As reported here for the last two years, the Post-9/11 GI Bill – although great in some ways, fell short in others. The good news is Congress finally passed a laundry list of substantive fixes that will help improve the Post-9/11 GI Bill and virtually eliminate the need for new servicemembers to consider paying the onetime $1,200 contribution for the Montgomery GI Bill.
However, like the original Post-9/11 GI Bill, not all the changes are positive. In fact, it will mean a reduction in benefits for some current student vets and leave others without benefits during school breaks. It seems Congress is unable to find a way to pass a GI Bill that doesn’t have unintended consequences and collateral damage.
Both the American Council on Education (ACE) and the National Association of Veterans Program Administrators (NAVPA) have voiced concerns that some aspects of the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Improvement Act of 2010 will result in a loss or reduction in benefits for some veterans. The House version of the bill had included “hold harmless” language which would protect veterans from losing benefits. Unfortunately the final version did not.
Here is a quick summary of the major fixes and substantive changes included in Senate bill S.3447 - the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Improvement Act of 2010. Keep in mind that most of the fixes do not take effect until August 1, 2011.
Note that some of the following details are subject to change as this bill progresses from Act to Law to VA Policy.
- Expands current Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility to include National Guard activation for events like title 32, national emergencies, and AGR service. This is retroactive to Aug. 1, 2009, but benefits will not be paid until Oct. 1, 2011.
- Removes limitations for non-degree granting programs including certification courses, vocational-technical training, and Apprenticeship and On-the-Job Training programs similar to the Montgomery GI Bill. Effective Oct. 1, 2011
- Simplifies the tuition payment rates by eliminating the state-by-state “undergraduate level” cap for tuition and fees. The VA will pay all actual tuition and fees for public (state) institutions for all levels of higher education. Effective Aug. 1, 2011. – Also applies to active duty servicemembers and their families, which goes into effect 60 days after enactment.
- Sets an annual tuition and fee cap for all private institutions of $17,500 a year. This translates into $52,500 total for tuition and fees over the life of the benefits (36 months). Yellow Ribbon is still available to cover out-of-pocket tuition and fees expenses. Effective Aug. 1, 2011
- Limits the monthly housing stipend by prorating the payment to the rate of pursuit (based on number of course hours taken). For example a half-time student will receive 50 percent of the current BAH. All other locality payment rates still apply. Effective Aug. 1, 2011
- Expands eligibility for the monthly housing stipend to all half-time of better “distance learners” at a rate of 50 percent of the national average for BAH (approximately $673) – which will also be prorated to the rate of pursuit (based on the number of course hours taken). Effective 10/1/2011 – not retroactive.
- Eliminates housing stipend payments during break periods (spring break, summer semester, winter break, etc.). Effective Aug. 1, 2011.
- Expands the annual book stipend eligibility to include active duty and their spouses. Effective Oct. 1, 2011
- Enables disabled veterans who are entitled to subsistence under the Voc-Rehab (VR&E) program and Post-9/11 GI Bill to take the P911 Housing Stipend in place of the VR&E subsistence payment. Effective Aug. 1, 2011
- Removes the limit of just one test for licensure or certification and expands coverage to include “National Tests” like SAT, GRE, LSAT, and tests for college credit like the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Effective Aug. 1, 2011.
- Grants GI Bill eligible care givers an extension on their 10 year deadline for using benefits. Effective Aug. 1, 2011.
- Enables eligible NOAA and USPHS members to transfer GI Bill benefits like all other eligible members. Effective Aug.1, 2011
Note: Many of the other changes included in the bill are technical fixes to eliminate ambiguity, patch holes, and close loop holes in the original Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Most of the changes are positive, however, some leave room for further improvement – some actually may cause financial harm to some veterans. Let’s hope the next Congress is willing to go back and finish the clean up.
This is going to hurt me. -Ed
What about using Post 911 for retired dependents
Its going to hurt me, too.
So much Verbage I can’t figure it out! My husband served 30 years and retired in 2005. We now have a child in college and under the previous bill she did not qualify for her father’s educational benefits. What about the new bill? Does she qualify?????? What I’ve read so far sounds like NO!
Great. So us VEAP'ers are *still* screwed. Wonderful. :rolleyes:
I am a VEAP ERA veteran that had no desire to enroll in VEAP but since I was on active duty during 9/11 I have benefits under this new Post 9/11 GI Bill. It has not always been a great benefit, but now I am working on completing my Bachelors degree in under a year and a half.
If you are not eligible for Post 9/11 GI Bill try considering a mixture of tuition assistance and student loans. Remember many schools not take military/civilian experience and apply it towards your degree.
It looks like the Apprenticeship on the job training will be covered finally. Being a VEAP guy as well, I wasn't able to take advantage of the Apprenticeship Training Program. Those under the MGIB are, but not VEAP. Gonna have to make some calls but looks like it might work.
Does anyone know if this means the the Post 9/11 will cover the cost for a CDL course
Take the course at an accredited college. Then it should be covered. You most likely wont be able to go to a "Truck Driving" specific school. A lot of colleges offer it through their vocational courses therefore allowing it to be payed as a college course. however I know for a fact that it is not a long course. If it is shorter than a month it is most likely wrong…
The GI Bill pays for classes at accredited schools only. If you can find a course at a community college, they should pay. (Sometimes a CDL school that isn't accredited will lie and say GI Bill doesn't pay anywhere, to get you to pay for their classs yourself.) However, the GI Bill pays PER MONTH, and CDL is a relatively short and expensive course. Some schools have arranged to have the first 6 months of co-driving be classified as "on the Job training" for the Montgomery GI Bill people. I don't know if you can do that with the post-911. you should call 1-888-442-4551 to find out.
Up until now the VA would not pay for a CDL class which cost about $4000 to $5000. I was told by a VA Rep to wait that may change.
Jeff, go to your local employment office and get with WIA and any other agencies. They will pay for your CDL plus help for for any endorsments you may try to get. I work with Veterans for a living now as a Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialist (DVOP).
Jeff: That second bullet from the top seems to answer your question. From what I read in the "link" in that bullet it certainly does seem to pay for that sort of OJT, if it takes six months to complete, which may be hazy unless they include the "training" time that you spend with your "trainer" actually doing deliveries.
I was hoping for the minimum of just taking two online courses vice one in class and only one online. Doesn't appear they approved that part.
the 6th bullet point makes it look like it'll be covered. I think.
I would like to use mine education benefit on for my eleven yr old son because I have 2 degrees. One BS and the other an AA obtained from my VocRehab benefit. Now, I will be force to use the funds on a MA degree so that it doesnt go to waste.
I here you, I too wanted to just take two online courses. I was told in order to get the full pkg, you must take one classroom and one online. So no that has not been approved
It already allows for two online courses with the GI Bill.
What about those who retired after 9-11-01 and before 8-1-09 having the ability to transfer to their depenents? Will this change ever be made?
I was 30 days short(July 1, 2009). I have sent several letters and have been ignored. There should be at least a 6 month retroactive clause in there somewhere.
Wasn’t changed. You still can’t transfer.
I was one day short. I retired Aug 1st 2009.
Agree wish they would let us give to our kids. I don't want to use it but don't want it to go bye bye
Retired at the beginning of 09 – had no idea this was coming down the pike or I would have extended eight months. There was a fix to this in the original amendment but it appears it was taken out before the vote.
I retired 01 sept 09, but because the "memo" about transfering your benfits went out while I was on terminal leave, I did not go to the website and request to transfer. You can only request to transfer while you are on active duty. Since I am now retired, I can't transfer because it wasn't requested while I was active, even though I made the timeline cut-off. I call BS. Why can't you decide to us the benifit when you want to?
I have the exact same senario of retirement and terminal leave. I intend to file a waiver request with the VA via the Disabled Veterans Association asking to transfer my benefits to my kids. Will post if I have any luck… Good luck to all in the same and similar situations.
Maybe we all need to write to our elected officials, or better yet, have them all serve as helpers for few days at a local VA hospital so they can get the feeling of national service.
Great question, my husband retired in 2004, which at the time our children were elementary school age and now h.s and college bound and guess what we do not qualify for any grants and finanical aid came back way less than what we needed so out of our pocket we need to come up with over $900.00 a month, how fair is this. Our children served and suffered the same loss and distress as the children of todays service members and should be entitled to the same benefits as todays dependents. Come on Congress and VA give the kids of the Gulf War a break too THEY DESERVE IT…
I too miss it by a few months! Even though the VA said I would still qualify! This is typical of our G'ovt who keeps screwing those who serviced their country! And, to rub salt in the wound our G'ovt is persistent in passing the Dream Act where illegal aliens could and most likely will get preferred treatment or in CA where they are pushing and most likely pass a bill to allow illegal aliens, out of state green cards, etc to receive IN-STATE tuition, again it's the hard working Americans who will pay for it!
By reducing the BAH for those not fulltime and during the breaks, I take it those periods will not count as full months towards our 36 month total?
You make a very good point! I hope they get this resolved because if they are going to take my break pay as well as not pay for school during periods between semesters then they shouldn’t deduct our months of eligibility! If you find out anything can you please let me know? Rskelton86@gmail.com
Hello! That is an EXCELLENT QUESTION! So, basically what I'm picking up from all this is that when we get our two week break at Christmas and I think I get one week for Spring Break, those are two months I won't be able to pay my rent because they nullify the entire month? If that is so, it would not be fair to deduct it from the 36 months.
I plan on writing to senator Jim Webb and my own senators to try and find out the particulars. Ryan…if you get an email from someone with "tropicaldaze" as part of the address, that's from me and it means that I found the answer…it's safe to open it! (I don't post my full email on public forums.)
Thank you for bringing this up…excellent question, Warren!
Marci
I am in the same situation…how am I supposed to pick up more work hours just for one week or two weeks to cover the lost benefits for breaks? I'm not living off "mommy and daddy's" income like a lot of the other students I'm going to school with. I think most veterans like myself are trying to make it on their own, and to not have whole weeks worth of pay make it quite hard to find stability while getting an education.
If any of you find anything on this send it to me
If we lose our benifits during break im going to be very angry.
So i guess i should just live outside during break…..
Guess I would have bills to pay when school stops….
This is just another hurdle to jump thru now…
big pain in the ass if you ask me
Break is the weeks between semesters. So if the Fall semester ends December 18 and the Spring semester starts Jan 10, you will only receive 18 days for December and 20 days for January – you will not be paid for the three week (12-19 to 1-9) when your not in class. The month Spring Break falls in (March) you will still receive the full pay because that is Not a break between semesters. Your reading too much into the new rules.
I recently talked to a VA Rep and he said we've always had the option to be paid during breaks or not… and if we chose not to that the time off would not count towards our total 36 months. I would imagine that rule would still be in effect, especially since not recieving BAH during breaks is now being forced upon us.
Not that it's exactly on subject, but he also said the 36 months is of FULL time benefits. Meaning if you go to school for 1 year at 3/4 time, then you still have another year of 1/4 to use.
With the new rule, this will no longer be a option, you will not receive pay for the breaks between semesters.
Wish I knew about the option, I see the differnce in my monthly allotment. My biggest is the total amount of months. The Graduate level degree is where most of us need the help financially because of the cost of education today!
That would be correct because once you start utilizing your GI Bill, it counts your 36 months only during the time you’re enrolled in school.
doubt it. everything so far with the GI bill has been 1 class equals one month of benefits. this is retarded. im prob gonna drop out after summer semester.
They pay per month. If that month is part-time, it is still a paid month. If at all possible, go full-time to get the most value out of yor GI Bill.
Where are we at on HR. 3577? I thought there would be something amended to include new retirees and their transfer of educational benefits.
