VA Offers More Info to Aid Pending GI Bill Decision

The VA recently posted specific scenarios (case studies) to help servicemembers and veterans see how the New Post 9/11 GI Bill compares to the Montgomery GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill for Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR).

As most of our readers are aware, servicemembers and veterans will soon have to decide which GI Bill program to use to achieve their education and career goals. Since this choice is irrevocable, it is extremely important for servicemembers and veterans who have served more than 90 days on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001, to pay close attention to the details of each program. Most will find the New Post-9/11 GI Bill will serve them well. However, due to certain Post-9/11 GI Bill program limitations and restrictions, this is not true for all.

Visit the following VA web pages to see a list of specific scenarios which may help determine which program best suits each student's needs:

• Case Studies Showing Differences Between the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty
• Case Studies Showing Differences Between the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Reserve GI Bills

 

Stay informed - Keep visiting this Blog to get the latest information on the Post-9/11 GI Biil. Additional information about GI Bill programs can be found on the Military.com "Learn to Use Your GI Bill" web page.

Outlook for GI Bill Implementation

By Terry Howell

According to a March 12, 2009 Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General report, “successful implementation remains a difficult and risky challenge..."  This rather bleak view of the implementation process, while more realistic than other recent VA reports, should not come as a shock to anyone paying attention to the details of the of the Post-9/11 GI Bill program.

The new GI Bill program (Chapter 33) has put a huge demand on an already overloaded agency. As the OIG report further denotes, “…[the VA’s] projected workload estimate did not include consideration of greater participation because of the current economic climate. Inadequate staffing can potentially delay claims processing.” Considering that GI Bill claims can already run 20 or more weeks behind, this does not offer much hope.

"We have some concerns that the Veterans Benefits Administration may need more staff than currently planned..." says OIG. However, the OIG does say that the VA is considering rehiring VA annuitants [retirees] with the expertise needed to more quickly and efficiently process the expected flood of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit claims.

Unfortunately the OIG report (excerpt below) failed to directly address the incredible number of benefit questions that will result when veterans are asked to make an irrevocable choice between GI Bill programs. This choice is crucial and will determine which education and training programs, benefit payments, and limitations will apply to each veteran. In some situations veterans may find that sticking to the Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30) would mean greater benefits.

For example, under current rules, veterans participating in 100 percent distance learning and online programs are excluded from receiving the monthly stipend – a benefit which ranges from $800 to $2,700 a month paid to the veteran.

Post-9/11 GI Bill regulations and policy details are still being worked out. Relatively few of the soon-to-be-hired VA representatives will be properly equipped to give advice on which program each veteran should apply for by the Aug. 1, 2009 deadline.

Military.com has created a Guide to Choosing the Right GI Bill, which offers a general view of how to compare the two benefits. It is important to note that some facts still remain sketchy and are subject to change. Stay tuned to either this blog or the VA GI Bill Q&A site for future updates.

The OIG report concludes with the following statement: “We [OIG] will focus our efforts on identifying and evaluating potential weaknesses in assumptions underlying project feasibility determinations, schedule, costs, and risk assessments.”

The OIG has their work cut out for them.

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The following is an excerpt from the DVA OIG report:

Office of Inspector General, Department of Veterans Affairs
Statement before the Subcommittee on Military Construction,
Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Committee on Appropriations
United States House of Representatives
Hearing on Department of Veteran Affairs Challenges
March 12, 2009

The OIG has provided oral briefings to the relevant congressional oversight committees’ staff on VA’s progress in implementing the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (new GI Bill) (Public Law 110-252).

After a long planning period, VA has made progress in the current quarter; however successful implementation remains a difficult and risky challenge due to the inherent difficulties in creating the software tools, limited VA Office of Information and Technology development resources, vulnerabilities in Veterans Benefits Administration staffing estimates, and aggressive project scheduling requirements. In the coming months, VA will need to complete its primary plans for software development and implement contingency plans.

