The latest version of the Post-9/11 GI Bill – GI Bill 2.0 – offers expanded benefits, especially for online students. Distant learners, as they are referred to by VA policy, were previously excluded from receiving the living (housing stipend) stipend unless they enrolled in at least one course per term in a classroom setting. Many veterans who desired to take 100 percent of their classes online were upset by this rule. Some took the obligatory single course in the classroom to get the stipend. Many chose not to enroll at all.
Starting next fall, Post-9/11 GI Bill eligible veterans will be able to get a monthly living stipend without having to take traditional classroom courses. The stipend for online students will be significantly different from the traditional classroom student version. Online students will get half of the national average stipend (average Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with Dependents). For example a full-time student who is taking 100 percent of his or her classes online will get $673.50 a month, while a full-time student taking at least one classroom course will get the full stipend rate based on the specific location of the school.
As a former online student, I can say that this is better than nothing. In fact, a school official told me that a large percentage of his students planned to drop their classroom courses and attend online only due to this change.
Of course nothing is without cost and legislation is no different. Congress is bound by a pay-as-you-go rule which means that the costs of any program like the Post-9/11 GI Bill 2.0 must be offset by new taxes or reductions in other areas. To help cover the cost of the GI Bill reforms, Congress chose to end the practice of paying benefits during school-breaks and changed the formula for the housing stipend payment rate.
Changes to Stipend Payment Formula – Veterans currently enrolled at a rate of better than half-time receive a full living stipend check. However, beginning October 1, 2011, the housing stipend will be prorated based on the student’s rate of pursuit. For example, a student enrolled at ¾ time will get ¾ of their living stipend – based on the location of their school. The new prorating factor applies to online students as well.
The reforms offer more veterans expanded options and opportunities to take vocational training, flight school, numerous certification exams, stipends for online learners, and the ability to tap into the VA’s OJT and Apprenticeship program.
Many of us who supported and pushed for GI Bill reform are disappointed that some vets will lose so others may gain. Which was exactly what the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs was trying to avoid.
Hopefully continued pressure from veterans will force the 112th Congress to continue forward on the ground work laid by the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs last year.
I'm a little confused.
Does the new prorated rate apply to students who attend half time or less? I thought so initially, but the examples are always for more than half time or 50% attendance.
Will I get any BAH if I attend half time or less.
No, I was told you must attend classes rather online or You must attend 50 % or more in order to recieve the BAH. This was my instruction from Salem Community College in Salem County, NJ It is NOT less than 50 % ,It is greater than 50 %.
SCC, my old stomping grounds :) Keep on pushing, my friend. Best Wishes.
Still serving,
Fort Hood, TX
A student needs to attend a minimum of 7 credits
You must still attend greater than half-time to receive the stipend. So if the school reports six units as half-time you must take seven to get the benefit.
THANKS, I thought the change would be positive. So far, it has been all bad news for me.
So hoping that those attending half-time would at least get prorated half of the bah. Oh well.
We can hope that that gets worked out as VA goes through the process of determining the final rule. I'll keep you posted.
Thanks,
But why am I not optimistic?
will we lose the 925 amonth to GO TO school or will we actually get both?
Will online students get back pay for the housing stipend or just what is going to start on October 2011?
Starts in October. No Retro.
Anything after August 2011 If you are attending classes in classroom instruction or I believe online instruction as well. If you attending either 50 % or greater You will eventually recieve BAH It may take four to six weeks and then on after this starts you recieve this BAH the first of every month .
I currently have 2 years left of benefits. My question is if I take 3/4 of full time and get paid for 3/4 will it stay as 2 years of benefits left or will they extend iit because I will be taking less classes and getting less money?
It is my understanding from the VA that you will be using only the credit time you attend. For instance, I am taking 7 credit hours a semester (which is 21 credit hour per year which leaves me with 15 credit hours in the bank per year up to fifteen years). My college runs on three semesters per year (full time rate 12 credit hours). So if I can normally finish college in 4 years with a BS (120 credit hours) at full time, It will take me 5.6 years at 21 credits per year to obtain my BS. What credit hours you don't use per year remains in your bank account.
Your remaining benefits will not extend. They will remain the same.
I know. I am sort of wondering that myself. Probably not though. I got out of the Navy 2/2005 and used the Montgomery GI Bill. I went to school at a college campus here in Jacksonville, Fl. I have obtained my A.S. degree on 4/2009 and am working on my B.S. in Health Administration, but I am taking online classes at University of Phoenix, because I have two kids and I work now and it is easier for me to take classes at home online. I didn't think it was right to not give everyone housing stipened, because when I first got out of the military and before going to an actual ground college. I took a couple of online classes and I still got my full amount of the GI Bill as long as I was a full time student. I think I use to get 1,100 dollars once a month.
The government always seeks ways to shortchange us… I remember when I was serving they were not willing to allow me to short change them at all, they were very good about making sure they could get everything out of me that they could….
I completely agree with you!! I always say to soldiers get all you can from the government because they will get all they can from you (including your life in some cases)! I think it's pathetic how they are cutting corners with us. We never know from day to day what is going to happen. I want to get the BAQ but I have two small kids and a husband serving in Iraq, so online classes work better for me. Living in Hawaii I'm giving up over $2000. BAQ to get my degree online.
If your husband is currently serving you Aren't giving up a thing. He's being paid for it. I don't see how any of this is short changing. This is by far better the the MGIB. It's too bad that people that take online classes think that they deserve BAH when they could easily work more than the full time classroom student. Who cares, this plan is great, and it's sure as heck better than the $30k I was getting when I enlisted.
"It's too bad that people that take online classes think that they deserve BAH when they could easily work more than the full time classroom student"
Obviously you have not taken classes online! I went to a brick and mortar college for 3 years. I have gone to 2 online universities for the last 3 years.
Online classes require more time and defiantly more effort than attending classes at a traditional school.
Actually, It will cost me $3419 to get an AA degree with a Fica of 526 being sued by William Scot for a Cash net loan on top of being retired disabled military with a total income of $20000 per annum and a tax rate of 21% due to being retired military. On Top of this I must live with my parents and be an unpaid Care giver for my sister who has ALS which my father who said constantly said that I am useless and the military ruined my life forever.
I currently graduated with a BS in Occupational Safety & Health (Dec. 2010). My husband and I both got out of the military in 2007. My husband got a job in Dallas, TX and we now live 20 miles north from his job. I’m starting my MS Degree in Occupational Safety & Health and going to the same college where I received my BS. That’s in Oklahoma, about an hour drive from where we live now in TX. I used to commute to there everyday when I was working on my BA. (The OS&H program is not offered in many other colleges, the one I go to in OK is the closest). Now, I’m a MS student and they offer ALL the graduate student courses online ONLY. So, in my case, I had no choice but to take my courses online and was NOT eligible for the BAH. I thought this was short changing me because whenever I was in college working on my BS and getting the Montgomery GI Bill, I was getting $1,515/mo (that’s with the $200 kicker I paid for while I was in the service). I’m glad that, starting this Fall, they’re at least going to give me 1/2 BAH when I’m taking courses online but I just don’t like how much they change the requirements of eligibility for education benefits. Period. I mean, we paid $$ for it and we’ve also fulfilled our service to them in active duty. I only ask for them to pay my way through school so I can get my education and get a great paying job. Come to think of it, that’s one of the main reasons why I signed up for the military! D’oh! ;)
Currently I attend DeVry University as a fulltime student. I take one course in a classroom setting, and I take one class on line every 8 weeks for session A and another set of online and classroom courses for session B in the next 8 weeks. According to the current setup for the post 9/11 GI Bill I receive the fulltime rate for the housing stipend. Does the new setup mean that I will receive a check for the online course, and a check for the classroom setting course?
No, nothing will change for you because you are attending full-time and attending a campus. Your semester is a term consisting of two 8 week sessions, so you could go to campus 1 class and take 1 online class for session A and then take 2 online classes for session B and still get the full time housing allowance.(That is just like someone taking 4 classes at a regular college for a semester, 3 online and then the 1 they take to get their housing allowance.)
Right the onlione stipend only applies to those taking 100% online.
That is not accurate. In an 8 week term scenario you have to take at least one class in a seat every 8 week term or you will not be eligible for the full stipend. The key is that the 8 week terms are separate not joined to form a standard 16 week term. This is how St Leo University and many other institutions utilizing an 8 week format operate.
It depends on each school and their definition of a term and what constitutes a full-time student. For example, there is a difference between undergraduate and graduate students. For the vast majority of undergraduate programs, 12 credit hours constitutes a full-time student, and a traditional term is 16 weeks (based on a standard academic semester). For graduate programs, it normally 6 credit hours in an academic semester that constitutes a full-time student. Therefore, taking one 3 credit course every 8-week term would count as full-time.
Graduate course are consider full time at 9 credit hours!
Confusion on terms, 8 weeks vs 16 weeks is not relevant. The term is simply: Spring — Jan 1 through June 30th
Fall — July 1 through Dec 31st.
I work at a University that works on 5 week sessions, 4 per semester for a TOTAL OF 12 CREDIT HRS per semester.