Amazing that those of us who served during the first Gulf War to protect US interests and what really started the fight against terrorism are still screwed. The bill to eliminate the expiration of benefits has been stalled in Congress for a few years now. Up to now, I haven't been able to go back to school and benefits that I paid into expired 6 years ago! Having served this country faithfully and honorably, there shouldn't be an expiration on those benefits…my service wasn't "expired"!!
I agree that a change should be made. There is no real reason for GI Bill benefits to expire.
That said, keep in mind that you knew about the expiration going in.
This is true. As we know, things can change at a moments notice This doesn’t make it fair.
Will the military expand the years from 48 to 60 months for those who are going back to college to pursue their advance degree, I just wanted to know if they would do that since a lot of us are going back to school for that purpose. Thank you
Call your local VA Regional office and ask the question
They have a rule called "The 48 Month Rule." It states that no one may receive educational benefits for "more than 48 months." But I know plenty of people who have done it.
No, Your GI Bill, either MGIB or Post 9/11 is only for 36 months not 48 and there is nothing in this change to the law that expands your benefits to either 48 to 60. The only way to receive 48 months under current law is if you qualify for two or more different programs and use them wisely. If you use MGIB first for 36 months you may then apply to receive 12 more months for a total of 48. If you switch to Post 9/11 Gi Bill, you give up your right to use MGIB and only receive 36 months
As a Reservist, I still think the whole thing stinks! Back in 1996 I re-uped just so I could take part in some educational entitlement that came if I served six more years. But the "fine print" (which I did not see) read that my benefits were eligible ONLY while I was a Drilling Reservist. Back in those days I was only paid for just one weekend per month. But my unit had live missions and the OPTEMPO keep most of us who were E6 and up in uniform EVERY weekend and EVERY Thursday night attending additional (but unpaid) military duty. There was no time at all to even think about any kind of schooling. We barely had time to even rest. Now I am retired and I have time on my hands … but no VA that I can use for anything. Talk about SCREWED !!!!!!!
I agree it's not fair! The Reserve GI Bill was just for retention. It hasn't even kept up with the Montgomery GI Bill as it was originally intended. Look for money in other places. Apply for Federal Student Aid – FAFSA.gov (up to $5,300 in grants), Figure out what school you want to go to and see what scholarships they have at the school & your state. Veteran Service Organizations have scholarships also. Volunteer "like me" for AmeriCorps (if you are able) and get scholarship money. You can do two years and get over $10,000. There are ways to get more school – keep looking & good luck. Thanks for serving!
Talk to the Clinton administration, and ask why? With the time you have, go to the VA and ask what you qualify for? Grab your service medical records to see what you are serviced connected for? Ask for help if you haven't in a while. Do not accept no as an answer. sometimes you have to stand on a mountain of no's to get a yes. You are a veteran, a natural warrior, you will succeed.
How many deployments have you done?
I am active duty. Been in 16 years. I have done 10 deployments and many training cycles and inspections. I have spent %500 more time doing military duties than anything else. I think that I may be entitled to a little more than Reservists.
By the way…Senior leadership is suppose to to do more and take it. That is what we get paid for.
go to hell, you think you're entitled to more then reservists? i'm a reservists who's done 3 tours in iraq yet i get less benefits then someone who was on active duty but just sat in camp lejune for 4 years, hows that right?
When the WW2 Vets came home, a lot of them went directly from High School and into Law School which was only two years back in the late 1940s. What the VA paid them was more than enough to cover tuition and living expenses. Many of them became Lawyers and bankrolled millions of $$$$$$$$ over their careers. Now look at what crap we get.
Ray do you have any links to websites that can assist WW2 vets search for benefits they might be entitled to, but never received? Besides the Department of Veteran Affairs website?
Did you really just compare WWII veterans with modern-day veterans? Really?
Eliminates housing stipend payments during break periods (spring break, summer semester, winter break, etc.). Effective Aug. 1, 2011
So how do I pay my rent over 1 months winter break, 2 week spring break and 3 month summer.
I attend school and work fulltime and get my life in a position to get by after getting out of service and now congress decides to leave me hanging 5 months out of the year.
Why do people rely on their GI Bill to pay their rent? You really shouldn't. You won't always be in school so not relying on it will help you when times like this come up.
i rely on the gi bill to help pay for childcare expenses so that i can go full time..i could work part time, but then i would have 0 time for my children and get good grades.
Maybe we rely on the GI Bill to cover our rent because we are going to school full time with heavier loads loads to get out sooner, and get a real paying job… I rely on it to cover my winter break.
Who's going to hire someone full time that can only work for three weeks between semesters? Not everyone has a working spouse to rely on.
People rely on their GI Bill BAH payments to pay their rent because that's what they're for. That's why it's called Basic Allowance for Housing. Note the word housing. That means your rent. Are you really that clueless?
BAH=Basic Allowance ofr HOUSING. ALSO, saying, "Just get a job" is easier said than done. If you have a company and are hiring, then by all means hire EVERY SINGLE VETERAN who is going to suffer if this new bil is passed.
I concur. A vet going to school needs these funds to pay for his/her household living expenses. This take-away just causes more financial stress on the vet to keep the family's homestead stable.
What really gets me is how people say "Why do people rely on their GI BILL to pay their rent?" Well here's the thing not every has a partner to help them or if they do have one that one isn't working…. I could get neck deep in this topic here but…i'll let others do that…just an observation that i do have is when your doing well you say if i'm doing it then your doing something wrong and that's not always the case. The way the economy is going most of these businesses try to send people home early to cut back on hours just something to think about before anyone wants to say "Why do people rely on their GI Bill to pay their rent?"
GI Bill is not supposed to be life support. It is supposed to pay for school. How you take care of your personal expenses is up to you. There are loans and grants available for students to help in this regard.
GI Bill is to pay for your tuition, books, fees, and they event give you a kick up with BAH while you are taking classes. Try getting a job while you are on break and not taking classes, or a second job. That's what all the civilian students do.
Life's tough. Suck it up and get a job to help out. You will feel much better about the whole thing once you have completed your degree and realized that you made it through the toughest part.
YOu really need to think outside the box and stop expecting the governement to pay for everything.
Suck it up dude! Just be thankful that you are getting those benefits! And this is not a WW2 as someone mentioned…
I think it is a bad deal for people like myself who retired! I retired in May 2007. Spent time over seas and you are only going to allow this for the people who are on active duty Aug 2009 what a slap in the face to the men and woman that served and got out prior to that date.
After 25 years of service, I now serve Veterans with their benefits they have earned and deserve. If you spent anytime on active duty after 9/11 you are entitled to Post 9/11 and possible VA disability and Voc-Rehab. Every soldier is different I have been doing this job for 3yrs now W/ 70% VA rating as a DVOP (Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialist). Good Luck.
This Questiion and Answer were taken from the following VA GI Gill Web-site… https://www.gibill2.va.gov/cgi-bin/vba.cfg/php/en…
Question
Post-9/11 GI Bill Eligibility for Active Duty Veterans
Answer
Active Duty Eligibility
Veterans who have served at least 90 days of active duty service after September 10, 2001 and received an honorable discharge will qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. To qualify for the full benefit a veteran must have served at least 3 years of active duty after September 10, 2001. Those veterans who qualify for the Active Duty GI Bill, the Reserve GI Bill or REAP will have the option to choose which benefit best suits their need.
You're benefit starting accuring immediatly after 9-11-2001, so you're all eligible. I wouldn't be bad mouthing free money if I were you.
If you retired in May 2007, you should be entitled at the %100 tuition rate for he 911 GI bill. The criteria is that you served at least 90 days after 9/11/2001 and with service up to 36 months you are 100% entitled (also discharged with disability). Those of us that came in under VEAP have a new opportunity to obtain these funds as long as we meet the date requirements. I am using this program to obtain my PhD at this time. If anyone complains about a stipend that will not pay during breaks, well put yourself in the shoes of millions of Americans who do not have stipends and are paying up to $200,000 or more in student loans (I have a 26K one myself for my Masters Degree). This is absolutely the best and most comprehensive GI bill program the VA has put out (I work for the VA).
I retired in 2006 after 24 years of service and have enjoyed 18 months of my GI Bill to receive an advance degree. I would like to transfer the remaining 18 months to my wife who has, like most spouses, been there every step of the way making my job and responsibilities easier by knowing the family is taken care of. No fix in this bill for us, even though I deployed post 9/11 before retiring.
I know how you feel Chris. I'm in the same boat. I retired with the same amount of service as you and the same retirement year. Their ears are closed.
I my retirement problem is I retired in 2003 and paid for $2100 for VEAP and transfered it to the GI Bill and now they say I only get 75%, what the __?
Me too. The tranfer piece of the Post 9/11 GI Bill is a "Retention" tool. If we are no longer active how can we be retained?
I believe that was directed more towards the officers, such as the Commissioned Corps Officers who are usually in service for 20-30 years (retirement). I'm not sure about NOAA and the other sister services though.
This is a bunch of crap. Losing housing payments over breaks basically requires me to go to school full time and to HAVE to get a seasonal job over the break to cover basic sustenance.
Yes, and the worst part is: how many places want to hire someone for a week or a month? Seasonal work is sometimes hard to come by.
Well Amanda there are several seasonal jobs nationwide:
Landscaping
Grass Farms
Chicken Houses
Pig Houses
Car Washes
Construction Subcontracting
Wait a minute. These all require manual labor and my be below some peoples status.
Unless you are a disabled Vet, then suck it up and get a job.
By the way I am active duty. And I will finish my Masters before I retire from service.
You are also heartless.
Why hate on vets, who in many cases served longer and in more difficult assignments than you? If you’re getting your masters before you get out, you are spending too much time “Around the Flag Pole”.
I can tell from your attitude that your troops don’t want to follow you to the across the street for ice cream!
Nobody is "hating on vets." Most of the whining in this post is ridiculous. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is an extremely generous benefit that gives you a HUGE leg up over civilians, who are taking out massive loans to pay for their tuition.
People expect us to be strong, independent, resourceful and dutiful. It bewilders me that many people here are simply expecting EVERYTHING to be handed to them on a silver platter. That is not the purpose of the GI Bill.
The GI Bill gives you access to higher education without having to pay tuition, books, and fees. It even gives you BAH which is really beyond what it should do. It isn't there to make you feel like you are "earning a paycheck" by going to school. Get over it, you aren't active duty anymore, and the government is not paying you to go to school.
Look at what the civilians are doing to get through school and realize you only have to do a fraction of it and you will succeed.
Sheesh.
Martin, you are way too presumptious. It's easy to sit at a computer and throw insults at someone else, but I'll bet you don't have the balls to do it face to face. You've been given a free gift and all you can do is complain. I hope the government finds a way to deny every bit of your benefit because you don't deserve it.
Mike, you're a true internet tough guy! Let's all bow to you and agree with you…after all, not a one of us would have the balls to disagree with you to your face! JA…
Martin didn't complain about anything. He merely made some valid, intelligent points. Don't be so angry just because you're incapable of doing so.
Many (maybe even most) of us sacrificed hard to get this benefit. It is not free, any moreso than freedom is free.
Well, Jeffery, maybe being on active duty is what has made you so clueless about the job situation in the current economy.
I'm sure in your great wisdom you know exactly how a full-time student is going to manage getting a construction job, seeing how skilled construction workers with years of experience have endured extensive layoffs over the past couple years.
Ragging on people for having difficulties that you don't understand and don't have to endure really makes you look like a jerk.
Check into VA Workstudy jobs. The VA pays you to work at a government or non-profit agency that has veteran-specific programs. It is min. wage bu tis not considered a job; so it is non-taxable. It doesn't count against unemployment, or Pell Grant. Other jobs will reduce unemployment & Pell Grants. You ARE entitled to unemployment as a dislocated worker when you get out of the military.
