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

Comments

[TINA M. STRALKA]

I NEED ANY HELP THAT CAN BE OFFERED TO ME, NO MATTER WHAT PROGRAM I FALL UNDER. PLEASE HELP ME. I HAVE BEEN INJURIED IN IRAQ TWICE. I HAVE HAD MY BACK AND NECK BROKE TWICE. I MAY HAVE TO GET MEB OR MMRB. MY FUTURE IS UNFORSEEN. I AM SCARED, THE ARMY IS MY LIFE. I NEED ANY HELP YOU CAN OFFER, TO ME. IN WHICH, I AM VERY GRATEFUL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND UNDERSTANDING. TINA M. STRALKA
706-984-9440 OR 706-573-4520

[KEN COOK]

I SERVED FROM 11JUN97 TO 25AUG03 ON ACTIVE DUTY I WANTED TO KNOW HOW MUCH OF MY GI BILL WILL I LOSE OR GAIN IF TRANSFER TO THE POST 9/11 GI BILL I HAVE NOT USED ANY OF THE 36 MONTHS I JUST WANTED TO KNOW IF IT WILL BE WORTH IT TO SWITH I SHOULD GET 90% BUT WHAT DOES THAT MEAN

[Todd L]

In response to Adam G. the Marine; Semper FI Marine, I just finished with the Corps about 8 months ago. Now, in response to the GI Bill, unfortunately you would not qualify for anything seeing as you have no GI Bill left and you only served 2-3 days after September 11, 2001. By the way how do you like U Of M, I am originally from Montgomery County and the wife is getting stationed at Andrews here soon. Was looking at law school there.

[Adam G.]

I am 75% disabled Marine. I am currently in Grad school and paying very high out-of-state tuition at University of Maryland. I have already exhausted my 'old' GI-Bill.
Do I qualify for anything to finance my Grad school?
I'll be sweet, really! :)
Note: 'I left the service on 09/13/2001'

Any answer is very much appreciated!

Simper Fi--

[Brian]

Shane, since you haven't deployed yet, I urge you to do so. Our buddies can use your help. When you get home, you will be entitled to some of this new GI bill, and more importantly you will have earned the respect of your comrades and nation as a genuine veteran. Best wishes from one who's been there.

[Nick Jackson]

Yeah, 100% service connection disability from the VA. How does that influence my benefits?

[Scott]

If I understand the policy, if I used my Montgomery GI bill benefits and have spent 6 of the past 8 years on Active Duty (since 9/11), I receive no education benefits from the post 9/11 bill? Have I got this wrong or do I receive this benefit to help me transition to another career field?

[Shane Vansyckle]

I am a reservist that has not been deployed, does this mean i am not eligible for the new GI Bill? The extra money would really help and lend me more time for studying and less time trying to work as much as i can to pay my bills.

[Becca]

Terry,
I know the artical H.R. 950 is closed to comments but I wanted to ask if you knew anything more of it. I listened to the communitie say they did not currently support it. Are they going to seek another way to do it, or have they given up on the idea of Housing benfits for those strictly on-line?

And would the V.A. Pay more then one school if a student had to attend two schools to be able to meet the one class in person requirement?

[Maureen Short]

What is the housing allowance for Springfield, MO? My son is a staff sargeant in the Air Force, and will be going there to college in the fall.

Thanks.

[Maureen Short]

Could you please tell me the housing allowance for a person who was a staff sargeant in the Air Force, and planning to attend school in Springfield, MO?

[Johny Hallman]

Berkley Bossard---VA site says, Yes, you can transfer. Data to follow.

James Walker---Check the VA web site out---if you were serving in '04/05, you are eligible for 10-15 years AFTER you leave service depending on which program you were placed in.

No BAH for on-line, but you can get the classes paid for courtesy of Uncle Sam for most courses.

[Eddie]

I retired after over 20 years and is a cancer patient, exposed to chemicals in field artillery? I can't get 100%. I am in my third stage of a four stage cancer. Why is it so difficult to get full benefits.

[DONALD BURKEY]

WHY NOT PAID CASH TO ALL THAT DO USE IT.I KNOW I COULD TAKE CARE OF THISAND MAYBE GET A HOUSE OR PAY CASH FOR A CAR.

[Patty Hansen]

My husband retired in feb 2004. He was never able to get the GI bill because of a mess up when he joined.(1985) He was offered the montgomery bill but did not understand how it worked.Time passed and they told him he couldn't get it.Is he able to qualify for this?

[Blair Whitney]

This is a nice benefit to add to the others already available. I could really use the help (as I had to finish up my BA with no GI Bill help as a reservist who couldn't draw without re-enlisting.)

I'm now working my way through grad school and struggling because the course load doesn't lend itself to scattered moments of study between a full work schedule. So I'm grateful for the 60% rate I'm likely to get for my deployment. It'll let me back off the work a little and take a bigger load of classes and thus finish in a more reasonable amount of time.