Most schools have a Yellow Ribbon Program to help veterans using post 9/11 offset any costs, if your scholl doesn't particpate in Yellow Ribbon consider changing to a school that does!
Basically what this means is that if you are using the Post 9/11 benefit, your tuition and fees will still be paid to DeVry directly. You can continue to receive the BAH (full-rate) by taking courses the way that you are. You can now take your courses completely online and receive 50% of the National Average of BAH. You will only get one payment based on your total status that your VA Certifying Official certifies you for.
did you actually ask this question? ever heard of double dipping? wow. I honestly can't believe you actually asked if you would get paid both ways. how about be happy that you are getting paid at all for not taking ALL classroom based courses.
I agree, this is a completely ignorant question. I understand that these Bills can be vague, but come on people.
how do you figure it is double dipping? i go to school fulltime online and i need funds to pay tuition and i still need to pay rent, i am 52 raising my infant grandaughter,because her mom has been committed to state hosp for mental illness, my husband disappeared so how do i take care of home and school fin needs if i dont get both i go in the hole for loans?
Does this help Surviving Spouses under chapter 35 in Dependents Educational Assistance?
No this screws you over! Chapter 35'ers get $2500 less per year because of this lousy change. Now you don't get paid through the break. This means for christmas and summer breaks you have to try and convince an employer to hire you for 5 weeks! good luck.
Yes Cheryl If you atending any classes after August 1st, You will eventually recieve BAH plus any allotment and if have any children you will get more income. They will entitled to this because their father passing for thier country. I strongly believe that those who died for thier Country ought to allow all dependents in including surviving spouses They made the ultimate sacrifice If the New GOP denies this, I feel that this country will die. Now a few GOP are backing out.
I have the post 9/11 and the chapter 35. I didn’t think I got BAH with the ch 35… is this because I took all online classes or am I confused? Also I got 70% of the 9/11 gi bill with my time in service so they paid 70% of my school and BAH… will that still apply? I’m trying to figure out which one is better for me to use.
didn't know you can use CH35 and the Post 911 at the same time.
U can’t. I’m trying to figure out which one is better to use.
Taking from those of us who attend school for reasons more than the housing stipend and compensating those who either don't have the time or are too lazy to attend school on campus. Hopefully too lazy is their excuse because in order to get the housing stipend one only needed to attend one class on campus and the rest could be online. Thanks for screwing everything up for those of us who attended online and on campus. They took my break pay away only to give it those who were looking to attend an online school in a very expensive place in hopes they would pay you $2500 BAH a month for that online private school in San Fransisco. Enjoy your housing stipend that is based on the national average which is roughly $650. Hope your college matches up with your current address and with that said I hope you are living in no-name southern Illinois or central Kentucky where rent is $600. Unbelievable!!!
OK so what you're saying is you're peeved because you were getting something for nothing and now that you're not so someone else can benefit. Good Job
I'm not sure if you are just really young or you don't know what you are talking about. Probably a little bit of both. I served my time and so did many other Vets. It's selfish and inconsiderate of you to say that YOU lost out on money. How dare you! You have just disrespected not only me, but every other active duty and Veteran that deserves everything that they get. What about the people that work full time job's that can not go to a campus for school, what about the people that have children that can not go to campus for school and what about all of the disabled veterans that can NOT go to school but can get their education online. I just really think that you are selfish and did not take time to think about other situations and things that go on in the REAL world.
AMEN!!!!
I am really excited about this change. I am a Veteran/Reservist, a DoD Civilian for my 9 to 5, have my daughter mor than half time, and as such have to take courses online to fit my schedule. With all of these things going on, online is the only way I can attend college. Now I will probably be able to move out of my mom's house, which I had to move back into when I got divorced. This stipend is not designed to line YOUR pockets with money RYAN. It is to help military members get an education and still be able to afford rent/mortgage. Please think before you post ignorant inconsiderate rants. To everyone else. Thanks for the support and information :)
Agreed!
I went to campus for Biomedical engineering and now want to work on my pmp online through a school located on the other side of the country…so you're saying I dont deserve benefits for my online school even though I can academically run circles around your sorry tail. What an idiot
That is hardly fair. You forget that there are many disabled vets who have difficulty traveling, I hardly think it is fair they only get HALF the entitlement of someone who only needs to take 1 sh on campus. Distant Education is a valid way to get an education, people work full time, or are disabled, or are parents. Life happens.
Additionally, you are not losing money because of DE vets, but due to the addition of Guards/Reserve beneficiaries. Again, I would not begrudge them either. If you served during combat, you earned it!
The changes cut me very hard too, but blaming the blameless is hardly helpful. Be reasonable, or else our complaints won't be heard.
How selfish of you. This isn’t all about you. There are numerous reasons why people cannot attend classes on campus. I think you are the lazy one for not wanting to work during your break or go full time to receive full allowance. I want you to tell my why I shoudn’t get the housing allowance since I work rotating shift work and would miss too many classes because of work to take classes on campus. What about those that live 50+ miles from a college or someone who cannot drive.
I don’t think it’s the fact that we dont want to work during the break. It is the fact that employers won’t hire me for the 4 weeks I have off for Christmas or spring break and then the last part of my summer. While taking 16-19hrs in a normal classroom I usually put more time in at school than a normal full time job. And therefore can’t work anyother jobs period. I’m not complaining or anything but not getting pay during the time off will really put a lot of people in a hardship especially me for where I live rent is 1600 a month not including the outragous utilities.
I work full time and attend online courses through DeVry full time and parent full time. Where in the world would I have time to attend on campus classes? Many Vets are in the same situation as I. You can't tell me that you can't get your tail up and out and land a part time job somewhere to help offset the cost. I assume you are probably either far east or west to be paying that kind of rent and utilities. I am sure that you can find something a little more reasonable or you may just have fine taste for living. You have every right to live well but not at the expense of bad mouthing other veterans because you miss out on a few weeks of pay a year! You are completely selfish in thinking like this. What about looking out for your fellow veterans? Semper Fi!
Move somewhere with cheaper rent if you dont like it
I have been attending online classes full time pursuing my doctoral degree at a prominent instituition for the last year. Yes, I am a SRNCO, and on active duty defending our nation and have done so for the last 26 years, I would hardly call me lazy…I plan on retiring soon and I feel blessed to be afforded with this housing stipend that I had planned on working partime to compensate for while still continuing my education.
I am not sure why you think everyone else is lazy when you are the one upset that you are loosing money during your break; that is lazy. I don't believe you should receive money during break. Why don't you get off your butt and work like the rest of the human race. Even those disabled are trying to work and do school. It is offensive for you to say that those that get education at home or other than at a university are lazy, a good majority of those people are working, have family, disabled, etc., etc.. You shouldn't sit and judge until you look at all the facts.
Ryan, I also have been taking one class per term on campus and two online and I also was a bit disappointed about the break pay being taken away. I am happy though that they are giving something to students who are doing their coursework completely online. I didn't learn until just last week – now that I have only two terms to go until I graduate, that at my school (Everest) and probably all of those that are campus based, that you are only allowed to take a certain number of clases online. If I had known this from the beginning, I'd have taken two on campus now and then so I wouldn't be faced with taking the last one I am allowed online this term along with two on campus. Not so bad to take the two this term, but now I am left with a remaining 4 that I have to take on campus next term. I'm saying this for the benefit of those who take that one class on campus to get the full stipend. Ask questions to the registrar at your school and know what you're up against from the beginning.
You are salty and sarcastic as hell. Ryan! And its not laziness what if the person is a single parent and need to listen to lecture at night when their children are asleep?? Not everyone is lazy some have legitamite reasons.
Ryan – don't be such a Hater! Why should you get baid while you are on break? Some people work full time and can't go to school so online is great for them. Quit yer snivelin!
Ryan, you're a moron.
If you're crying over the reduction, it would make a person think YOU are the one attending school for the money.
Not every college offers every degree. Not every veteran lives near a college, much less near one with the degree they are pursuing.
Calling them lazy is stupid, online classes, in general, require more work, organization, self-motivation, and even time than campus classes.
You are so right, I,m taking online classes right now because there are no more courses offered at my college that I need. Plus I took classroom courses for 2 years already and can't afford a baby sitter any more so it just worked out with online. Let me tell you online is way harder than in class, I,m always doing assignments.
Why can't you just be happy to be getting free education and free money? You complain because they do not pay you extra money while on break??? That is pathetic. I am a disabled veteran living in Germany, and quite frankly, there are no universities around me that offer classes I can use in English. Also, I need to get my degree faster. I currently take 12 credit hours per semester, 6 semesters a year…basically A LOT of school, and I have NO breaks in my school year. Call that lazy if you want, but in reality, the real service men and women here just see you for what you are: a whiney and greedy little boy.
I agree with your post except that you say this money is free. Anyone that served in the military earned every penny of their GI bill, imho.
Get a job on break and suck it up. The excuse that you have family or a full time job is a BS excuse for needing BAH. If you have a military background use it to find gainful employment. It doesn't matter when you work you can most definitely go to school on campus, even if it is part time. I work 16-18hours a day and I have a wife and two boys, but have no problems making it to school and spending time with them. This post 9/11 GIB is so now that if you think any of your excuses or claims to anything are relevant you are daft. The MGIB didn't pay a thing for housing and was prorated on the monthly basis for how many classes you took, and it didn't pay everything. So, act like a Vet, adapt and overcome and do what you can with what you have. Quit being weak.