No, Ben this does not mean you have to go to school fulltime 2 get the benefit..because…there is NO school convened duriing the breaks.
Is there something wrong with working for a living and going to school. I am lost here. If you want to really succeed than you will endure and find a way… It is just that Simple. Oh I have three kids a full time job etc. And I dont rely on the BAH. That is is not good economics. That is poor budgeting or living with Champagne taste on a beer budget.
That's life. Suck it up and get a damn job. Or here is an idea…why didn't you get your degree while you were active. That is what everyone else has been doing?
Everyone else? Jeez, what military do exist in where people have so much time to go to school? Most people have to go to the field and get deployed.
Oops, typo…I meant "what military do YOU exist in…"
Actually its not. Think about this. If you get break pay, you are getting paid for not going to school. So basically, you are wasting bits and pieces of your education benefit. Over a 36 month span of education benefits, if you do not get the break pay, you will have more time to use that to go towards your schooling. Again, this is a common sense issue. If your getting paid for not being in school, your not being smart about getting the most of your benefit!
It sucks losing our housing payments during the break, but im assuming if they deduct these payments for the times we aren’t in school ie. Winter break, spring break, and summer break then they will no longer deduct those months of eligibility? I attend year round and never takeveryone complain enough and this will be resolved!e less than 15 hours and 6 during the summer so there is roughly 75 days out of the year they lay my bah but I do not attend school. BUT they deduct benefits months from me which is understandable but now if that is there plan I suggest they man the phones cause I will be raising 9 kinds!
You all complain way too much! I served 24 years and just retired. I spent a lot of time in the sand box and served with pride. The Post 911 GI Bill was a nice gift but I do not feel that it was owned to me. It's called timing and things change with time and we try to improve. This is a nice improvement but it can not be paid to every person that has ever served. Also you can't compare this to WWII. Again times have changed. You should all be proud to have been able to serve your country and shouldn't be looking for a hand out. Most of you should look into a mirror and ask yourself again why you served. I hope it wasn't hoping to get soemthing for free.
Thanks for serving Timer. Glad you were in the military, because I doubt the real world would have treated you so kind with your attitude. Its not about comparing things to the way things used to be, rather these programs living up to their obligations TODAY.
Bob, you sound like such an —–. You are the type of guy that I would hate to work for or with or have my kids have to work for you. You sound like one of those brain washed old timers that probably won't survive too long after you retire. I wish you well but you need to wake up. We have all paid dearly for whatever they decide to give us. Look at the benefits the congress gets for one term of service; we can't come close to what they hook themselves up with. How many of us were promised free medical and dental even after retirement and now we find ourselves paying for those promised benefits. Remember that freedom isn't free Bob, many of our comrades have payed for it with their lives.
WE ARE NOT COMPLAINING. YOU KNOW MOST OF DEPEND ON THAT HOUSING ALLOWANCE TO PAY FOR RENT AND FOOD. I WORK FULL TIME AND GO TO SCHOOL FULL TIME, THE ONLY WAY I AM ABLE TO PAY ALL MY BILLS IS BY USING THAT HOUSING ALLOWANCE. IT'S NOT A HAND OUT IT'S WHAT WE WERE ALL PROMISED FOR TIME IN HELL THEY CALL THE MILITARY!
I call bullcrap on this. How on earth are you working fulltime and still depending on BAH to pay your rent? That is, unless you have a bad cocaine habit or something?
Maybe it's because the BAH is based on active duty time. They could only be receiving half of what everyone else gets, plus it's reduced by zip code in some areas, so yes, it' very possible that the BAH can't cover a full rent.
Read his comment again. He said he is working fulltime as well as using his GI Bill benefits. Minimum wage without overtime gives you at least $1,280 per month. Add GI Bill benefits on top of that, and you can easily support an entire family with frugal spending habits.
Take out a STAFFORD loan to cover living expenses and this guy could easily be making over $3,000 per month. So again, I don’t see how his comment makes any sense.
@Bob….good post.. I retired this last summer after 30 wonderful active duty Navy years and before this legislation I had nothing and was owed nothing either with regards to education. I did plan fiancially though and am now blessed to be attending school full time and loving it. I am definitely old school and see that you carry all the traits of having served for God and country as well. Let those that feel the sense of entitlement do so. I would serve with you anytime
Bob you sounds like an !!!!!. I served 20 years and paid $1,800 into the program, and can't get it back. But now you don't have to put anything in to use the program. How unfair is that for those who paid into the program. I am glad they do offer the program for those who didn't contribute. But why can't those who contribute gets their money back.
Dear Bob and Trdchsr1,
Just a heads up gentlemen that the congress and the DOD have also been floated around the idea of not paying retirement benefits to retiree's until after age 57 (to save money). Hope neither one of you retired before that age and were "freeloading" or "expecting a handout" for your years of service to your country. And what about those of us that were recruited with the promises of the GI Bill taking care of these expenses?
I know I personally loved the idea of serving my country. I did however leave a job making dramatically more money because with the GI Bill benefits included it seemed like I could serve and the benefits wouldn't be moving me backwards in life. Respectfully, as people who served for so long I feel as though you should be lobbying for your troops, not against us.
*floating* I guess I will be needing a lot of GI Bill money for that education :)
@Joe, then your lesson should be don't rely on government promises for your future because they last only as long as they last.
Glad you are happy with the bill and the way things are working out for you. But regarding those who are complaining, they have EARNED their right to state what is wrong with the GI Bill. The VA and the poliiticians do not want an easy to understand system because they want Veterans to leave money on the table. By the way, since the WWII generation had a war that lasted half the time this war has lasted, I suggest you respect and honor this generation that has served under tremendous media scurnity.
Bob, you are the Man!!! We have to remind our fellow veterans that we served our country out of self-sacrifice and love of our country. Many others in our community risk their lives daily (firefighters, police) and many of them do not receive an education program that comes close to any of the GI bill variences. I worked two jobs as a single parent and went to school on a student loan before the 911 GI bill came along. I finished my first Master's Degree under those costly conditions. I wasn't expecting the the 911 GI Bill Benefit, so when it came it was a tremendous blessing for me. Working for the VA and in Government Education programs, you have to be aware that all education programs are approved for specific periods of combat. The congress in session approves legislature based on an era of campaign. If you fall in the timeframe of these periods, you will be entitled to whichever benefit your are entitled to based on eligibility criteria. Thank God and our Government for recongizing those of us who served during the OIF/OEF period as many are still playing and dieing in the sand as we speak (including my daughter).
Well said, VA Guru. I understand the problems many are facing, but the Congress and VA responds to support specific periods of service and this is one of those bills. Not everyone will benefit, just as many of us had to use the old 2 for 1 VEAP joke. However, we all have the right to complain, we've fought for that one. This forum allows folks to voice their opinions and possibly affect decisions that may support our boys and girls still fighting in the sand. The Fed Gov is meant to support the masses, good or bad, that's our system and that's why we vote. I hate seeing our young troops struggle once they've served…but unfortunately many are. Those of us who have been blessed to land on our feet during these difficult must reach out to support our brothers and sisters in service, ANYWAY we can.
MILITARY MEN AND WOMEN DESERVE EVERY SINGLE BIT OF THE BENEFITS THEY GET, THEY ARE ON CALL 24/7, TO PAY BAH EVEN WHEN THEY'RE ON SCHOOL BREAKS WOULDN'T HURT, GRANTED THE 911 BILL IS A BLESSING, BUT SO IS THE TIME YOU ALL SERVED A SACRAFICE AND A BLESSING TO THIS COUNTRY….
It isn't a freaking "hand-out" deucebag and it is "owed" to us! Remember we signed a contract and that was part of the deal! I am fulfilling my obligations why shouldn't the government fulfill theirs? It's called doing whats right and it's not a "handout" dumbass
Counting my Blessings. I served a combined 24 years , 15 of which was Active Duty ( to include two call-ups after the Events of 911, which accounted for almost four of those years). I am a disabled vet and was able to go back to school under Voc. Rehab and then convert to the post 911 G.I. Bill. I never expected any of these benefits being made available to me. I am now working on my Master's Degree and I am very thankful . I was proud to serve and have no regrets…..the benefits that I have received after my service ( medical compensation for my disabilities and college tuition with pay ) very much appreciated.
I know at times it may sound as if we come across as selfish or act as though we are entitled. I didn't join for a free ride through school, but since I did take full advantage of it and rearrange my life so that I could, it came as a massive blow to my current lifestyle and I've had nothing but problems since. I have a BAH that decides one month to short change me, and now five months out of the year I have to compensate for that allowance. Is this is a big deal? Honestly, no. I mean, I could just drop a few classes and hopefully find a job that will give me the hours I need to survive. I don't mind though. I don't want to be selfish. I figure, hey! If I want a free education, free food and housing and a truly free ride, I'll just run over someone and go to jail. They even get free cable. Why did I bother risking my life every day for ten years only so others could whine about us who felt that more should have been done to make this bill better instead of worse when I could have just said "screw you, America" and knocked over a bank.
It's not complaining Bob-o, the G.I bill was promised by the government in exchange for our service. I and every other vet honored our end of the deal and now the government doesn't want to honer their's. Bullshit.
Another BS bill that this BS congress passed! Cannot wait for the new Congress to convene! Now I won’t get paid certain weeks of the year because of a school break!? ****, take the weekends too while you’re at it!
Don't give these lame ass representatives any excuses
You are not in school so why should you get paid. The money is for you to go to school not to depend on it for rent and/or bills. Too many people are depending on BAH for that. Then complaining they can;t pay their rent. What are you going to do when you are out of school and don't get BAH anymore?
Get a job that pays decent with that college degree. I don't want to pick a fight but I'm willing to bet you have a support system Jessica. Married or family, whatever. Not everyone has that.
Just because I don't live on campus or pay for a meal plan doesn't mean I don't still have childcare or food needs during breaks…the campus housing and meal service don't end during holidays, so why should our BAH supplement?
can't wait for the new congress to convene??? The one full of idiots that didn't want this bill in the first place. The one that wants to decrease your benefits, or make you pay the VA for healthcare in order to pay for rich peoples tax cuts. Why don't you learn a few things about what these people are like before you praise them.
* Shane* Liberal weinee. Wake up. Dumocrats will steal every dime from you. Why do think they forced this bill thru before they lose power?
@james: you are not getting "paid" to go to school. The government is providing you with a grant to cover tuition, housing, and expenses so that you can pursue your degree. Similar to what college loans cover, except you don't have to pay it back. Get it out of your head that you are still on active duty "working" for the gov't. That is not the case. You are on your own, going to school.
Stop crying! This bill is so you can get your education, not for you to make a living off of the BAH. If you are going to school just for the stipend then you still don't get it. The important thing is your education. Think of the BAH as a bonus. Have we really beome a bunch of whiny brats? sounds like it.
Thank you Sarah. I agree so much with you. Everybody complaining they can't pay their rent. They wont' be in school for every. They should not be relyin on BAH to pay for these things. Its for school not to pay your rent.
It is for rent though, NOT FOR SCHOOL. Hence the breakdown of the acronym BAH – (basic allowance for –>HOUSING<–). When I decide to go to school then I don't want to worry about working and going to school full time and take care of my kids. If I have to work then fine, I'll work but that is what that BAH is for. To help offset the prices of "life" so that you can better yourself by going to school. Also, I'm sure people know that it won't last forever but ultimately what do people go to school for? Oh yeah, it's so they can get jobs to make money to pay to live and for "rent". This was the main reason why I entered the Armed Services because of the educational benefits and if that's wrong then they shouldn't advertise it that way. "Come serve and get $50.000 for college!" We've all heard this before and when it comes to the benefits we are expected, I believe they should honor that promise/commitment. We honored our commitment by serving didn't we?
