Switching to the Post-9/11 GI Bill? Not So Fast!

Yet Another Reason to Take Your Time

By Terry Howell

Over the last few months I have been encouraging our readers to weigh their GI Bill options carefully before choosing to switch from the Montgomery GI Bill to the new Post-9/11 GI Bill. Now there is yet another reason you may want to hold off on making the switch – the chance to get 12 more months of education benefits if you use up your MGIB first.

The Department of Veterans Affairs recently posted the following on their GI Bill website:

For individuals eligible for MGIB-AD
Normally, your months of entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill will be equal to the number of months of entitlement you have remaining under the MGIB-AD. However, if you use all of your MGIB-AD benefits, then you may be entitled to a maximum of 12 additional months of benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. [Giving you a total of 48 months of education benefits]

Many veterans don’t realize this means they may actually be better off to use up their MGIB before applying for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Here is an example:

Active duty veterans that are qualified for both the MGIB and Post-9/11 and have used some (lets say 26 months) of their MGIB may be able to extend their education benefit by 12 months - but - only if they first exhaust all of their remaining MGIB benefit  before electing to receive Post-9/11 benefits.

However, if veterans switch to the Post-911 GI Bill before using all 36 months of the MGIB, they will only get the equivalent of the remaining months of their MGIB credited to their Post-9/11 account and will not be eligible to extend the benefit to 48 months.

Jack Mordente, director of Veterans Affairs at Southern Connecticut State University offers another scenario:

"I have a veteran who has 6 months of GI Bill and 4 semesters to graduate. He can use the 6 months to exhaust his Chapter 30 [MGIB]. With our 9 month academic year he will be paid 3 months over his 36 months. He then transfers to Chapter 33 [Post-9/11 GI Bill] and gets 9 more months and finishes his degree."

Get more than $49,000 a year for school. Request info about GI Bill approved programs from military and veteran-friendly schools and start earning your degree today.

On May 11th the VA encouraged anyone considering enrolling in the new GI Bill "to get educated about it first" because it is an irrevocable decision.

The five questions suggested:

1. which benefits pay more?
2. what tier of benefits am I eligible for under new 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 that fulltime?

Jack suggests you add two more questions to the VA's five:

1. How many months do you have left on your current GI Bill?
2. How many semesters do you have left to graduate?

You may find that it is best to wait until you have used your 36 months of MGIB before applying for the new Post-9/11 GI Bill.

No matter what you decide, talk to a VA representative to make sure you are eligible for extending your benefits another 12 months. You can reach the VA at 1-888-GIBILL-1.

Comments

[Nancy S]

I don't know if I'm still eligible for either. I retired in 2002 but can't remember if I had any educational benefits left. How do I find out?

[Glenn Yeck]

Does anyone know if 4-year ROTC scholarship winners are eligible for the MGIB-Selected Reserve program, if the servicemember is still an actively drilling Reservist?

I have read in the VA's own pamphlet that ROTC scholarship winners ARE eligible for MGIB-SR, but they denied my claim for help with grad school tuition...

Any feedback most appreciated.
Very respectfully,
Glenn Yeck
UCLA School of Law

[rickey haynes]

where do i go to appy for my education benefit

[Rudy Gonzalez]

I used up all my Ch. 30 in 2007 and applied for Ch. 33 recently. I already received my approval letter. Took about 3 weeks time. Just have to take it to my school on Aug. 1st. to certify my enrollment. But I checked my account today and I already received a $600 deposit from VA? WTF? School didn't have a clue.

[JJ]

I HAVE BEEN APPROVED ONLY TOOK ABOUT THREE WEEKS. I THOUGHT IT WOULD TAKE LONGER

[Caryll]

as anyone got the new GI bill certificate yet since it was open May 1st and they said it takes 24days to process some should have there eligibility certificate already don't you think

[Terry Howell]

Andy,
Here is the DoD Factsheet on Transferability: http://www.military.com/money-for-school/gi-bill/post-911-gi-bill-transferability-fact-sheet

But as of right now there is no process in place for applying yet. Be patient. And stay tuned. You may also contact your units ESO for assistance.

[andy]

I have the ability to transfer my benefits to my two kids that are already in college.This was a God send benefit for me and my kids,however!It seems that not one including the VA office, seems to know how does one go about transfering his Education benefits to their kids.They keep talkig about a VA form 22-1990E,that I can,t find not even in the VA forms site.
Please respond to my email!

[Jeffery]

where can I sighn upn for the post 911 Gi Bill?