Ryan – Get a life. Not everyone has the time to attend classes in person. Some of us work and travel for a living. I'm sorry that my method of supporting my family has inconvenienced you and your free money program. Guess you will have to learn to get by with less handouts like everyone else.
Moron…
lets not forget BAH is for housing, it was not intended to support you. if you live in central kentuck where rent is 600 your fifty dollats ahead!
some of us do take all online classes because we don't have the flexibility to take a course on campus, my school is 45 min away, I don't get off work during the week intime to make it to any classes that are offered. I am with Univeristy of Phoenix, and all but 3 of the classes for my degree aren't offered on campus, I have no choice but to take them online, so I should be denied the same benifits as you because I don't have the option to take the classes in the classroom?
I agree, my husband is with University of Phoenix & they just switched ALL of his classes to online. No choice, they did not have enough people enrolled in the classes to support the classroom. So at least this will help those of us in this boat! Mind you he paid his time & served 20 years & fought his health for the last 2 to complete his time!
Are you kidding me?? You seem to be a whiny little man, Ryan. You're getting a free education for the service you should be honored to have provided. Not everyone fits the cookie-cutter mold of a traditional student, yet they deserve the same opportunities that you have. So, tell me, why don't they deserve what you have? Get off your high-horse, have some humbleness about you and grow up!!!!
Well, some of us actually servered our country 24/7 and did not have time, like you, to spend wasting tax payers money claiming you were doing the same. I've meet plently of you skaters who join the military and spend 80% of your time doing what you want to do, 10% bad mouthing the military (pick a branch), and the other 10 faking like you joined to serve your country. You are one of those clowns who only joined the military to get the college money in the first place.
Well Said Marine!
Ryan, if this is your real name. I believe you have touched a nerve with everyone who has responded. So this is my take on your comment: I do believe I see your point by look at others taking advantage of what we all here as Veterans and Active Duty has strive so hard for. We all need the advantages of education; We all need the advantages of acquiring a suitable quality of life; We all need the advantages to seek out opportunities that will help our family and especially ourselves. Your focus should be more on what you are getting and not look at the decisions being made at the Senate level as a "someone is getting over" tool. I am fortunate to be a Retired Veteran, Working currently at the VA, and I attend school online. I thank God for just having a program like this in place, because brother, WE NEED THIS… and this is open to all VETS. I believe we will always see things with our Veterans Community in different spectrums. But one thing remains the same among us all, is that this is a benefit that should be taken advantage by all. We all served, so now lets enjoy what is being served to us.
Ryan, continue to fight the good fight, not a defeative one. Lets focus on the challenges ahead for all Veterans, because there are more in the works, and we all need to be ready to stand together to help maintain these benefits that have been given as an opportunity to become a successful citizen within our community. Thanks to everyone who responded, I appreciated reading your comments. So when the next move is made within Congress that presents a platform that does not support Veterans as a whole, speak up then and not later. Thank you …Be Blessed.
Its unbelievable that their are a**holes like yourself complaining. I go fulltime online becasue I have no schools within an hour of where I live and work that offer something besides criminal justice and nursing. Online school gives a lot more options not to mention the school is not a high end exspensive one and the BAH in rural areas in the South is nothing near $2500. So before you start complaining, stop being greedy and think about all the other people who served that will be positively affected by this change.
You do not know each individual's situation so you really need to check yourself. And the VA benefits are not just about you and how you may feel screwed. Have you ever gave some thought that not all schools in different cities offer every degree and some people can only take online courses that are offered in their educational degree plan.
I understand that you are upset. However, some such as myself drive a truck and have to take ALL of my classes on line. This helps me tremendously. As much as I like driving, I would like to be home with my family. Tks
What is right about you recieving a stipend because you go to a "bricks and mortar" school? I have a family, work full time (nights), and go to school online. Because I choose to feed my family and not incur additional transportation costs (besides driving when tired) I am scum (or lazy?) People who attend one class on-campus to get the stipend are playing the system. Unbelievable is your attitude.
I'm amazed that so many people on here disagree with Ryan. Maybe he didn't state his opinion as tactfully as he could have, but he does have a point. When I attended college previously, I was using the regular MGIB benefits and working full time. I still managed my course load of 12 units. This was a crappy situation and was done out of necessity. It left little time for a social life, but it was doable (Luckily I'll have the housing allowance when I start again after this deployment). I honestly don't see how people can't take the time to do one course at an actual school. If you can't attend an actual college because you're on Active Duty… You obviously don't have a very difficult MOS if you are taking online classes so I really don't feel sorry for you. On top of that, YOU ALREADY RECEIVE BAH, YOU DOUCHE! If you can't get a babysitter or have your husband/wife/parents/friends watch the kid for 1-2 nights a week, you are in a pretty crappy spot to be trying to go to college in the first place… You obviously made some poor life choices somewhere along the way so don't expect sympathy from me. People who live in an area so rural they don't even have a community college within commuting distance 1-2 days a week and are unwilling to move will probably be very competitive in their local job market with a GED (You really can't commit to college enough to move out of the sticks? Good luck on your Automotive Science degree!). Now you people have made me lose all sense of tact with your bitching and whining and excuses. I can't believe any of you were ever in the military. Bottom line is that you took away a larger benefit for a larger portion of veterans who are more committed to their educations because you're too damn lazy to go to one class. Congratulations, distance learners! You have officially been accepted into the Noble Order of the Blue Falcon!
Dedicated, you are completely wrong about distance learners being lazy. It takes A LOT of motivation to do online courses. If an individual is sliding through their online courses, either they are not attending a reputable school or they are gifted. I don't think you are being reasonable or fair and toward the end you just come across as preachy. Try online courses for one semester and then tell me that it is a lazy road.
Ahem, Southern Illinois is AWESOME. Please do not hate on Southern Illinois. They have vineyards, awesome hiking and great bars. Plus, the people aren't stuck up. Thank you very much.
Laziness has nothing to do with it for 99% of the people who do online courses. There are people who live near no universities in decent driving difference and for one reason or another can't move closer to one (spouse with steady job, sick family, etc).
Then even if you live near a good university or 2. Many career/education choices might not be available. I like in Pompano Florida, and wanted to do an IT degree in programming / game design. The nearest school that offers anything close to this is 3+ hour drive away.
And besides, "Taking from those who attend school" as you say. What a peculiar statement, since if you are not lazy, and enrolled as a full time student in a brick and mortar school, you lost zero money from this change, and stand to make +$600 or +1000 more a month then an online student simply because you're lucky enough to be close to a university that offers the education you want.
Frankly I think they should pay out more to students who opt to take online courses.
Do dependents that received transferred GI Bill benefits from an active duty service member receive the stipend if they are attending online only?
Spouses of Veterans and ALL Dependent Children get the same benefits as veterans (not limited to the "active-duty" restrictions). In the case of online (distance education), a dependent would get 50% of the housing stipend they would if they were enrolled in a classroom course.
I created a video and table that helps explain this. Note the video does not yet include the GI Bill 2.0 changes. http://www.military.com/education/content/gi-bill…
I just talked to a VA rep the other day and they are saying that dependents that were transferred benefits under Chapter 33 are not entitled to BAH if their spouse is Active Duty.
Spouses get what the member gets. If the member (GI Bill transferer) is on active duty then neither the spouse or the active-duty member get BAH. BUT, the child gets what a vet gets no matter what. If the spouse is married to a FORMER active-duty member (Called a VETERAN) then he or she gets what a vet gets I.E. BAH.
Again let me clarify – A child who gets GI Bill is treated like a veteran – NO MATTER what the parents duty status. Beleive me, I know this to be the absolute truth.
Here is the ultimate problem…money. When the post9/11gi bill first came out, it was almost a dream come true for those who have served post 9/11. The VA made this bill to be so enticing that no one would be able to turn it down. The va was right…everybody jumped straight into tis bill but without reading into the small print. The VA justifies limiting break pay AND lowering monthly benefits to those who are trying to attend school fulltime online or for reservists. You cannot switch back to your old chapter. What I find very interesting is that in the RAND report released it stated that productivity amongst veterans 200%. Theschools all get paid for each veteran that they certify,plus of course the school gets the tuition paid from th VA, and did everyone know that at the end of each year the VA pays institution a lump some of money for the total amount of students their school certified. The va and the schools see absolutely nothing wrong with changing ten new bill because it truly wouldn't effect them. Instead who would it effect and continue to effect?? Those who have fought for our country, those who have disabilities because we put ourselves in harms way for this country, those who have sacrificed everything in their life for the greater purpose in life. This is really sad what the va does to everybody. Keep your eye open for disability claims now being dropped without notice because of some new policys that have come out as well.final thought..this is all about what the va can save for now because they are going to start having to pay for health issues from all of the chemicals the marine times pick up which some of the particles included depleted uranium.
