Questions on New GI Bill Keep Coming

By Terry Howell

The New Post 9/11 GI Bill is a year away and the questions keep coming. People seem most concerned about eligibility and transferability. Eligibility questions are the easiest to answer, but with little information available, the questions on transferability a bit more challenging.

The following is a quick snapshot of the latest questions (and answers) posted in this forum. The answers are given based on the best, most current, information and with the understanding that everything is subject change between now and Aug. 1, 2009 when the New GI Bill kicks in.

Remember: Only the Department of Veterans Affairs can answer your person specific GI Bill benefit questions (call 1-888-GIBILL-1). But, I would hold off on asking them about transferability; that is an issue to be determined by the Department of Defense and each branch of the Armed Forces.

Question: My husband was advised against getting the G.I. Bill when he enlisted in 1985. Is he eligible under this new program? If so can he transfer benefits to me and our children?

Answer Part One: If your husband has more than 90 days service since Sept. 11, 2001 he is eligible. This is covered here: http://education.military.com/money-for-school/gi-bill/20-top-faqs-for-new-gi-bill#3

Answer Part Two: The rules for transferring the new GI Bill benefit have not been clarified yet. However based on what we know he will have to re-enlist to qualify for transferability. This is covered here: http://education.military.com/money-for-school/gi-bill/20-top-faqs-for-new-gi-bill#16

Question: I used some of the old Montgomery bill when I was enlisted. I was separated from enlisted service to cross over to the Commissioned Officer side. Do I get the full benefits of the new post 9/11 GI bill or do they deduct what I used when I was enlisted? If I sign this over to my dependent do they get the housing allotment also?

Answer Part One: You are eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill, and you should receive the number of months of benefits you have remaining in your MGIB account. Formula: 36 months minus the number of months already used.

Answer Part Two: No. The person receiving the transferred benefits will get the Montgomery GI Bill payment rate.

Question: I joined in '84, and cashed out my VEAP. I did not buy into the Montgomery GI Bill. I recently retired with 60% disability. Can I get the MGIB still or are there other Ed benefits I can take advantage of?

Answer Part One: No to the MGIB, that ship has sailed. However, if you have 90 days or more of Post 9/11 service, you may qualify for the New Post 9/11 GI Bill.

Answer Part Two: Due to your 60% disability you may also qualify for Voc-Rehab (GI Bill Chapter 31). There are no guarantees, you will have to be interviewed and found in need or re-employment training and counseling, but if you are you will get a very robust education benefit. Contact the VA to get specific answers on your personal situation. 1-888-GIBILL-1 or 1-800-827-1000.

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

[Oquendo]

My wife and I are both eligib;e for the post 9/11 GI Bill. She wants to go to a University in Japan. Will she be able to use her GI Bill?

[Terry Howell]

Barron - You may be eligible for an additional 12 months of benefits. However, the VA is the only source that can answer specific GI Bill benefit questions regarding your personal status. Give them a call at 1-888-GIBILL-1.

[Barron]

Hello, I have been in the Guard for over 6 years. During the first three years, I used up almost all of my benefits (at the Guard rate). I have been activated for over two years now...do qualify to receive any additional benefits in the future? Thank you.

[Ashley]

Did they ever consider the poeple with kids who work all day and cannot offord to take time off to sit in a traditional class setting? I need that extra 1300 a month just to get by. Since, I take online classes this new GI Bill will screw me and a lot people like me over. Have they even considered people like me? This sounds great if you are single or your children are in school too. Then maybe I would have time to go to school the traditional way. I hope this doesn't happen: I cannot afford to loose my extra 1300 a month. If it was not for the TA/ GI Bill I wouldn't be able to make it. Have they even considered indivuals like me?

[Terry Howell]

Yaser - I beleive the tuition rate is determined by the state in which the school is located. As is the housing stipend. If you are attending in-classroom you will need to consider establishing residency to get the lower tuition rate. If you are planning to go online, I recommend you consider sticking with the Montgomery GI Bill.

[Yaser Chow]

I understand that the new G.I. Bill covers tuition at the most expensive in-state public school, but the University I want to go to is out of state. What benefits will I have?

[Yaser Chow]

I understand that the new G.I. Bill covers tuition at the most expensive in-state public school, but the University I want to go to is out of state. What benefits will I have?

[Terry Howell]

Monica - then you answered your questions. Yes, he is eligible under the new GI Bill. It does not require him to have signed up for the MGIB or VEAP. As long as he has had more than 90 days since 9/11/2001 he is eligible.

