President Obama has signed the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Improvement Act (GI Bill 2.0) into law. The reforms are being praised for streamlining the GI Bill – mainly by doing away with the state-by-state tuition and fee rates. However, the law also adds some complicating factors, like an annual cap which only applies to private schools and new housing stipend limits based on the number of classes a student takes each term.
Click here to learn more about the details of the upcoming changes.
While no one would argue the need for change, the bill comes with several trade-offs that some vets, and veterans program administrators, find hard to accept. Like most legislation there is always unintended consequences – both winners and losers.
The Winners:
- National Guard members, who didn’t qualify under the old rules, can now use both AGR and title 32 time to count toward their Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility.
- Active duty servicemembers and their eligible spouses will qualify for the $1000 annual book stipend.
- Students attending 100 percent of their classes online (distance learning) can now qualify for a housing (living) stipend of up to $673.50 a month for full-time enrollment.
- Veterans seeking degrees of all levels – under-grad through doctorate – will have 100 percent of the in-state tuition and fees paid by VA, as long as they attend a state operated (public) institution of higher learning. (Non-resident students will have to fund any tuition and fees which exceed the school’s in-state tuition rate).
- Veterans seeking vocational, technical, certificate, on-the-job-training, and apprenticeship programs will be able to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
- Veterans who need to take placement exams to apply for school (LSAT, GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT) will be eligible for reimbursement for the exam fees.
- Eligible NOAA and USPHS personnel will be able to transfer Post-9/11 benefits to dependents.
- Voc-Rehab participants will have the option to use their Post-9/11 housing stipend instead of the VR&E subsistence rate.
The Losers:
- Veterans who must rely on the housing stipend to cover their living expenses during mandatory school break periods will find the payments end during such breaks.
- Veterans enrolled at less than full-time will see their housing stipend prorated to match their rate of pursuit – the number of credit hours taken each term.
- Veterans whose private school tuition exceeds $17,500 a year will have to find alternative means for covering their tuition.
Note: Yellow Ribbon still applies and may be available to help cover the additional expenses. - The Department of Veterans Affairs who is just now getting the kinks worked out with GI Bill 1.0. Some are forecasting that it will take up to 18 months to adapt the application and enrollment process to meet the new rules. Hopefully this won’t mean increased back logs and payment errors next fall when this new law goes into effect.
Note: Most of these changes go into effect in August and October of this year.
Some would argue that the trade-offs are necessary to cover the cost of expanding the benefits. But this is of little comfort to those who will find themselves on the losing end of these compromises.
White House Press Secretary, Robert Gibbs, told reporters that the administration will work with Congress to continue improving this important program this coming year. Let’s hope we can hold them to that. Guess we’ll call the next one GI Bill 3.0.
What's upsetting to me about these 2.0 changes is just last year I made the "irrevocable" (VA's word) transfer from the Montgomery GI Bill to the 9/11 GI Bill. I made this decision based on the rules of 9/11 GI Bill 1.0 at the time. And now they want to change the rules on me? I would never have given up the MGIB for the 9/11 GI Bill as it is now. I feel that all those in the same position as me should contact the VA and ask to be grandfathered to 9/11 GI Bill 1.0. After all, we irrevocably gave our MGIB for the program and rules in effect at the time!
I know you have hard this before but it works….Call or write your congressman about what has happened to you and your situation. I did about the old VEAP program and now I have education benefits.
Good luck! I tried that, and only got one "canned" response. I guess it all depends on what State you live in, huh?
I know this. As Actvie Army we get the MGIB and we have the right to change it once to the 9/11. I do not know all the regs. but I thought you should have had the MGIB first then would have to change to the 9/11. I came in 2006-2010 and had the MGIB. So if you came in before 2009-2010 you should have the MGIB and you could switch to the 9/11.
Dude, I think you are looking at this the wrong way. With the new improvements to 9/11 GI Bill, it looks more appealing than the 9/11 GI Bill version 1 and even looks better than Mont. GI Bill.
I just finished a semester towards my masters and the Mont. G.I. bill did not cover the cost of tuition nor did it cover any of the books. I paid ~$600 out-of-pocket.
It seems like I should convert to 9/11 GI Bill 2.0. If they are truly going to pay 100% of tuition, Book Stipend and on top of that I would qualify for the full housing allowance (6 credits per sem.). Seems like a better deal to me than the 9/11 GI Bill 1.0.
Jerry, check the number of credits required to qualify as full-time. Maybe its different where you are but its 12 Credit hours here in FL. Maybe I'm wrong and 6 CH towards a Master's is considered full-time but I would want to be sure. Just trying to help
I'm with Bill, Jerry. Under 1.0, I needed to have a minimum of 8 units to get "full" benefit. Under 2.0 I will have to maintain 12 units in order to get the full BAH, which I don't have an issue with. I do have an issue with not getting BAH during breaks. I'm not on break because I want to be, but because school isn't in session. And since I am in school full-time, I can't really hold down a job that is going to subsidize by breaks. Who would hire someone for a couple of weeks? It may still be a better deal than MGIB for you though. But I would double check before converting.
EXACTLY! It's funny they can just change things after we sign up for them. "here is something good, sign on for it so we can take it away a year later and give you the same crap you orignally had"
Damn right Andy. I am going to my congressman about this. If we cannot go back and 'undo' our choice of chapter 33, how can they go and change our terms of enrollment?