Yes, you are right on target. The schools make a ton of money from the Goverment. I heard it straight from one of them (University of Phoenix). For me to go there, under the new bill, the VA would pay 50% of my tuition, pay me 50% of the stipend (if in residence until new provision begins in August), and 50% of the once a year allowance. After all that, I would pay them my stipend, and allowance, and still pay out of pocket, per semester. However, the school would get extra money for me every semester and at the end of the year, just as you said. It is just SAD.
The schools dont get paid every semester!! they get what is called a reporting fee. a big ONE time payment of $7 for every student they process … once!! so if s school process 500 students thats $3500 per YEAR! schools are not paid by transaction its head count. so that $3500 a year does not even pay for one salary yet alone the overtime schools have to pay to process all the certiications. Funny you did not read the fine print … school dont make money for processing, they only get paid for you to attend school … which is YOUR benefit not the schools. as to the 50% forhopein site … thats your eligblity … if you atend ANY school you still have to pay out of pocket!
exactly, try to get a combat related compensation claim. My unit medics didnt file or upload medical records while in AFG so who suffers… US. Its just a way to keep from paying compensation when its deserved.
Well I was excited about the changes till I read I now have to take 4 courses to get all my BAH. THANKS VA for making this stupid changes. I think I liked it better when I only had to take 3. Besides the fact I only get 70% of the benefits so I'll have to pay another class of the 30% AND more books YAY!! Now just like changing to the post 9/11 from my REAP benefits why can't I deny changing to 2.0? So I continue to take 3 classes and still have time for my family cause I only have to take one in class and still get full BAH.
good point. It seems like they always want to make it more difficult than it should be.
four whole classes to get your BAH? Give me a break. When you signed up for the GI Bill there was no such thing as BAH after you got out of the service. Now you're getting extra and it's still not enough. Damn you people are whiners!
Ok so you think it's ok for them to give us something then we depend on it then they take it away that's ok??? Give me a break what changed in the last year or two that they can't keep that portion of it the same?
we should collectively seek a grandfather clause to allow us to stay at gibill 1.0
So what is the upside to GI Bill 2.0? So far I've not read what it was good for.
It's good for not making the country go broke, and not let some many of our unscrupulous brothers and sisters (you know who you are) from gaming the system. Like the retireee and his wife who did one hitch in the military years ago, who have BOTH (after all these years) decided to go back to college… to the tune of 4000 dollars a month. Oh yeah… they're both GS's as well. We ruined it by seeing it as a money making venture.
wrong, it doesnt save any money it just re directs it. takeing it from full time, in seat students, for the gap between semesters. giving it to part time,mor than 50%, online students.
I know several that have done just that……..served a short time, got out and years later go back to school (in their late 40's and 50"s) just to get the BAH and the education is paid for. No intentions of using that education either. The new bill may seem somewhat unfair but in reality it is making it possible for some to get an education that otherwise would not be able to due to the money. It is saving money by not WASTING it on those who are simply going for the extra BAH they would get. Some of you need to quit whining about being "in classroom students" Just because you have the time available to go to school during the hours they offer does not mean all do but that doesn't mean that those who only have the "free" time during wee hours of a morning deserve their education and benefits due them any less than you do.
Well I for one think that this is a good change, I love the school that I was in, and it was gettig harder for me to take classes with that school because the classes that I was needing to take were only offered at night, as a single parent that is hard for me. So now I can take all my classes online.
That and I recently had to move and the school that I was attending was not within 4 hours of me, so now I can finish up my degree with the same school. And still receive some of my BAH, some is better than none.
the govt always screws us over
The new Post 9/11 G I Bill is a joke! I enrolled to a Christian school and applied for the the benefits. The benefits (financial aid) were awarded, but with a disturbing cost. I received almost $1,700 and had to pay it back the following semester because the government said 1) my DD 214 didn't justify me receiving (ALTHOUGH I'm a Purple Heart recipient who served in Iraq) and 2) the amount was OVERPAID….SO, I DON'T WANT A THING THE GOVERNMENT HAS TO GIVE!!!! Of course, due to financial circumstances I could not immediately pay back the funds. Therefore, I became a collection on my credit which has furthered hampered me. So, this year I paid the money back in FULL and refuse to apply for this tainted benefit again.
The va deducted my stipend by 500 dollars for dec b/c my school ended 10 days before the end of the month,.so, I thought they were paying thru the winter break until aug,? What gives? I wouldnt have a,problem with the Va if they were held accountable , sending statements every month, my bah is randomly deducted all the time without explanation
You might see the back pay for the rest of the month when the scholl certifies you for the spring semester. I believe to get the "break pay" you need to be between semesters. So they need to see if you enroll for the next semester. I am in the same boat. Come October break pay goes away.
Kris, I had the same problem. it is not the VA, it is your school rep that screwed you by sitting on your certification paperwork. You only received a pro-rated amount because of this. you should call the VA Benefits line and talk to them about it, they can explain it further. I was fortunate that after speaking to them, they were able to process my paperwork (received on the 16 and was submitted by me to the rep on December 1st because they said I had to register first before they were allowed to submit it to the VA) Also if you are not currently on DD, you may want to do this, that way all payments get to you faster. 1 other thing the VA (not the school rep) will tell you, which I think is complete crap, is that the on campus rep can wait until the end of the semester to send in your certification, which means you will not get your BAH until they send in your certification
hey quit winning. during gulf war I there was no education benefits, it was all eye wash.
reason why. They dummed us down to improve retention. now were all paying dearly, out here in the civilian sector.
most of the guys are just getting by so learn up boys while you can…cause thats the game. dont mean your smart or dumb……just do it
No GI Bill for GW-I? Huh. I paid for my bachelor's with the old GI Bill, and I'm paying for part of my master's with the new one. The only benefits to which you're "entitled" are those you paid into, so quit whining. Sometimes I think we'd be better off without ANY vet benefits, the services would get far fewer of the "I'm just here for the college money" types…
gulf war was a joke that is why. Are you even considered war veterans? what did you do?
As a Viet Nam vet, I received no housing stipend at all. As I recall, I got about $130 per month total from my GI Bill. I gave my mother half of that for "room and board" while I lived at home and went to school full time. There was no online option. Those of you complaining about GI Bill 2.0 don't know how good you have it..
I agree. Us now a days do not know how easy things come about to benefit us. I think that some of the people who are b*tching on here are forgeting that this is a FREE RIDE. I had to pay back to VA becasue the overpaid me once. Tough shit! It wasn't my money to begin with. As for the guy complaining about his BAH being deducted: Since you said you didn't trust the gov't in the first place, hopefully you didn't accumulate any bills off of the money Uncle Sam was giving you because if you did, that would make you the idiot, not the gov't.
It didn't cost you $10000 a semester to attend schools nor did they have the internet. I love when the older generation tells me how good I have it when they don't take into account the inflation for todays cost when they compare the good old days to now.
I have been attending school on and off since I got out in 96. I had internet and online classes available. The VA would not pay for them so I racked up 20k in student loans, but they would pay for me to attend the local school that only gave teaching certificates or nursing courses. NO THANKS. Now I am actually getting to attend a real school online and they are paying for it. As a father of 5 the BAH does help but even attending full-time at the online school and one class a semester at the local school to satisfy this leaves no time for a real job to feed my 3 kids and take care of my family or spend time with them.
The older generations deserve more respect than what you have shown ya little whipper snapper.
It is good I love it even without the BAH …cause they are still paying $3678 per class for me to attend online classes.
Well there’s another problem with some of the online schools. Some of them have outragous prices for classes. Like the 3678 Yolanda has per class. That’s part of the problem with the VA comeing up with the money to pay for everyones school. Both traditional and online school charge outragous ammounts for school
I'm with you Rich. Right on. And thank you for your service brother.
Hey now! We have all made our fair share of sacrifices. Instead of giving the "I walked 3 miles in the snow to school" story. We as sibling in Arms should come together an not let the military, government, and whoever walk all over us and make our sacrifices worth while. I made a deal with Uncle Sam, I've held up my end now "he" should hold up his, by paying for my full ride to higher education.
Thanx for your service/ but most of us vets know how good we have it and or had it because of vets like yourself! The new Gi bill sucked/ and a lot of us went for it. Now they change it/ and we feel suckered even more! I'm not trying to live off the BAH that they promised when they first came out with it/ but some vets depend on it because the economy is very bad and there are not many jobs out there! I remember the stories i heard about when Vietnam vets came home and was treated like crap and had little to no opportunities once they came home and now so many of them are either homeless and or unemployed. We gave so much for the military and our country and it's sad that we get treated like low rate citizens after our sacrafices!
Amen Rich!! Very well said. I love how everyone is whining about not getting free money they think they deserve. Unreal.
Getting BAH to go to school is a great thing! It's a freebie! So be thankful for what you DO get and quit whining. You're supposed to be going to school to learn, not to get BAH.
Its not whining. West Point cadets and ROTC recruits have everything paid for. So why should it be any different for our enlisted service members? It's not a "freebie" when you are gone from your family for over a year to the "Sandbox" miss the whole first year of your daughters life and the Saturday night beer. Many Vets are homeless the government should take care of their own. Military service nowadays is on a volunteer basis. I joined purely for the educational benefits. I didn't want to be strapped with debt for an secured dream. FYI, the GiBill is paid for with Blood, Sweat, and Tears and I personally gave all that. Shame on all of you for stomping on someone hopes and dreams. Who are you to judge what someone needs.
