By Terry Howell
Several readers have asked "what's the big deal about choosing the Post-9/11 GI Bill over the Montgomery GI Bill." In fact, one reader asked, “I don't understand this. How can another program be better for me if I want to attend college? Isn't the reason for the new Post-9/11 GI Bill to pay for any state tuition of my choice?”
Many veterans think this is a no-brainer, but there are several factors that can severely limit your GI Bill education benefits. And, since you cannot change your mind once you make the switch, choosing carefully is your best option.
As a friend of mine likes to say, "the devil's in the details." Well, here are some of those details - reasons to choose carefully:
- Payment rates are set for undergraduate tuition rates – this could mean that veterans who wish to attend grad school will need to pay the difference out-of-pocket.
- The housing stipend is not available for students taking all their courses through non-traditional classes – online and other distant learning students won’t receive payment for cost of living. In addition, veterans talking courses on a half-time rate and active duty servicemembers are also excluded from the housing stipend.
- The Post-9/11 GI Bill is set at the in-state undergraduate tuition rate which varies from state-to-state. In some states the tuition rate may severely limit a student's education options. For example, the tuition rate for California is $0 and Massachusetts is only $71. That won’t go very far in a private college or master's degree program.
- The new Post-9/11 GI Bill does not cover trade schools or on the job training and apprenticeship programs like the Montgomery GI Bill.
I am not the only one warning servicemembers and veterans about making an uneducated decision about their education benefits. Department of Veterans Affairs officials are also encouraging anyone considering enrolling in the Post-9/11 GI Bill program to learn the facts and make sure the Post-9/11 GI Bill is the right fit for them.
The VA recommends getting answers to the following before changing programs:
1) Which benefit will pay more?
2) What tier of benefit am I eligible for under the Post-9/11 GI Bill?
3) What type of training do I want to pursue?
4) How long do I expect to take to use the benefit?
5) Do I plan to attend school less than full-time?
The Bottom Line
If you plan to attend classroom based courses at a state operated college on a more than half-time basis – or - you intend to transfer your benefits to a family member, then the Post 9/11 GI Bill most likely fits your needs perfectly. Otherwise, take your time – don't be in a rush.
Learn more about comparing the GI Bill programs.
If you have questions about your personal eligibility or need more assistance, please call the VA at 1-888-GIBILL-1 or visit the VA's GI Bill website at www.GIBILL.VA.gov.
When I was on the front lines in Vietnam, I didn't say, if this war is not over in six months (time limit)I quit. I took the fight to the enemy for the Love of the Country, and was there until the duration. Now that I am back, you want to kick me to the curb and screw me everyway but loose. Oh you hypocrites,by the grave sites with your heart somber speeches you claim how you care and how much the nation owe a debt of gratitude for those who gave their lives. You lying, miserable pieces of crap, you swat at a gnat and swallow a camel. I agree with comment posted by DJR. We gave our whole life for our Nation and we stayed their for the duration; and we didn't say if the war is not over in (time limit) then I quit. Now you want to nickle and dime us till death. Why can't we have the rest of our life to reap the benefits. You have a bunch of college boys making the rules and some of them have never tasted military service. That's from congress, senate, all the way down to the pencil pushing flunkees. OOh you ungrateful people. We made it home and didn't get killed, just to have you stab us in the back. It seems like money is more important to you than veterans, until another war breaks out, then you start looking bodies again to do the dirty work. Remember, don't burn you bridges behind you, you might have to go back that way again!
"I think the main reason for folks to switch is the option for your dependents to use your benefits"
I reiterate …. Why do dependents, whether it's wives or children, deserve to have GI benefits when men that actually served in the military can't take advantage of their benefits after being seperated more than 10 years? I'm still looking for an answer?