[Monica Chow]

Per answer by Terry Howell, I did log in the website, as stated below:

Eligibility for the New GI Bill

If you have served a total of at least 90 consecutive days on active duty in the Armed Forces since Sept. 11, 2001, you’re eligible

My husband is still on active duty since he joined 24 yrs ago.

Note from Author:
Monica - then you answered your questions. Yes, he is eligible under the new GI Bill. It does not require him to have signed up for the MGIB or VEAP.

[Terry Howell]

Monica - No. The new GI Bill only covers those who have served on active-duty since Sept. 11, 2001.
This is fully explianed at: http://education.military.com/money-for-school/gi-bill/new-gi-bill-overview.

[Monica Chow]

My husband opt-out the GI bill when he joined the Army 24 years ago. Now he is a veteran. Does he has the priviledge to use the benefits of the New GI Bill?

[Michael Henry]

Iam a 1974 vietnam era veteran.I
would really enjoy a chance to use
the gi-bill again.I regret not taking that benefit when I had the chance.please consider all veterans
for this new bill.Thank You.

[Mikey]

I just enlisted in the Navy and had signed into the MGI Bill(the old one). Can you give me some ideas about this Post 9-11 Bill and if I will be affected by this Post 9-11 Bill.

I still can't understand well the Post 9-11, can you please elaborate it and what is the best between these two.

Thanks

Note from Author:
Please check out the massive amount of content on this subject starting with this page: http://education.military.com/money-for-school/gi-bill/new-gi-bill-overview .
and
http://education.military.com/money-for-school/gi-bill/head-to-head-comparison-of-old-and-new-gi-bills .

[Sarah]

I am currently using the GI Bill but am eligible for the Post 9-11 Bill. If I read correctly, the Post 9-11 bill offers benefits for 48 months. Does that mean if I convert to the new program that I will receive benefits for a total of 48 months instead of 36?

Note from Author: According to the VA, the answer is no. You only get 48 months if you have earned benefits under different periods of enlistment.

[Terri Mason]

Can I use the GI Bill to pay for a certification?

Note from Author: Yes. The MGIB will pay for up to $2,000 a year for certification exams. And it will cover most certification courses.

The Post 9/11 will pay up to $2000 for one certification exam.

[Christian Gallego]

My wife and I joined post 9-11. After concievng our first child she left the military with an honorable discharge. Is she ellible four the post 911 bill with 24 months of dudy? If so, can the two (new or old) GI BIlls be used under the same house hold?

[vincent fugelsang]

I joined the ARMY Dec.7 1955
16 mo. in korea.
i got hepertiesis spent 3 mo.in tokeo army hosp.
What about the military personnel that are no longer qualified for benefits? They did not use school benefits at the time and due to changes by the Government lost their rights that they originally had. We originally had our lifetime but was changed to 10 years. Are we just pieces of meat

[Linda Myatt]

I retired in Aug of 2004 from active duty. Which means I am one month short of the three years needed post 9/11. Am I still eligible for any benefits of the new GI Bill?

[James Clopton]

I retired from active duty in 2003 with 40% disability. I cashed out my VEAP (around 1990) and did not join the MGIB. In December 2008 I will complete my first Baccalaureate courtesy of the VA (Chapter 31), which paid for the entire 48 months of education. I did served 34 months on active duty following 9/11. Will I be eligible for the New GI Bill, and if so, can I use it towards a MS/PhD? Thank you.

[E. Brian Starvaggi]

I am retired service member of US army. My first 4 years were in us air force and as a "young and dumb" youngling that i was i refused veap twice. I was always told throughout the rest of my military career i would never regain this. I did use my tuition asssistance though.

Is there any hope for becoming elgible for a education program again?

[Mark Bean]

How can we determine what the highest in state tuition rate is for different localities? For example, if I want to go to school in Colorado, how can I determine what the highest Colorado in state tuiton rate is so I can plan for the benefits I am likely to receive?

[Charleen Barlow]

I'm currently active duty and would like to start using the benefit in June 09. I'm planning to retire in 2011 or 2012, depending on promotion. Am I eligible when I retire and if so, will I recieve the housing allowance.

[Mark Moses]

I joined the ARMY in 96, and left active duty in 2000. I was told the GI Bill would still be available to me for up to 10 years after I was out. Is this still true? I have read where it now can go to under 9 years or to over 10.

[Dennis P. Habern]

Greetings from Hof, Germany:

I am an American citizen, currently

residing in Germany. I retired

from the United States Air Force

in 1982. I commenced utilizing

my G.I Bill in September 1987,

which expired in December 1989.

Have additional provisions been

implemented, which would permit

myself to further my education

under the "Old G.I." Bill?

