The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a powerful educational benefit program designed to support veterans and their families in their pursuit of higher education. Understanding its intricacies can be key to unlocking its full potential and maximizing your educational attainment. This great VA benefit can help preserve wealth while gaining knowledge or setting a family member on a great educational journey. Let's check out who can use these benefits and how the program can help.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility for the Post-9/11 GI Bill is determined by several factors, including:
You must have served at least 90 days on active duty after September 11, 2001, OR 30 continuous days after September 11, 2001, and been honorably discharged with a service-connected disability.
If you received a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001 and were honorably discharged, you may qualify after any amount of service.
You can only use one education benefit for your service and may have to choose which benefit you prefer between the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill. Once you choose which education benefit you prefer, you CANNOT change to use a different benefit.
Benefits could be passed to you by a qualifying service member.
The percentage of benefits you are able to receive is directly tied to the duration of time spent on active duty. Reaching the 90 days, as mentioned above, would qualify a service member for 50% of the full benefits. Once an individual has served more than three years, 100% of the full benefit is earned. There are steps in between, as noted below:
1,095 days (36 months) or more: 100% of the full benefit
910 to 1,094 days (30 – 35 months): 90% of the full benefit
730 to 909 days (24 – 29 months): 80% of the full benefit
545 to 729 days (18 – 23 months): 70% of the full benefit
180 to 544 days (6 to 17 months): 60% of the full benefit
90 to 179 days (3 to 5 months): 50% of the full benefit
Where Can You Use Your Benefits?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill can be used at a wide range of educational institutions, including:
Public and private colleges and universities
Vocational and technical schools
On-the-job training programs
Apprenticeship programs
Correspondence schools
Flight schools
Post 9/11 GI Bill Education Benefit Levels and Duration
With the exorbitant cost of higher education the Post 9/11 GI Bill can be of significant savings. The amounts below are for the maximum amounts paid in the academic year. If you are eligible for a percentage of the full benefit, as discussed above, then you would take that percentage of the full amount to determine your benefit:
Tuition and Mandatory Fees
100% of the cost of public, in-state net tuition and mandatory fees
Tuition and mandatory fees for a private institution of higher learning for up to $27,120.05
Tuition and mandatory fees for a foreign institution of higher learning for up to $27,120.05 (USD)
Tuition and mandatory fees for non-college degree programs (such as: EMT, pipe fitting, welding, mechanic, etc.) for up to $27,120.05
Tuition and mandatory fees for a non-degree certification in flight training for up to $15,497.15
Tuition and mandatory fees for correspondence school for up to $13,172.57
*note: if your college or school tuition is more than the maximum payment, you could be approved for added payments through the Yellow Ribbon Program. More information on the Yellow Ribbon Program can be found on the VA website.
Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)
Post 9/11 GI Bill beneficiaries not only receive tuition and fee compensation but also for a monthly housing allowance during the time of studying. MHA is based on the location of the school and is paid out at the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents. The US Department of Defense (DoD) provides a tool to find the amount you would be entitled to receive based on the zip code of the school. It can be found on the Defense Travel Management Office website.
Money for Books and Supplies
The GI Bill also covers up to $1,000 each academic year to cover books and supplies. The payment depends on the number of courses being taken and the percentage of benefits you are eligible for. For instance, if you are a full-time student with 60% benefits, you would be entitled to 60% of the maximum allowable stipend, or $600 per academic year.
Post 9/11 GI Bill Little-known benefits
The GI Bill offers a rural grant of up to $500 for relocation costs to attend school. To qualify, beneficiaries must live in a county with 6 or fewer people per square mile and either relocate at least 500 miles or need air travel due to lack of ground transportation options.
The 9/11 GI Bill offers tutorial assistance up to $100 a month or $1,200 total if you're enrolled at least half-time and require a tutor for a necessary course, with school and instructor approval.
The GI Bill may reimburse you up to $2,000 for licensing, certification, and national tests like the SAT, ACT, GMAT, and LSAT. Visit the VA website for a list of covered exams.
Additional Resources
For more information about the Post-9/11 GI Bill, please visit the following resources:
United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/
GI Bill Comparison Tool: https://www.va.gov/education/gi-bill-comparison-tool/
VA Education Benefits Hotline: 1-888-442-4551
Maximizing Your Benefits
To maximize your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, it is important to:
Plan your education: Decide what you want to study and research schools that offer the program you are interested in.
Apply for benefits early: You can start the application process up to 180 days before you begin your program.
Use all of your benefits: You have 15 years to use your benefits after your last separation from active duty if your separation occurred before 1 Jan 2013. If you separated after 1 Jan 2023, your benefits never expire!
Stay connected with the VA: The VA can provide you with support and guidance throughout your educational journey.
Conclusion
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a valuable resource for veterans and their families, helping to achieve educational goals by offsetting significant costs. Understanding its eligibility, benefits, and features allows for informed decisions to maximize educational opportunities.
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