How funney! boy do you have it correct! "i don't get this- I dont get that" poor me. service members have paid their $1200.00 and are DEAD now-and all the tears for your "lost money". how about you were over paid to start. grow up. the idea is to get a degree or a skill set and take care of yourself. so they give you a few buck to make it easyer on you, now they cut back a little and you cry ! i got an idea stage a protest-don't go to school- dont use your benfits and let them keep it all and you'll teach them. this is why America is and has been in adown turn. The mind set of its people. a real joke. I served. got out. used va bennies. converted 33. got cash. school at night raised kid. got cert. work full time. goen back for deg. extra cash helps. thats what its for. its not a hand out of EBT/foodstamp card. Act like the men and women you say you are.
The hardest part about receiving free money is when the free money is taken away. All of the GI Bills are designed to help us defray the cost of education to some degree. How much or how little depends on many factors.
Things I have seen….the first GI Bill was great, and then became less as time went on. It needed an uptick, which was given, but then that change also became eroded. The Post 911 GI Bills offer a variety of fixes, and some were on a golden platter and an incredible deal! As time is a teacher, these benefits will erode, and become less. HOWEVER, they are still benefits (free money with rules and strings attached).
What we do and how we use these benefits, or not, is up to us.
As far as ONLINE vs PHYSICAL CLASSROOM – there are benefits to both types of classrooms. People learn differently, and have different responsibilities that pull them in different ways. Whichever way an individual chooses to attend school is up to them (and sometimes the kids, spouse, responsibilities, commitments, job, etc).
The new bill is an attempt to make the benefits paid fair to all veterans who choose to attend school. The new bill is not a 100% OMG deal, but it is something to help all of those who gave.
Remember, if you are standing on a Texas sidewalk in July holding a Bomb-Pop complaining that you didn't get a Fudge-cicle, it won't be long before you're complaining that you didn't get either, and your standing in a mess that you created (Grandpa-WW 1 vet, 1970).
—Use it or Lose it — the Twitter version….
I don't know if you ever served my friend…but the things I "Earned" are not free!! you can ask the 50 Soldiers who gave their lives in a single month during OIF 1..Ask them how "free" the things that were promised to us as a "contract" are..
Stop using the word free..You have forgotten the true price.
Jay…I love your analogy with the ice cream! No matter what you give, someone complains. Many GIs and vets do not even utilize their benefits they have. Sad, but true. I don't say the gov't is perfect. Hell, these vets should be given a free house and free schooling. Esp. those who actually fought in a war zone and/or were wounded. But, as with many in this country, education is an option, not a necessity.
There are many hard working adults struggling to finish their education, raise a family and work. The online option is really a blessing to them. Whether it is half or something, it helps. I commend all of you for going to school to further your careers. Keep up the good work and thank you and your families for the sacrifices you have made for this country.
An online advisor.
I use my Montgomery GI Bill and didn't even know anything about a housing stipend for post 9/11 until I started attending the school I am in now. Hell, I thought it was a friggin' bonus…a perk….not really an entitlement. The only thing I feel like I'm "entitled" to is my Montgomery GI Bill…that I paid into to get way back when I went to boot. I intend to use my Post 9/11 after I go through my Montgomery and I think any housing stipend is awesome. I figure if you don't like it then don't use it. I'm grateful to have any assistance at all to help cover the cost of my education – not my living expenses. Assistance to help with living expenses is, as a said – in my way of thinking, a bonus. I don't think it is fair to call all people who attend class online lazy (I take traditional classes by the way) because physically going to class may not be something they can do – kids, a job, etc.
I'm sorry that some people got "screwed" but I don't think anyone should be ungrateful for any amount of assistance they receive…especially in this day and age.
Remember, when your MGIB is used up, one can utilize Post 9/11 for up to 1 year only. Unfortunatley, the online BAH stipend does not take effect until OCT2011 with no back pay.
Well said I'm grateful for the education and can't wait for the BAH too!! Thank GOD!!
Sorry to tell you there Molly B. But you will not be able to "go through" the Montgomery GI Bill then use The Post 9/11. Go to your school counsler and they can explain it to your retarded ass. You are only eligible for Post 9-11, if you 1. Served for at least 90 days active duty after 9-11 2. If you decide to switch to or "trash" the Montgomery GI for the Post 9-11 and 3. Once you have made the switch you can not revert back to the Montgomery. So, in closing, if you keep "using up" your benefits with the Montgomery GI Bill, you will NOT be able to take advantage of the housing stipend by switching to the post 9/11. Before your benefits run out, you should consider all the options with someone who knows the in's and out's of both or you will never be able to recive the maximum amount of money for your efforts in defending the country from all enemies forgin and domestic.
Corporal "D – Block"
1/5 USMC
Iraq Combat Veteran
"Make Peace, Or Die"
It's always easy to find the Marines. They're the smartest, most straight forward, and honorable. Marines accept what they get and make the most of it. They don't cry about bs like college money. The real benefits are financial at all they are the experiences that make you a better person and that's what makes you successful. It's funny how Marines can land jobs anywhere anyhow because of that experience and nothing more. Maybe you whiners should've taken classes while you were serving. Of course you whiners all joined branches promising college to get you to join and yet they didn't let you or you chose not to do it. Crazy thing is that the Marines never say join for college yet the Marines have more enlisted personnel with bachelor's degree than any other branch and they are by far the smallest. Wise up whiners and make the most of what you have and be glad you have anything. Let's not forget the vets who served prior to NAM and got nothing of the sort and yet they had to fight real wars not just thugs on the streets. Semper Fi Corporal.
Wow!! Retarded ass is a little harsh, no? You're pretty much a jerk. Typical.
You might want to look into it.. I could be wrong, I don't think you can use both, the Montgomery GI bill completely and then get the 9/11 G.I. bill. You can use TAP (Tuition Assistants Program) while you are still serving, and then you the GI or the 9/11 G.I I don't know just do your research and ask before you set any plans in motion.
I have yet to receive ANY assistance for online or campus classes… so power to you…
Well, at least the VA is finally recognizing that technology is in the forefront and not going away. I have been through two audit due to the internet and accelerated classes not counting for the right kind of credits.
Be careful not to enroll in an accelerated 8 week course thinking that it will count for those full semester credits. You HAVE to be enrolled for the full amount of the semester from start to finish.
Willard, help me out..I am taking accelerated classes online from Bellevue in Nebraska…i currently reside in MD…please explain to me what u r talking about..u got me scared.
I know I am finding it harder and harder in my school to even get the option for classroom classes as I get closer to my graduation. Everything is moving to online. I don't see what the difference is. You still have to do the work, study, pass the tests and take the class, regarless where it is taken or what time.
I had the same problem infact they take your stipend for what ever amount you owe each month until it is paid in full. i really do not see what your fussing about. I did not receive a solid deposit until 6 months after receiving the benefit.
What about Voc Rehab? Are they allowing online stipend for vets going to school or is Voc Rehab not a part of this plan. They pay $554 a month full time now. Well it be a change since disababled vets can beneift from doing online classes. A school like Everest would be an option..
voc rehap is a different program, and different funding. so do you get that extra, and the class paid for?
Nope, Ch 31 is Voc ReHab. To get it, you gave up all right to any other chapter of the MGIB. And about Everest? What the he|| did you just say? What did they tell you? They have no special powers. Your fate lies with your counselor.
Does this apply to dependent under chapter 35?
Negative, Ch 33 has nothing to do with Ch 35… You got what you got, and that's it.
Are they going to back pay the people who are already using the Post 911/GI BILL for taking online courses.
I hope so!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lol wow, another question that I can't believe someone asked. think about who you are talking about before you look foolish for asking such a question in an open forum. Rule #1, they are FAST to take money back and SLOW to give it to you.
Sorry
Wow, I can't believe all the complaining here! Whether you served 2, 10, 20, or more years, you deserve to be taken care of, that is no question. Asking for double stipends, saying you are now losing money, etc. this is all just amazing! Was part of the junk VEAP program, took money out long before retiring, got "messed over" for the MGIB, and still am on this P9-11GIB. I served honorably for 20 plus years. I have a 90% VA compensated disability rating. I was in for 324 days post 9-11, so am only eligible for 50% of the benefit! Before anyone says anything, YES, I know I could go to VOC-REHAB, but that is only IF they would do anything. I took the assesment when I retired in 2002 and they told me I was employable, therefore NOT eligible for it.
If you were discharged with the disability rating, then you are entitled to 100% automatically!