[James]

hi, I am eligible for the post 911 GI BILL. and I am from Illinois so I get the Illinois Vet's grant that with the Pell grant pays for all of my classes and books for the most part. how will the Post 911 GI bill effect me?

[Sandra]

I just want to make sure I have this right? I still have about 14 months under the Chp 30 and if I finish my time up with the Chp 30 then I will also qualify for another 12 months under the Post/911?

[Patrick]

So here I am, 17 years in, just finished my BS. I never used my MGIB, only TA. I plan on using $6k of my GI Bil for my Masters because O's now owe 2 years now after using TA. I plan on giving the rest to my wife and children. Smart move?

[Cris]

I retired from AD in November 2002 and since then have attained a BA using my benefits from VoC-Rehab. I have never applied for or used my MGIB benefits and have been notified about the new GI Bill! What if any benefits do I actually still have to use to pursue my MA? Again, I have never even applied for my GI Bill benefits under the MGIB, so what should I do if I want to start classes this coming semester and do I even have any benefits due to my using VoC-Rehab? Thanks!

[Rick]

I retired 2004, I was under VEAP and took my money out back in the early 90's, at retirement I did not put back into VEAP. Is there any way to get back intothis or the VEAP program?

[Mike L]

As a reservist, I have obtained over 20 good years of service, and according to the post 911 bill, I am eligible to transfer my benefits over. But at this moment, I am servicing on active duty and have accumulated over 18 years of Active Federal Service (AFS) which makes me eligible for sanctuary that will require me to retire at 20 AFS in May of 2011. According to the post 911 policy, I must serve 2 more years if my retirement is between August 1, 2010, and before August 1, 2011 for me to become eligible. Again, under sanctuary rules, I MUST retire when I reach 20 years AFS. So the question is, where does this put me, am I still eligible due to my reserve time, or do I not qualify because I cannot meet the two year requirement?

[Green]

According to the paperwork I received in the mail two weeks ago, You are not eligible for the kicker under the new MGIB.

[Terry Howell]

John P - I regret to say that if you retired prior to 9/11/2001 you are not eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. That means no transferability and no extentions. You should have about about 2 years left ot use you MGIB benefits. Follow this link to learn more about the MGIB.
http://www.military.com/money-for-school/veteran/gi-bill/veteran-gi-bill-users-guide

[John P]

Hi Terry,

I retired from the USAF in July 2001 and enrolled & paid $1200 for the Montgomery Plan. I obtained my bachelors degree when I was on active duty and do not plan on completing my Masters degree.

1) Is it possible to transfer any of these benefits to my dependents?
2) Do I have the option of extending my benefits for another year? I am under the impression that you only have 10 years to use the MGIB.
3) What types of training or schools can I use the MGIF for?
4) I was also thinking about private pilot's license but was told the plan only covered the ground school and not the cost of flying time...is that true?

Thanks Terry!

[Rita]

I used my original GI Bill during the period of 1980 through 1994 and then I retired from the Air National Guard in 2004. I am not sure if I have any benefits or not as I was told when I retired I might have benefits. I would like to go to a trade school to be certified as a medical assistant where do I do go to find out if I have benefits or if I am eligible to change careers since I currently have a masters degree.

[JJ]

Question now that on the new g.i. bill you will recieve $1200.00 a month for living expenses, can child support take any money out of that for earned income? Right now i am struggling, and with this new g.i. bill it would help me out alot to get my life back on track. As long as child support doesn't get a hold of it. Anyone with info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[Paulg]

Don't understand how my educational benefits were terminated after I retired and now so much is being given even to extend to family. And here I am with a $19,000 student loan which I had to get because my benefits were ended before I finshed my degree. I have at least 23 months left but was informed they would be terminated due to new changes. Can you explain this. I retired in 1995. I don't want this posted, I just wondered if you could help me understand this as you seem to know a lot about the education benefits. A response to my email would be sufficient. Thanks.

[ultraquiet]

I thought this article was about the possibility of using up 36 months of the regular CH 30 GI Bill and then getting 12 months of the CH 33 GI Bill?