@Philip: man, you are living in a fairytale. "When I decide to go to school then I don't want to worry about working and going to school full time and take care of my kids." God FORBID you should have to "worry" about working.
Guys, the GI Bill is not intended to be the equivalent of Green to Gold, where you are "paid" to go to school. You are NOT being "paid" to go to school. Uncle Sam is graciously covering your tuition and expenses, and yes even your rent while you are enrolled in school. Most students (like when I was in college) had to get summer jobs (GOD FORBID!!!) to pay their rent in the summer or move back in with their parents.
You can always take out a LOAN — I have $200,000 in education debt from my B.A. and J.D. degrees before I joined the Army — to cover your personal expenses while you are in school.
And how much of that $200,000 did the Army pay back for you, judgmental JAG officer?
For one, Rob, I'm not a JAG officer. I'm an infantry officer. The Army paid NONE of my loans back. If you look at the loan repayment program, you will see that it is available for enlisted only.
I'm not saying it is wrong to join and serve because of some of the fringe benefits like the GI Bill. All I am saying is you need to consider it for what it is for — paying for tuition, fees, and books so you don't have to go in debt — and not as a form of "active duty to go to school".
u got 2 degrees and you still went in infantry that doesn't even make sense maybe u should have stayed in school lmao I get it you are one of those hard core/hard on type guy get a life dude the military doesn't care about you only what you can do for them, so why not use them to better yourself because they are using you save all that badass hard core bull no one's buying it
graciously???? i joined knowing that if i worked hard for four years i could go to school and not have to worry about working through school. I am not a smart person and school will be my full time job
fuck you sarah you stupid cunt
You obviously never lived in New England where its outrageous to live! If you want to have a decent career ie. engineering, you won't have much time to focus on working fulltime and doing assloads of homework. Its either one or the other. I'm sorry if I don't want to graduate college at age 32 because I have to work fulltime and go to school! As far as i'm concerned I gave 4 yrs of my life to serve this country, to do shit other people didn't want to do. So why is it so hard to take care of the people that give a shit about this country? In my opinion they should also pay for the prep classes that people need to take just to get accepted into certain degree programs. If you haven't studied math or science in the past couple years good luck trying to get into any decent career degree program!
@Ben: I assume you also think that Uncle Sam owes you a car, a home, a big screen television, and a permanent, fat paycheck for the rest of your life, too? Give me a break.
Like I said above, you can always take out loans to cover any PERSONAL EXPENSES other than tuition, fees, and books that you may have. Federal stafford loans are really cheap.
Sorry, but with the federal gov't almost bankrupt, I wholeheartedly agree with the idea that the benefit should cover tuition, fees, books, and housing WHILE IN SCHOOL . . . . BAH isn't meant for you to live off of. There are loans or JOBS for that.
Wow Ben, you gave a whole 4 YEARS and you expect us (because it's OUR money right?) to pay you to go to school full time because you think it has to be either school full time or work full time? You should be grateful to be eligible for ANYTHING!
You're right… The important thing is our education. But you're wrong about everything else you said. How do you expect people to get an education if they are having to worry about living? You try and studing and do homework when you have full time work and full time school and for most cases full time parent. That's a lot of FULL time. You obviously have it made or something. You have to think that not all people have things handed to them so for people to go to school and try and better themselves, some people suffer and sacrifice many things like BEING A PARENT! When it comes to "rent", it's like I said to Sarah who replied to your post, break down the acronym BAH (basic allowance for –>HOUSING<–). That's what it's there for to offset the price of 'living".
I meant Jessica not Sarah who replied to your post… my bad.
@Philip: again, you are just plain mistaken. Look at all the non-military people who are AMAZINGLY enrolled in school and AMAZINGLY finding a way to do it, WITHOUT the GI Bill!!!!! The way you are complaining, you'd think the ONLY way to put yourself through school is with a government grant.
I put myself through law school on loans only, before I was in the military. Those same loans are available for you to cover your living expenses. Fill out a FAFSA and put yourself in for them. You'd be surprised how much money on top of the GI Bill you can get to cover your personal expenses while you are in school.
My sister is a Ph.D student in neurobiology and she hasn't taken out a single loan. She applies for scholarships, grants, and works during the semester and pays her tuition, rent, personal expenses, AND she manages to complete her coursework and do her research. Amazing, isn't it?
Stop bitching and complaining about how you want to suck the government's tit long after you are discharged from active duty. Uncle Sam isn't there to pay you to go to school. The GI Bill gives you an enormous leg up over all of your fellow students. Ask them how they manage to get their education without the GI Bill and you may learn a thing or two.
PhD. students (at least those in the sciences) are expected to work while going to school because that is part of their program. If she's not getting free tuition and a stipend from the school that's 3-4 times as much as BAH, she should take a look at some other schools. You don't see PhD. students having to fight for jobs at Mickey D's because the system is set up to facilitate their working for the school and going to school at the same time. Can't say the same about undergrad. Good for your sister, but I fail to see the relevance.
Also, of course both GI Bills give us a leg up over other students. That's what they're SUPPOSED to do. Otherwise, what would be the point?
I know several people who do the same for their undergrad degrees.
Also, the point about the GI Bill is that it isn't supposed to be active duty to go to school — it is supposed to be a booster seat, a leg up. It was never designed to pay for all your personal living expenses like a salary would while you are enrolled in school.
Again, there are loans and grants available to supplement the GI Bill if people are having trouble making their bill payments and they don't want to work.
Phillip, then what you should do is NOT go to school FULL TIME; I work full time and take care of kids full time, so that doesn't leave time or money to go to school full time; a couple of classes per semester works just fine to keep it all in balance. If you make the decision to rely on this money to pay your living expenses when you have children to care for, and bills to pay, then that's your poor decision-making; don't blame the government.
I use BAH to pay for childcare…I can't just pull my child out of care during break, or I loose my spot there…it still needs to be paid, regardless if I am in school or not, and even a part time job wont pay for full time childcare!
And here is where the problem lies; BAH is not to pay for childcare; people are using and relying on this money for everything from paying childcare to making their car notes, and who knows what else. This is a BENEFIT, not an ENTITLEMENT, it's here today, may be gone tomorrow. If you decide to go to school full time, and that requires you to put your child in daycare, it's not the government's responsibility to pay for that; it's yours. The government can't account for every situation that someone may get into to pursue an education. All they can do is tell you what you are eligible for; you are the one who makes the decision as to how you will use the money.
Hey Sarah you stupid cunt, it isn't a "added bonus" it's what we rely on to pay rent and be in school! If it wasn't meant for that then it wouldn't be called BAH it's not a "bonus" and not everybody has it as easy as you might, we need it and deserve it, we signed the contract and that's what the gov promised so stop trying to defend them! They're wrong!
I have been Honorably medically retired with 60% disability. The major problem is finding a job that will take a "cripple" in and give 'em a job. Ive been out of work for over 1 year, going to school full time and was once extremely proud of our governments way of saying thank you for your service. Since then I have grown to despise the red tape and the circus run-around when I ask a simple question as to where care I go to get the information I need (the regulations) that spells it our for me so I can plan my life accordingly. This program started out really nice then all of a sudden my housing allowance is being cut because the classes have breaks in between them. They called this pro-rating. I had to fight and argue with them about the fact I was still attending full time and also attended summer classes, so why is my housing allowance changing from month to month. Also can someone tell me where I can find the bill of rights for the post 911 GI-bill?
Ken
You have to pay the bills too, Sarah. Taking away break pay screws people out of a month or two of bills that are to be paid! Who gives a damn about the tuition, we could all cough up a few hundred bucks for the tuition.
first off I served in Iraq 2003-2004 and Afghan so I expect to get a education and a HOUSING ALLOWANCE JESSICA, so yes it's for rent so we can go to school and focus not worry about rent and bills. I've killed and almost been killed in the name of this country you say we are whinny don't we have that right too. congress get 100+ thousand dollars a year salary for fucking this country up, all we ask for is to give us what we where promise without any take backs or short comings on there end, how many soldiers have lost there lives, there families, there minds for this country so yea you can call it whinny, but it's not to us IT'S WHAT WE ARE OWED FOR OUR SERVICES you must not be a soldier or vet because it's clear that you do not understand what we are going through
Sarah are your comment shows your lack of understanding the bah us to allow veterans to attend school and be successful instead of trying to focus on both school and work its aimed at preventing people from failing due to lack of study time. If you say your education is the important thing then way happens when your working full time trying to cram study and and fail a class starting a cycle where you have to work more hours to pay for classes failed and as a result fail more classes some people may be able to do that but not all
I understand that but to depend on BAH for your rent and bills? We are not in school forever you cannot depend on this money for that and too many people are and then they get stuck with paying their rent when things like this happen. When I got my degree I lost over 1100 a month but it didn't hurt me because I didn't depend on that money to pay my rent/bills and if I did I would have been in trouble.
BAH- B=Basic A=Allowance H=Housing……. Some folks go to spring, summer, and fall semesters. The BAH is to help with housing… true in most cases of those of us with kids it is not enough to pay for all expenses…… But the need for it is still present. Taking a months worth of that pay away will cause grade problems cause folks will have to work that much harder……. Im a loyal Democrat but history has proven time and again that they dont really give 2 tears in a bucket about the Military or its Vets…….. This Bill is better off not being passed at all. Being a Marine Vet I know change will come and we must adapt or die but **** im a civillian now when can we get a break?
Wesley, that is correct. I just graduated from Palomar Community College with a AA in Business. I was in the VocRehab benefit and the stipend they provided me was inadequate to pay my monthly rent and food for my family. Therefore, I had to go back to working fulltime and my History class grade suffered for it…because I had to miss class several times due to staying at work and finishing my duties..(the class convened Fri nights). We vets need that stipend during breaks to maintain a stable living arrangements in between semesters. I don't know what the thinking was behind this withdrawal of funds, but, it was NOT a smart one. This could definitely cause a vet to flunk out of school due to the NEED to work longer hours at a part-time job to feed his family of 5 (3 children & wife).
I went to school full-time and worked full-time and I am a Vet. I never had any handouts, no BAH to cover me and I did fine. I do have the ability to receive another 12 months of benefits through the post 9/11 GI Bill when I exhaust my regular benefits but like someone else said, it is timing. Oh, and I graduated with a 3.69 GPA out of my 4 year school, so it is possible. Granted, I spent most of my time either at work or at school but you have to work on your time management if you want to make it work for you. This congress or the next congress are not going to help Vets, that is why we have advocates and lobbyists. The only person who can look out for yourself is you. Best of luck!
Same here. Be thankful for the additional help with the BAH and apply for a grant or take out a loan if you think your grades will suffer. I went to a great school, worked full time, graduated with a 3.92 and still found a little time to be a "normal" student. I'm sure you had many challenges during your time of service – why not try to draw on that experience to try to get through a few tough weeks when you don't get any BAH? I think you'll find you're more than capable.
Good job Raymond! I see people like you all the time that can manage the benefit to work for them. On the flip side, I see people each and every day that are crying about not being able to live off the BAH and what else can the VA offer them. There are numerous single fathers raising 1-2 children, single mothers raising 1-2 children and working in conjunction with going to school. If they can do it, why cant a single person do this…because they are being lazy and not being smart about thier benefit!
n u probably didnt have kids, so school full time work full time and being a parent isnt manageable. one has to give and if im to get screwed again then like always my kids come first. iseerved and been deployed several times why should we get f***** by pencil pushers that make more then us to sit on their a** never served in harms way and get all the handouts they want.
Wesley, It is quite simple. you SUCEED… Sarah is correct in every way. Talk to the mothers and fathers who have not only worked, gone to school, and rasied their kids. They SUCEED and are better for it in the end….
