrollment fee and came with more limitations to the qualification.
The 9/11 GI Bill is meant to be an upgrade in the education offered to military students from the previous GI Bill that has been in effect for the past several decades. This goes along with the plan to further educate America.
I have already used some of my Gi BIll and I have remaining time. I know I can transfer my remaining time – but what I don’t know is if I can extend my time or buy an extension to have more months to use the New Gi Bill?
Thanks
In response to Springfield, Ohio’s comment/question, if someone has only a few months left on their Chapter 30 GI Bill they should use the Chapter 30 benefits then transfer over to the new Chapter 33 program in order to receive the additional 12 months of benefits. Not knowing exactly how long you still have makes it hard to say what the best thing is for you. Or, if you should even change over to the Chapter 33 program. Below is a link that gives several scenarios about which option is better. If none of these help, please provide additional details and we’ll do our best to answer.
http://military-education.military.com/2009/03/va-offers-more-info-to-aid-pending-gi-bill-decision.html
American Sentinel
How about this one:
I am have been using Chapter 30 benefits and as of August 1st will have 5 months left. I have 36 months of Chapter 1606 with the kicker that I have not touched yet. I am eligible for full financial aid as well, but my school counts my Chapter 30 against my scholarships and grants, meaning they take that free money away. I am planning on converting to the Chapter 33 bill because of the housing stipend. What are the suggestions you have?
What is this additional 12 months that was mentioned…? If I can get that then I will be fine. I just want to be covered till I graduate in June 2010.
In response to American Sentinel, I’m actually beginning to hear reports about this 12 month extension from some of our members attending the Student Veterans of America conference this week. Myself, I have only 8 months of Ch 30 benefits left so it seems this information would be pretty useful to me, do you happen to know where this is in writing from the VA?
In attending an academic program on the semester system, what happens over the “summer break”? Do benefits continue? Do you have to be continuously enrolled to receive benefits over the summer? Is there a minimum number of credits?
rt
You can receive benefits over the summer semester if you take courses. If you have 36 months of benefits available and you decide to take classes during the summer, the clock will “keep ticking” so to speak; instead of 9 months being removed for the spring and fall semester, leaving you with 27 months of benefits left, 12 months will be deducted, leaving you with 24 months.
If you are a hybrid learner and you are taking advantage of both distance learning and learning on campus, it is required for you to attend the summer classes in order to receive your housing stipend for the summer. Otherwise, if you skip the summer semester, those housing benefits are delayed for the three months. Students that are using the Post 9/11 GI Bill for strictly online learning do not qualify for the housing stipend, so this concern of required summer semester attendance is not as much of an issue.
The minimum number of units you have to take to receive the full-time benefits of the GI Bill throughout the summer can be determined by the minimum number of units a college requires to be a summer full time student. It is typically half of a normal semester’s full time requirements, so if your college requires 12 units to be full time in the spring and fall semester, chances are your summer requirement will be 6 units.
the current GI Bill has “break pay” does the new Bill offer this too?
The Post 9/11 GI Bill does not currently offer “break pay,” or the ability to collect benefits during lapses between semesters, such as summer session. Instead, the government encourages students to remain full-time students during intersessions. Remaining full-time during a summer session typically does not require as many courses, as the intersession is smaller. If you are looking for “break pay” specifically though, it is unfortunately a feature only offered through the Montgomery GI Bill.
Many online schools do not operate by semesters, but instead have year-round programs that move fluidly from course-to-course; you may receive benefits year-round through the Post 9/11 GI Bill with these kinds of online schools provided you do not stop for several months between courses (similar to a summer break) and you remain enrolled at the college’s full-time status.
I used the full benefit of my Montgomery GI Bill benefits for my undergraduate education but seem to be able to find out whether or not the 6 months that I spent in Iraq (post-9/11 of course) entitle me to any additional benefit that I could use to help me with expenses for graduate school. I have seen some information in a few places that appears to indicate that I may be eligible for an additional 12 months of assistance for my post-9/11 active duty service but I am not sure. Does anyone have any insight to offer? Much appreciated…
To SFO, yes, you may be entitled for 12 more months under the Post 9/11 GI Bill even if you have exhausted your benefits under the current Montgomery GI Bill. Read more about it here. Exhausting benefits from Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill) before applying for Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill) is actually highly recommended for someone in your position that is trying to pursue graduate school. You can contact the VA at 1-888-GIBILL-1 to speak to a representative that will help you obtain these extra 12 months of benefits.