Please respond to this message,

by e-mail, at your earliest

convenience.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Dennis P. Habern, Msgt, USAF, Retired

[George Cornett]

I served in the Army National Guard and went on the 6 months active duty plan. The actual time was cut short, I understand, by a few days in order to prevent us from certain benefits prescribed for active duty soldiers. However I was also federally activated during the early 60's when James Meredith was enrolled at Ole Miss. My question is-- Do I qualify for any or part of The benefits allotted to veterans?

Note from Author: Unless you served on active duty for 90 or more days after Sept. 11. 2001, you get no new benefits under the new Post 9/11 GI Bill.

[Angela Mitchell]

Can you tell me how the new MGIB is going to affect me. I used part of my MGIB but due to work and family I was unable to start using it right away once I was d/c in 96. Once I was established and made my transition from military to civilian life then I was able to settle down and focus on my educational goal. My MGIB has since reached its expiration and I had some left. I am currently in school and I am hoping that I could get the remaining months I was unable to use because it would help alot. Is this addressed in the new rules? I served 10yrs AD/Navy during Dessert Storm. Thank you.

Note from Author:
The new Post 9/11 does not apply to you, unless you served after Sept 11, 2001.

[William J. Strobel]

I'm a newbie to this stuff. As a WWII/Korea era vet retiree, are any programs still available for me?

Note from Author:
None of the new education programs apply to you. However, I suggest you contact the VA to find out if you have any remaining benefits. Call 1-888-GIBILL-1.

[John Blakley]

I was curious? I am in college under the Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program. I graduate in 2010, does this mean in 2009 my rate will increase and I will be eligible for the $1000 stipend? Thank you.

Note from Author:
I am not sure I understand your question. I suggest that you call the VA at: 1-888-GIBILL-1.

[MIchael Olmstead]

I have served i the Air Force for 28 years and declide VEAP. I know I am eligible for the post 9/11 benefit. Can I transfer some of the benefits to my child since my HYT in Oct 2010 and I cannot serve four additional years from Aug 09?

Note from Author:
That is up to the Air Forces policy. My guess is the answer is no, since the transferability is a retention tool for mid-career enlisted.

[Henry Beaulieu]

I left active duty in '92 after 8 years of active service and after having paid for the full MGIB; I never used any of the benefit. I joined the national guard and have had my MGIB eligibility extended numerous times due to numerous deployments, to include a tour in Iraq from 06 to 07. Can I convert my MGIB to the new GI Bill and will it be the full benefit since I originally bought my MGIB while I was on active duty?

Note from Author:
The Post 9/11 benefit is teired based on time on active duty irrespective of whether or not you paid for the MGIB. If you have a total of 36 months active service since 9/11 you get the full benefit. If you choose to transfer the MGIB. Be careful about that choice as the P/911 is less flexible.

[Brian]

I am currently in the military and when I get out will have six years of active duty completed. I am hearing from a Career counseler that I have to do required reserve time to be eligible for the post 9/11 GI bill. I am aware of the 2 yrs of IRR to fullfill my 8yrs of service but is there any truth to having to do the normal reserves part of it?

Note from Author:
The Post 9/11 does note require you to more than the your original contract to qualify. You do not have to do your IRR before you start using it.

[lauren]

my husband is in the coast guard and was wondering, if he doesn't use his GI BILL c an I???

Note from Author:
Under the new Post 9/11 your husband MAY have the option to transfer some of the benefit to you. However, he will be required to meet certain career criteria (ie reenlist) to qualify for transferring it. It is not an automatic deal.

[Corey]

Does the GI bill cover apprentaceships?

Note from Author:
The Montgomery GI Bill does... but the new Post 9/11 doesn't. http://education.military.com/money-for-school/veteran/gi-bill/gi-bill-apprenticeship-and-ojt-program

[Stephen Riley]

I served AD 88-93 and 05-07. Having used my entire 36 months of MGIB. I entered the ARNG in 03 and have over 21MOS of AD service, and told I received 12 additional months of GI Bill for each of my deployments. Will I be eligible for any benefits under the new GI Bill?

Note from Author:
You do not earn 12 months for each deployment. In since you already used your 36 months, the most you can get is 12 months more for a total of 48 months.

The amount of time you have served on active duty - on the current enlistment - (post 9/11) is used to determine the percentage of benefits you get, not the amount of time you get.

[Eric Batchelor]

I enlisted in 1996 and I am still on active duty. My question is I chose the Navy College Fund program in addition to the G.I Bill when I enlisted. The Navy College Fund is supposed to provide me an additional 15,000 on top of the G.I Bill. Will I still have this extra money available if I transfer over to the new G.I bill?