Why shouldnt dependants benifit? I plan on finishing my degree before I end service so the GI Bill will not do me much good. However, in the past 3 years my wife and I have spent about 5 cumalitive months together. I may be the one overseas, or training, or stationed abroad, but that doesnt mean she hasnt done her share either. Shes earned her benefits. Do I not deserve to use the bill? Should I be penalized because I took the initiative to persue my education along with my duties and combat deployments? The truth of the matter is whether Im using it, my wife, or children in the future, thats 4 years of education Ive earned and will not have to pay for.
Why are some of you so hard on spouses? Did your wife leave you? A good spouse is willing and does endure a lot as a military wife. They endure the seperation, they raise the kids themselves (while hubby is gone), they pick up and move when asked. They quiver at the talks of war on the news. They are just as wrapped up in this as the husband is. Why not let those benefits transfer? The husband isn't being forced. It is his choice. Maybe he got a great job when he got out, or used TA and got his degree, and doesn't need his gi bill.
I know your wife probably did you wrong, but some women have stod by their husbands through thick and thin, and should be able to take advantage of this benefit if that is what their husband want.
i read a few posts, i paid 2700 into VEAP, transfered over to GI Bill when I was allowed, and I have ten years to use it…. thankfully I got my degree while I was in. Would be nice to get something more for all that money I paid in so many years ago…I also paid the 600 in for the buy up, but I'll be damned if I can find that paperwork after my move
Also, I wasn't eligible for the buy up… even more important to find the paperwork I lost…
Viet. vets Do we still have benefits? I have allready gotten my electrician,s jourenymans cert.under the GI bill.
Jon. First, thanks for your service in Vietnam. My dad is a Vietnam Vet and now has Parkinson's disease, which has been linked to Agent Orange. I am an OEF and OIF veteran myself.
If you are under the Montgomery GI Bill, here is some info:
The GI Bill has a time limit – expiration date. Once you have left the service you have ten years to use it. Any benefit remaining after the tenth anniversary is lost, and you will lose your $1,200 initial contribution.
sister actually…but either way, we're all getting screwed over by this new, improved GI BILL. If the shoe was on the other foot and they were the ones that weren't getting their money it would be a totally different story!
First, WELCOME HOME!!! The GI bill we Vietnam Vets worked under is designed a little differently. I exited the Army Dec 7, 1982, was awarded compensation in Aug 1983, but never started school until 1998. I also have been told, as a disabled(100%) Vet that each time the VA finds 10% or more new, I am eligible for 44 more months. Sorry about your Dad, wish him well and welcome home from me also. I was A co 31st Engineers, Phouc Vinh and sprayed daily for about 6 mos or so. Talk to an Education specialist at DAV, they have always been more than helpful. Good luck and, Peace in your footsteps….
I work and attend Ashford university as a veteran from the Marine Corps. I can tell you that if you attend Ashford AND attend ONE class at a physical campus, then you will receive BAH for the zip code that the physical school is in. If you are interested in more information then let me know.
I am attending Ashford University as a veteran from the Marine Corps as well. I am just waiting for the VA to give me my BAH check. So that is based off of where the school is actually located in. So it will be based on iowa or San Diego because they have campuses in both places. I live in california.
Derrick, I am planning on finishing my Bachelors at Idaho State with a total online program. I am needing math that I can take resident at the local CC. Will taking the resident math course qualify me for the BAH? I too am trying to figure out which will give me the greatest benefit…Post 9/11 or MGB.
I attend Asford University's online campus. I recently switched to the post 9/11 GI Bill, unaware that it did not cover online classes. Am I completely unable to use my GI Bill now?
So what is the maximum payout of the Post 9/11?
When is it exhausted?
Your payout if active duty would be $1000 a year for books and what the class cost up to that states maximum tuition rate, an example would be Washington State is $250 per credit hour. When on active duty you don't get the BAH associated with the 9/11 gibill. If you are a reservist and were activated post 9/11 you can get approved for a certain percentage depending on length of activation. So in my case I was approved for 50% so I would get 50% of the $1000 a year for books, 50% of the BAH which is E-5 with dependents rate based on your zip code and 50% of the $250 max per credit hour in my state.