I fully agree and suppot what you are saying Andy.
I agree with you Andy and I hope we can appeal as I made that switch according to the the rules in play at that time. I don't know what choice I would make now. There should be a grandfather clause or I should be able to void that choice and be able to chose all over again. I bet if I were to take it to legal I can as the contract I made was for the "Post 9/11 GI Bill version 1.0" not Post 9/11 GI Bill version 2.0
Andy,
Read… if you are already using the Post-0-11 benefits, there isn't much to worry about. You will not lose anything. BAH changes affect new users, online, and VOC Rehab
I don't see how it reads like that, sir. It would seem that there are significant changes to BAH across the board.
GAM MAJ,
Just wondering where the source is for this information. It would be a sigh of relief if I saw it. Everything I've read so far says nothing about grandfathering anyone in.
I am a current post 9-11 GI Bill user and GAM is right! There are no changes in my BAH even though BAH went down for the place that I am going to school at. I still receive the book stipend of $41 per unit. I am taking 2 courses at a time (6 units) and the GI BIll is paying for 100% of the tuition in conjunction with the yellow ribbon initiative from my school.
@Andy — This is a typical "bait and switch" move. While most government agencies disallow such moves for private citizens and businesses, apparently those in power think it's just fine for them. They're special and contracts apparently don't apply to them.
@Andy – correct me if Im wrong but you werent receiving housing benefits under MGIB. Furthermore, the Post 9-11 Benefits is way better than MGIB which has a rate cap. WHat are you whining about?
Didn't a VA representative inform you of when to switch to the Post 9/11 GI Bill? If you had a couple of months left on you Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30) benefit, and switch to the Post 9/11 GI bill, you will not get the full year of benefits for the Post 9/11. You will only have the remaining time of your regular GI Bill (Chapter 30).
You should want to exhaust all of your Chapter 30, then start up the Post 9/11 GI Bill. You will have a years worth of recieving it.
I had to pay extra for the Top Up plan 9 years ago, but to receive something like this without paying is pretty good for veterans,currently serving, looking to go back to school.
Andy, I totally agree. I go to a private institution. I will be damned if I have to transfer to recieve all of the money that we deserve, as well as risking the chance of my classes not being accepted. I am so aggravated. So now we are either forced to take out loans or hope that we don't lose our jobs to ensure payments are made.
You have to be kidding if you think the Post 9/11 "2.0" isn't better than the MGIB. Although I'm disappointed at losing a part of the housing allowance during school breaks it is still much better than the MGIB. Really…full tuition for a State University and a housing allowance? Give me a break.
Remember when you met with your Recruiter? Take a word of advice from an old Chief – don't count on anything. That way, if you get something, it will be all gravy.
I'm with Andy on this one. Same situation I payed for gi bill + kicker and switched to the post 911 gi bill cause it was marginally better. Now I would like my gi bill back.
when will they make the change that includes all of the general discharges with honorable conditions? we can get VA benefits, but not Educational Benefits? where is the justice in that? BEFORE the post 9-11 bill all honorable and general with honorable was entitled to the same educational benefits…why the change?
Should have gotten an honorable discharge. A general discharge, under honorable conditions or not, means you were a subpar soldier and therefore not entitled to the benefits of an honorably discharged soldier.
And you are also incorrect. A general discharge under honorable conditions did not entitle one to the MGIB. Your only option is to have your discharge upgraded to honorable, which is possible.
Thank you Ranger Rick!
Right on! Ranger, lead the way.
Benifits are the same. As long as you did not get a BCD or OTH they treat it as the same.
You turds with General Discharges should consider yourselves fortunate that you didn't get an Undesirable or Dishonorable DC. Almost without exception, the UCMJ didn't "screw over" a good soldier, it was your own actions or dereliction which put that DC upon your record.
I absolutely love the blundt Marine take on things! Way to be straight Master Gunz! Semper Fi!
Well said! I don't see where a guy who was a derelict while on active duty feels he has any business whining about the benefits he cannot get from the VA. Not like he's gonna get any sympathy here, right?
no reason to hide online and call someone name…
We really don't have to know, you made your own bad decisions. Obviously the military didn't make you smart enough to be a Republican.
I must concur with Ranger Rick. The military makes it very clear what one needs to do to successfully complete an enlistment. If you show up on time, do the things you know you are supposed to do while you're there, and don't do things that you know you're not supposed to be doing you are assured of earning an honorable discharge at the end of your tour. You don't even have to be very good at what you do, just show up and obey the rules. That's it.
I don't know the specifics of your case, but receiving a general discharge is indicative of poor performance on your part. If you were unwilling to hold up your end of the bargain while on active duty, what makes you think that there is no justice in the VA refusing to pay you thousands of dollars in education benefits? Do you truly feel that you've earned them?
