The original G.I. Bill was a Post-WWII bill passed into action in 1944 to assist veterans of WWII to readjust to civilian life. One major aspect of the bill was tuition assistance for those who wished to attend, or return to, college. The bill was officially titled the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, and ended 1956. Various versions of the GI Bill followed in subsequent years to assist the Korean and Vietnam War veterans, and eventually the bill was adapted to benefit veterans who served in times of war and peace. 

 

The more recent version is known as the Montgomery G.I. Bill. This bill is for Active Duty and Reserve soldiers who are enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces. Benefits vary by case, as both the type of training/education, as well as the training time (full time, part time), are taken into account when they are determined. For an updated list of benefit rates, click here or visit the VA GI Bill website, http://www.gibill.va.gov.

Eligible members enroll and pay $100 per month for 12 months; this entitles them to receive a monthly education benefit once they have completed a minimum service obligation.  The recipient receives up to 36 months of education benefits, payable for about 10 years following release from duty.  The benefits may be applied to college, technical or vocational courses, degree /certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training, and correspondence courses.

Tip: Also consider the Optional $600 Buy-Up Program. You may contribute up to an additional $600 while on active duty to receive increased monthly benefits – for every $1 that you contribute, the government will contribute an additional $8!

Qualifying departments include the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Reserves, as well as the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. The key characteristics of interest are as below:

• Eligibility Requirements: You must be actively drilling and have a 6 year obligation in the Selected Reserve, signed after June 30, 1985, and satisfy the following:
  • Complete your Initial Active Duty for Training (IADT)
  • High school diploma or equivalent certificate before IADT
  • Good standing in an active Selected Reserve unit
     
• Educational Benefits: Eligibility begins the day you leave the Selected Reserve and ends 14 years later.  You can receive up to 36 months of education benefits, which may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on the job training, and correspondence courses.

• Applying for Benefits: You will receive a Notice of Basic Eligibility (DD form 2384-1) when you become eligible. You can then fill out the VA’s Application for Education Benefits (VA Form 22-1990) to apply. 

Tip: If you are recalled to active duty from reserve status, your eligibility may be extended for the amount of time you are mobilized plus 4 months.

• Honorable discharge
• High School Diploma or GED
• Meet the requirements of one of the categories I-IV (defined by Veterans Affairs)

 

September 11, 2001 was a turning point in America, a time when so many things changed and were revised – the GI Bill was no exception. This Post-9/11 GI Bill expands the extent of support for veterans and servicemen, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as vocational / technical training. 

 

To Be Eligible, you must satisfy the following:

Those who choose to attend a private or out of state university, or graduate school, may have higher fees and tuition than the allotted amount. If those students are attending a Yellow Ribbon participating institution, additional funds may be available to help cover the difference. These institutions decide on an amount that they will contribute to veterans’ education, and the VA matches this amount. Thus, even though the Post-9/11 GI Bill may not cover the full expense, a private school education is not out of reach.

• Served 36 months after 9/11 in active duty
• Discharged for a service-connected disability (served 30 days after 9/11)
• Dependent eligible for Transfer of Entitlement