I am a navy vet and I have a friend (also a navy vet) who works in the same federal agency. He is in our HR dept and is currenlty attending a private university here in CA taking his masters in public administration, using his Post 9-11 GI bill. Although I already have a concrete idea on how to apply for the 911 GI bill, he gave me info on how to start and what benefits I could get. My friend is currently taking 2 graduate courses on campus per semester and he's getting the monthly (E5) BAH under his zip code. The post 911 GI Bill pays for his tuition plus book allowance per year. I dont think my friend is giving me misleading or false info because as an HR rep, he takes care of our employee benefits and veterans benefits as well, being in a fed agency. So Im not sure if the info from this post is accurate, or maybe it is but there are a lot of if's and but's that were not discussed. So if my friend is correct, a couple of things were established here. You can take a masters degree using your Post 9-11 GI bill and your not suppose to pay the difference. But then again, there must be some if's and but's that needs to be clarified.
Another thing to take into consideration……my AMVETS rep checked for me, and if you choose the Post 9/11 GI Bill…..and opt for the VA Vocational Rehab program, is it one or the other……you can't use both. That is why I stayed under my old GI Bill….with it, I can do the Voc Rehab….and still use my GI Bill for my masters. You may want to research that aspect also before making a decision.
Larry, I've been USN Retired since 1990 under the VEAP program (post VietNam area). I have the Disabled American Veterans as Power of Attorney. Am 90% Service connected and used the VA's Chapter 31/ Vocational Rehabilitation and attained a BS,Ed and MS.Ed. If you want to go back to school, Its out there! You have to apply, its not going to come out and say "here I am" . Use it and dont Lose it. GO Navy !!
A rhetorical question is, why does Congress keep messing with these programs. This reminds me of the debacle over the Montgomery G. I Bill vs. VEAP and the nightmare it was for many of us to get that straightened out?
I could have sworn I saw workers installing signs over all government doors around town that said; "ABANDON HOPE ALL YE WHO ENTER HERE." Dante would be proud, we've discovered ANOTHER level of Hell.
I qualified for the Voc Rehab and the services extended to me was not further academic training but employment assistance. I guess if this is the case, I can still use the Post 9-11 GI bill for another grad course if I wanted to, since Voc Rehab didnt pay for my masters degree but assist me in my job hunt. I obtained my masters degree thru my Navy TA. I don't think being under Voc Rehab or obtaining Voc Rehab benefits will automatically disqualify you from using your Post 9-11 GI bill. Maybe it depends on what Voc Rehab services was extended to the veteran. But If theres a black and white that stipulates you can only pick one or the other, then thats sad. Any comments?
I agree with you, Jun. If Voc Rehab pays for your degree, then maybe its true that you can no longer use your Post 911 GI bill. But if they only assist you in finding a job, then its not fair to forfeit your eligibility to avail of your Post 9-11 GI bill benefits.
Does anyone know exactly how the vocational rehab program works? Would it pay for college for 2 or 4 years and if so, at what percentage? Would it pay for a trade or vocational school like truck driving or flight training school or dive school?
It is a long process, but one worth taking. I am in the program and they pay 100% tuition and books, but you have to be accepted (the process). I encourage anyone getting out to at least visit this option.
I used Voc Rehab, then the remainder of my Chapter 30 benefits. When I applied for Post 9/11, in case I was eligible, I was told that we are only entitled to a total of 48 months benefits with the combination of Voc Rehab and any/all GI Bill programs.
For a breakdown, I was approved for Voc Rehab and it paid 100% tuition and books for the 3 years I needed, plus a monthly stipend. Afterwards, they helped me find work and did not close my file until I had full employment.
When I applied for the MGIB for my master's I only received a year's worth. I thought I had just forgotten that I wasn't fully vested when I converted from VEAP, but it turned out they had to deduct the 3 years of Voc Rehab from the total allowed of the 48 months.
If I had not received Voc Rehab, I would have received 36 months of MGIB. Because I had Voc Rehab first, I was able to use a year of my MGIB, Chapter 30, in addition.