[Brian C. Carley]

The government only owes you as much as you can use. The government sets limits to make money or to limit their losses. Under Chapter 30 I paid 1200 dollars into securing it. Under Chapter 33 U don't pay anything. I received this amount back within the first 2 months of collecting it back in 1998. I get the college fund too or what is known as a kicker. The monthly amount I received then was about $650 for full-time and the amount I get now is over $1500. I have an excuse for not using my benefits within the 10 year window. I was in a car accident and received a traumatic brain injury...where I had to learn to walk and talk again. Due to this they extended my limiting 10 year date approximately another 5 years. If I would have been successful at school the first time I wouldn't even had needed this extension but things alter your life and your choices. You more than likely were unable to take advantage of your educational benefits because you have gotten a wife and maybe children...the amount you get per month was not made to support all of you, just you. The amount you get per month is more than enough for just your bills. If you are unable to adapt and overcome like you did in the service then I don't feel sorry for you...simply put, your life choices changed your ability to adapt and you can't overcome these new dilemmas.
So the government decides to keep the 1200 I paid in because I decided that I couldn't make the necessary changes to include school. So that's 1200 dollars they made times one, figure that over like 25 people and that pays for one of the G.I. Bill's paid out. Stop the thought that someone owes you something...you made the decision to sign up. The government helps some and shuns others away...it's not always fair but if you wanna change something you have a vote and a voice, vets will always get priority, how many other students get a free ride, don't feel like you are the only one that's not getting something, that's just selfish and we all belong to the group of veterans so ask your fellow vets to ask for change...you can't do everything alone.

[David C. Thomas]

I am currently overseas in Kuwait and I am taking two online courses. There is no VA counselor representative in this area only education counselors who do not have the info I ask. How do I know if I qualify for this new GI bill and whether how must time I have left on the present one that I am using for the first time?

[DS]

One additional point. My post below is referring to the post 911 GI Bill for those with no degree. I agree with some of the posts that spouses (the supportive ones like mine) put up with a life that is not in their control. If a servicemember uses TA and has no need for the GI Bill that he/she earned - they still earned it and it SHOULD be theirs to dispense with as they choose WITHOUT a time limit. Sometimes giving the spouse the educational benefits so they can pursue a better career benefits the veteran who handed them over with an increased household income. Heck, maybe even retire and switch roles for a while. But the externalities affecting the timely use of the education bennefits need to be examined and taken into account and most importantly it needs to stay, for life, within the control of the veteran. Every one of us knows that control of your life, as well as your families as some of you accurately put it, was at a premium when you were serving.

It is inevitable that this new bill - and even more so the constant cutting and limiting of it - is going to ruffle some feathers. And echo4joe must have been single or a lot of spare time in garrison to complete a degree. Maybe a spouse or family member that was able to financialy support him/her when seperated. That is an uncommon scenerio for most veterans however and the venom contained in the post is more appearant than the point being made. Not quite sure what the overall intended message was.

In the end though, as a vet we all did get an opportunity that someone else of our same socio-economic status might not have. A well deserved one. Maybe a process for extension would alleviate some of the problems. As for the ne bill itself, leaving it alone and stop all the tweaks here and there might help qwell the confusion and people would actually be able to nail down a decision. It can be certain that after people make their irrevocable choice that more feathers will get ruffled when they eventually proclaim "I didn't know that!!!"

I guess this is what people mean when they satiracly state "It's a gov't opperation."

[DS]

I agree with the older vets when it comes to a time limit on their bennefits. It's heartbreaking to see the ones who served have to come home, support a family, die seven years on average before their wife and SHE ends up being able to attain an educational free ride on the back of the service member's sacrifice. It becomes a choice of handing over the education gravey train to someone who slept in their own bed, ate at their own table, wathed their own TV, pet their own dog, and lived their lives otherwise unchanged to compared to the servicemember who sacrificed abroad, came home and sacrificed some more to support a family and the degree gets paid in full for a spouse who merely has to say "I Do" to get benefits. Those education benefits need to be lifetime and only transferable to a child or spouse who also served and exhausted their own. I used part of mine for a second BA after a medical discharge made my first one useless. I have enough left for a MA. After that I will have to bet the farm on Law School tuition. In the meantime my father is a Vietnam vet who never used his for the all to common reasons above. He would pass them on to me if he could but 10 years and all that.....nope.

As far as the 4 years and cash in complaint. Easy there. It depends on what they did during that 4 (or less than retirement) years. I would suggest that the post 911 GI Bill go to those with campaign medals and deployments on their DD214. Otherwise, for those who got 4 years of free food, cloths and maybe some travel - all while getting paid - should be limited to the regular GI Bill.

The reason it keeps changing is we have a gov't at present who has priorities higher than vets - accompanied by less than stellar respect for them - where they would rather spend the money. Maybe another senator needs his own private airport.