We have some concerns that VBA may need more staff than currently planned since officials have acknowledged reducing planned hiring by 48 employees (8 percent) due to space limitations. Further, VBA’s estimate is based on annualized workload, rather than the peak seasonal workload expected during the beginning of the school year. Also, VBA’s projected workload estimate did not include consideration of greater participation because of the current economic climate. Inadequate staffing can potentially delay claims processing. However, VBA is exploring possible solutions, such as rehiring annuitants with needed expertise.

VA’s contingency plan identifies significant project risks, mitigation strategies, decision dates to deploy alternate plans, and estimated resource requirements. We are continuing to monitor the feasibility of some mitigation strategies that are more resource intensive, such as adding more employees to support the use of manual processes. For example, if the functionality to make recurring housing payments is delayed, the contingency plan calls for hiring 263 additional employees to initiate these monthly education payments. Clearly, implementing a manual process would lack the controls an automated system could offer.

Completion of the business requirements for the long-term solution may be delayed because many VA subject matter experts are focused on the interim solution. We will continue to monitor plan adjustments and additional planning/project deliverables, including the Integrated Master Schedule, to assess further potential impediments to program implementation. We will focus our efforts on identifying and evaluating potential weaknesses in assumptions underlying project feasibility determinations, schedule, costs, and risk assessments.

Post-9/11 GI Bill Letters Sent to Vets

By Terry Howell

The Department of Veterans Affairs will soon be sending letters to veterans who may be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The letter is being sent to help explain how the benefits will be implemented and who will be eligible. VA has posted the letter on their website.

The following text was taken from the letter that will go out to vets in coming days.

Dear Veteran:

I am pleased to take this opportunity to inform you about a new education benefit called the Post-9/11 GI Bill (also known as chapter 33 benefits). The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the most comprehensive education benefit package since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944. Individuals who are eligible for the new benefit may begin using the benefit August 1, 2009, for training that begins on or after that date. This letter provides a brief overview of the new benefit.

Basic Eligibility

Only active duty service performed after September 10, 2001, may be considered for determining eligibility for this new benefit. To be eligible, a service member or veteran must have served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty. However, individuals honorably discharged for a service-connected disability who served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001, may also establish eligibility.

Basic Benefits

The maximum basic benefit provides the following:

• Cost of tuition and fees, not to exceed the most expensive in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher learning in the state you are attending school;
• Monthly housing allowance equal to the basic allowance for housing payable to an E-5 with dependents, in the same zip code as the school; and
• Yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 per year.

The maximum basic benefit is earned after serving an aggregate of 36 months of active duty service or after 30 days of continuous service for those individuals who were discharged for a service-connected disability. Individuals serving between 90 days and 36 months of aggregate active duty service will be eligible for a percentage of the maximum benefit.

The percentage level ranges from 40% of the basic benefit for those whose service is between 90 days and 6 months to 90% for those who served between 30 and 36 months. For example, an individual with 5 months of qualifying service could receive 40% of the tuition benefit, 40% of the monthly housing allowance, and a maximum of $400 books and supplies stipend. The following chart represents the maximum percentage payable based on the length of an individual’s aggregate active duty service:

Individuals serving an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of:	Includes entry level and skill training?*	Percentage of Maximum Benefit
At least 36 months	Yes	100
At least 30 continuous days on active duty (Discharged due to service-connected disability)	Yes	100
At least 30 months, but less than 36 months	Yes	90
At least 24 months, but less than 30 months	Yes	80
At least 18 months, but less than 24 months	No	70
At least 12 months, but less than 18 months	No	60
At least 06 months, but less than 12 months	No	50
At least 90 days, but less than 06 months	No	40

Inserted note:
* Includes entry level and skill training refers to whether or not basic training and initial skills training time can be counted toward your total time served since 9/11/2001.