But no Post 9/11 because I exhausted all my combined allowable benefits.
Hope this helps someone.
i screwed up and switched my benefits from chapter 30 to post 9/11. i had 11 months remaining on my ch. 30. i basically screwed myself out of a years benefits. the counselor at the va said for me to write a letter explaining that i screwed up and want to go back to ch 30. any advice about what i should say in the letter?
The tuition cap in Massachusetts is $330 per credit, NOT $71. You quoted the outdated rate.
i applied for post 9/11 five months ago and i have yet to hear from them.
Check with them Valerie. The two times I had problems with them not getting back with me, there were issues that needed my input but they didn't tell me.
You may have to be on hold for half an hour, but it's worth it.
You can also email a question from withing the GI BIll web site.
i paid into the Montgomery GI Bill when it was offered to the people with the crappy VEAP program. I have never used it, but would like to before all the benefits expire. Who do I need to contact to get access to the benefits?
If you have been out less that 10 years you can apply on the VA website using the VONAPP <a href="http://www.va.gov” target=”_blank”>www.va.gov for the MGIB, Chapter 30. If you have service after 9/10/2001 then you can apply for Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill. That program has a 15 year expiration after service
I have looked into these programs thoroughly, and I found out that the "kicker" does not count towards the Post 9/11 GI Bill. However, it will be paid back to you in full when you use the program. Unless this policy has been changed in the last month, then what I am saying is correct; I got my information from the official GI Bill website.
I received my bachelor and masters through the Montgomery GI Bill. I am a 100% disabled veteran. I am also in a Vocational Rehabilitation Program. The VA issue a Certificate of Eligibility for my wife to attend college for 45 month. How do I go about finding how much time left from the old GI Bill since it was over 13 years since I last used it? Second, can I use the Voc Reh Educational Program, if any, for another masters or doctorate degree? Thanks.
Seau, in the Voc Rehab Program (Chap 31) you get up to 48 months of benefits and your GI bill goes away. With your wife, she should get 48 months no matter what your GI bill has left. The voc rehab program is designed to help you get an education or training that works with your disability, so it’s possible to get another degree if your current ones exacerbate your disability. To get into the program it would be up to the voc rehab reps to decide. I would just apply for the program (forms on line) and they will determine if you are eligible. Hope this helps.
I'm in the army reserve. I completed the army practical nurse course and was activated for about 13 months. When I did my Post 911 GI Bill application I used only my DD214 for school and deployment to add up the days. I was surprise to find out I was 19 days short from the 3 years benefit. I'm currently 90% eligible. 100% eligibility would allow me to qualify for the yellow ribbon also. I filed an appeal stating I have more active duty days from Pre-deployment training, WLC and BNCOC school which came out to be 74 days total. Will they accept my appeal to give me at least 19 extra days to my active duty service? It has been at least 1 month since I filed my appeal. Thanks.
I am married to a capt in the army i am allowed to have a gi bill for school
Besides the amount you receive. What is the benefit of switching to the post- 911 G.I bill? What if you served more time before the post-911. Will it still benefit you to swich? I have been attending college and now I have come to the point that I must transfer to a university to finish my education.
Just started back to school in January for the Spring semester, through the Post 9/11. Unfortunately, I didn't know my mule from my elbow when it came to either GI Bill; fortunately, the college's VA office did. For the most part. From what I gathered there, the Post 9/11 offers more money but has stipulations: 1) you have to attend at least 7 credit hours, and one of those classes must be in person. I'm a full-time employee now, but was lucky enough to find two weekend courses + 1 online. So far, things seem to be okay. I'm still fuzzy on the details and am hoping I didn't screw myself by not opting for the MGIB… It would seem it all depends on your personal schedule & preferences.
Quit yall whining you sound like a bunch of panzies.
