Beyond the Hype of the New GI Bill

By Terry Howell

Most of us have heard politicians tell us how great this new GI Bill is. The truth is that the Post 9/11 GI Bill is a great benefit for many servicemembers who were not previously eligible for veteran's education benefits – especially members of the Guard and Reserve who have been serving in OIF/OEF since Sept. 11, 2001. However, the benefits of the Post 9/11 GI Bill are limited and the press coverage has oversold the program as the greatest thing to hit the economy since 1944.

Over the last few months I have written several articles and blog entries on the pros and cons of the new Post 9/11 GI Bill. My goal over the last few months has been to try to manage expectations, not to tell you that this is a bad benefit, but to ensure you understand the many limitations of this new program. Some of our members have been posting complaints about these limitations, especially the limits on tuition payment rates and stipends for distance learning courses, post-graduate courses and transferability.

The good news - there is still time for lawmakers to tweak this new benefit and remove the limitations that make this benefit less than desirable for many veterans. However, it is up to us veterans and members of the military to voice our complaints to Congress. We need to put pressure on them to make this new program live up to the hype.

It is time for all you who have voiced your anger about the Post 9/11 GI Bill to take a moment to let your elected officials know exactly how you feel about the limitations of this benefit. Just remember when you write or call your elected officials, be clear, concise, and respectful.

Go to the Military.com Legislative Center to find the contact information for your local elected official.

Suggestions for further reading:

- The Tale of Two GI Bills

- Head to Head Comparison of the Old and New GI Bills

- New Post 9/11 GI Bill Overview

- Top 20 Post 9/11 GI Bill FAQs

- 10 Quick P9/11 GI Bill Facts

- The Good, Bad, and the Ugly of the New GI Bill

About the Author: A Retired Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer, Terry completed his BS in Management and Communications using a combination of CLEP exams, credit for military service, and distance learning while on active-duty. Terry now serves as Managing Editor for the Education Channel at Military.com.

Comments

[Terry Howell]

Henry - The MGIB pays 100% Tuition up to the monthly cap of $1321. The New GI Bill will pay the tuition directly to the school on a term basis, pay a housing stipend to the student on a monthly basis and pay a book stipend (up to a $1000 a year) on a term basis.

However, the program does not pay the stipend to a students who take online courses unless they are also taking at least 3/4 student load of classroom courses.
Hope that helps.

Terry

[jon]

I am active duty Warrant Officer. With the Post 9/11 GI Bill will I be able to transfer this over to my child? I currently have about 2 years until retirement at 22 years total service.

[Henry]

Hi Terry. My question is am I reading it right, the new 911 GI Bill will pay the yr's tuition upfront (not reimbursed) and will also pay a living allowance and give up to $1000 for books and fee's? If so, this is a far better cry than when they only paid 75% or tuition (for E-5 and above) on a reimbursable basis. I still don't think it beats my Current Montgomery GI Bill, college fund, and $600 Kicker I paid into that pays me $1,871/mo for full time studies. Can you offer any insight.

[jake]

IS the VA considering giving all students the monthly housing allowance?

[donald r. adams]

In the 70ties,when I was in college I used up all my benefits,did the new gi bill this summer give me more money to use????

Note from Author:
Unless you served more than 90 days on active duty after sept. 11, 2001 you are not eligible for the new benefit. If you did, then I suggest that you contact VA to determine if you have any remaining eligibility to use under this new GI Bill. 1-888-GIBILL-1.

[Gary Kinnis]

very interesting article

Gary Kinnis BTC USN-USNR (RET)