For example, if you served less than 24 months then your "entry level and skill training" will not count toward your total time served. However if you have 24 or more months, then your entry level and skill training  does count toward your total time served. Keep in mind, the VA did not create these rules; Congress did. - tdh

For those individuals entitled to the maximum tuition and fee benefit and whose tuition and fees exceed the highest in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution (i.e. graduate training or training at a private institution), the amount payable is equal to the highest in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution, unless benefits under the Yellow Ribbon provision apply. (See “The Yellow Ribbon Program” section below for more information.)

Individuals will generally receive 36 months of full-time education benefits. This should allow an individual to receive benefits for a four-year undergraduate degree based on a nine-month academic year, however, individuals may continue to receive benefits for approved training at an institution of higher learning (degree granting institution), including graduate training, provided they have remaining entitlement. If eligible for more than one VA education program, individuals are limited to a maximum of 48 months of benefits. Those individuals transferring to the Post-9/11 GI Bill from the Montgomery GI Bill (chapter 30) will be limited to the amount of their remaining chapter 30 entitlement. Individuals will remain eligible for benefits for 15 years from the date of their last discharge or release from active duty of at least 90 continuous days.

The monthly housing allowance is equal to the military housing benefit rates of an E-5 with dependents. The housing allowance is based on the location of the school and will be sent directly to the veteran for each month of enrollment in school training at more than half time. Individuals on active duty, anyone training at half time or less, and those solely pursuing distance learning are not eligible for the monthly housing allowance.

The maximum yearly books and supplies stipend is $1,000 and will be paid proportionally for each quarter, semester, or term attended in a school year. Payment will be made to the individual during each term he or she is enrolled.

The Yellow Ribbon Program

The Yellow Ribbon Program provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill allows institutions to enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition costs above the highest in-state undergraduate tuition rate. VA will match each additional dollar that an institution of higher learning (IHL) contributes toward an eligible student’s tuition costs, up to 50 percent of the difference between the tuition and fees covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the total cost of tuition and fees. Only individuals entitled to the maximum benefit rate (based on service requirements) may receive this funding. IHLs will offer this additional benefit to eligible individuals on a first come, first served basis. Detailed information regarding the Yellow Ribbon Program, including a list of participating Yellow Ribbon institutions will be posted on our website.

Prior MGIB Eligibility

Those individuals transferring from the Montgomery GI Bill (chapter 30) will have a proportional amount of their basic $1,200 contribution refunded in the last monthly housing allowance payment when entitlement exhausts. Individuals who do not exhaust entitlement under the Post 9/11 GI Bill will not receive a refund. A refund of the $600 additional contribution is not authorized.

Applications

We expect to begin accepting applications soon for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. For additional information, including how to apply for benefits, visit our website at www.gibill.va.gov.

We will update our website as new information becomes available.

Questions

We hope that this information will assist you in planning for your future. For any questions about the Post-9/11 GI please visit our website.

Sincerely,

Keith M. Wilson

Director, VA Education Service

Veterans Vent Over Post-9/11 GI Bill

The following member comments were taken from the Military Education Blog. The comments are a sampling of veteran reaction to issues they have faced or are concerned about with the Post-9/11 GI Bill and GI Bill programs in general. A large number of the comments are based on the issues of time limits, inequity, and GI Bill benefit transferability.

The following comments have been edited to ensure general accuracy. However, the comments reflect the opinion of our membership and do not necessarily reflect those of Military.com

Member Comments:

The POST 911 bill is nothing like it was proclaimed to be at its birth. DOD is now stating that to transfer your benefits not only do you have to be on active duty as of 1 Aug 09, you also must have had 6 years of continuous service at that time and sign on to complete an additional 4 yrs. That hardly recognizes the contributions of veterans that were serving on active duty during the initial ground war as well as all of the deployments that followed for almost 10 years.

Posted by: Greg | March 10, 2009 at 10:12 AM

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As you're probably aware, [most] retirees are NOT afforded the opportunity to transfer remaining benefits to your dependent spouses & children, even though an active duty member with only a 10-year commitment is!!!