Sorry, but many people have done exactly that. Work full time and go to school and pass with a degree. Why is this so difficult?
Owe I get it. This part of the "Me" generation. The whole "Give me something just for showing up." My young sailors are like that and I have brake them of it. Grow up people and stop looking for handouts.
I think you are all bitching way too much regardless. These new benifits do not really help me either but all well, I am happy with what I have gotten from the GI Bill and others. Be glad you have the benifits to begin with, be thankful for what you have and what you will get in the future. You survived wars and conflicts in a foreign country and came home to bitch about your benifits not being enough. This is the problem with the western world, we are all getting lazy and demanding more and more and our nation's deficit is crazy, if you are going to be part of the problem and not the solution then go back to the country where your ancestors immigrated from because we do not need people like you here.
A lot of us concentrate on work and school just fine; it's not about that. The benefit is not intended for you to go to school full time and have no worries; if your tuition and books are being paid for, then it is up to you to coordinate the rest of you life to make time for schoolwork.
Counting my Blessings. I served a combined 24 years , 15 of which was Active Duty ( to include two call-ups after the Events of 911, which accounted for almost four of those years). I am a disabled vet and was able to go back to school under Voc. Rehab and then convert to the post 911 G.I. Bill. I never expected any of these benefits being made available to me. I am now working on my Master's Degree and I am very thankful . I was proud to serve and have no regrets…..the benefits that I have received after my service ( medical compensation for my disabilities and college tuition with pay ) very much appreciated. That said, I worked 50-60 hrs per week while going to School full-time and still managed a 3.37 GPA. Sure, I would've like a 3.5 or better, but we are all required to sacrifice as needed.
Chris, are you sure about this? The language is confusing. It seems that you would have to get your 36 months of credit starting in Aug 09………………….
Chuck
I retired in Jan 2009 and I am using the Post 9-11 GI bill. I began the process by going to the VA coordinator at the college.
Although S.3447 does fill some of the gaps… like allowing Title 32 activations by National Guard to count towards eligible service…. it still does not fill all the gaps. Our Coast Guardsman that have been mobilized to serve our Nation have been left behind AGAIN. Since 9/11 CG members have been activated under Title 14 for Hurricanes (Katrina and Ike to name a few), mid-west flood mobilizations, and most recently for the Deepwater Horizon response… All of this SERVICE to Nation do not count towards Post 9/11 GI Bill eligibility. This needs to be fixed. Contact your congressmen, senators or Coast Guard Reserve Affairs reps to let them know that this agenda needs to be taken to the hill.
Wow Jeff you are so right, but here is what I think if we focus on education we would have a stronger nation if focus of education we want have homeless soldiers how about just take the time help a soldier I DO how many of you reach out to help a soldier I DO all the time when I see a soldier I ask the question are you in school. I just Retried with 30 years I have seen a lot of changes, what I see is that soldier do not care anymore about soldiers. we have to show love we all need it because we are family.
We have to educate each other. EDUCATION STRONGER NATION.
Can anyone tell me if they passed the rights to transfer Post 9/11 monies to dependents if the retirement date was before the passage in Aug 2009
I got the answer. Total slap in the face, I guess I'll take a basket weaving class and give my housing allowance to my kids, My money right
There are thousands of us in the same boat. Retiring an additional 5 months earlier has cost me dearly… And I had No idea it was even going to happen to me. My kids struggle while their friends get the stipend…. I had MULTIPLE deployments… Their dad never did. Fair huh?
This is NOT right… IF you earned the Post 9/11 Bill, you earned the right to transfer it. I'm disabled, so coming back on active duty isn't an option for me. Thanks for nothing Congress.
I don't like the bit about suspending payment during school breaks. Rent comes due whether you are in school or not. But if, like other posters have suggested, they also pro-rate the number of months from the 36 months we have total, I'd be okay with it. :D
I'm glad to see they are offering some stipend for distance learning. I may go that route simply because it's a Master's degree I'll be working on. There aren't many programs in my area which I am interested in and qualified for. I'd like to go for international relations or geosciences. Neither is offered at the Master's level nearby.
Great! This is going to be a major CF AGAIN!!!
I work p/t for the VA at my school and there are going to be A LOT of pissed off people about the break pay not happening… myself included. I don't know how we are going to pay our rent when we take our 6 week break from the summer qtr to the fall qtr. Like someone before said, the rent is due regardless of school breaks. And I do not know how the VA is going to work this… will they still count the time off our eligibility? I don't know. The VA doesn't communicate well with the people who actually have to make this work!
Try this: GET A JOB. Most students work in the summer and over winter break. What is preventing you from doing so?
Wow, scorpio…seems like you may have a reading problem.
Kelly's post says very clearly, "I work p/t for the VA at my school…"
With unemployment rates in the teens and prejudice that so many vets face in hiring, I'm wondering what's wrong with you that you would callously tell a vet to GET A JOB. It's not that easy.
Wow, Rob…seems like you are the one with the reading problem. Kelly said s/he works part time at the VA — AT SCHOOL — and then wondered how to pay rent during the 6 week break in the summer. My response, GET A JOB, was obviously directed to that time period.
Who is discriminating against veterans in hiring? That's such crap. There are tons of companies that specifically target veterans because of their unique leadership skills and experiences.
"I'm wondering what's wrong with you that you would callously tell a vet to GET A JOB. It's not that easy."
Actually, yes, it IS that easy. You just have to apply yourself. Hell, show up at a labor pool in the morning and you can make $50 in a day doing construction, no application required.
I am not "callously telling a vet" anything that they should not hear. For your information, I too am a veteran, and I don't like the ridiculous attitude taken by many, especially in these comments, that we are somehow victims who need to be babied along with government care for the rest of our lives. For clarification purposes, I am not referring to disabled veterans who cannot work due to medical limitations.
Your experience fighting for your country makes you stronger, more resilient, and a leader to civilians here at home. The worst thing you can do is to take up the mantle of pity and entitlement and "oh woe is me."
Personally I see the GI Bill not as an entitlement, but rather as a gift to veterans from a grateful society and we should be appreciative of it as such. The most repulsive thing in the world is an ungrateful brat.
this is just great!!!! how could you do that??? we still need to pay rent regardless if we are on break, summer etc…so what happens to our 36 months benefits eligibility? VA shortened it!! you owe us now!!! that's not fair!!! we are entitled to it. how can we afford to pay the rent, we just rely on this program now you're just eliminating it!!! another great news from our great govt.!!!!
I dont understand it. What is so special about serving AFTER 9/11 then before??
This is discrimination at its WORST!!!
The high tempo deployment schedule. Military service after 9/11 is much different, many who have served since 9/11 have been deployed 3 or 4 times.
so now that they're not going to pay rent when we are on break, summer does it mean that they will also pro rate from the no. of months from the 36 months eligibility that we are entitled to? they should right? bec. we have 36 months, and if they will not pay breaks, summer etc..that means they owe us for few months, and it's just right and make sense that they roll over it until we reach our 36 months limit!
I have never gotten paid for summer break, so it doesnt affect me but i am wondering why I have not been getting paid for breaks when everyone else is.
Jessica, not being paid over the summer (Break Pay) is not a bad thing if you can afford it. Everyone who is receiving break pay are cheating themselves in the long run. If you decline break pay the VA will not deduct time from your entitlement, which is the best way to go. All these people who are receiving break pay are only saving the gov't money because during that break period they only pay BAH (not tuition) yet they still deduct time from you entitlement at a full time rate.
Gi bill improvent or gi bill disaster? 54 billion down the drain. We gonna have thousands going back to work rather than persueing education. How do you expect a student to go year around( 365) days a year without a break? Rent is all time high folks, we are going to see vets on the streets soon. Renting is a hastle even with the current gi bill let alone with a gi bill that pays half ass.
If you aren't in school — i.e., summer break — what is preventing you from getting a job? You can make the BAH by working part time and not even being enrolled in school.
This whining is totally ridiculous.
The new Post 9/11 bill is great but they really need to come up with a well thought out plan. Changing the rules may help some vets but it is also causing some confusion and harm to others. Vic the make changes, they should keep the rules for the vets already using their benifits the same and only change it for new applicants. Good intentions but not fair or reliable.
I have a plan. How about everyone gets capped out at a certain benefit amount……… SAY $80,000? If you can't get your education in 36 months, or sooner, with that much money where you are currently at, either go somewhere else or use it to partially ease the burden, DID SOMEONE ALREADY THINK OF THIS?…….. It seems to me that some of these changes are aimed at pinching pennies away so that you may never reach your full benefit in the allotted time frame. Just saying.
Bob Timer, Sir, that is just uncalled for. You insinuate that the vets on here who are going to be affected by this and are upset by it are somehow not as patriotic as you are. That is asinine. This kind of rhetoric reminds me of the classic "yes man" staff NCO with his head up the CO's rear orifice trying to give a motivational speech "for our nation" as he's about to walk out the door and sit on his retired hindquarters. Don't get me started on that kind. This legislation is going to effect people who ALREADY served, and planned their post-military lives around an agreement (also known as a covenant) and were told something that the government is now backing out of (covenant breaking)… this is the ultimate form of dishonor. Not sticking to your word. Is it too big of a leap to assume the kind of NCO you were, kissing the tail of the upper men while your guys below you get screwed. If you haven't read these posts, some of these people are going to get hurt. So might I suggest thinking before you speak??? It might be wiser to batten down the foxnews/cnn regurgitating oral hatch and go appreciatively cash that retirement check. It shows an extreme lack of maturity (common among military retirees) to question people's patriotism on account of this. Did you ever think that some of the guys you are chastising on here who are going to be affected by this don't have a military retirement and got out prior to making upper level rank so that you could stay in and fill the billet? I guess not. Your comments reflect a man of self-righteousness, self-centeredness, and one who possesses a hyper-inflated sense of self-worth. Check yourself Sir.
Quent, you aand I are in total agreement. PATRIOTISM has nothing to do with any of this. It all boils down to personal economic survival. Making sacrifices for my buddies and comrades is nothing new to me. But when it comes to being forced to make hard sacrifices just so "unseen bureaucrats" can balance their budgets … that becomes a totally different matter. We ought to make this a National Political Issue. It is already bad enough that Guard & Reserve retirees are the ONLY government employees that still have to wait until age 60 before ever being able to collect any of their retirement money; and now there has been consideration towards likewise making active duty retirees do the same. How come US Senators and US Congressmen along with all of their staff members aren't required to do so as well? Those folks only serve one term and start collecting $$$$ for life no matter what their age happens to be. I deeply believe in the motto of "Leave No Man Behind". But it seems to me that the civilians in Washington do not adhere to such when it comes to a fair distribution of $$$$$ to those who served in this Hell called the US Military and who deserve it the most.
Wow . .. Ray . . . unbelievable. The only companies in the private sector that pay "pensions" are the ones going bankrupt. Everyone else has to contribute and grow what they want to receive in their retirement. In addition, they don't get to draw on those until they are in their 60s.
I am a guardsman, so I serve part-time until I get deployed. Just got back from a deployment, in fact. I see NO problem with requiring anyone to wait until 65 before drawing a government pension as 'retirement.' Why should you only have to work 20 years to earn a paycheck for 60 or more?
Your statement reflects the worst of government employee sense of entitlement. If you retire from military service, you should go find a job and work for a living instead of collecting a retirement check at age 40.