At the command I was at on my 2nd enlistment and my chain of command who I did not even know got me kicked out because I was adjusting fantasy baseball during my lunch break. I played for a civil service softball team which was my tournament team off base and not with my commands team, so all E-6 and above did not like me. I worked in the mailroom in the basement and was part of admin and my department was on the 4th floor so we never see each other. Supply was in the basement as well and Postal Clerk are part of Supply and I hung out with all of them. So I got kicked out because they hated on me and I got a general under honorable conditions. I kept requesting to go back to a ship and they would not let me. I was a 4.0 sailor until I went to that command and people that did not even know me gave me my evaluation. I did not deserve to be treated like that and get that kind of discharge.
And to go even one step further… You can get in trouble and mess up MANY times before anything DRASTIC happens to you in the military. It's starting to get a little harsher, but for the longest time you can get things like DUI's, assault, or other various things on your record and still have no problem finishing out your enlistment. I even know a guy who forged his own orders who is still in finishing out his enlistment. The military is not nearly as strict as a lot of people make it out to be. You may get put back a rank or 2, but you didn't get a discharge unless you REALLY messed up beyond that or kept on messing up.
So yes, I too have to agree that someone without an honorable discharge doesn't deserve the benefits.
I got a general discharge under honorable conditions… also got 100% rated and qualified for schooling under the post 9/11 and have my eligibility letter to prove it. I may have messed up in my Air Force career but i served my 1200 plus days of HONORABLE service -.- . Also, i reenlisted which gave me my first term as HONORABLE. Im not the only person this happened to nor the last but if you get a Gen Discharge and reenlisted your just as golden as the next guy who served 8 yrs honorable. So in your face Ranger takes the Dick, do you feel superior getting on a blog and telling someone what they should have done… pathetic man… nothing but dweebs on this thread… Goodluck Dave and never give up man, Just use these veterans comments of putting you down as fuel to get after it. Plus, lets be honest, military people are… well you know… meant for the military lol, especially from what i've seen in my career. The military consists of exactly what you have read from them… they're are easily confused men and women but do a great job at taking orders… That lifestyle isn't for everyone and if you experienced something shitty in your career which lead to your separation, i'm sorry to hear but if you were able to get into the military your able to get out and still function. These dudes live for that non sense… I rather get a locked in BAH unlike AD who is now suffering from a decrease in Bah due to a Democrat who opposes Bush's increase in military pay… If your in the military and voted in our current party in charge then you got what you deserved… blah im over this thread. later and good luck Dave.
Dave, I started school last year and was promised funding from the GI Bill. I planned my school based on what I was awarded. Now after one year into the program my benefits have been reduced over $15,000 per year. I will not be able to come up with this money and will be forced to leave school. How do you think I feel? Another kick in the face to a veteran. Those already receiving benefits need to be grandfathered in now. It is not fair to be promised the money by our government and to have it now taken away.
Because you dont deserve it. The GI Bill was a token punch in the stomach for those of is in need of new vocational training, and was complelty useless for an adult seeking a degree without getting buried in exactly the same student debt as those 20 yrs their junior. Thats why they didnt mind giving it to people like you. Much like you were not able to meet the basic lowest acceptable standards of your branch, it did not meet the needs of those of us who did.
BTW, There are only two Discharges from the Military. HON/DIS
You were released.
It doesnt surprise me you have the nerve to expect that which others earned. A general discharge was a kindness the military gave you so you could continue your life without shame at your failure to step up and get shit done.
Dont think you will find a group of brothers and sisters just because it doesn't say Dishonorable.
There really are only 2 ways to leave. You failed at both.
Well You should have served you country with HONOR!
You didn't do anything to deserve the education benefit because ifnyiu were doing the right thing and was discharged because you ETS's or had a medical discharge, then I can relate. Instead you were causing some kind of disturbance in your unit that your squad leader and platoon SGT had to babysit you to keep you on the right track. Do you not know that took time away from the other Soldiers who want to do the right thing. I discharged 6 Soldiers because they were in your shoes. I was fed up with their stupidity and I was tired of babysitting a grown a&& man, then you want to point fingers and act like you didn't do anything wrong and the government owes you now. They actually wasted money on you because you didn't fulfill your contract. If younwouldnhave read th regulations it will tell you whatbyou are entitled to. They do not cater to Soldiers who have general other than honorable. They actually cleaned it up for you because if it was left to me I would put exactly what you did on your DD214 to let the world know what type of a bum that was in the army. You need to look in the mirror and ask yourself do i deserve anything from the military other than the discharge. My answer would be NO. Be happy with what you have. I hope you can survive in the civilian sector because you sucked as a Soldier.
Here's some quotes, I'm sure you might have said one of em…
"I, _____, <–(You!) do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."
or this one?
I, ____, want to have fun and eat cookies all day long. Do cool military stuff, and when I can't hack that, I'll get out, and reap all the education benefits!"
You gave a half assed promise. So, you will have to fight harder for the support you don't deserve. Honor, respect, integrity… when you turn your back on that, where is the justice in that? I'd address character first. Benefits come second.
No doesnt mean they were a subpar soldier it means they werent a soldier i just got out of the army after 10 years of HONORABLE service and im tired of these bottom feeders trying to live of the systems in place for everyone who has fought for their country HONORABLY you make me sick and i hope it completely discludes you from the GI bill you dont deserve it you should be ashamed soldiers like me 5 deployments in Iraq And Afghanistan Now when i get out i have to pay for your whiney A$$ to go to school Thats My Friend is not FAIR…!!!!!
education benefits are only available to members who served honorably. consider yourself LUCKY to reeive any benefits at all. Obviously anyone who does not have an HONORABLE discharge is not worthy of the nation's gratitude because somewhere along the line you messed up.
stop trying to complicate things for the hardworking honorable servicemembers and veterans who deserve benefits. Freeloading isn't a good way to get through life.