[ultraquiet]

And anyone here talking down on certain groups: there are extremes in any group. You claim to belong to the same group as me. FIX YOURSELF.

[ultraquiet]

When I first transfered to the state U I was given a $500 Pell Grant and subsidized loans. Then the GI Bill went up and they took it away before I could recieve it.

So now I am in a little debt, but can make it next year. I would like it to be made more clear about using up all of the CH 30 and then getting 12 months of CH 33.

The VA website could be construed as being misleading. It could be interpreted as: Just use up your CH 30 so you get less money and it is easier for us to maintain your records.

Please send everyone receiving GI Bill benefits a letter stating that they CAN now use 48 months. Explain how it works and how they are guaranteed 48 months. This way people can make informed decisions instead of gambling.

The VA office at my school doesn't know for certain. I get my information here and the VA webite and I know way more about this than every other vet I talk to on campus. I want to know this for myself and so that if someone asks me I can tell them, or they will already know and not ask me in the first place.

Thank You.

[CWO3]

Bottom line - If the service member decides to give the education benefits to a dependent that is their business. It is that service members to do with what they want!

As far as any person who did not use the benefit and subsequently lost the benefit, well that is a decision they made and have to live with. We all make choices in this life and you have to be mature enough to live with it. Anybody that tries to attend college after leaving service or during service knows how hard it is. So to whine about not using the benefit and then losing it because you waited too long was again a very poor decision.

[semfi]

Having the ability to transfer MY benefits to MY child benefits ME. I have decided to give my child the education that I believe is necessary for him to compete in this world. I have been saving for his education since the day he was born and have still fallen way short of the funds necessary to do so. The ablity to transfer my eligibilty to my child is a GODSEND and I am very grateful for it. Not everyone hates their family members. I love mine dearly and consider MYSELF fortunate to now be able to provide for them.

[Jim B]

I've never said that military dependents don't deserve benefits.

I was a dependent for 20 years and my mother and wife were dependents for longer than that. WE all had plenty of benefits while our fathers and husbands were on active duty. I grew up as a child of many privileges.... free medical, dental, housing, and all the privileges of living on a military post for all my early adolescence plus the opportunity to travel the world. There's no doubt that I enjoyed a great childhood.

Military wives deserve all of the recognition they can get. They've sacrificed right alongside the vets themselves. The problem I have is that now with the post-911 GI Bill, they are entitled to benefits that I am not.

My point is that I don't think that dependents should have any educational benefits before those benefits are given to the men who served this country and were promised those benefits, regardless of how long those men have been out of the service.

[Darnell Robinson]

This is just some food for thought; some of you have to remember that using profound words does not resolve anything. While reading some of the comments that have been posted, it really made me sick to know that my fellow active duty and vets are conducting themselves in an unprofessional manner. If you are upset for any reason then say it to yourself and not post it on line showing how intelligent you are in using profanity and harsh words

[adams]

Also, I wasn't eligible for the buy up... even more important to find the paperwork I lost...

[adams]

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

[nick]

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.

[Cpl B]

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.

[Jim B]

"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?

[AL Eason]

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!

[Copp]

When you want to take all on-line courses, which is the better choice? I know with the post-9/11 you have to take at least one course on campus in order to get the BAH. But if you don't have that option and need to take all the classes via the net, which is the better option?

[newlydischarged]

Anyone who has went past the time frame for MGIB should check into Vocational Rehabilitation. It is another program that pays for veterans to go to school. You have to really evaluate what will benefit you the most beore you make an irrevocable decision. The school that I attend is only $20 per unit, or $240 for a full time semester, BAH for the area is $950, MGIB payment is $1321. I would be crazy to switch. There are a lot of options for veterans if you know where to look. In California there is a college fee waiver for dependents of veterans that are rated 0% Service Connected or higher. And there is a Board of Governors fee waiver for veterans themselves to use. There are similar programs in other states as well. Even if there is not a veteran program to assist you, check with the state you live in, there may be a state funded program.