Well see, this makes sense now. You're a reservist…. I thought you were just an asshole but you are actually just jaded. Try doing REAL military service for a decade or two and then see how you feel about what is and isn't owed to you. What's messed up is that I agree with SOME of the things you say, but the way you say them is just plain rude and you are merely using a bullying technique to express your opinion as if it were more important than everyone elses feelings. I served with someone just like you. I think after the fourth time he wasn't invited to a platoon event he started to get the point that no one liked him. Instead of complaining about other soldiers, perhaps you should take your entitled sense of patriotism and use it where it belongs, by selflessly being a brother in arms and standing by those you served with. Maybe if you had a few rounds whiz by your head you would change your tune about what you deserve. Uncle Sam owes us nothing but the promises they made to lure us in to begin with. I wanted to join, but I'm not going to lie and say that dangling a $50k college fund in front of me wasn't a large reason for me me signing my life away.
Rob,
I never denigrated anybody’s service, unlike what you’ve just done. “REAL military service” -you have no idea the challenges that guardsman and reservists face. Have you ever had to hussle for business, just to make payroll so your employees can have a job? Have you had to shut down your life’s work (a business built from scratch) to deploy?
The answer obviously is no. And as far as reserve service goes, we go to all the same schools, and deploy on all the same deployments as you active duty types. We just don’t get a guaranteed, 1st and 15th paycheck in-between.
Not that I (unlike you) would ever say that someone else’s method of serving in the military is somehow lesser than mine. It is just different, and each branch and component have their own unique challenges.
Now, as far as your other point, “the way you say them is just plain rude” —I disagree. I could have been rude, and simply personally attacked the people here whining and giving us all a bad name, but I didn’t. I stated what was wrong with their viewpoint and arguments, and how they ought to look at things.
My opinion is certainly not “more important” than anyone else’s, but it is certainly “more right” than most of the trash posted here.
Outstanding, That is the we have been promised this and that then Bingo they change the rules, from education to medical to Pay. I am tired of sucking it up while congress play games..
My fellow Americans, slow down….2 years ago we did not have this benefit. I was one of those veterans who used up the regular GI bills years ago, and did not know how I was going to go back to school. If it were not for the Post 911- GI Bill, i would not have gone back. Think about it…. our economy is in the slumps, jobs are not there, but our country finds a way to educate, and support us at the same time. Be thankful, sometimes we can be so spoil.
OEF Veteran, 2003-2005
5's to you, Marty. I second your sentiment wholeheartedly.
Amen Marty!
True story… I retired in march of 2009 fully expecting to transfer my Post 9/11 GI bill to my kids. Upon retirement, I had 5 operational deployments. No one told me then that I'd need to wait 5 more months or I wouldn't get it. Now, I have two kids in college, struggling to pay their own way, and I have no need for another degree. A friend of my daughter's is going to school on her dad's GI bill… He retired with less time in service, and no deployments… just five months later… Somebody help me explain to my kids how this is fair?
I wonder is the housing stipend is better than the VR&E subsistence payment?
*Expands current Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility to include National Guard activation for events like title 32, national emergencies, and AGR service. This is retroactive to Aug. 1, 2009, but benefits will not be paid until Oct. 1, 2011.*
When they say retroactive to Aug 09 what does that mean? They aren't saying they'll give back pay for that are they? Are they saying only Title 32 service from Aug 09 on counts?
I've been on Title 32 orders for 7 years now and started using my 1606 in Sep 09. I haven't been fortunate enough to find snag an AGR tour so I've dealt with the perpetual worry that I won't have work come 01 Oct by getting a second job. When I went from part-time to full-time status in school I had to quit the second job so I broke down and took out some student loans. I've been killing myself trying to get as much school done as I can while employed because for me the $500/month in GI bill bennies means no job=no school. I spend more than this for daycare. I am not asking for a handout. Yes I rose my hand and said I will fight. I realize I am truly blessed. I also appreciate EVERYONE's service, be it in theater or stateside. I'm not complaining or calling anyone out. All I'm asking for is a chance to serve better.
If your used the VEAP educational benefits and you served after Post 9/11. Can I be elegible to Post 9/11 GI bill and relinquish the benefit to my children?
if they're not going to pay during fall, summer, spring break…that means a total of 4 months a year without benefits! so for 3 years (36 months, supposedly the no. of months of benefits we are entitled) we got robbed for 12 months! so what happened to the 36 months of eligibility?? are they going to roll it until we max the 36 months or just leave it at that? wow! unbelievable!!! at first, this program is all good until this new revisions came out, obviously causing more damage than good. imagine instead of 36 months of eligibility, it now boils down to 24 months! if they're not going to pay benefits during summer, fall and spring break. what else would they do next time? i'm sure this is not the end of this , more changes to come. so to all fellow veterans, use this now before more ugly changes will happen in the future. if you dont want to go back to school, then at least transfer it to your children or spouse.
the answer for summer is simple. don't take a break. it's possible (hard but possible) to take a year's worth of courses during the summer's accelerated sessions. Then you actually end up saving a few months of GI bill. On anther note: So you guys mean to tell me they were actually paying for ya'll to not be in school? my montgomery specifically states that i will not get paid unless class is in session and I only get charged for the time that I am attending class. furthermore if i'm not in a full time status the time is prorated to reflect that. (1/2 time student= 1/2 time credit=1/2 month charged for each month attended). it seems odd that they would have something that makes sense like that and not use it for post 9/11 too.
Apparently you haven't been using your MGIB, or if so you haven't used it properly.
If you're under the MGIB, you are eligible for break pay. That's where the concept originated and that's the reason why it's been extended to Ch. 33 recipients as well. http://www.militarygibill.com/gibill-tip-25.cfm
@rosemarie: try to think of it as paying for your books, tuition, and fees for three years of school. Want more bang for the buck? Enroll in school for the summer semester.
I don't see any issue of cutting off the BAH while you aren't in school. It isn't a welfare check. It is to cover your rent while you are actively enrolled in school. What prevents you from getting a job in the summer, like the rest of the student body?
My husband transferred benefits to our son who is now in college. The post 9/11 GI Bill houseing stipend has always been prorated based on the current semester dates. If you aren't in school after December 15, for example, the housing stipend check is prorated for only a portion of December. Also, the August housing stipend is prorated because the semester doesn't normally begin on the 1st. If you don't attend Summer School, then you don't get a housing stipend. The only concern I would see in this new information is for the week of Spring Break, normally in March where we live. Be thankful for the prorated amounts and plan ahead. I'm sure it could be worse, we could have to pay the entire bill!
The changes in this bill bring the Post-9/11 GI Bill closer to what the military education benefit is intended to be — a grant that covers your tuition, fees, books and rent while you are enrolled in school — and goes a LONG way to making it equitable across state lines and to those who choose to attend a private school or vocational training.
Overall, great changes.
I am EXTREMELY disappointed with most of the comments posted that whine about the limitation of certain benefits such as the BAH. I am sorry, but if you thought the GI Bill was supposed to be a continuation of your active duty while you go to school, it is time to wake up.
The GI Bill is intended as a GRANT that pays for your TUITION, FEES, and BOOKS . . . with the added bonus that they will cover housing while you are actively going to school. If you view the benefit correctly, for what it is intended to do, you should not be disappointed.
Many students work part-time, or even full-time and attend school at the same time. If you have and support a family, you really ought to plan on going to school part-time or at least getting a part-time job if you go to school full-time. You can also take out federal stafford loans to pay for personal expenses while you are enrolled in school.
As for the BAH hiatus during breaks . . . this is essentially the same policy as student loans. Why should they pay for your housing when you aren't in class? What prevents you from getting a job like the rest of the student body? When I was an undergrad, I worked as a lifeguard in the summer and as a Dunkin' Donuts clerk for the 5-6 weeks of winter break to pay expenses and rent.
The GI Bill is NOT supposed to be an extension of active duty for you to get your education. It is a HUGE leg up over civilians as you don't have to take out loans or pay out-of-pocket (or apply for scholarships, fellowships, or grants) to pay for your books, tuition or fees. Civilians make huge personal sacrifices to achieve their educational goals. Nothing prevents you from supplementing your GI Bill benefits with federal stafford loans or other forms of financial aid (you wouldn't believe the number of scholarships and grants there are to apply for — you just have to look!) to help cover personal expenses and rent. And oh yeah, most students have some form of job while they are in school. I personally carved chicken and mopped the floors in the dining facility.
Lastly, please remember that our country is going through tremendous financial challenges right now. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is already a generous gift in exchange for service in troubling times. Huffing and puffing about how "unfair" it is that our representatives have chosen not to pay out BAH when you aren't even enrolled in school (or over any number of the other changes) strikes me as the whining of an ungrateful spoiled brat.
These changes go a very long way to making the Post-9/11 GI Bill what it is truly intended to be. Yes, there still can be improvements (such as including the Coast Guard activations) but overall,
Well done.
Thank you.
Absolutely well said scorpio!!
I LOVE THE NEW CHANGES THAT HAVE IMPLEMENTED THOSE GUARD AND RESERVISTS AND IT MEANS THAT PEOPLE WILL HAVE TO GET PARTTIME JOBS TO HELP THEMSELVES SURVIVE
Can you get your private pilots license now?
You could do that with the GI Bill without the changes.
My questions are…
1. If I do take pro-rated to work full time, does that mean that i'm only going to get benefits for HALF the grant over the 36 months as someone that goes full time?
2. The spring break bit is annoying and stupid. I don't think the VA should be giving a stipend for the summer when classes weren't attended (I was in school for the summer, so i saw no "break pay".)
3. Are these holidays and breaks being removed from the counter against the days on the benefit?
This is from my understanding of the way it works . . . so this isn't gospel:
1. Yes. If you take classes part-time so you can work full-time, you are still only eligible for 36 months. To get the most bang for the buck, take advantage of the two 'accelerated' summer semesters that most colleges offer to make up for lost opportunity to take more credits in the fall and spring. Some schools even offer an accelerated semester over the winter break.
2. I don't think there is any 'break' in pay for spring 'break' which is just a week off class.
3. I don't believe they are being removed from the counter, nor should they. The 'benefit' isn't the actual months where they pay BAH . . . its the tuition paid for credit hours. You get up to $17,500 or full in-state tuition, per year . . . think of it more as number of semesters enrolled as opposed to months. You get 3 years of school.
This most definitely is not gospel, and I think you should maybe learn what the gospel is before you go preaching about it so prolifically.
The big change that people are upset about is exactly that they're not going to pay for breaks between terms. I can at least agree with you that people shouldn't take the summer off and expect BAH payments because they can choose to take courses. That's where the agreement stops, though.
The main reason people are concerned about this is that many schools have extended breaks in one or more terms. You've said at least once here that the easy solution is to load up on classes in the summer term. That's exactly what I did this summer , but then there was a 5-week break before fall term. Loading up on courses (which people need to do if they're going to come anywhere near graduating in time) keeps people from working full-time (you're not going to try to convince us that you worked full-time while attending law school full-time, are you?).
I've already mentioned that your assertion that people should be able to just go out and get a job when we have double-digit unemployment rates through much of the country is unreasonable. Do you also really think that people can go get a full time job for just those 5 weeks without doing something dishonorable like pretending that they'll be able to continue full-time after the 5 weeks?
The economy and job situation now is not what it was when you were in school, so please spare us the "I did it, so you're just a lazy whiner if you can't do it too" speeches.
You also misread the part about the benefit "counter." The amount you mentioned is for private institutions only, for one. Additionally, the benefit most certainly is counted in months, not semesters or tuition paid. Persons who are eligible for the full benefit are eligible for 36 months. It says right in the article that in-state public school tuition and fees will be paid regardless of the amount. The poster was asking whether or not the number of months will be pro-rated for months in which breaks occur now that there won't be any payment during those months, and that was a very good question that hasn't yet been answered. Some people have months in which they only attend class for one day, and if there's no BAH benefit for the rest of the month it certainly would be inappropriate to count the single day as a whole month.