The nice thing about this new benefit is it draws in veterans of all eras who may never have accessed the benefits available to veterans. In California there's allied non-profits that offer job training and placement services for veterans of all eras and maybe folks will check in with vet reps or service officers and find out that while this particular legislation doesn't apply to them, their are lots of other avenues available to pursue their personal goals for education or vocational training.

Another important thing is that a lot of vets who've shunned the VA medical system (because they had private insurance or felt they were ineligable because their service wasn't in war time) will discover that they VA is there with world class health care for them regardless of their ability to pay. Especially at times like this when people are losing benefits and jobs, veterans can not cut back on health maintenance because they VA will enroll and treat veterans who's lower income now qualifies them for care with small or no co-payments.

Take some time to research your options if you have unrealized dreams and ambitions. Even without VA benefits, Federal Financial Aid is available to all students who meet general eligibility (lower income, progressively higher educational goals, etc.) Counselors at credible schools from community colleges to the CSU and UC system can help you find a way not only to begin your education plan, but also finance it.

PS - I'd be wary of the online only schools and other privately run for-profit institutions which seem to specialize in getting you the most financial aid which they then spend for you on huge tuition. If you've never heard of the school, do you think an employer has also? Check both the accreditation of the school and ask admissions counselors about placement rates for graduates. When in doubt, start small and local with a school you can physically go to so that you can get used to going back to school, then expand your range as you both build your confidence and expand your academic capabilities. Online classes tend to be much harder to be successful at because all the responsibility for the learning is shifted to the remote recipient who has the self-discipline themselves to not only do all the readings but seek out the classroom-like interactions that traditional students get in person. In some cases the online classes can work very well and it does allow for your to continue progress from dramatically remote locations or in specific situations where work and family does not allow a regular classroom situation to fit into the schedule.

Take care and good luck to all.

[AC]

Any limits should be stop! As a veteran we should be able to go to school without worry about benefits that going to be expire in so many years. Call US Rep.or US Senator and let them know is wrong to put limits on the use of education benefits. Like me many our Brothers and Sisters in arm have serve this country with honor and we should be able obtain a education!

[Todd]

Hi,

To Jim: You that is great you served that long. I served a long time as well but was injured in the line of duty overseas. Yet other than my VA disability rating 60%, I get no benefits. Why? Because I served in the 80's when there was no care nor thought for the military and/or vets, especially disabled vets. Yet today you expect all of us to just sit here and read about all these fabulous new benefits being reaped on veterans who happened to also volunteer to served but whose only difference is WHEN they served.

Do you realize vets BEFORE and AFTER a certain period all have the GI Bill and other benefits and some of us who served in between those times get nothing? All we want is someone to recognize this and make the bill retroactive to those of us eligible from that period in time. We served and sweated and were injured doing things that protected this country. All we are asking for is the same benefit others are getting.

BTW, when I entered the service, I was a kid and had no clue about what the GI Bill was, what I should or could be entitled to etc etc.. Only later did I realize what I was and had lost just because of signed up when I did.

[Jim]

Mr. Cook and all others, whom feel the need to cry, bitch and moan, get over it. Uncle Sam owes you nothing, if you qualify great, if you don't, suck it up and move on.

Many seem to have forgotten why they joined and fought for this great nation. You served your country because you believe in freedom, freedom of others, not to mention the safety of your family. We also served out of respect for those that served before us. If the only reason you served was to see what you could get I thank the lucky star above you got out.

This is a prime example of what's wrong with this country today. Guess Obama is your man, he'll insure everyone get's the same whether they served or not. That's the fine thing about that system of government called Socialism. Problem is your time served will mean nothing again so you'll still fill entitled. The only difference is you won't be able to voice it any longer.

Just be glad you wake up each morning with your life and are surrounded by family members, many lost that luxury in service to their country.

I served 24 years and am appalled that some served so little and get so much. How’s that for perspective?

[A Jones]

I was told that none of the GI Bill plans cover online schools, so no, I don't think you would get the housing allowance because it wouldn't even pay your tuition. I was glad to learn this because I had planned to take a contracting job in Qatar and work on my degree through University of Phoenix. From what I understand, they wouldn't have payed anything.

[Devil Dog]

Here is on for you guys. I was active duty for 10 months after 9/11 and was honorably discharged with a service-connected disability rating of 30%. Do I qualify for 100% of the post 9/11 bill? And if so, I only have about 16 months remaining on my Gi Bill, is it in my best interest to transfer over to the new 9/11 bill? I am on my way to a Masters Degree and with only 16 months left of eligibility remaining on my Gi Bill which will run short of me getting my degree. With my service connected disability rating of 30%, I am elegible for the vocational rehab. Does VocRehab work the same as the other education plan in that they pay for your school? Or is the VocRehab more for a trade school? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Semper Fidelis Marines and Solidiers.