I hear that. I'm 41. Served before and Post 9/11. I had the choice to keep the original Ch.30 GI Bill, or switch to post 9/11. I kept the original GI Bill. I didn't expect to be treated like a nuisance. Then to have such a limit as to what classes I could take. I took pre algebra in H.S., 1987. 23 yrs. ago. I took a placement test. It says I qualify for Algebra. Therefor I can't take anything lower than that and have it count towards my status as far as full/half, etc. goes. Yet, the class , if I pay and take it, does effect my GPA. Therefor can do harm. So it can't help to learn, but it can cause me to lose benefits if I do poorly in the class, bringing my overall GPA below 2.0
The new changes to Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill are a baby step in the right direction. However, it is still discriminatory in nature. When serving on Active Duty many service members are guided towards online degree programs because of their flexibility and ease of access regardless of where they may find themselves stationed. One of the major reasons was to minimize the need to have to enroll, withdraw, switch schools, etc whenever they were transfered to a new duty station. Distance Learning – particularly from a Regionally Accredited College or University is the only option for some veterans due to disability, etc. Why should they be penalized for wanting to earn their college degree from an online program? As long as the school is accredited – regionally – why should the VA care how I chose toget my education!!!
I'm a combat veteran who actually was in combat "11b1p" I'm using my post 911 gi bill. To pay for my education. However I turned down the bah. Mainly because I have a JOB. I work full-time plus attend school full-time. Be happy to have your higher education paid for. If you ask me no one should get BAH for attending school. That money should go to the veterans who really need it. I know too many people who can work but chooses not to because the government pays for them to go too school. It's sad to see that we actually have this many lazy weak people in are country
A person who goes to school full time is hardly being lazy. Turning down money you're qualified to receive isn't un-lazy, it's un-smart.
I commend you on your ability to work full-time and attend school full-time. However, there are those veterans who cannot do both, or even have the opportunity to be gainfully employed and going to school full-time and receiving the BAH allows them to do so. I do not think that it is a matter of being lazy. My son is an OEF/OIF veteran who is disabled due to his service. He is going to school full-time. Since he was in the Guard for his deployment, he only receives 60% of the 9/11 benefit. The housing allowance that he receives allows him to be a resident student at his college, without which he would have to be a commuter and work, which would not work for him at this point in time. He needs to focus on his education and the BAH allows him to do so. Does this make him lazy?
You're full of chit. BAH is intended for exactly that you jerk. Basic Allowance for Housing. It's not BAS or BAE Basic Allowance for School or Education. It's money for Housing. It is a supplement in addition to what ever else you are doing to earn .
OK so I understand everyone is mad about break pay going away, I'm not very happy myself. However, those of you who are complaining about now having to take 4 classes instead of 3… you have to be kidding me. You sound like the ONLY reason your going to school is to get the $$. Im currently taking 18 credit hours and I plan to take 6 more during the summer on my own dime. And I have a mortgage and a family so dont tell me how you have a "different situation". Sounds to me like your all trying to get more money for less effort.
Hell yeah Daren. All I hear is how little can I do to get full benefits. I'm in 5 classes, 17 units. My biggest concern is the assessment level tests, and how they can force the wrong courses on an individual.
Completed about half my BA degree over nine years of active duty using TA.
Finished the BA at a great school in a year and a half after getting out.
Preparing to get my MBA at a top 25 B-School with my remaining bennies.
Total cost to me = $0
I can't complain.
Back pay? Good luck, they will probably tell you the same thing as when they admit that they need to increase your disability benefits. Just take what you can get and be happy.
I only hope they do allow the dependents and widows to receive the benefits.
Does this new online stipend apply to active duty currently using the 9/11 GI Bill? If you are already enrolled and receiving benefits, would you now start to receive the housing stipend as well as an online student? Would you get backpay? If so, how would you receive these benefits?
The new Gi bill sucked/ and a lot of us went for it. Now they change it/ and we feel suckered even more! I'm not trying to live off the BAH that they promised when they first came out with it/ but some vets depend on it because the economy is very bad and there are not many jobs out there! I remember the stories i heard about when Vietnam vets came home and was treated like crap and had little to no opportunities once they came home and now so many of them are either homeless and or unemployed. We gave so much for the military and our country and it's sad that we get treated like low rate citizens after our sacrafices! I'm a black man who voted for Obama for change(JOBS) and i don't see it/ and i will not vote for him again! He worked on everything else but JOBS! It cost over a million dollars a year to keep one soldier in Afghanistan and Iraq/ Obama would rather spend that kind of money on endless wars and death rather the american people and vets! I did not vote for him because i'm black and so is he/ I voted for him because i believed in change like he said and i have yet to see it on the issues of JOBS and the hard working civilians and military vets and our families!
Tim, you got your change. It used to be dollars in your pocket, now it is juts change :)
the joke told when oboma was running turn out to be true. "instead of hope,and change; it's hope you have change.
I understand the complaining and whining as some say! If they had never came out with the post 9/11 gi bill/ there would not be a forum for it! It's not about the bah as so many of you think. It's about vets not having jobs/because there is not that many out there/ Most are/ and have depended
on the bah(post 9/11) to sustain them and their families as they pursue their education. I have been out for almost 2 years now and I cannot find a job! My wife is an SSG and i am basically depending on her now/ NOT GOOD! I'm going back in( Active Army)/not because i love it/ but because i love my wife and family that i must sacrafice another 3 years to help my wife and family! There's no jobs out there folks unless Walmart and Burgerking is what you want! I gave too much for this country to settle for less! I'd rather keep sacraficing for my country and know i am taken care of than to hope Walmart or a fast food joint will help me take of my family!
I am really disturbed by this because of the fact that I do not have anymore POST 9/11 and I had no choice at the time to take online classes and I didn't get no money at all. This is fustrating, because when the POST 9/11 first came out, they gave us money because they took forever to get out the money when they were suppose to, and I owe them money..this is so messed up, well since i didn't get my online BAH during the time before the new version came out, I really hope that I will be compensated for that.
how much college did you get done with your TA when on activity duty??? sounds like you might be a victim to not using your active duty time then too I assume. Bottom line, if you wanted an education you would have taken advantage of your benefits while you had them….I am tired of hearing the pity party stories. I was a single parent on activity and did one course at a time, and left the military with a masters degree. Opportunity knocked and you didn't answer the door…. not a military problem – it is a you problem
if you are a responsible person, you plan out your future based on the resources that you have and the timeframe available. if you plan to get x amount of dollars per month for x number of months, you plan out how that money will be used and how you will compensate for the difference of the amount you are "given." people already enrolled have, for the most part, based their college career financial budget on the current BAH. I think it's good giving more people money (allowing online students to get some BAH too) and I don't have a problem spreading the wealth instead of adding to the bottom line (i.e making it harder to get 100% BAH if you are not full time) the problem I have is they took it from us who made our budgets based on the rules when we started. and though. they needed to grandfather people already enrolled: we have based our education and budgets on a set amount and it's not like we can add time to the day to take more classes and it's not like there are plenty of jobs to get to make up some extra cash…
It is crazy, the sense of entitlement that has become a rampant part of today's society. Frankly it is sickening. We all served and you had the option to take classes while enlisted without tapping into either GI bill. Yes there are deployments bad schedule's etc… but as a father of three (one of which is special needs due to a recently discovered genetic disease), and a shift worker, I can plainly say make excuses or get results. I have knocked out my BS and am near completing my MS. I had to tap into my MGIB for the MS due to the expense and am still coming out of pocket for tuition and books, BUT the few hundred dollars a quarter is far cheaper than what I would otherwise pay for.
I went to college full time before joining (as enlisted), had to work three jobs to pay rent, tuition and books, any complaint about money given to a student is a worthless one. The only reason I hold any of you in a higher regard than all those people collecting wellfare is 1)you served your country 2) you are trying to better our situation through education. Don't belittle yourself with the complaints similar to those who are happy collecting unemployment and blaming all their woes on the gov't. Finish you degree and get back to work making real money.
And hey even if things aren't all fuzzy and warm, don't forget the fact that you have made due in worse situations and have taken the responsibility of a nation as your own when others would stand idle.
The VA gets screwed by schools like the University of Phoenix, Kaplain, and Everest. They overcharge and a lot of the time you can’t transfer. The VA might need to look at those type of school and ban them. Real colleges offer online courses. In in the University of Maryland system. Umuc is great and to me the best school for military. I was told by a u of phx worker and a rep from ccbc rep those other schools prey on military. Just in case Ryan jumps on me I do drive to campus too at college park md 2 hr round trip.
Mike colleges are money making institutions and some sign articulation agreements with colleges to accept transfer credits….. I agree, that the VA should take a stand. Ia m tired of seeing military members having to take english 101 3 different times as they transfer locations in their career
You ever heard of SOC? How about SOCAD, SOCNAV, SOCMAR, etc…? Look it up. You have to pick your schools with a little bit of wisdom to get the best out of your transfer credits…
Transfer credits
I hate the GI Bill 2.0. All of my schooling before was paid for, now I have to pay for it because Obama doesn't like "for-profit" schools.
When most of you signed up for the GI Bill, there was no such thing as BAH for attending school. And now – you whine because it's not enough… The VA shouldn't have to pay you for your rent after you got out of the military. If you wanted BAH – you should have stayed in. It's embarrassing to read some of these comments…Gimme gimme gimme
Everyone has a sob story…me, me, me. me, gimme gimme gimme…Jeez, enough already
Couldn't have said it better myself. That welfare mentality is alive and well isn't it?