Write both the Senate and House Subcommittees for Veterans Affairs!!! Letters to the Senate Committee can be sent via email from their website located at http://veterans.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?pageid=1 or mailed to:
U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, Democratic Staff, 412 Russell Senate Bldg, Washington D.C. 20510 OR U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, Republican Staff, 825A Hart Senate Bldg, Washington D.C. 20510.

Letters to the House Committee can be faxed in to (202) 225-2034 or mailed to: House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, 335 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-2034

Write your senators and reps from your home states. If you're from Virginia, write Senator Webb, the sponsor of the bill. Most of your Senators and Reps can be reached via their websites. I've gotten responses from both my Senators and Reps from Nevada, but the strength is in numbers!!!!!

[To find your locally elected Senator and Representatives visit the Military.com Legislative Center]

Posted by: BP | March 09, 2009 at 07:02 PM

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I think the inequity in the housing stipend [in the Post 9/11] GI Bill is discriminatory.

It upsets me that veterans who opt to take courses at home are getting nothing towards housing. They are most likely doing so because the college program they are interested in isn't available locally or in their own state, or they are not ready to be in the public classrooms yet. Regardless, they still have expenses and this stipend issue discriminates against them.

Posted by: Whitney Gibson | March 04, 2009 at 06:12 AM

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I am a Retired USN - for about 6 years now. I am not interested of going back to school at anytime. But, I would like to know how can I transfer my GI Bill Education benefits to my Spouse. My Wife has unselfishly supported me during my active duty military obigations from the half way mark to my retirement. I would like to give by appreciation and Mahalo, (thank you) to my Wife to receive a college degree.

Fair winds following seas

Posted by: K. Keawe | March 08, 2009 at 10:59 PM

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I can see how some may think that a nationwide average for a living expense may be the easiest and most equal way to set a standard. I have to disagree though. If a nationwide average is made standard, where does that leave veterans in high cost of living areas like LA or NY? It would be highly unfair for those in these economic climates to be under the cost of living while someone in say, Alabama is receiving a rate well above the cost of living. There are alot of angles to this issue, just as there are varying expenses in each location. Keeping a rate based on zipcode would be the most appropriate route to take in this matter.

Posted by: Andy | March 04, 2009 at 01:12 AM

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I am a veteran who has served their country and received a honorable discharge this new Post 9-11 GI Bill should be entitled to every veteran who served their country and received an honorable discharge. I too enrolled in the MGIB. I went to go apply for college and was told that my GI Bill was up in 10 yrs.

Unfortunate I was not able to attend college within that time frame I was taking care of a parent who was terminally ill and also who traveled with a military spouse who has served his country for 20 yrs. I wrote to my Congressman explaining that they need to relook at taking the time limit off of using a GI Bill that you have contributed to do to unseen circumstance and other obligations. Now with the new Post GI Bill it is only for those who have served after 9/11/2001. What about those of us who have served before that bill? I feel that there should not be any type of restrictions other than someone receiving a dishonorable discharge.

Posted by: Petra Cooper | March 06, 2009 at 05:50 PM

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On the 17th of May 2007, I received a letter of disapproval of Veterans educational benefits. In 1989 I had pulled my money out of the VEAP program to put a down payment on my first house. Before I pulled this money out, I specifically asked the educational office on Hill Air Force Base, if I would still be enrolled in the program? The NCO replied yes even if you pulled all of your money out, you would still be enrolled in VEAP.

At some point in the future we were given the opportunity to transfer into the Montgomery GI Bill. When I arrived at the education office (on Hill Air Force Base) to transfer into the program, the person at the office informed me, that since I pulled my money out of the VEAP program, I was ineligible to enroll into the Montgomery GI Bill. This was a complete contradiction that cost me all of my education benefits. If this happened to me how many other people did this happen to? The education office should be held accountable for given out misinformation.