Andy, just what about 2.0 is so abruptly different that makes you wish you had mgib back? I think you’re probably just complaining for the sake of complaining, and really that’s pretty useless. Role with the punches buddy, you served, you know how it works.
Dave I know that there is a percentage rate the guh guys get, you start building your percentage after 12 months, if you served 11 (like my sister did) you’re sol. But you are supposed to get a percentage of benefits starting at 12 months and gradually reaching 100% upon completion of your first 4 year contract. If you got your guh after re-enlisting though, you should be eligible for 100%
I concurr with Tyler, I dont think Andy knows what he is talking about. 100% tuition plus housing. How is the MGIB better?
I think the main thing to complain about is the loss of a housing stipened during the school breaks. I mean I planned on working during the summer but that would have made the difference between a full-time job or a part-time one. Also the cap on the private school at 17,500 might hurt some people too such as myself who is attending a private school now.
Tyler,
The GUH guys (such as myself) are still eligible for MGIB and Voc-Rehab but are NOT eligible for Post 9/11. I like my Voc-Rehab benefits just fine except for the difference in Housing stipend and b/c I’m not eligible for Post 9/11 I stuck with a rate that is requiring me to get max financial aid (which is going to cost me with student loan debt for years) just to pay the bills because my disabilities keep me from doing jobs that require lifting or being on your feet for long periods and minimum wage doesn’t do jack for someone who has grownup bills unlike the standard college kid.
wow…GUH…I have felt so alone for 6 months…didnt realize there are others in my predicament..very frustrating..i was told by my lawyer that I would get asll benefits the same except for G.I. Bill..i was expecting my disabilty 60% frpom the Army and never got it…So Voc Rehab really came through for you? Thanks for the info
I also have a GUH, and on post 9/11 GI Bill. You qualify. There are mitigating cirumstances which some get a GUH. Dont let these people think you dont deserve the same, you served honorably and had a hiccup. Enjoy the benifits you get!
Not sure what your disabilitiesare but if they happened while you was serveing then your % should determine your educatinal benefits and do some research cause there are other oganizations out there that offer educatonal benefits to injured service memeber plus VA benefits if you qualify. This is strange that you had to take out a student loan unless it was before you injury. you need to get with your representative to work out those issues. Strange
Im currently only taken 3 classes and getting Max Benefits on the post 911 bill. It looks like I will have to take 5 now to be eligible, but what is going to be the new rate? Personally I think this bill should be applied to new people and everyone else should be grandfathered.
You only have to be classified as a Full-time student to get Max Benefits, usually 12 semester hours.
You shouldn't have to take 5 classes. I'm currently a full-time student and I only take 4. One more class isn't that bad. Just make it something crazy like art. They never said you have to take a hard class! I take art twice a week.
GOOD POINT! We should be grandfathered in. I applied for the POST 9/11 GI BILL and what it was explained to be AUGUST 2009, I did not apply for the POST 9/11 GI BILL following a government overhaul.
12 credit hours can be as little as 3 classes. not that big of a work load
Oh so those who served four get better benifits than those that served 10 or 20, because they used the military as a way to pay for thier college! That is what alot of people did. They only served so they could be served.
I totall agree we need to grandfather those that are already in school. I started school last year and was promised funding from the GI
Bill. I planned my school based on what I was awarded. Now after one year
into the program my benefits have been reduced over $15,000 per year. I will
not be able to come up with this money. How do you think I feel? Another
kick in the face to a veteran. It does not matter how many times you have
been shot at. Nobody cares. Congress, Senators and the President should be
ashamed for supporting this bill. It was another of case of hurry up and get
something passed in lame duck session. Well they can all say they got it
passed but screwed so many veterans. Those already receiving benefits need
to be grandfathered in now. We need to contact as many people as we can to
get the word out to have a Grandfather clause.
I am quitting school next week. It really hurts. I can only hope and pray
for some type of grandfather clause.
We need to contact as many militray organizations that we can find and or politicians
I totally agree with you. This is unfair and should be addressed immediately. Write your Congressmen now! Why give us benefits and then take them away again before we can use them?
Franklin, If you are a full time student and NOT working, then all you have to take is 12 units to be considered a FULL time student. If you are working, then all you need is 6 Units (at least 1 Face to Face the other can be online) to be considered a full time student. The new BAH Rate didn't afafcet me so far and I don't think it will ever. We'll see later.
Most scholarships are based on full time enrollment in and accredited school. You are often not elligable for any grants or scholarships if you aren't a full time student. You need to check first with the school you are applying to and then fill out your paperwork, If you maintain your GPA there shouldn't be any problems, and whatever the bill doesn't cover can often be covered by other aid packages.You should always read the fine print on anything that you sign, and make sure you speak with the schools financial aid officer. Most people would be grateful that they receive any help at all. Not many soldiers who were given anything other then an honorable discharge are eligible for any assistance, whether VA benefits, insurance, etc. Your bitterness is very ugly and uncalled for. Act like the soldier you say you were, and man up. Life is tough, things change, but what use is there in whining about something you can't change. Be a part of the solution not the problem…
Does anyone know how this new housing money effects students attending vocational programs? I will be attending a two year language program abroad and I'm not sure how this new housing money drop would affect my program (In the 2.0 9/11 GI Bill it states that we will not get money for breaks between semesters). Most language programs only have a week or two week break between semesters unlike 4 year Universities that have two or three month summer break.