BUT we did sign up for the GI Bill that we irreversible changed based on the conditions of the post 9/11 bill 1.0. The choice to keep the original bill vs the new bill was taken away. Regardless, there are plenty of people who have signed up based on the original post 9/11 bill. Should they not have say too? What would happen to soldiers when they decide not to honor their contractual obligations? The fight between the system and soldiers have always been severely one sided.
This is not the welfare mentality. Enough with the suck it up and drive on bull shit. Take responsibility when you send these men and women into emotionally and physically dangerous situations. They risk their lives. Businesses consider labor when accounting for expenses. The US Congress should consider the lives and welfare of those they send to war. Post care for a soldier should be considered as part of the cost of war. Consider that before they vote yes next time.
It sickens me when people complain about soldiers' complaints.
They, we, are only asking for a promise to be honored. How much do you think you life is worth?
Roake… Post care for the injured is expected, and given most of the time. However, unlike you, it sickens me when veterans expect something they were never entiled to and complain about it!
You're just out there man… and part of the problem!
mrmnikon, I couldn't have said it better!
Pay Go…get used to it…it is called being something we have not been in a longggg time – fiscally responsible. There is a pot of money for a program…decide where you want the money to go, you don't get any more, you have to balance what you want with what money you have…like a check book. If you want to "pay" more money to one thing, the money must "go" from another thing. read a question….will they back pay who took classes on online? my response – sure, go to the people sitting in class and ask them to give you some of their money!
Well guys I am just grateful to have been able to go to college, I now earned an Associates degree and a minor in Business, and I am still pursuing my Bachelor's degree.I used my GI Bill and did not receive any stipend for 2 years.I am also unemployed and have been looking for work for 2 years. Numerous applications and resume's and still looking, with 2 kids to take care of. So I would say that I really appreciate the fact that I can attend school weather its in classroom setting or online which I do both when I can, but daycare is very expensive and now I cannot afford it. I know from a sergeant at my school, he gets the post 9/11 but they only pay 50 % of his classes and books but the stipend he gets goes into the rest of the course fees. So basically we are not getting free money but an education. Just as freedom don't come free, your education is not free. Work hard at your classes, get that degree and maybe some day we will get hired!!! Hooaah!!!
This is the BIGGEST rip off of veterans. This is the main reason why the rule was set that once you start the Post 9/11 GI Bill that you could not go back to Chapter 30. They are taking advantage of veterans and not fully explaining the requirements. I started this program in October and have yet to receive my housing stipend. They tell you just one class per semester and the remaining can be taken online but that not true. One you have not been in a classroom environment for over 30 days, the stipend ends. That's BS! Now you are forced to take more than one class per semester in a classroom setting. This is their way of not paying veterans by sending a smoke cloud over what is really the main issue. To all who haven't switched…DON"T!
Getting paid housing money to go to school is a big rip off?? Not getting paid free money to NOT go to school is a big rip off??
Are you kidding me?? Wow…
Going to college is not supposed to be a "money making" proposition.
It seems to me that there is no way everyone would be happy with any changes that are made. I do feel that the housing should be prorated, but it should also be prorated to whatever percent you are attending (i.e. 25% enrolled you get 25% housing). I also feel that retirees (who qualify for 100% of the GI bill) should be allowed to pass their tuition on to their dependents. I also feel that any child dependent (be it active duty or not) should not be eligible to receive the housing stipend. I am retire AF of 21 years service and have a child attending full time and barely making it, while I know of other active dependent children using their sponsors eligibility to attend full time and draw the full housing stipend but are living with family members and pocketing the stipend or it’s going to the sponsor. In the short of it be glad you are getting what you are. Think about it…what would you be doing if you did have this bill?
It’s great that the online classes are now covered but I think that they should be covered at the same rate as taking a class at the college. Online classes only have the convience of being able to learn at home. However, these online classes demand way more than a traditional college class. Plus they cost the same. Some disabled veterans don’t have the ability to get in a car and drive to their school.
Does this include dependent children attending full time college of a three time Vietnam vet?
I love these comments.."As a former online student, I can say that this is better than nothing". Of course nothing is without cost and legislation is no different. Congress is bound by a pay-as-you-go rule which means that the costs of any program like the Post-9/11 GI Bill 2.0 must be offset by new taxes or reductions in other areas. WHAT A LOAD OF SHIT… To help cover the cost of the GI Bill reforms, Congress chose to end the practice of paying benefits during school-breaks and changed the formula for the housing stipend payment rate. What a load of BS!!!!!!! Somehow we (Veterans should be settling for what we earned?? and when it comes to caring for Vets now we are worried about the " pay-as-you-go rule"??? If you just cut some of the ridiculous defense programs it would be more than enough to" pay as we go for vets". But what do you expect..? Vets are always hero’s when the war drums are beating as soon as they are quiet the strip these same Men and women with the excuse of fiscal responsibilities…lol Another American classic…WE DO AND AWLAYS WILL COMMIT THE SINS OF OUR FATHERS.
Why are so many people calling the GI Bill money free? When I enlisted it was part of my contract, I kept up my end of the deal. I'm not complaining about any of the GI Bill variations, they have all worked out for me. Calling the GI Bill money free is insulting to a lot of veterans in my opinion.
Thank you sir.
It boggles the mind that people think soldiers are asking for hand-me-outs when money for school is heavily advertised as an incentive to complete a term in the military.
COL KFC, you're right. It was part of the payment for my services. Plus, I paid $100 a mo. for 12 months. All of the post 9/11 GI Bill recipients, you had a choice to keep the CH.30 GI Bill. Attention to detail, the first lesson I learned. Maybe it's an Infantry thing. It's a good trait to have.
@ Thede
" if you plan to get x amount of dollars per month for x number of months, you plan out how that money will be used and how you will compensate for the difference of the amount you are "given." people already enrolled have, for the most part, based their college career financial budget on the current BAH… The problem I have is they took it from us who made our budgets based on the rules when we started. and though. they needed to grandfather people already enrolled: we have based our education and budgets on a set amount and it's not like we can add time to the day to take more classes and it's not like there are plenty of jobs to get to make up some extra cash… "
You state this so clearly… I recently got out and made this decision based on all the planning classes they gave us as well as the numerous stand-downs which they hammered in your head to plan your budget very carefully! I heeded the advice and counted this POST 911 bill into my spreadsheet.. I remember signing a contract for the Mongomery Gi Bill. and I believe I had to sign some paperwork to switch it over to 911.. Don't I have any protection with these"CONTRACTS"?
about time somebody think about us!
ret. ssg rodriguez
tampa,fl
stop complaining if the dream is big enough the facts dont count
For those who are complaining that the goverment screwed them up. Why don't you just pay for everything yourself and not except the help they are offering. I never knew there were so many ungrateful people. Any help is better than nothing at all.
Many people only joined the Army for the GI Bill. It is apart of the contract. You must know nothing about the military. You don’t know what we go through just to be able to make it to college. Don’t call us ungrateful because we do everything for our country. What do you do? Talk **** about soldiers. You disgust me.
I work at a large university (2nd largest in the country) and do you know how many veterans I see enroll, get nothing but F's, and collect the stipend until they get kicked out, and then move on to another school and do the same thing, over and over again? I'd say a third of them do this. Really? No, REALLY!
About another third of them try, but fail and drop out because they're basically good people that truly are not college material. College just wasn’t for them.
The final third consists of our country’s best men and women; those that truly have earned and deserve the right to an education because they have served our country faithfully, have the ability to succeed, pay their bills, and are not leaches. I respect and salute these veterans with pride!
In any case, whichever of the one third (according to me) you fall into, quit your bitching! The GI Bill was never designed to pay your house payment. Our civilian lawmakers just bastardized it for political reasons.
Try serving in the early 80s like I did and see what you got… VEAP… No sympathy here!
This is not the welfare mentality. Enough with the suck it up and drive on bull ****. Take responsibility when you send these men and women into emotionally and physically dangerous situations. They risk their lives. Businesses consider labor when accounting for expenses. The US Congress should consider the lives and welfare of those they send to war. Post care for a soldier should be considered as part of the cost of war, NOT an after thought. Consider what they spend on ammo vs. soldier care.
It sickens me when people complain about soldiers' complaints.
They, we, are only asking for a promise to be honored. How much do you think your life is worth?
If you're complaining about losing th free money from the GI Bill, hush up and look for other ways to help cover the costs. The GI Bill was never intended to cover 100% of all costs related to getting a degree, but to defray the costs. If you want a 100% free degree, guess what, you'll have to work for it! Having recently left the military to pursue other interests in Corporate America, I can also say that what I am seeing people complain about is the fact that you have to work to acheive greatness. Probably the reason some of you left the military in the first place, you had to work. Quit complaining, be greatful for the many ways Our Nation continues to thank you for your service.
Does anyone know if this applies only to those using the post 9/11 gi bill or is it also for those under the regular GI bill as well? From my understanding I was not allowed to use the post 9/11 benefits because I was a full time online, so just need a little clarification.
Talk about stupid.Take away the benefit of people who actually use it for rent (at least partially) to offer the benefit to people who are doing online or local area schooling. So if you actually need and use the benefit of Housing Stipend, you are penalized so the person who goes to school at home can stop crying about not getting a Housing Stipend?!