I will be working towards my Master's Degree totally online. The school I am applying to has the Gold Ribbon Program. The school basically sucks up the difference between what the governement pays and what is left over. I have 8 months and 22 days left on my Montgomery GI Bill. If I switch to the new GI Bill now, I will only receive the 8 months and 22 days. If I go broke for the first year of graduate school and use up my Montgomery GI Bill and then apply for the Post 9/11 GI Bill, I will receive the full benefits of the bill. I went to three places to find the answers to my questions. The 888 number was my best source of information. I went to my local Veteran Affairs Office and they told me that the GI Bill won't even pay for Graduate School. I went to the internet sight and read everything but I still had questions. I do believe there is no better way to get the information that contacting someone by phone. I don't know the number off the top of my head but that is one thing that I found easily on the website.
I am a retired SgtMaj and never had the MGIB. I retired in 2007. Do I qualify for the post 9-11 benefites under chapter 33? Thanks
You have to keep in mind your zipcode's BAH allowances. For my area my BAH allowance is roughly 2200 monthly. That alone was enough reason to choose the post 9/11 over the Montgomery. I've done out the math for many states/schools and if you're planning on enrolling, full time, in pursuit of a B.S./B.A. the post 9/11 is hands down the better pick. Just be prepared to pay out of pocket all expenses for that 4th year if it's going to take you the full 4 to finish the degree program.
your kicker goes away if you pick the post 911 GI Bill.
Before the 9/11 GI Bill came out, I was using the chpt 30 GI Bill with the Army College Fund "kicker". It only pays for about 3 yrs of college but I was receiving about $1300 a month. When that ran out, I was lucky enough that the 9/11 Bill came out. I only recieved about $540 a month but it was better than nothing at all. I suggest using up the chpt. 30 GI Bill first and then applying for the 9/11 GI Bill when the other runs out.
I am retired Army 20 yr vet. I was having probs also which was the best, well I retired Jan 2003, which only gave me about 15 months served after 911 before I retire in 2003. I would only be able to receive 60% of 911 CE plan, so I kept my MGIB and once I finish using it 4 my 3 yr period I still have 60% of the 911 bill once my MGIB is used up. I got my info from the Army Ed center and yes I almost went 911 but I would have lost out alot, so b carefull u may loss a good thing if u r not careful and the GOV is not sharing all the red tape out loud for us. Be carefull..Be sure u make the right move..Good Luck
Your navy college fund will not go away, you are still elgible to recieve that "kicker". It is the $600 buy up kicker that is not payable under chap 33/post 911 gi bill. I my self have the Army college fund and recieve payment for it with chap 33. It will be paid seperately at the begining of the semester.
Priscilla, I too received the GI Bill, and later discovered the neww 9/11 GI Bill. I was told that I was not eligible for this new program, since I had already used the entire amount under the GI Bill Am I eligible or not ??? Thanks, Gloria.
I also used my entire chapter 30 benefits and was eligible under the 9/11 bill because I was activated as a reservists after 9/11. Not sure if this is your case. Because of the amount of time I served I got one year of 9/11 benefits at 50% of the payment amount. Hope that helps.
Yes, John.
If you served time AFTER 9-11-2001, you are eligible.
That is not true. I actually received the kicker in addtion to housing allowance, tuition and fees. The VA did not itemize any thing on the payments I received.
I got the kicker and thought it was housing allowance. There are codes for this.
Code 73, is the kicker. If you have to drop a class and don't continue with school right away, you will have to pay back any advances. You must write separate checks for each code that you must pay back. I know that is stupid,
but as a 60 yr old retired veteran, active duty and reserve combined, I blame it on the Department of Veterans Affairs management. I do appreciate the VA, especially with the medical, but as a retired Air Force MSgt, I could implement better controls than these highly paid incompetent managers. if they are supposed to help us, at least they could ensure people communicate. P. S., I finally was able to draw a retirement as a reservist. After retirement, I was still able to apply the kicker, to the Chapter 33 (Post 9-11 GI Bill), although when I started receiving it, I assumed the amount was part of my housing allowance. Retired Army & Air Force veteran, Jack..