Break pay covers (covered) the period of time between classes less than 56 days, not the entire summer. Meaning Spring break, over Christmas holidays typically. Also, for everyone, except chapter 35 students, all you need is one days benefit to start a term; you get the whole semester's worth of benefits when that happens so for most, it works to get break pay.
I thought so but wasn't for sure. Thanks for the reply.
I only have about three minus left on 9/11 benefits and attended school full-time on distance learning so I just missed out on the housing stipend all those months?!?!?!
Lisa…distance learning, at this time, is ineligible for the housing stipend. That will change in August 2011 where distance learners (online courses) will be able to gain a certain amount of housing stipend based upon credits taken. Allegedly 50% of the amount for the area for full time but even on what is written here, that amount is different. For example, my area housing stipend is $1941…50% for full time would be what, $820 and change per month, yet, the article is indicating a max amount of $673.50.
its not 50% of the bah for your area, its 50% of the national average. thats why it comes out to the 673 rate
Most of the changes arent too bad, the only thing that will affect me negatively will be the break in BAH during Fall and spring semesters. Luckily this will only happen once since I will be a senior next semester. Still kind of sucks though.
Sorry, I meant BETWEEN fall and spring semesters.
you should enroll in a college thats year a round for benefits purpose… i do and get paid every single month… 12 months a year ;)
I dont undertand why the complaint. I never got the full housing during the breaks with the old 9/11 plan. It was prorated. example I usually get around $840 ( becuase I get 80%) but this dec I only got $340 because classes ended 12/10
i always find out what is considered max credits during breaks. for instance last summer i took 2 classes and this winter i took one to retain my full time benefits. the trick if you are going to a university is to have your veteran rep write a parent letter to the local junior college. one the letter is there you can take classes without having to fill out all the paper work .
Let's be honest. The 2 main changes that could see a drop in $ being paid out are changes that should have been in the original situation. They were loopholes that needed to be fixed.
Taking 8 credits and receiving full BAH while having it only count as a partial month of GI Bill was a loophole.
The point of the GI Bill is to pay for school. People who got $ over breaks without going to school would end up short changing themselves because the program wouldn't last the length of a degree. If you really need the money, take classes over break. That way you only have a week or 2 off and can still pay the bills plus you finish your degree sooner.
Ultimately, this will end up helping a great many more people than it hurts. And really, while yes we qualify for the GI Bill, we need to stop getting in the mindset that free money is our due and that anything that affects what free money we're getting now is impinging on our rights. Use the system, but don't think that the system inherently "owes" you.
Katie:
That was the most well constructed, brutally honest, lucid, and compelling viewpoint I've seen to date on this issue. I read a bunch of whining, "woe is me" garbage on here, and most of it is along the lines of "my name is Jimmy, what are you going to give me?" Stop whining people! The GI Bill is a great deal…try to find anything else comparable out there, especially for some of you who only served a few years. You've done well for a bunch of presumably high-school-only veterans…no where else on the planet will you get better benefits than what are being provided by Uncle Sam. Grow up, get educated, and learn to think and act on your own!
No.
I spent 20 years in the military. Not just "any" 20 years, the BEST 20 years of anyones life. No age and quality of life can compete with the ages between 19 to 39. These are not years you can "get back." They are lost, forever. All ages after that is just a struggle to keep death copming later instead of sooner.
But you and I gave them up WILLINGLY for the greater good; recognizing that there are more important things in life than this months specialty flavor of coffee, which is what 80% of our apathetic society is more concerned with.
We did it with sub equivelent pay of what a civilian company would pay, substandard housing / living arrangements, and months to even years away from our loved ones. You, I, and all servicemen did this WILLINGLY.
So no, I don't care how self serving or "whiney" as you like to say it may sound. Yes, it's narcasistic. Yes it's self centered. Yes, it's a bit arrogant. But for the rest of our "McDonalds" society to be comfortable sleeping their fat asses away in their back yard barco lounger only to bitch about what the military does when they don't have the F'ing testicles to do it themselves: YES. They F'ing OWE us.
I don't care HOW it sounds. You said you like brutally honest? Well I'm brutally honest too.
Dear lazy ass American:. Thank you for complaining about every military action we have ever done for the last 200 years to protect your right to be a lazy ass American. I hope you have enjoyed your "Bachelorrette" and "Kardashian" shows. Mind if I go to College now? Gee thanks.
Ridiculous. Ever think that maybe that sense of entitlement is part of the reason why some think negatively of you? Not all Americans are lazy, some of us are here, working very hard to support the rest of the economy. No one belittles you for the career choice you made; perhaps you should give everyone else the same respect. Guess what? If I did have the "F'ing testicles" to join the Armed Forces then I wouldn't have been working at this college campus certifying benefits and working for Veterans to have even half the the services that other populations have – the things you feel you are "owed". Grow up.