Apparently there are so many of you that are mis informed. You can request not to receive break pay!!!!! I have declined break pay every semester since I began to use the new GI Bill because it is a rip off. Of course the VA always "mistakenly" send me break pay even though I sent in a letter declining it. So at the end of every semester I call the VA to chew some ass and tell them to take there Break Pay back and to restore the time that was deducted because of it. I work full time so I don't need break pay. It's quite simple to me, the ONLY time the VA will be deducting time from my entitlement is when when they are paying my tuition as well as my BAH. Stand up for yourselves people!!! Seriously, I hope this info helps some you.
Semper Fi til I die!
A substantial group of beneficiaries of this new bill will be the distance learners who, despite having to live SOMEWHERE, will finally get a housing stipend, which effectively supplements tuition costs, where before, tuition and books were the only funded benefits.
Veterans have a right to expect more from Congress than it has given them for the past 45 years. How much would the government have had to pay a civilian to fight in Iraq or Afghanistan, or in Vietnam, for that matter? How much did it pay servicemen? The difference was supposed to be made up by the benefits veterans receive, but try to get them. The present bill places obstacles in the way of veterans trying to earn a degree. Congress has failed to put enforcement provisions into its bills. That means that if the DVA simply refuses to pay a veteran his education allowance or just delays paying it, the veteran will wind up having to drop out of college. Worse still, the U. S. Department of Labor placed a limit of $25,000 on the salary that is regarded as suitable for veterans. As soon as a veteran graduates from college, he is overqualified for any job the Department of Labor will refer him to. It is my deeply serious conviction that veterans should actively pursue a career in politics, starting with getting elected to minor, local offices, and remain in politics to reach positions of authority. Otherwise, veterans will continue to get stepped on by people who would never be willing to lift one finger to defend the country. The new Congress will include fewer veterans than any Congress since the one immediately following World War I. This is not good for the country.
Wow I never heard so much whinning. Instead of moaning about what you don't have be glad for what you do have and hope it gets better. Surely I am not the only one who GIBill had a dramatic improvement since 9/11 and I am only in the 50% entitlement range. Take the time and research other scholarships not to mention grants which are available. There is not a single person who was not informed that you had only 10 years to use or lose your benefits. It has been extended to 15 years. You can get in gear and begin or continue or maybe even finish your education but to sit around and complain is pointless the clock is ticking.
Lamdog, I was never informed of the 10 year deadline. I would like to think that I paid attention when money was being talked about. That is not to say that it was not. My question is where did you hear that it was extended to 15 years?
The earliest that I was informed was 2009 that it was extended to 15 years for use or lose.
I went to school after serving in Vietnam and it was a real chore. I had a wife and baby to support and with just a couple of hundred dollars a month from the VA, I worked everyday and my wife worked to get me through school. I graduated with honors but I can tell you I studied my butt off. We had very little time off since I wanted to get through in the shortest time possible, which was two years of twenty plus hours per semester and all I could take in the summer. Then graduate school, but We made it. Stop complaining, money is tight but You can make it.
Lewis,
You shouldnt tell people to stop complaining because each situation is different. Cost of living is much higher than your day. Day care & Gas prices alone are much higher then your time. Thanks for you service in Vietnam but it is a different animal now. GAS is $3 plus a gallon, Utilitiy bill are climbing monthly, Day care fees are out of control, basically day-to-day operations are much higher.
Thank you for the encouragement. Still, if the government decided to stop paying benefits to disabled vets that earned it in blood would you be mad then? Sure these benefits are nice but I joined knowing I was going to get them. I want them back. If we give them the chance to start removing benefits from some what will stop them from cutting benefits from all? And just as many have fought and died or fought and lived I don't think it's a common place mindset to think it's okay for others to struggle. Did you fight in Nam hoping that someone could go back and experience like you did later on in life? I don't think so, you fought to win… to end it for others so they don't have to suffer it.
The item which allows us VR&E folks to get the P911 stipend every month is great. I sincerely hope that the stipend does not stop during so-called "breaks" for us, aqs I, for one, attend year-round, with 10 days off in between quarters if I am lucky. I attend ITT Tech in Tucson, and will obtain my associate's degree next summer, and then have 3-10 off, then roll right into the bachelor's program. I am a disabled vet, and the stipend pays my bills. It is the only thing that pays my bills, as there are few jobs that have the capability of catering to my disabilities.
This is really going to hurt me, and my family. I took a pay cut to attend colleg,because the BAH made up the diference. Now I'm screwed!!!!
Re-join the military!
The questions about the BAH benefit being lost during winter/summer and spring breaks and if this also means that you will not be "charged"those months against your 36mo entitlement: correct. It was always this way. Those students who attend full time classes during these breaks, however, should still recieve their BAH entitlement. The 36 months is the time it actually takes to get a 4year degree with breaks included. Most "traditional" college studenst work full time during the breaks to help pay living costs, so this is reflected in the new Bill….
What I don't get is why are they eliminating the 1,200 one time payment??? it is one of the sources to keep the veterans educational benefits rolling. I'm not a politician but I am a student who is struggling at school. I joined the military because I wasn't cut out for school but now I wanted to learn and I'm getting tutored twice a week to keep up with my school work. The sad part is that I'm only taking 3 classes and I'm struggling. I wish they keep the one time payment and remove the 50 for 1/2 and 100 for full. Not all veterans who got out are cut out for school but taking 2-3 classes actually helped me get back into track and increased my overall GPA.
I retired 1 Oct 2008 after 22 years in US Army. May I transfer my Gi benefits to my sone?.
No, you had to be still on Active Duty after 1 Aug 09 and transfer the benefits while you were still on Active Duty. There is no way for a Veteran like you and me to transfer our benefits to our children or spouse
SOME GOOD THINGS BUT A LOT OF BAD THINGS IN AREA GONNA HAPPEN WITH THIS BILL ONCE AGAIN THE PLAYING AROUND OF HOW MUCH YOU GET MONTHLY THIS HAPPEN TO ME 3 TIME ALREADY AND IT CAUSES CONFUSION AND ITS NOT RIGHT THEY CHANGE IT WHENEVER THEY WANT.
WHEN I JOIN THEY SAID THEY WOULD PAY FOR FLIGHT SCHOOL THEN THEY SAID NO!!!!
NOW THEY SAY YES AND NOW THEY CUT THE FEE CAP BY HALF THIS IS GONNA HAVE A BIG EFFECT ON PILOT SCHOOLING AND THIS IS SAD.
AND THEY HAVE THE NERVE TO BOASTED ABOUT IT BEING A GOOD FIX I HEAR MORE VETS AGAINST THIS THAN ANYTHING.
POLITICAL MANEUVERING??? ITS A MONEY ISSUE THEY CANT PAY FOR IT
I am happy about the fix to allow USPHS members to transfer benefits so that I can get some help with my education as well as all the other fixes in the bill.
I noticed that it has NOT been signed yet. http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s11… So it looks like it may not become law if it is not signed by christmas because it would be passed the 10 days the president has to sign it. Normally it would just become law if it is not signed but congress has adjured so it would count as a pocket veto. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pocket_veto I know the president wanted fixes to occur so I hope he signs it during the busy holiday time. I am also not sure if the bill was given to him on the 16th or the 17th. If it was the 17th then it would not have to be signed time Monday (since Sunday does not count toward the 10 day period). I know this is complicated so if anybody has anymore knowledge about this let me know.
So how about those folks that "IRREVOCABLY "gave up their Montgomery GI Bill to use the 9/11 GI Bill instead? Am I grandfathered under the original 9/11 version because that's the one that I gave up my Montgomery GI Bill for, right? right VA? Am gonna bombard them with that question as soon as 2011 starts….
I have been reading all of your post, and something dawned on me:
Could the government want us to fail?
When a Veteran fails, he is most likley to give up on his benefits and confidence in his government. He will attempt to find a job and continue fighting with the difficulties of transitioning; from Soldier to Civilian.
The money(GIBill) will not be used therfore, the government saves money.
Can someone give me a YEA or Nay?
To all of you complaining about the lack of benefits during beaks, let's keep things in perspective. I have been attending online courses for over a year, working towards a degree (not a cert, a degree). During that time, I have received NO housing allowance. I have a wife and a 10 year old daughter. If anything, an online students housing is MORE expensive than a traditional students, since there is NO POSSIBLE WAY we can live on campus. Losing that payment (and unless your break is for the entire month, it is not LOST, just prorated) for a few weeks at a time will not completely kill you. If need be, pick up a part time job to make ends meet. And your arguments about your GPA dropping make no sense since you would only need to pick up this job during breaks, which means there are no classes for it to effect.
Seriously though, as someone who has been struggling just to keep a roof over my families head, and food on our table, GET A GRIP!
Mike,
You receive no benefits due to the fact that you dont attend school in a classroom setting. It obvious you dont need the monthly payments or you would find a way to attend at least one class in house. Why would you need to live on campus to attend a class on base????
So how about those folks that "IRREVOCABLY "gave up their Montgomery GI Bill to use the 9/11 GI Bill instead? Am I grandfathered under the original 9/11 version because that's the one that I gave up my Montgomery GI Bill for, right? Right VA? Am gonna bombard them with that question as soon as 2011 starts….
So how about those folks like me that this year "IRREVOCABLY "gave up their Montgomery GI Bill to use the 9/11 GI Bill instead? Am I grandfathered under the original 9/11 version because that's the one that I gave up my Montgomery GI Bill for? That's what I should happen, right? I am gonna bombard the VA with that question next month when 2011 starts….
FYI If your Planning on taking Vocational training under the 9/11 Bill only, you are out of luck you will have to have been part of the MGIB first then combine it with the 9/11 bill. I got screwed over by the V.A. Rep at Maricopa Skill center in PHX Because he did not know better.
I was on a 7 month wait list to get in and after 1 month of school I got a letter from the V.A. Stating they would not cover Vocational training.
Dropped out and went to Glendale Comunity College, They did all the paperwork right then and there and I got an Approval letter from the V.A. 30 days before I even started Class.
Whoa! I have read a lot of these comments and now realize our education system has failed most of you. Proof read your comments. PLEASE. 5th grade grammar does not constitute a college education. You are killing me.
I was released from duty Nov 2000. I have been struggling with nerve damage to arms, deteriorating hip & PTSD that was missed ten years ago before my departure from service. After a long stuggle with personal demons & battle with VA, I have been awarded compensation for PTSD & other injuries. 10 years later as of five months ago, I finally received a rating that I so desperately needed. Do you think its to late to take advantage of the GI BILL. Did I run out of time?
@Ed, You have twelve (12) years from the time of the rating to use VRE. that's the way you should go. And remember never take no as a final answer, there is always someone higher up the chain, and the vet services organizations will help you fight to get what you deserve. (GI Bill time limit iirc is 10 years, but VRE is better anyway.)
Wish they were going to allow those that served after 9/11 AND retired before the 1 Aug 09 deadline to transfer their benefits to their dependents. I cannot believe it wasn't originally allowed!!!!
You need to be in school, you non-spelling joke.
Most of us do have jobs anyway. BAH isn't enough for most people to live on even when it is paid. In my state, it's less than $1300, which will pay for a crap place to rent and groceries. Shut up if you don't know what you're talking about.
Um, its called BAH not money for your **** groceries! Basic!!!! Basic!! I font think I can emphasize this word much more. Basic housing allowance! BASIC! I’m sure if you can survive
war you can definitely get a job to offset your living!
grant you make my Marine Corps sound weak! First how did you go four years without seeing your fiancee! That’s impossible! I’ve been a grunt for six years and still get to see my wife every freaking year! You feel robbed… there are Marines dying for you to be able to get s education, which the original g.I bill was for. A G.I bill that ny great grandfather freaking used after WW II! The G.I bill should revert back to the original which provides no **** BAH for guys like you!