[william cook]

well i feel for all, iserved in the guard during the 1st bush conflic and was told i get nothing but the pleasure of serving.no, my unit wasnt called then to go,but we were to be on alert. after 5 years i honorably dishcharged, 2nd bush, i looked at my wife and she knew. i joined the reserves, no,i again didnt get anything. except knocked down 2 grades, they put me in a unit that was already gone, so i got to set with a few newbees, who got more than a prior service guy. my unit came home, we (those who didnt go with them) were shoved to the side. i wanted to transfer out and was told no (stop loss), finally after 2.5 years there they let me go. i went to a unit closer to home and was allowed to finish my 3yrs, no thank you for your time nothing. so there it is , if you tried to go and couldnt due to no fault of your own, and because of our government, those who stayed stateside we get nothing. be glad you get alittle. i still would fight for my country, just not my government!! let freedom ring.

[Solomon]

I was just wondering if i decided to take online classes will i be eligible for BAH?

And also i wanted to know where i can find those schools that are participating in the Yellow Ribbon program?
And lastly, i wanted to find out
what is the maximum years i can u se the GIBILL? and is there any waiver if i decided to use the MGILL past the the Maximum years?

[JP]

Jeez people, rather than make a bunch of assumptions and gripe about things that you're unsure of, how 'bout ya'll go to the VA web site and read the rules for yourself. They're not that hard to understand.

[John]

"I have heard that under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, you have to continuously enroll semesters after semesters until you complete your degree or lose the rest of the entitlement as opposed to MGIB where you can "stop and resume" where you left off and use the remainder of your 36 months. Pls comment. Thanks."

You have a 15 year window to complete your education program. Your benefits will not be paid out unless you are enrolled in school. Remember, this is an entitlement that you get for going to school. It is not money that you get to go on a three month vacation in Hawaii between Spring and Fall semesters. The "hold" is done so that you aren't charged entitlement while you're on a break.

[John]

"Ya, my GI bill expired when I was getting my A** shot off hauling fuel for the Army in Iraq in '04 and '05, this is going to me a lot of good"

If you served on active duty in '04 and '05, your benefits would not have expired while in theater. Typically, you have 36 months (48 if you qualify for more than two GI Bills) to use for education, and it expires 10 years after your last discharge. So, after you got back in '05, that 10-year clock restarts, but that doesn't mean your 36 months are replenished.

[JP]

Wow. The griping and sense of entitlement you people display is beyond disbelief.

1. I am a VEAP era vet (and we all know how good that one was). Up to this point I had absolutely NO VA educational benefits. This is the answer to my prayers. Is it perfect? Nope. None ever are. But it is pretty good (for those eligible) and will allow me to pursue some additional education to expand my career opportunities. How do you think I felt seeing those around me, and my troops, receive thousands from the Montgomery GI Bill and I wasn't entitled to one red cent? But alas, since I knew that VEAP sucked, I completed one degree and most of another using TA before I retired. It was the only way to prepare for life after military. It was simple preparation, not waiting for Mother Gov't to “take care of me” because I did my time. At some point, you have to take responsibility for your self and not rely on Uncle Sam.

2. RP: Having military experience not matter or be deemed irrelevant is a crock. You must either be in a liberal part of the US where the military is frowned upon, or applying for jobs that have nothing to do with your military specialty. Same goes for your education. Again, you must be looking in the wrong places. Most employers I talked to upon my retirement liked/wanted the military experience. Having degrees didn't hurt either. So, I don't buy your complaint. You specifically must being doing something wrong to get such responses, because I never had that response at all. Never.

[John]

If you have at least 30 days active duty time beginning on 9/11/01, and you were honorably discharged due to a service-connected disability, you can qualify for the 100% eligibility rate. You may also qualify for the VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Education program if you have a VA disability rating. In some cases, Voc Rehab is a better deal than the new GI Bill. In any case, start applying ASAP for the GI Bill and Voc Rehab programs. http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp

[Jeff Meade]

I served post 9/11 six years AGR and 11 months in Iraq, but only my Iraq time counts where as the regular military time back in the states counts for them. Where is the fairness in that?!!!!!

[Jeff Meade]

I don't understand why AGR time doesn't count especially if you have served time in country. I served post 9/11 six years AGR which is Active Duty!!!! time. And I spent 11 months in Iraq. But I only get 40% for the Iraq time, where the regular army guys time back in the states counts for them. Where is the fairness in that?

[JP]

From the VA's Chap 33 pamphlet:
Can I transfer my entitlement to my dependents?
If you are a member of the Armed Forces on August 1, 2009, the Department of Defense (DoD) may offer you the opportunity to transfer benefits to your spouse or dependent children. DoD and the military services will issue policy on entitlement to transferability in the coming months. Visit www.GIBILL.VA.GOV for up-to-date information on this and other education benefits.