You might be asking your self, why he waited so long before applying for benefits. I thought for the longest time that I was ineligible, until I stumbled on the 2007 edition of the federal benefits for veterans and dependents. In chapter 4, category 4, titled veterans educational assistance program (VEAP). It states that “Veterans who participated in VEAP on or before Oct. 9, 1996, may also be eligible even if they did not deposit money in a VEAP account if they served on active duty from Oct. 9, 1996, through April 1, 2000, elected MGIB by Oct. 31, 2001, and contributed $2,700 to MGIB.”

Now if the education office would have told me that I needed to have a minimum amount of money in the VEAP program to keep it open, then I would have left that minimum amount in the program. But because of that misinformation the education office provided, it left me ineligible to participate in the Montgomery GI Bill.

In closing, I have twenty years of my life dedicated to the Air Force mission, knowingly that the mission came first. My academic advancement took a back seat for the mission. Now its time that my academic advancement takes front seat. At one point in time I was fully invested with the VEAP program. I feel that I have earned these benefits, and if I had known then, that I was eligible for these benefits when I retired. I would have fully funded the Montgomery GI bill before I retired.

Posted by: Donald S Walker | March 06, 2009 at 03:52 PM

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There is no such thing as fair in this world... please to all vets and gonna be vets... "they didn't tell me"is not an excuse make sure your aware of your benefits such as timelines and guidelines. people seem to only pay attention to things when they need it at that moment and by that time its too late........

Posted by: andrew | March 05, 2009 at 10:21 PM

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I feel that if you finished your contract honorably, and completed the whole term of the contract, then you should be able to receive your G.I. Bill benefits, no questions asked. If you were told by your recruiter when you signed up that you had the G.I. Bill then you should have it.

The Reserve G.I. Bill wording states that a soldier must remain in good standing in his or her unit. It doesn't say that you must remain in good standing until the end of your contract and then sign another contract if you haven't used your benefits by then! If a soldier remains in good standing for the whole contract (in my case it was 8 years which turned into 9 years because of the Stop Loss enacted by Congress)and is then discharged before using his or her benefits, he or she must sign another contract to receive benefits (and remain in good standing). Otherwise, you are just out on the street.

What about all the hard work and "good standing" days that you put in?! By the way, in 1996, I was selected as my battalion's soldier of the year, which requires a form to be filled out proving that you had 100% attendance. I was discharged in 2004. Supposedly, I should have until 2014 to use my benefits but that doesn't seem to be true either. Also, the recruiter never said that I needed to be on Active Duty for a certain period of time to otherwise receive my benefits.

Posted by: jeff | March 05, 2009 at 02:00 AM

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I along with all of you, I served our country. but it seems every time a good thing comes around the ones who have gone before get left out in the cold. If you offer it to one. it should cover all military personel and veterans and also their dependants in a way the joke is on with the 2500 in education grant and the free medical for all soon enough

Posted by: Don | March 04, 2009 at 08:05 PM

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I think GI benefits should have no experation and should be granted to those who were told they would receive it from the beginning. I served 6 years in the Air Guard and one of my benefits was the GI bill. I received this in exchange for my enlistment, whether or not I served in war or active duty. I decided to go back to school in December and the school I choose said that I was still eligible for my benefit. My original benefit statement said my benefit ended in March of 08, but because of my 6 year obligation it should be in March of 2010.

I spent three months trying to get an answer from the VA and have my delimitating date changed, and two days ago I was told that I am not eligible. The Guy at the VA is now saying that once my six years was up I could only receive benefits after that if I was considered a veteran, which I am not because my service was between the wars.

I joined knowing that I could go to war at anytime, but never had to. I was held from discharge after 9/11 for 6 months in case I was needed, but never was. Now I am told that I cannot get my benefit because I didn't have active duty status, and I am also told that I couldn't even collect it 10 years after the fact like my statement said when I was discharged.

It seems like the rules are constantly changing. Too many if thens and if that....I only had 15 more months to use it I thought. I could not use the full amount but nearly $20,000 would have been a big help. I started at the school thinking I would get it and now I can't. When I am finished with school I will owe an additional $20,000 or more because of this. Why are there so many loopholes and stipulations to receiving these benefits?

