Online Education Blog

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:

EPTS (Existed Prior to Service)
HDSP (Hardship) or
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:

Example for entire school year:

Tuition and Fees charged for full time: $3000
Highest In-State Tuition and Fees: $4000
Actual Books and Supplies: $750

Example 1:If you served for three years on active duty and separated, and you are going to school full-time, in the above example you would be eligible for $3000 for tuition and fees, the
monthly housing allowance, and $1000 for books and supplies.

Example 2: If you served 12 months in the guard or reserves, and were going to school full-time, you would be eligible for $1800 (60% of $3000) for tuition and fees and $600 (60% of $1000) for books and supplies stipend.

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.

For the latest information please visit the GI Bill government site.

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 the GI Bill government site for up to date information on this and other education benefits.

DO NOT RELY SOLELY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PAMPHLET TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY.

Always submit an application for benefits to receive a formal decision.