[AG]

I need help to get a course that I can draw a plan using AUTOCADD.
Any veterans org., Dept. of Veterans Affairs, American Legion, CA Vietnam Veterans,etc.?
At least two( 02 ) years.
I am a Vietnam Era Veterans with Honorable Discharge. Male. I want to have this course so that I can draw a plan for a project that I am planning for doing construction job. Need for financial difficulties. I hope the Dept. of veterans Affairs can help me. I suppose to matter when you serve the countryas long as you are honorable discharge weshould be eligiblefor this new GI Bill. not onlythose who served after Sept. 10, 2001. They also get GI Bill. So, why don't we get the new bill? We're only few of us.Not only that. We all serve the Country.
thanks,
AG

[Angelito Garcia]

I am a Vietnam VET era. I want to go to school for an architect for buildings or residentials. I want to build houses for poor people. Chare them at least minimum and not maximum for their residence. I have an actual experienced for long years international but, with the technology now; I need to update my knowledge and education. As a veterans, can anyone at the Dept. of Veterans Affairs or any veterans organization can help me?
I am a member org American Legion, CA. Vietnam Veterans ,etc.I am residing at Sacramento,CA. I am now 57 y.o.
PLEASE help me to get back to school for this course. At least two( 02 ) years.
Thank you,
Angelito Garcia

[James R Johnson]

Thats just like our country. when we join to defend' they pick who gets what. when it all belong to us all anyway no matter when you came in or how you came out

[patrick m walsh]

The GI Bill is great except for all the SMALL print. Sigh.

[John Baczynski]

JG right on, SGT Martin stop doing what JG was talking about. Arnold Castor Yes. I would love to monitor the rest of the responses but have an appointment with the Chaplain, he/ she gets paid for this sort of thing. Keep smiling and shoot straight!!!

[James]

This bill is for post 9/11 vets only. If you'r 100% service connected but did not serve on active duty for 30 days past 9/11 then It would not apply to you. However, the VA has established programs already in place for 100% service connected veterans. If you fall into this area then contact your local VA service Rep to learn more about them.

If you are 100% service connected from an injury after 9/11 you should apply. Hope that helps your question. :)

[John Baczynski]

RP it is called Affirmative Action. Richard Cross this is in excess of what you were eligible for when you signed the form 4, any enemy foreign or domestic. You work/worked for the Government and if you are saying that you feel there should be more done for the Armed Services than what you signed up for then here it is. No program offered will ever be perfect or fit everyone´s idea of perfection so we make the best of it. SGT Rock I understand, if you ever get to Germany for a vacation you have a place to stay. Spell check people.

[JG]

Let the whining begin.

[ARNOLD CASTOR]

can you use this 911 gi bill for
vocational courses.

[SgtMartin]

This doesn't do any good for those that would be eligible but have already used their allowed 36 months before it was passed. CRAP!

[RP]

Don't get too excited everyone. I finished my BS degree on active duty and used Chapter 31 VA benefits for a master's degree I am 80% service connected. The sad fact is job positions simply do not exist for veterans. You can have a PhD degree and still find that you have limited opportunities. What sense does it make if you have a college degree working as a Wal-Mart greeter for min wage? What veterans need is more opportunities in the job market, and an enforcement of laws for potential discrimination issues. If these are not enforced you will still be unemployed/under-employed with a college degree. I've been told my +15 years military service experience is only 1-step above serving 15-years in prison. "It means nothing." This is a common attitude found in the job market today. Military service is considered a "red-flag" for living-wage employment.

[Paul Olloren]

I have heard that under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, you have to continuously enroll semesters after semesters until you complete your degree or lose the rest of the entitlement as opposed to MGIB where you can "stop and resume" where you left off and use the remainder of your 36 months. Pls comment. Thanks.

[Richard Cross]

i beleave any one who signed up to serve his/her country no matter what date or conflict should be eligable to this, it was not there falt if our government choose to go to war at any given time, they were still there to defend there country if needed.
RMC/USN-R

[Dan Geraghty]

Again, they forget the part about transfering the GI Bill to our families.

[James Walker]

Ya, my GI bill expired when I was getting my A** shot off hauling fuel for the Army in Iraq in '04 and '05, this is going to me a lot of good

[Berkley Bossard]

No comment about transfering to family members?

[Sgt Rock]

As a vet who was injured in Iraq (2004)the benifit is great, but doesnt fit everyone. With the TBI injury some of use where discharged from the Military with out a med board. We are getting continued treatment at the VA. With out the med board this benifit will not fit as it should.

[Berkley Bossard]

No information on transfering to family members?

[Ray Kirkpatrick]

How about 100% service-connected vets?