Posted by: Chad | March 04, 2009 at 07:39 PM

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The VA told me last week that this [transferability] is being used as a retention tool going forward and these benefits will not be available to veterans or retiree's. I believe this should be changed as I have dependents in college now and it sure woud be nice for the government to pick up some of the tab given the fact that I gave them 33 years and many times away from the family...

Posted by: Jeff P. | March 04, 2009 at 07:39 PM

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I was never told that my VEAP benefits will expire 10 years after my discharge. Like most, I too had a family to support and school was not an option. I learned at the 9.5 year mark after discarge that I only had 6 more months left to use my benefits. An IT bootcamp was all I could do in my line of work. Luckily, I was able to achieve my desired/required certifications and only have to pay for 50%. I think the VEAP benefits should never expire. I believe they should exhaust like a bank account but, not lost entirely. Veterans never lose Home Loan guarantee and can use it multiple times.

Posted by: Tim | March 04, 2009 at 04:58 PM

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I served 24 years and retired in November of 2006. My wife was with me the entire time and my now 17 year old daughter. My wife is currently attending college and my daughter will be in 2010. They had to put up with the deployments and the inconvience of moving from duty station to duty station. It would sure help out if I could transfer my GI Bill to them. They deserve it.

Posted by: Frank Carpenter | March 04, 2009 at 04:09 PM

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I was forced to use my VEAP funds to travel by pov over 3,000 miles when I was suddenly discharged for not conforming to weight standards. Being an operations specialist I had no skills to use in the real world. I really didn't understand the educational system and have lost any and all military educational benefits. I want everyone retired, active, or otherwise to stand up and make your voice heard, abolish these educational time limits; these educational funds belong to us because we have done our time!

Posted by: Bill G. | March 04, 2009 at 03:57 PM

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I was one of those who came during the VEAP era. Although I had heard of the Montgomery GI Bill I did not know the details of its implementation. My fault yes, but my education office never publicized the details nor did any other Government office. Consequently when I applied for MGIB benefits I was told that my refusal to take the VEAP was also a refusal to take MGIB. That's another story.

At any rate, because I served after 9.11 I am now eligible for reduce Post 9.11 GIB benefits and for that I am truly grateful. I am currently working on a Masters degree and paying out of pocket and hopefully the new GIB will cover the last third of it.

My concern is for all those who dedicated their lives to the service of their country but because they didn't accept VEAP and retired before 9.11 are still without any educational benefits.

While some are asking for increased benefits and the ability to pass their benefits to family, there are honorable GIs who haven't even been given the option to participate. This is wrong and the new GI BILL should include all veterans who fell in the VEAP twilight zone.

Posted by: Anne | March 04, 2009 at 03:19 PM

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There should never be a time limit to use a benefit as valuable as the GI Bill is. I got out of Navy 8 years ago. I found a great paying job and had a family to support so school wasn't logical. Now I have been layed-off from this job and have only 2 years to try to get into and finish school in order to start new career.

Posted by: Casey | March 04, 2009 at 01:53 PM

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If we're talking inequity; why aren't veterans allowed to transfer this benefit to our son/daughters. We proudly served this country during the 9/11 era; this is a disgrace to all veterans during such an stressful economic time frame. These funds would surely help the burden for us as well to send our son/daughters for a college education just like our active -duty comrades.

Posted by: Randy | March 04, 2009 at 12:36 PM

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I took a course that lasted about 4 months but the tuition was $12,000. GI bill only covered about $5000. The rest I have to pay myself, I think thats wrong. If you are entitled to 25,000 or 30,000, whatever the GI Bill is now, I believe it should cover the whole cost. If your tuition is over what you are entitled I understand if you have to pay out of pocket but not if you still have money to use.

Posted by: marcos | March 04, 2009 at 09:16 AM

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When I got out of the Army, in my outprocessing I Was told I had 10 years to start using the GI Bill, and had 10 years to use it up after that. That was wrong. When I got out, I had no training that could be used for a civilian occupation. I was a forward observer in the 82nd... not a whole lot of people needing people to call for fire in the "real world".

