A Comprehensive Overview of the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Its Benefits for Veterans
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a program that provides educational benefits to military veterans who have served on active duty for at least 90 days after September 10, 2001. The program was created in 2008 as a response to the needs of veterans who had returned from Iraq and Afghanistan and were seeking to further their education.
Benefits
The Post-9/11 GI Bill offers a wide range of benefits to eligible veterans and their families. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Tuition and fees: The Post-9/11 GI Bill pays up to 100% of the tuition and fees for in-state students attending a public institution, or up to $25,162.14 per year for students attending a private or foreign school.
- Monthly housing allowance: Eligible veterans can receive a tax-free monthly housing allowance based on the zip code of the school they are attending and the number of credit hours they are enrolled in.
- Books and supplies stipend: The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides up to $1,000 per academic year for books and supplies.
- Yellow Ribbon Program: The Yellow Ribbon Program allows schools to enter into a voluntary agreement with the VA to fund tuition and fees that exceed the amount payable under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
- Transferability: One of the most significant features, the Transfer of Entitlement option, which allows veterans to transfer their unused education benefits to their spouse or children. This has been a valuable benefit for many military families, as it allows them to continue their education and pursue career opportunities.
- Vocational/Technical Training: The Post-9/11 GI Bill can be used for vocational or technical training programs that are approved by the VA.
- Licensing and Certification exams: The Post-9/11 GI Bill can be used to cover the cost of licensing and certification exams that are required for employment in a particular field.
- Tutorial Assistance: The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides up to $100 per month for tutorial assistance for veterans who need additional help with their studies.
Since its inception in 2009, the Post-9/11 GI Bill has paid out more than $100 billion in education benefits to veterans and their family members.
Education Programs Post-9/11 GI Bill Covers
The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers a wide range of education and training programs, including:
- Undergraduate and graduate degree programs at colleges and universities
- Vocational/technical training programs
- Apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs
- Flight training programs
- Correspondence training programs
- Licensing and certification exams
It is important to note that the program covers only education and training that is offered by institutions that are accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Additionally, the program does not cover non-college degree programs that are less than one academic year in length.
The program can also be used for distance learning or online courses, as long as they are offered by an institution that is approved for GI Bill benefits. Veterans may also be eligible to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill for study abroad programs, depending on the program and the school's approval status.
It is recommended that veterans consult with the VA or a school's VA certifying official to ensure that their chosen education or training program is covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill and to determine their eligibility for benefits.
Eligibility
To qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, veterans must have served on active duty for at least 90 days after September 10, 2001. This includes individuals who have been discharged from active duty or released from the National Guard or Reserves due to a service-connected disability after serving at least 30 continuous days on active duty.
Additionally, veterans must have received an honorable discharge from their service and meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Served at least 36 months of active duty
- Received a Purple Heart for service-related injuries and were honorably discharged after any amount of service
- Were honorably discharged after serving at least 30 continuous days of active duty due to a service-related injury or illness
- Were honorably discharged after serving less than 36 months of active duty for a service-connected disability
In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements, veterans must also maintain satisfactory academic progress and attendance while using the Post-9/11
Application Process
The application process for the Post-9/11 GI Bill can be completed entirely online and is a simple process. To apply, follow these steps:
1. Check your eligibility
The first step in the application process is to ensure that you are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.
2. Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
To apply for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you will need a COE. You can obtain this certificate by completing the VA Form 22-1990 (Application for VA Education Benefits) online through the VA website.The COE will indicate the veteran's level of eligibility for the program, which is based on the length of their active duty service. Individuals who have served at least 36 months of active duty are eligible for 100% of the benefit, while those who have served less than 36 months may be eligible for a prorated amount.
3. Apply for admission to a VA-approved school or training program
Once you have your COE, you can apply for admission to a VA-approved school or training program. The VA maintains a list of approved institutions on their website.
4. Complete the enrollment process
After you have been accepted into a VA-approved school or training program, you will need to complete the enrollment process with the school's VA certifying official. This person will verify your enrollment status and report it to the VA.
5. Receive benefits
Once you have completed the enrollment process, the VA will send your school or training program a payment for tuition and fees, based on the percentage of benefits for which you are eligible. You will also receive a monthly housing allowance and a stipend for books and supplies.
It is important to note that the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits expire 15 years from your date of separation from active duty. Therefore, it is recommended that you use your benefits as soon as possible to avoid losing them.
Overall, the Post-9/11 GI Bill is a generous program that offers significant financial support to eligible veterans and their families. It can help veterans achieve their educational and career goals, and provide a solid foundation for a successful civilian life. The program has been instrumental in helping veterans pursue their education and career goals and has had a significant impact on increasing the number of veterans who obtain college degrees and certifications. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a testament to the commitment of the United States to support its military veterans and ensure they have access to the resources necessary to succeed in civilian life.
- The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides educational benefits to military veterans who have served on active duty for at least 90 days after September 10, 2001.
- Benefits of the program include tuition and fees, monthly housing allowance, books and supplies stipend, Yellow Ribbon Program, transferability, vocational/technical training, licensing and certification exams, and tutorial assistance.
- Eligibility requirements include an honorable discharge from service, meeting certain service requirements, and maintaining satisfactory academic progress and attendance.
- The application process includes checking eligibility, obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility, applying to a VA-approved school or training program, completing the enrollment process, and receiving benefits.
- It is important to use Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits within 15 years from the date of separation from active duty to avoid losing them.
FAQ
Who is eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill?
Veterans, active-duty service members, and certain dependents of veterans or active-duty service members who meet specific criteria may be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
How much does the Post-9/11 GI Bill cover in terms of tuition and fees?
The amount of tuition and fees covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill varies depending on the length of active-duty service, the type of educational program, and the location of the school.
Can the Post-9/11 GI Bill cover housing and other living expenses?
Yes, eligible individuals may receive a monthly housing allowance based on the location of the school and the number of credit hours taken. In addition, the Post-9/11 GI Bill may provide a stipend for books and supplies.
How long do I have to use my Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits?
Generally, individuals have 15 years from the date of their last discharge from active-duty service to use their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. However, certain exceptions may apply.
What happens if I drop out of school or my enrollment status changes?
If an individual drops out of school or reduces their enrollment status, their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits may be adjusted accordingly. It is important to notify the VA immediately of any changes to enrollment status.
Can I use the Post-9/11 GI Bill for non-degree programs, such as vocational or technical training?
Yes, the Post-9/11 GI Bill covers certain non-degree programs, such as vocational or technical training, as long as they are offered by an accredited institution and meet other eligibility criteria.