I’m new to this so everyone please excuse my ignorance.
My husband served 8 years and has been out of the Navy for about 3 years, 5 of the years were post 9/11 and he hasn’t touched any of his GI Bill. Can I (his spouse) use any of his GI Bill to obtain a degree? I can’t tell from the information on any websites whether or not the transferring of the GI Bill depends on active duty….the VA told me that there is to be an update announced by end of this month regarding tranferring of this benefit but I was wondering if anyone knew anything….
Hello CML! Check out this post to find out answers concerning the rulings for family transfers. Keep in mind that these rulings have not been finalized, but judging from the released information, are more than likely to remain solid.
Hi, I applied for the new GI bill at the beginning of May, but havent yet heard back about it…has anyone heard back from their RPO offices since applying? Or what happens next? Thanks!
I would contact the VA to see the status of your application. According to a report released by the VA, application responses should be received within 24 days.
You may contact the VA at 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) to speak with a Veterans Benefits Counselor.
Hope this helps!
Questions: I served approximately 6 years in the Marine Corps. My first contract was from 06/13/2000 to 06/12/2005. During my last year of my first contract I decided to reenlist. Upon any reenlistment that military member is first officially discharged and then reenlisted. During my second contract I was medically discharged with a “Personality Disorder” on 02/07/2007 and was given a General (Under Honorable Conditions) discharge. From what I have read under the Veteran Affairs website pertaining to the new Post 9/11 GI Bill, to be eligible you must have an honorable discharge or be discharged for something such as hardship or a condition interfering with your duties. My question is since I did not get an Honorable Discharge but a General (Under Honorable Conditions) discharge will I still be entitled to the new Post 9/11 GI Bill???? Two factors that I want to point out is 1. I contributed to the MGIB during my first year of my first contract in which before being reenlisted I was officially Honorably Discharged. And 2. A personality disorder is a medical condition which interfered with me performing my duties. Does anyone have any information that they coudl give me for my situation??? Since I performed on complete contract with the Marine Corps to which was when I contributed to the GI Bill will I be entitled to the Post 9/11 GI Bill??
Can I use this (Post 911) for online class?
You may use the Post 9/11 GI Bill for an online school, yes. You will not, however, qualify for the housing stipend. The housing stipend is only provided to those attending campus-based schools.
Mathew– I recommend calling 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) to speak with a representative of the VA as these are very specific questions and a government official might be able to aid you better. However, if you were discharged due a medical condition, you should still qualify for the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Also, if you served from 2000 to 2005, I believe you qualify for the Post 9/11 GI Bill through this time of service.
Clarification on this:
you “MAY” be entitled for 12 more months under the Post 9/11 GI Bill even if you have exhausted your benefits under the current Montgomery GI Bill.
I am going to exhaust all my current GI Bill after this semester. Do they give 12 additional months of the new GI Bill if you meet certain criteria? I called them up and basically the rep said to just apply and see what happens.
If I am not eligible for the Post Montgomery Bill, will I be eligible for the new one?
The eligibility requirements for the Post 9/11 GI Bill are different from the MGIB. You can read about the requirements here. Hope this helps!
hey does anyone know HOW/WHERE to find out the number of months i have remaining for my gi bill benefits? i went to college years ago but cant remember how much of it ive used and want to find out so i can transfer my remaining time to my wife now. Thanks
Frank–The VA can look at your records and let you know how many months you have. You can contact them at 1-888-GIBILL-1. Hope this helps!
I am being chaptered from the army for PT failure and they say I will automatically get a general discharge.
1) Can I be eligible because I completed my initial 3-year ETS and wasn’t discharged until after stop-loss took effect?
2) Can I be eligible because PT failure is of a physical nature?