So angry
poor excuse for a member of the armed forces sounds to me like you need to learn how to depend on your self. there is no point on you going to school because after 20 years of military service you didnt even learn that you can't and shouldn't depend on the government. and you expect to learn something in school. most of you people on this site need to learn how to live without the government cheese and if you get some every now and then take but dont expect it. you are very very poor excuse
Seems to me like you wouldn't be affected by these changes Sean.. So what the piss makes you think your opinion means anything. Save your f*cking garbage for your like minded bulldogs. Learn to live without government cheese?? Sounds good… Wish I thought of that. OH MAN… YOU'VE CHANGED MY F*CKING LIFE! YOU'RE SO F'N BRILLIANT!
We all wish everyone was as smart and put together as you sean.
Happy now.
Go troll another forum now, would you?
Military training is supposed to help you learn a occupation in the real world but when the equipment in the "real world" is far more advanced than the military is then what?? Sounds like you were still a boot camp when u got out
~Yawn~
I completely agree with you! Every time I mention I was in the military people call me stupid. I went to a high school that everyone went to college.I gave up a full college scholarship to a university to serve my time. So for someone to think they have the right to call us idiots, she really needs to get her head out of her @$$. Other countries in the world make it mandatory for people to serve so Americans should count their blessings that people actually volunteer and give us something in return.
We pay $400,000 for someone killed in action but are putting limits on those who have risked their lives and still have nightmares that manage to get up to function in in daily life. We cut benefits in the GI Bill and don't give raises to VA compensation recipients for 3 years. Wow thanks mr. President for not giving a shit about those who serve! I didn't care much for Bush but at least he tried to help the military ant vets out…
Sir, you decided willingly to serve your country as you said and you also know that when you first enlisted what you got offered wasn't even close to what you have now…so you can't complain about a good thing, as little as it may be…
School is what you make of it, its what you do with your degree…do you know how many people I know that went to some of the best schools in the country and are still flipping burgers cuz they got discouraged to find a job even in the area of discipline?? Too many…You may not be able to go to an Ivy League school, all expenses paid but you can go to a great school regardless and still learn to do what you want…And even if those are your dreams you would still get part of it paid…
The new G.I. Bill is better than nothing coming from a place that as you said only gave you a "sub" quality of life…and if it was really that bad you didn't have to give up your best years of your life…you didn't have to sign on the dotted line again and again and again.
Be greatful that you got to walk away with atleast the rest of your life to live unlike some of my friends…
Semper Fidelis
It's not the amount Cpl. It's the change. This can't be THAT difficult to understand. If you are expecting certain benefits based on CONTRACT and they are suddenly reduced… that would throw a wrench in your cogs now wouldn't it.
Back your people up, wouldn't you? Give it a shot, could ya?
Nope I don't think so because honestly you can't live your whole f'ing life relying on someone to do shit for you…there are other ways to pay for school…grants, scholarships,etc…get a damn grip…the military WAS your life so now get a new one…find a hobby, learn to fend for yourself…pay your own rent,bills etc…what if they decide not to pay for school all together?? You would have to do like every other American and take out loans…so just be greatful that they atleast are giving you the chance to improve your life after you get out…
Your friends did not have to be Marines either they chose that and they knew the consequences just like some of my friends that joined the Navy and could not swim maybe if they chose another branch to join they may still be here huh dumb ***
Well Katie, I beg to differ with you about the system! Yes, the system owes me because that was one of the stipulations of me joining the Armed Forces, was schooling being paid for.
So, yes if you just got in the service with no expectations of anything in return; then don't expect anything back. However, if I should expect a ROR with God, then Man definitely has to follow suit and provide something in return. Malachi 3:1-15 King James Version.
Have a wonderful weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kate, great response…my thoughts as well. I used every penny of the MGIB and now have access to post 911 for 1yr. There were periods when I relied on MGIB payments to aid in my living expenses was great, but the whole time I knew eventually those benies would end and I would have to come out of pocket. Most importantly I knew I shouldn't become dependent on those funds because they'd eventually end. Get what you deserve, maximize on every opportunity, but don't blame those who 'seem' to be trying to do the best for everyone with the resources available. I don't oppose grandfathering, but don't see it as a dismissal or take away for those who made a choice base on, not necessarily the best information available, but that which they got…and as someone else stated earlier, you've served, you know the deal…role with the punches.
Bravo! Smartest thing I've read on this posts.
Thanks you Katie for been bluntly "Honest" I would have said the same ,as a naturalized American citizen I served proudly and I volunteer for that service so the military or US Government "owes" me nothing. Most of these veterans need to grow up,put up or shut up. I`m a volunteer D.A.V. driver and hear the complaints all the time.
Take the good with the bad and you will appreciate "Life" alot more.
right on katie!!!
you hit the nail on the head; take classes over breaks and benefit from it all around.
Mostly you are correct but not so much on the break pay issue. Break pay covers (covered) the period of time between classes less than 56 days, not the entire summer. Meaning Spring break, over Christmas holidays typically. Also, for everyone, except chapter 35 students, all you need is one days benefit to start a term; you get the whole semester's worth of benefits when that happens so for most, it works to get break pay.
huh
That's awesome! I couldn't of said it better Katie.