Note from Author:
Yes. The details are still being worked out, but the law says you will continue to get your college fund.

[Rafael Garcia Jr]

I have heard that this bill may apply to those of the viet nam era that did not have the chance to use it due to employment & family responsibilities and time passed us by. I was discharged in 1970

Thanks

Note from Author:
Have not heard that one. Doubt it's true. Call VA to verify at 1-888-GIBILL-1.

[Jenae Smith]

I originally signed up with the college loan repayment plan (CLRP) instead of the MGIB. But once i got to basic, they told me I could sign up for the MGIB but wouldn't be eligible until after my second enlistment.. (I've already paid into the old MGIB). Is this still true with the new MGIB?

Note from Author:
Just to clarify, the new GI Bill in not called the MGIB. It is the Post 9/11 GI Bill. As for your benefits, if you have existing MGIB benefits you have not lost them. If you qualify for the new P9/11 GI Bill you can exchange your remaining MGIB for the new one. You need to call the VA to verify if you indeed have MGIB benefits available.

1-888-GIBILL-1.

[Pat Holmes]

I served in Vietnam as a Marine in '65-69, and was honorably discharged from the Marines in '71. I joined the National Guard in '76 and recently retired in '06 after a 1.5 years mobilization in Iraq. I used my GI Bill in the 70's. Do I qualify for any of the new programs? Thanks for being here.

Note from Author:
Yes. be sure to call the VA at 1-888-GIBILL-1 to determine your exact benefit eligibility.

Thanks for your service. Vietnam Vets don't get enough love. :-)

[john]

I am a OIF veteran who served the 36 month requirement for full benefits with the new 9/11 GI bill. during those three years of enlistment I was enrolled under the Loan Repayment Program instead of enrolling in the GMIB. How will this affect my elegebility for the new 9/11 GI BILL?

Note from Author:
According to my understanding, any active duty time served after the 3 years (which covered the SLRP) will count toward the New p9/11 GI Bill.

However, only the VA can answer your specific benefit questions accurately, and they may not be prepared to do so yet. Call 1-888-GIBILL-1. Be patient with them they are still working out the bugs.

[Todd Guerrero]

Under the new system, if I attend college 3/4 time (9 hours) will I be entitled to the full living stipend (BAH of an E5?) Thanks.

Note from Author:
As I read the current information, it appears there is no reduction of the living stipend based on 3/4 time class load. However, I suggest calling the VA at 1-888-GIBILL-1 to verify.

[bianca]

my husband was enlisted in the Marines and went to Iraq , when he finished his tour he went to college for a semester then joined the Coast Guard. can his left over G.I BILL transfer to me?

Note from Author:
Your husbands service in the Coast Guard is sufficient to keep his benefits (alive) and he will get a fresh 10 - 15 years to use them when he is discharged.

As for transferring his benefits to you, his eligibility to do so will be determined by the Coast Guard. He will likely be required reenlist to become eligible to transfer them.

Have him check with his Education Service Officer (ESO) or nearest Career Development Advisor (CDA) to find out what the current Coast Guard policy is.

[Victoria Clayton]

I have heard that the new GI Bill can be used to pay for spouse and dependant education, however I haven't seen any details on how it will work. Where can I find this information?

Note from Author:
I strongly suggest that you read the blog entry above and follow the links. :-)

[Charles Gorecki]

I served in Iraq (OIFII) for more than 300 consecutive days in 2004-2005 as a member of the North Dakota Army National Guard. I have used nearly all of my GI Bill up but would I be eligible to receive the difference between the rate I got and the new rate? Or receive additional funding for post graduate schooling?

Note from Author:
After Aug. 2009 you can transfer your old GI Bill benefits to the new p9/11. But as for getting paid the difference for benefits you have already used... not going to happen. The new P9/11 is not retroactive. It will only pay for classes completed after Aug 1, 2009.

[Mark Johnson]

I entered in sept 1981 retired oct1 2001. entered in veap but cashed out in 1985. Do I still qualify for any education benifits ie: GI bill under chapter30

[Greg]

Will students using the GI Bill at an online school receive the housing stipend? Also, my situation is that I now live in Europe. Any idea about how this may work for someone in my situation?

Note from Author:
First answer, No. See http://education.military.com/money-for-school/gi-bill/new-gi-bill-overview#4 for details.

Congress is now trying to deal with the question of overseas students and the Post 9/11 GI Bill. If passed S. 3339 would clarify this issue. However, I do not expect this particular bill pass anytime soon. Stay Tuned.