3) Can I be eligible if I prove after the fact that the PT failure was due to a medical condition?
I just can’t wrap my head around the idea that I served over three years with a clean record, including a 15-month deployment to Iraq, but I lose my education because I can’t run fast. It just seems absurd to me. Any advice or help is appreciated.
Jack–Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits start at 90 days of consecutive service. Full benefits become available after 3 years of continued service. You should qualify for Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits. Hope this helps!
with my MGIB, financial aid, and student loans my total cost of attendance is covered. Once the post 9/11 gi bill kick in it wont be enough to cover the total cost of attendance so will all financial aid stop because of the post 9/11 gi bill?
Tenisha–If you switch from the MGIB to the Post 9/11 GI Bill, you may still choose to apply for additional financial aid like any other college student via the FAFSA. To learn more about this article: “The Post 9/11 GI Bill and the FAFSA.” Hope this helps!
I switched over to the CH 33 GI Bill from the CH 30 and now I want to switch back. I only have 7 months left from the original CH 30 and that is all I can use. I was under the impression that we can get the 12 month extension but it only applies if you use up all of the CH 30?. Is there any way I can switch back?
Orlando– Normally, once you switch from the MGIB to the Post 9/11 GI Bill, you cannot switch back.
If you made the switch after receiving advice from a government-affiliated agency, however, and you feel the agency did not provide you adequate information to make your decision before the switch, you could try to apply for “equitable relief.”
Hope this helps!
I recently switched from chapter 30 to chapter 33. I had 17 months left under chapter 30 when i transferred. Now i have 17 months of education benefits under chapter 33. My question is, after i am done receiving education benefits under chapter 33 for 17 months, will i still be able to apply for a 12 month extension?
Thank you for your time.
I applied for the post 9/11 awhile back ago. I haven’t heard anything back. I am a disabled vet that went overseas for 2 tours (1 year a piece). I qualify but I haven’t heard back. I applied back in August. When will I hear back from them? And how does the paying for housing work? Do they just pay me then I pay my housing or do they cut a check where I pay my housing? I don’t understand all the benefits you get with the post 9/11 compared to the gi bill. Can someone help me out please? Thank you!
David,
You’ll want to contact the VA often to keep updated on your Post 9/11 GI Bill status. My suggestion is to contact them ASAP since it’s been several months and see where you are in the application process.
If you’re looking for information on the differences between the Post 9/11 GI Bill and the MGIB, Veterans Benefits GI Bill is an excellent resource.
Hope this helps!
Ok I have to admit that this GI bill is far better than the other ones. but whouldnt this effect the financial debt of the US. we would probably have more debt, but atleast it helps the soldiers.
To Don
Here is how it was explained to me by a case counselor at Muskegee.
Even if you have 1 day left on your chapter 30 then apply for chapter 33 you get an additional 12 months. She also said this. Let’s say you have 1 day left on your chapter 30 when the new semester starts. They will pay you for the entire semester. During that semester you can apply for chapter 33 for the next semester and get 12 more months. I would call and verify for yourself but that’s what they told me. This lady was pretty sharp. Not like these supposed school counselors.
To Don again.
Just some clarificaion on something. Let’s say you have 1 day left on either chapter when the semester starts. They will pay you for that entire semester. So the 12 month extention could work out to be 12-15 months of extention That’s assuming you have one additional day left. That would put you 1 day into the fourth semester at a traditional college. For example, Spring, Summer, Fall and Spring again for that 1 day. Which they will pay the entire semester.
That’s how she explained it to me with the extention. So I stayed on Chapter 30 until its just about run out. Then I will switch over to Chapter 33 to finish up. So really I’m working on 4 years of using the GI Bill.
Again, call and verify for yourself but that’s what Muskogee told me. And again, this lady was pretty sharp. I called to switch and she started telling me about how the extention worked. That’s when I terminated my application and stayed on Chapter 30
Is there a way to transfer the 911 GI bill benefits if I was discharged with a service connected disability?
Chuck,
Unfortunately, the transferability is only offered to military members with continued service. It’s meant for military retention. Sorry for the bad news!