[MSgt C - WIANG]

The question that keeps coming up during conversations around here is what about those of us who opted for the MGIB-AD and paid $1200? I personnally only used 5 months so I have some things to consider b4 making an educated choice...that is all about that. I would like to know if we do end up getting a few more options than others that did not opt into the Chapt 30 program at all? I love the advanced thinking that seems to have gone into this new program, but feel a little slighted since I paid and don't seem to see a refund or any extra benefit for having paid. Wouldn't it be nice if for those of us who did pay the $1200 we could be eligible for the EXTRA 12 months rather than those who already used their benefits????? Any thoughts or comments?
Additionally - some in ANG - are curious if when you say MGIB-AD is that actually limited to the Chapt 30 program or does enrollment in the State ANG GI Bill and how it was or wasn't used up count for transferability? See when traditional guardsmen get hired as AGRs - we had to either accept the $1200 AD GI Bill or not - but the ANG MGIB we would no longer be eligible for because we were told we had TA now. So many did not opt for the MGIB-AD at all...some of us did for use in retirement. Any help on this question???

[Samuel Moorhead]

Here is something else to consider. I think the main reason for folks to switch is the option for your dependents to use your benefits. The current MGIB doesn't have that option. Of course, they also haven't yet come out and told us how that is actually going to work in reality either.

[Prior-service Cadet]

i am 65 and in great health and would like to finish my education and proceed on life.
-------------------------------------
Sir, remember there is a time limit for the GI-Bill. You can't beat on the young guys who served 4 years, I believe that is an invalid argument, because on my first 4 years I lost 4 buddies, and 2 more lost limbs. We die the same on the battle field whether it's 4 years or 23 years....With that said, it is good news that we can get an extension, I have 12 months of chapter 31 left and I have 24 months of school left. I spoke to a VA education counselor and it is confirmed....Thanks for the update..

[Tiffany]

I think the reason they are offering the add'l 12 months if you don't switch is because they are already
leary of having enough funding and probably don't have the man power to process and start these Post 9-11 benefits on time. If they dangle the carrot, then that's less new work for the VA to do. My question is how is this going to effect my pell grants? I keep getting awarded pell grants and fully disclose my GI Bill benefits but then they come back and adjust them later. Does everyone else fill out your FAFSA?Hubby and I both are awarded $5200/each for next school year. I don't want to change my GI Bill because I don't want our pell grants to be taken away.

As far as the person asking about the kicker, that did not extend your benefits monthly, it just increases how much you receive each month. I.e.- since I paid into the kicker program I get $1471/month instead of regular rate. You have to stay on top of them to get it started, though. Hubby has been fighting with them for 2 years and they are finally backpaying him for how much he should have been receiving.

[ajarmusz]

I don't agree with this BS 10 year use it or lose it education bill. I served 22 years and wasn't ready to use my education bennies during my first years after retirement. I think this is a total rip off to those who have served honorable to the nation. First you promised medical and dental back when then you took some of that away. I want to go back to school now, I'm at that point where I can do both my job and full time school. Before I had no choice but to work for the family to servive.

[DJR]

I agree with the comments by Ralph Cromley about extending the time frame that education benefits are available. I had real life events such as layoffs, transfers, new job positions, young kids that all took time away from me being able to use my MGI Bill benefits.

I went too school as much and as often as I could, but still never used up the full allocation of benefits within the 10 years alloted. Why not extend to 15 years, 20 years, or even life.

Set the dollar amount and allow the veteran to use it when they can, create and incentive to use it early as well, but don't take it all away after 10 years.

[perry bailiff]

how can i found out how much of
the mgib i have left. i was in vietnam in 1970 and got out in 1979.? how do i find out?

[Jim B]

Ralph Cromley,

I'm on your side. How the hell do dependent wives qualify for benefits before veterans that actually served? I think the education benefit should not expire ten years after seperation. Those of us who were married trying to raise a family after Viet Nam never had the chance any time during the 10 years after seperation to try to attend school. Education benefits should be for a lifetime.

[Bernard]

Does this mean that since I have 22 months of benefits left with the regular GI BiLL, that I can use that up and still use the New GI Bill for an additional 12 months, even though it will be a couple years later.

I thought you had to make a decision now to use the New GI Bill.

[TT]

My spouse has 8 months remaining on his MGIB that he wants to transfer to me so that I can use to help pay for my graduate education. But, we are not sure when his benefits expire--he left active duty in October 1999 and began using them that same year. He then returned to active duty in 2003 after completing ROTC. I have not been able to reach someone at the VA to straighten out whether his benefit expires later this year(10 years from the date of his last discharge), or if his return to active duty adds some time.

I don't really understand the reasoning for only offering those additional 12 months to those who exhausted their benefits. It's unfortunate that many people who rushed to transfer may have missed out on more money for school.

I am also glad to see the GI Bill finally updated--I used it myself from 2002-2005, but still had to rely on a pretty a very hefty student loan to be able to pay for school.