Nuff' said
I did take all my classes in every term back to back in 1992 to 1995 and there still wasn't enough to pay for all my classes even though I was a full time student. I had to work 2 jobs and tutor other students through the college I was attending to pay for my family's living expenses and the additional cost of my classes. If I want to go for a bachelors degree I will have to pay the whole cost myself.
I'm over 55 now and have been out of work because of my disability since 1998, there have been no cost of living increases in VA benefits or SSDI during that time and we all know every thing cost more now.
Um Katie would you care to explain you false facts and how someone can attend classes between semesters? WHICH Is why they are called breaks??
Also the two months each between breaks will not make or break a degree being fully covered, as it is the benefits are only good for three years anyways. So taking the benefit during the MONTH THERE IS NO SCHOOL you dim wit, will not hurt as much as trying to cover that month elsewhere.
It applies to short breaks as well not just the long summer break. The week or 2 week break between semesters, I don't see them prorating your montly use, so it will just be lost time. You can't take classes in that time, you can't get a job for 1 week, if you have a job you may not be able to get more hours, and besides you deserve a little break between semesters. It's idiotic. Congress lets more money fall through their couch cushions, they could easily add a little more without hurting the bottom line.
i think these new revisions are awesome! i agree with the comments about the perks of the prior bill being loopholes that needed to be taken care of. I think the biggest impact this bill will have is for distance learners and vocational school students. I just enrolled in Cosmetology school and had to find a school that was accredited before I could use the Post 9/11. And honestly, I would have preferred a different school but I start this month, so I can't change now. However, this will be amazing for students who aren't looking for a traditional college/classroom assistance. Way to go Obama!
Obama didn't have F/A to do with this G.I. Bill Brandy. It was in the works long before this alpha hotel got to sign it. You need to stay in cosmetology and continue to do hair weaves.
Hey ernie….seems to me you might be mislead or is it uneducated???? I think i'll go with option 2. How do you come to the conclusion OBAMA….I know that word might be difficult for you to swallow…..similar to the nazi's accepting JEWS; nonetheless its the 21st century and your racist remarks need to be silenced.
Since you know so much about the new 2.0 GI Bill why dont you explain to us. That's what I thought….let me help you on the issue. As a matter of fact OBAMA had a lot to do with the new bill. Just him getting into office allowed for this transition to happen. If you remember…..well you probably dont….McCain was against the new G.I. Bill that Senator Webb from Virginia (A Democrate) initiated. If McCain were to have won office we would have never implemented the new bill. Not to mention this bill was adopted during the end of the Bush era…..why didn't he sign the bill……Hmmmmm……ok ernie…….repeat after me……"ignorence is bliss"…..obviously your not excercising your right that OBAMA and his constituents have made available to you.
@uncle Erinie
"Obama didn't have F/A to do with this G.I. Bill Brandy. It was in the works long before this alpha hotel got to sign it. You need to stay in cosmetology and continue to do hair weaves."
Bottom line who's signed the bill GI 2.0? Obama.
Looks like Uncle Ernie got punked by a Cosmetology student.
it will be of great benefit to those who need to go beyond their BA/BS to increase their chances at promotion in the civilian market. Also, it will benefit those who need to take online classes due to other job comitments. For us these changes are a huge benefit.
What about those of us who made major life changes in order to take advantage of the benefits. 36 months isn't a long time to get a BA/BS, now we're expected to work to compensate for the break sessions? So, by no fault of my own I have to alter my plan in such a way that it requires me to cut back on my school hours, find a full time job, receive less compensation all together (not going to school full time will affect my benefits all together now, right)… That's just not going to fly with me. Not with anyone else who it's affecting either.
Adapt again. In past taking less only 6 units and receive full housing allowance was completely unfair to those who are completely going to school full time. It's about time Post2.0 corrected that loop hole, now only thing its missing is for the bill to become effective immediately.
Well let me tell everyone regarding this crap about the GI Bill. One the VA refused me veterans benefit for a program where a filing fee for a home VA mortgage is waved for disabled and the original documents was presented. The worst of it is they recognized the fee wavier once before. Two, my son has been trying to transfer his VA school benifits to his son who is struggling to make ends meet at NS State. Deers is giving him a hard time by making him travel across the stat every semester to re apply after each semester. He has no money for health care and health care is required by the university and colleges in NC. VA has been playing with my disability claim and benefit requests for 33 years. They even rat holed my VA medical records in a out of the way place, Pembroke, NC a place i never visited and and did not know even existed. VA has nothing but a bunch of excuses when approached by a veteran. I spent over 20 year in the military, my son who is still serving, has nearly 10 and we have been given the run around. So what next??????
That sounds terrible Mr. Reiner. I can only hope that the V.A. makes substantial changes to your family's educational support, particularly to the requirement for remedial English for you. With that aid you can learn to express yourself clearly instead of being so grammatically toxic and spell-check challenged. Surely you didn't complete 20 years as an E-4? I pity the NCOER's that YOU have penned as you clearly put the corrective burden upon your superiors.