I don’t know if this question has been asked yet but I am getting conflicting information from VA 1-888-442-4551 and my Regional Office in reference to VA paying for “online” deficiency courses such as English and Math which are nonaccredited but mandatory for my degree.
VA says they pay for “online” remedial classes and my Regional Office is saying that they do not pay for “independent study courses”, which they’ve labled online classes.
It is an approved course of study from an accredited college. I just need for everyone to be on the same page. Thank you.
Can you get your full BAH in between the fall and spring semesters, considering it’s only a 3-4 week break?
I have already used my 36 months of MGIB- (Select Reserve w/the National Guard and earned my bachelors degree). I am still active duty and want to transfer my benefits to my daughter. Can I get any benefits from the New GI Bill (would I get all of it or only 12 months since I have already used my benfits?). thanks
Can the 911 GI Bill be used at a vocational school to earn a technical certificate/diploma? If so, how can I find out if the school I will be attending is approved to accept it? I have asked our Financial Aid dept and they aren’t exactly sure but they do not think they are approved and since it’s stll so new I wanted to double check.
I will exhaust my Chapter 30 benefits this semester in February. Sounds like I am eligible for 12 additional months of post 9/11 GI Bill. Can I apply for them before my Chapter 30 benefits are exhausted in order to prevent a lapse in payments? Or do I really have to wait until every single day is used up? Furthermore, if I can apply early what is the easiest way of going about transitioning from into the 12 months of 9/11 GI Bill?
The Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill DOES currently allow for break pay.
“Break pay” or more accurately termed “Interval pay” is payable under the Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. Here is the exact language from the official GI Bill website, http://www.gibill.va.gov:
An interval payment is a payment you receive for the interval or break between two consecutive school terms in an academic year. In most cases, VA will pay you for the break between two semesters, quarters, or summer sessions. Interval payment isn’t payable to individuals who are on active duty.
You do not have to do anything to “set up” break or interval payments – we will automatically pay benefits over qualifying breaks and intervals between terms.
NOTE: We will NOT pay for breaks that fit into any of the following categories.
• The interval or break is MORE than 56 days
• The terms either BEFORE or AFTER are shorter than the interval
• The student changes schools and the interval is MORE than 30 days
• The student changes schools and programs
• Training time prior to the interval is less than 1/2 time
• The student is on active duty
• The school does not operate on term, quarter, or semester basis
• Non-standard terms are not consecutive.
Interval payments are also NOT paid under the following conditions:
• You specifically state that you don’t want payment for the break. You must make the request
BEFORE VA actually authorizes payment for the break.
• Your entitlement will run out during the break. When your entitlement is nearly exhausted, VA won’t routinely pay for a break unless you specifically request it.
• You withdraw from all courses or discontinue training during the term preceding the break.
Now, least anyone should think that this does not apply to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, please view slide 46 from the “Chapter 33 Summary NAVPA 09″ presentation at this site: http://navpa.org/newsite/presentations.html.
My understanding (and it seems to have worked this way for the Fall ‘09 semester) is that in order to receive the housing allowance, you must attend “greater than half time.” In other words, if a traditional college considers 12 credit hours as full time, then you must attend a minimum of 7 credit hours in a semester to receive the benefit. Is it the same for the Summer semester? In other words, if 6 hours is full time for Summer, and I can take one 4 hour class, will my requirement be met?
Okay,
Here’s a simple question I think. What disqualifies a person from receiving the 12 month extention?
Larry,
You must exhaust your MGIB in order to get the 12 month extension with the Post 9/11 GI Bill. You must have qualified for both GI Bills. Consult the Veterans Benefits GI Bill blog for more info.
Alley,
You’ll want to try to get in touch with the VA for more info. You can also check out the Veterans Benefits GI Bill blog for more information on the Post 9/11 GI Bill and BAH.
Mclainma,
Thank you for this clarification!
Tim,
I believe you have to wait until it’s fully exhausted. You’ll want to consult a representative at the VA for further details.
Haley,
If a school does not think it is approved, they are likely not approved. You can learn more about the Post 9/11 GI Bill at the Veterans Benefits GI Bill blog.