Absolutely right! Online students do not live in houses like the rest of us! What do they need rent money for ?!?!?!
All service members. We served and earned our education benefits. it amazes me that the DOD would pay less benefits to those who prefer to go to college online. ***, I wonder where the money will go to that we don’t get for online courses? bottom line up front. Who wants to travel to a college campus, fight traffic, look for a parking space, put up with late and boring professors just to receive the Dollars that we earned for our Education. I know, it is redistribution of wealth and it is now part of the Military society.
Distance Education is the wave of the future. The Military is one of the slowest to move with the times. I got my AS traditionally (sitdown classes) When we moved because my husband is Active and I'm reserve. I could no longer commit to a sit down school. I had to weigh my options wait until we returned stateside 3 years or do online. I've been doing online for over two years. It takes a lot of discipline but the only practical thing for a frequently moving service member and family.
I don't understand the mindset. If you are going to school for free and given $600+ a month in housing to sit at home and do work on the computer, how do you feel you have the right to complain about not getting more. There is no sacrafice in driving to school or getting a babysitter for kids or anything that costs you more. Take the money and stop complaining that a person who goes to a classroom everyday shouldn't make more.
We may not have to pay for gas or baby sitters but the bills are all the same. I got out of the Marine Corps in Dec of 09 because I had a messed up surgery. I have a **** paying job because I didn’t get a chance to finish my 4 years. So my entire paycheck goes to paying essential bills and it doesn’t cover enough for even an apartment bill. I live with my girlfriends parents because I don’t make enough. To get an apartment where I don’t have to worry about getting shot is at least $1000 a month. So $600 isn’t going to cover that if I don’t have anything left over from work. And anyone who reads this saying I don’t work hard enough? I’m a full time worker, and full time student, plus I’m disabled. so don’t give me this **** about people on online classes should get less. I put as much time as a classroom student does, I just don’t like classrooms. This is all a load a ****, when you people are saying suck it up but if you are in the other side would say the same we are.
Hey now! We have all made our fair share of sacrifices. Instead of giving the "I walked 3 miles in the snow to school" story. We as sibling in Arms should come together and not let the military, government, and whomever walk all over us and make our sacrifices worthwhile. I made a deal with Uncle Sam, I've held up my end now "he" should hold up his, by paying for my full ride to higher education. It’s not whining. West Point cadets and ROTC recruits have everything paid for. So why should it be any different for our enlisted service members? It's not a "freebie" when you are gone from your family for over a year to the "Sandbox" miss the whole first year of your daughter’s life and the Saturday night beer. Many Vets are homeless the government should take care of their own. Military service nowadays is on a volunteer basis. I joined purely for the educational benefits. I didn't want to be strapped with debt for an unsecured dream. FYI, the GiBill is paid for with Blood, Sweat, and Tears and I personally gave all that. Shame on all of you for stomping on someone’s hopes and dreams (have a better life). Who are you to judge what someone needs?
Be thankful for recieving any aid and money for your education. If we didn't have any GI Bill , Alot of us would not be in school or would be picking different, cheaper types of education to get into. Don't ever think you are OWED anything. Hold yourself accountable, buck up and say Thank you to all of those taxpayers and others out there who are trying to help us. It can never be perfect for everyone. Nothing is perfect, but the money helps.
I qualify for the 9/11 and the Post 9/11 and I am also entitled to the Navy college fund..how do I go about getting started?
There is plenty of people that work full time and go to school full time and I am actually going to be that person in the fall and when I was in school I was working on campus and taking 18 credits and received all A's and B's. I am pretty young myself but I can not believe how selfish my generation has gotten and to complain about them loosing some money to the people that are only able to go to school online. My father was in the military for 21 years and my husband is also in the military and I am very thankful that they have made these tution assitance and GI Bills available to dependents and spouses but I honestly believe that the soliders are the only ones that really deserve to have these things. They are the ones that have fought and are still fighting over seas so YOU BRATS have a right to even complain about losing money that you should be WORKING and SAVING money in order to pay for school.
STOP ASKING FOR BACK PAY. Yes it would be nice but man this money has to come from some where. I am so sick that people are aksing for money during break and your not even in school doing school work The bill pays for part of your schooling if not all of it just be thankful you have some help and are not 100k in debt. My Generation has a lot of growing up to do!!!!!
I am happy the govt is doing something great for current military personnel and all the stuff happening for the Post 9/11 group.
Sadly there is a huge group of veterans who need to have the GI Bill bridge the years. As some were able to go to school the 10 years after the Gulf War, my husband had medical issues to work through while he worked to survive because his disability has been in process 8 years without approval yet.
What does this administration intend to do about the backlog of work on people's desks that affect veterans such as my husband. I just heard about a veteran passing away from issues associated with agent orange – his disability never got approved either.
Those who are unhappy with the post 9/11 educational benefits need to remember something. The choice to exchange their original Ch.30 GI Bill benefits for the new post 9/11 Bill was a choice. If you didn't learn to pay attention to detail in any branch of the US Forces, then school is a waste of time for you anyways, you must be un-trainable. I did my own research and decided to stay with the CH.30 GI Bill. I noticed the change in attitude immediately from the financial aid counselor at Delta college in Stockton, CA. The school officials make it nearly impossible to get assistance. Set for failure from the start, because I am always waiting for school to do the verification to VA . I'm on my 2nd sem. and just like the Fall sem. It's week 2. I have 17 units in 5 classes. I don't have money for books, gas, parking pass, etc.
will spouses of service men be able to get this, because they were not before even if you were going to school.
does this apply to people who have on post housing?
I WANT TO KNOW WHAT FLIGHT SCHOOLS TKE GI BENEFITS
I know for sure that the University of North Dakota does.
Looking for ideas!
I am the spouse of a veteran and am currently conducting a policy analysis on the G.I. Bill 2.0. I am focused on the changes made to the BAH. Additionally, I am planning to take action to help bring awareness to the gap in services in regards to the loss of break pay.
If anyone has any useful ideas or suggestions on ways I can take action, I would greatly appreciate the help.
And of course, thank you for your service to our country.
Are you still doing this analysis? Contact me please. I have a few ideas.
Shouldn’t y’all be studying right now? Why waist your time with foolishness? Stay on track, stay motivated, everything happens for a reason. Have a good day!
Does anyone know what date of every month the VA will be sending out stipend checks for online-only students (that provision begins this month) that are using the Post-9/11 GI Bill (GI Bill 2.0)? I can't seem to find this information anywhere.
I attend half-time online, would I still getany BAH?
So I had a very interesting phone call to the VA today about my Post 9/11 GI Bill and University of Phoenix
I was told by my ground campus advisor that as of Aug the VA was no longer paying break pay and as of OCT the VA would start paying 1/2 the national average (672 I think) BAH to online students. Now seeing that every campus class I was taking, I was only in class for 4 weeks, I stood to only get paid for 4 of every 5 weeks. For my area BAH is low, so I would only lose about $150 – $200 per month. This would save me gas and time so I thought it would be well worth it.
I stayed out of class from mid Aug to Oct 4th and started online classes. When I started getting my GI Bill again it was only $500 ish. I was sure that this was only because it was a partial month. Because of a mix up on my paperwork that transferred me to online from ground campus, I didn't get another payment until a week ago. The paid me back pay as well, again only $500 ish per class/month. I called the UoP GI center and was told:
"To be considered full time student, we have to report you classes as 4 weeks. If we sent over the 5 weeks then the VA would say you are 3/4 time student and you would receive even less pay."
Sounded fishy to me, so I called the VA GI center and asked them the same question. I was told:
"The UoP does report only 4 week classes, I don't know why they do it. Other schools that have the same class length report 5 week classes and the students get paid for the full month. All the UoP has to do is certify you guys for the full 5 weeks and you would get the full amount."
2 different companies, 2 different stories. I called another VA rep, waited another 25 minutes on hold. He told me almost word for word what the first one told me. Now I am the type of person that likes to check my naughty and nice list three times. I called back to VA and asked a third rep. Only 15 minutes on hold this time. Same story, UoP should report 5 week classes, we do go 5 weeks, if we only go 4 then I want to know why I have to make attendance post 5 weeks. This rep said that as students we should all write in to UoP and make them change it.
Dont take my word for it. Call the VA. Here is the direct number to the GI Bill center (888-442-4551 Select 1 for touch tone phone, Select 2 for Post 9/11 GI Bill, then Select 0 for a Rep) Wait the 5, 10, 20 minutes to talk to them. Get the facts for yourself and join me. I have already sent in 3 letters and intend to not stop till they certify the truth to the VA.
We go 5 weeks, pay us for 5 weeks please!
This is bull I activated my GI Bill and was enrolled in online classes and never received a dime. They didn't even pay anything towards my classes. I've been getting the run around since I got out the military. Tuition Assistance never took this long to kick in…
So I live in Georgia. I am attending a college based in Massachusetts via Distance Learning while taking one ground course here locally in order to receive my housing stipend. Which bah rate will I receive? Massachusetts or Georgia?
Your MHA rate is based upon the zipcode that your brick & mortar school is in.