I found a plumbing company that would hire me green,knowing nothing of the trade because there was a housing boom, and they needed all the hands they could get. I worked for that company for 8 years, becoming the foreman after only 2 years.The market crashed however, and 3 years ago my boss started letting people go. I was the last remaining employee when I was released last March. 2 months later the company filed bankruptcy. I searched for 5 months to find a new job to support my family, and made the decision to go back to school, only to find that I had 36 months of GI bill , and 11 months to use it before my 10 years was up.

I am currently a 4.0 student, working full time, and going to school full time, and raising a 5 year old daughter. In November, my time runs out, and I will have no degree and thousands of dollars in unused benefits, and no way to extend it.

Posted by: David Giltner | March 04, 2009 at 07:25 AM

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I served during 9/11 and when I got out went to a trade school and recieved the GI Bill. Every penny of it went to the school and left me a remaining balance of almost 7,000 dollars which I am struggling to pay back. I think my repay plan is basically 51 dollars a month for the rest of my life..and I am not even working right now. :( I have a 5 year old daughter and a son with a disability.)

Posted by: Jill | March 04, 2009 at 06:57 AM

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As usual our government muddies the waters. Make it simple. Cut it up into X amount of dollars for 5 years, 10 years 20 year retiree, Combat disabled etc.. with no time limit and if you don't use it your dependants can. SIMPLE, Done.

Posted by: jodie | March 04, 2009 at 06:57 AM

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I agree that the government should not put a cap on the time frame you should be able to attend school. I was unable to complete college during the 10 year time frame due to having to support and care for my family. If you pay into it, you should be able to use your benefits until they are gone, regardless of what you are pursuing. Some folks have issues getting the VA benefits for certain programs and pay out of pocket like I did for my 2 year technical school (VA wouldn't pay). So I have that loan, plus the loans for my college that I didn't get to complete, and I used one year of my GI Bill and now its past the 10 year mark.

What gives? Would that be considered stealing money from veterans since we paid into that program?

Posted by: Tim | March 04, 2009 at 06:42 AM

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I agree. If they would have extended the Montgomery GI Bill time limit or removed the time limit, it would have benefited so many people.

My husband was unable to use most of his GI Bill benefit that he earned do to life and family commitments. He was originally told that he had 10 to start using the Bill and then 10 more years to finish school. Evidently the was misinformation that costs us dearly.

I am glad they have this new GI Bill, but it makes me feel that they think post 9/11 veterans are the only veterans who count or need help. I hope they remove the time limit from the old GI Bill and it would be great if they would make it retroactive for at least a few years. Then people like my husband who started school before their benefit expired to continue to use the bill.

Helping veterans should be a top priority of this country...ALL VETERANS. Then we can worry about dog parks and other "pet" projects after the important things are taken care of.

Posted by: Denise R. | March 04, 2009 at 05:39 AM

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I'm wondering why the new [Post-9/11] G.I. Bill will no longer cover technical nor trade schools that are eligible under the current G.I. Bill. It will only cover college or university programs. College is not for everyone and every job does not require college. Why shouldn't a person wishing to attend a trade school for whatever reason be eligible for the same benefits as people who choose to attend a college or university?

Posted by: Lillian Dickson | March 04, 2009 at 05:32 AM

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Please note that the above comments reflect the opinion of our membership and do not necessarily reflect those of Military.com

Video: Petagon Channel Reports on GI Bill Transferability

The DoD's Pentagon Channel recently ran a report on Transferring the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Although light on important details, the story confirms that the DoD plans on making the program available on August 1, 2009 when the Post-9/11 GI Bill goes into effect.

Dod is expected to release the official policy and guidance for transferability in the "near future". Until then, many questions will remain unanswered.

Note: The reporter states that the Post-9/11 will replace the Montgomery GI Bill. This is not true, the Post-9/11 will be added to the list of current GI Bill programs.

Stay tuned for more details...