I have a problem with the 911 Bill. Is there a fix for retired member that paid for the Mont Bill and VEAP ($2100.00) any retired before the 36 month required was added. I do not see why 20 years service did not equal 36 months after 911.
@Mitch. On target. Thanks!
I agree….people who rely on the BAH to pay bills are being lazy. This is a suppliment to your income, it is not mean or ever was designed to be your main and only income….There are single dads and single mothers that are going to school full time and have part time jobs and are struggling, but making this benefit work for them. If they can do it, why cant a single person make it work…its just a common sense issue in my opinion
I guess I was really lucky. I had the old GI Bill when I joined in 1974, but did not use until 1992, when I left active duty. My state (Illinois) paid for my tuition and fees, and I lived off my check of 800 dollars a month (which was NOT paid when I was not in class). I got a part time job at school in the VA office 9at the University of illinois), and was able to get a BA in 4 years. No housing allowance, 800 a month, and a pt job making $4.25 an hour on campus. Now, people can go to school online, they get a housing allowance, and other benefits. You can do it, guys, and in 4 years you'll have a viable degree. Hang in there.
"Baby Steps" This bill is a compromise to fix some things not a fix all. A tremendous amount of work has gone into getting this bill to congress and I'm impressed they passed it post election. Good for them. Other improvements are needed, yes, and with committment from service members and their lobbying associations we will get there. Although the GI bill has been a pain at times for me it has also allowed me to get a graduate degree that I would have never got on my own. With this newest passing my NOAA and USPHS comrades can now pass their leftover benefits to their children. That is wonderful as they deserve the same benefits as the rest of the services.
Question – If you qualify for benefits under this bill, however, you could not wait long enough for Congress to pass this bill and you pulled money out of your own pocket to get a Masters degree…. is that now reimbursed or (as I suspect) am I just screwed?
Wow! I think everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I believe everyone made themselves loud and clear and had good reasons to vent their perspectives on this new bill. But I do agree with Bob and Sarah that most of you complain too much and is missing the most important fact. The fact is the bill is about you getting an education that was how the Montgomery GI Bill started to begin with, it was not about a stipend. I joined the army after college and I wish I had free tuition for school and the GI bill in the civilian sector then. I am an active member of the arm force and I pay back school loans out of my own pocket. I was not eligible for loan payment. Right now I am trying to earn my Masters' Degree by using my tuition assistance benfefit. Some of you had the opportunity to also use the TA while on active duty etc. and did not or have not. If you did not use the TA then for the soul purpose of getting an education, as far as I can see (my opinion), you all are using the GI Bill for the soul purpose of getting a stipend. Education is power that is knowledge of course. It should not be about the stipend. If the education portion is paid for that is all that matters. The rest of you can work,whether it is part time or something. I worked and went to college, you can too. It was tough, but you can do anything once you put your mind to it. Thanks for reading. And God bless America. Lots of opportunity here.
Go figure,the older vets getting screwed again. We have jobs to go to in order to survive and support our families.We don't have the time to do so many credit hours required as a part/time student.Are you going to susidise my lost work income?OOps,you already did.I don't mean to sound ungrateful,but what gives?
I don’t think world war two vets were complaining about the old chapter g.i bill… Actually my great grandfather was disabled after WW II and managed to get a BA and raise my dad, and WORKED! On. G.I bill that did not support BAH! So you’re not getting screwed! Troops have bled b4 you and after you, so you ccan attend college! Don’t disgrace them, but be proud with what your government gives you!
Shut up John and mind your business. You’re in the military right now…this is veterans talking…get back to work and let us discuss our school plans. Née got tired of being grunts that’s why we’re demanding the money they promised for our service.
What are we electing these people to do? I liked the MGIB much MUCH more. It was simple and paid for a quality education.
Ok…how do we stop this? Ops…too late…Congress did it's dirty deed over Christmas Holidays…..this doesn't benift most Vets and Soldiers. Love the "New Speak" of calling this an "assistance programs" that winds-up hurting most Vets using this program. We are from the Government and we are here to help…..our sleves.
The BAH payment is to help pay for housing. I am at school 9hrs a day five days a week and drive a hour to and from school so I leave home at 0500 and get home at 1700. I also have to go on weekends to makeup for holidays. I am going to have a 6 week beak beetween classes and will still have to pay a house payment during that time along with all my bills. I cant get a job that will cover the over $1700 of BAH I will loose in that short period of time . I would not hire someone that will only be able to work for just over a month. If I only had a few classes a week I could have a job but with my scheduale it dosent work so not getting paid for a break between classes will be hard.
Like you said mike BAh is a supplement not to pay for your bills definitely not got a freaking 1700 dollar mortgage! Take fewer classes and work on the weekends! Get a guard job or any other shift job! They will hire you part time for 20 hours week!
I joined the Marine Corps knowing that if I worked hard for four years and got an honorable discharge I could go to school and not have to worry about working through school(a major deciding factor in joining). I am not a smart person and school will be my full time job. Its not like I joined and then said, "Well, I think I only want an associates degree so let me get out after half of my contract." For everyone that say's work through school, obviously we have to now. My fiance had two jobs and was going to school full time and has a 4.0, so of course its possible. I still want to complain though. But for the post 9/11 GI bill to be used as a selling point by recruiters and then to be changed is very upsetting for me. I haven't been with my fiance for four years, those few months were gonna be some time together to travel and see family. After two deployments, a crying fiance, and a family that misses me….. look my mom, grandparents, sister, brother, dad, and my fiance in the eyes and say I did not earn nor do i deserve 1 week pay for spring break, 2 months pay for christmas, and 3 months pay for summer. School is covered, bah WAS covered. I'm not afraid of hard work, i do it every day. Actually i'm on duty right now with 12 other marines that agree. Its not in our control, but we feel robbed and that money WAS in our pockets.
grant you make my Marine Corps sound weak! First how did you go four years without seeing your fiancee! That’s impossible! I’ve been a grunt for six years and still get to see my wife every freaking year! You feel robbed… there are Marines dying for you to be able to get s education, which the original g.I bill was for. A G.I bill that ny great grandfather freaking used after WW II! The G.I bill should revert back to the original which provides no **** BAH for guys like you!
John,
Please just shut up….stop telling people to drop classes and work more hours. We’re focused on getting a college education and we don’t have to just accept whatever the government gives us and be thankful. I served my country and now I’m demanding what they promised. You sound like one of those people who bends over and takes whatever you get and says thank you sir…nope, my yes sir days are over…I earned the money, they promised it, now deliver it and shut up
Regardless of changes, we still have basic use of the funding. We can still go to school. Yes you may have to work, work more, or spread your already thinned funds even further to make ends meet. You people served your country and some of you engaged in combat. How, can you do the two above, and sit here and whine about changes? Embrace the suck people. It is what it is. Is it fair? Nope. Can you do anything about it? Nope. Just be glad they didn't cut funds all together as they threatened to do. Battle plan and make it happen. Good luck to all.
Does anone know about how long it takes for payment to reach the college? I am going to Ivy Tech and they have not sent any monies. I am still going but I hope this gets taken care of soon!
Hi, I just retired from the AF AT 60; I was in the AF in 1970 -74 I discharged started a auto restore and repair shop went back into the ANG till 1986 had put in 14 years 4 active and discharged.One day in 1999 my wife desides I should finish my 20 years ,so I go back in at 49 years old AND 9/11 kicks off ;so I am stuck in for a while on active duty so my shop gets put on the back burner, time passes so now 9/11 has everyone on the run including me; well now its 2004 no job just the AIR FORCE , so the Air Bridge still needs people to keep it running so I figure I am 55 so I will stay till the end.My problem is I am to old to get work to young to retire on $ 1200 a month, I can use the 9/11 Bill but can not live and go to school and try to find work because of the age thing .Even if I get a BA or what ever its not going help me much because I am on the down side and no one will tell you to your face but we all know whats up,I have filled out and applied for many many jobs. ANY THOUGHTS YOURS TRULY JOE SILVIA
Veterans aren't basing their complaints off of BAH, the stem of the cause is that as you who have serve may already realize; if they start to take one thing away, they'll keep taking and taking until it's gone. This is why people are upset, because they realize this is happening. It's a violation of the contract. Sorry if those who have served under different contracts and are ineligible for the current benefits. I wish there was more to protect you too. America needs to really stand up for their veterans and their military in general. American servicemen, servicewomen, and veterans embody everything that is sacred of our value system and how we wish to be presented to the world. I understand the argument that BAH is a benefit not a requirement; but so is the Montgomery G.I. Bill. It's a benefit of the enlistment and it was included in the contract of enlistment. Those who ARE receiving the BAH, understand that it will end and on that date, they should have earned a degree to be able to sustain that income.
F*CKING BULLSH*T. Make sure you get paid Senators and Congressman! Your necktie could pay my tuition. A**holes.
Hurts my family! I'm a single mom, retired from the Air Force and I changed my GI Bill to the post 9-11 bill because I new I could support my family and get my degree this way. Now, I am struggling to figure out what I will do during the break. That is at leas 1,000 dollars I will not receive for the month. What am I supposed to find a job for 3 weeks to make up the difference. What were they thinking. It's housing allowance. I still have to pay my rent…
Crap-ola! I still haven't received myentitlements from the old GI Bill! Ask me if I really care about the "new and not improved GI Bill! NOT! It's all a ruse!
If I read this blog correctly. "Eliminates housing stipend payments during break periods (spring break, summer semester, winter break, etc.). Effective Aug. 1, 2011."
No winter, or summer term payments. Even if I'm going to college full-time. That is BullSh*T. Yeah it is fixed. Fixed by the means of corruption. I hate congress more than ever. Congress is only concerned about the prevention of their income being cut; and clearly not about the service members dire need to succeed past their military service. Does anybody else feel like we are being thrown under the bus.
These new changes are making those of us who attend a college whose program only offers accelerated 8 week sessions to double up in order to receive all our house benefits. Even though I am a full time student taking 12 credits per semester the VA doesn't look at it that way anymore. If I want al my housing benefits now I have to take 24 credits. Those of you who have ever taken the accelerated 8 week courses knows that you have to do the same amount of work as a traditional 16 week class but in only 8 weeks. I was able to not have to work because I was getting the full housing before, and the work load with family was bad enough. Now I'm not so lucky. It's bad enough that I'm trying to juggle a full school schedule, family and home. This sucks and there's nothing I can do about it.
all of you so called Americans saying people is whinny and complaining need to get a life you people don't think about how much we all gave up while in the military think about all the bullshit you have to go through from the smallest shitty work details to people wives leaving them how many soldier do y'all know that the military broke up a happy home from moving your family around every other year the emotional effect it have on your kids and love one's you people don't think about the real important shit in life the military is a life changer and none of us really knew what we was getting into when we join up so I think more then a corrupt gi bill is in order congress gets paid hundreds of thousands dollars a year to fuck this country up and your not calling them whiners i can only speak for myself but I served in IOF, IOE and Afgan so I deserve to get what was promise to me and it shouldn't come with any short cuts because when i was shooting Iraqi's watching there guts spill all over. policing up dead bodies kicking down doors on raids getting hit by a IED's every other day my wife leaving me because I kept getting deployed me not seeing my kid go up one day she's a new born next time i see her she has teeth and don't even know me that shit hurts when u pick up your child and she starts crying because she doesn't know you and that's not even 1% of what i went through don't even get me started on how I seen my friends die so you dam right I want it all everything I'm entitled to so you people need to think about what a real soldier go through before you speak about us whiny about benefits because nothing will ever give me that family time back or my friends and to put the icing on the cake this war wasn't even for America or protecting it this war was for one man uncle fucking sam (bush) at the time