Daniel, you wrote exactly what I was thinking after reading that horribly misspelled post with erroneous gramatical errors. I have read quite a few of these comments, and most seem to be the same tune of sporatic whining and complaining. No matter how good or bad the pros and cons are, veterans are still put in a substantial advantage by receiving GI Bill benefits………
Charles if you are that picky about spelling and gramatical errors then chat forums are not for you to read. This is the place for people to seek assistance or just to vent. To you it may be whinning and/or complaining but to posters these are real concerns that posters are experiencing or may not have the correct guidance. Veterans don't all have the same benefits that others may have due to their time served and/or areas served. Plus, there is other Circumstances that deteremine % of eligibility. You may be an English teacher/professor but not all forum posters are concerned about spelling and/or grammer like it or not.
Absolutley unecessary. You started out by showing concern for someone's plight and endup showing your arrogance. Other than the few words typed by this individual you know nothing of their circumstances, medical condition or education level. Possibly you have never felt as passionately about an issue as this person. It is you who should be pitied sir.
called a lawyer, a disability lawyer..free up front 25 percent when u win ur case..
•Veterans seeking degrees of all levels – under-grad through doctorate – will have 100 percent of the tuition and fees paid by VA, as long as they attend a state operated (public) institution of higher learning.
Does this bullet mean that they are doing away with the 36 month limit on the post 9/11 gi bill?
Thanks
Thanks for asking this question. I want to know this as well. This will make a big different out of my pocket. Currently I only get 90 percent.
no you will still have only 36 total months of benefits available to you, but the good thing is that now you wont be paid during breaks so you benefits will actually cover 36 months of in school time!
I think this was in reference to somone that already qualified for 100% coverage. The change wa that some State schools were more expensive than the coverage limits, as well as graduate schools, which were paid only at teh highest rate for State run undergrad(which is often less expensive than grad). But, this is only my opinion. Graduate school people often had to pay the overage, even from a State school, private schools were always capped at the max rate for state schools though.
dont think so. should still be 36 months of benefits that can be applied to any level of degree your going for
no . several folks have degrees before going in the military and this can help for grad school.
No, the new bill just alters what is paid during the 36 months. Also, are you aware that the Post 9/11 can extend your Montgomery GI Bill by up to 12 additional months?
Just to clarify: these changes won't take effect until August, correct? So if I'm enrolled 3/4 time for the upcoming Spring semester I still get one hundred percent living stipend during that semester, correct?
That is correct.
yup
no you get 75 percent since you are not full time. if you are full time you get the 100 percent.
Ralph, you are wrong. He will get 100%. The changes do not take effect until August 1, 2011.
If you are working then 6 units will be considered full time. If you are a full time student, you need 12 units.
It does open things up to a lot of other Veterans which I guess is good. It also hurts me personnaly with the new BAH rules. I work full time and have been going to school almost full time (9 credits instead of 12), and that BAH has been crucial for my family. I will definatly suck it up and take the other class to keep the full BAH. We should all understand that we need to do whatever it is that we need to do to survive. Even with these new rules you will still get a higher dollar amount than the old Mont G.I. Bill. I would still have transfered.
Another option is to fight it.
Laying down and taking it is not in my nature and I'm sure it's not in yours either, I'd imagine. There's no shame in claiming what has been promised you. I will, come hell or high water. Go about things the way you plan but don't be ashamed to fight it at the same time.
To those that say we're "complaining", you and I both know that there comes a time when we need to draw a line. We're all adults here, for the most part. How am i supposed to budget when I allow them to make significant changes to my income?? The short answer is that I can't. Spare me your lectures and stand by your bretheren for crying out loud. Whose side are you all on anyways?
Who's side are we on? The sensible side. Take more classes and be get on with it.
if you cant support yourself at the same time doing 12cr/hrs? then take part time job. or keep your job and take night classes + online classes.
Down grade your life style further, sacrifice and adapt to the changes.
Yeah that sounds all great in retrospect but explain that to my kids who I'm struggling with classes and spending time with them with 3 courses now I have to add another class. I mean I take 2 online courses and 1 class in school so I can be at home more. Now I add another class and the time at home is gonna be me on the computer most of the time. Then since I only get 70% of the benefits at the beginning of each semester I'm going to have to pay even more then books. I was comfortable paying the 3 courses even though it was tough and books now I have to add another $200+ each semester. I say they change it so those who were receiving the original 100% BAH with 3 classes continue to get it.
what about children of retired vets???
If you retired before August 2009 you're out of luck, even if you did serve in OIF/OEF. It's kind of a slap in the face if you ask me. Guys that I served right along side of in Iraq can transfer theirs, but I can't after 28 years of service.
We are in the same boat for transferability benefits; My husband retired July 31st 2009 after sering 26 yrs active duty serving in two seperate conflics plus multiple tours. He could not change his dates to qualify for this benefit due to rules. This is a down side that needs to be grandfathered to those who served over 20 for many reasons.
My thoughts exactly!!!
Same here. 22 years, retired in 2007 after three tours through Iraq (3ID, CFLCC, 4ID). No way to transfer any of my GI benefits, and no reason to use them as I have a Master's degree (paid completely for by myself, due to lousy GI rules when I was getting my Masters in a high intensity one year program at UT@ Austin). So we get screwed. My daughter graduates this spring from George Mason, my son graduates in a couple of years from JMU, so I'll likely end up pissing away thousands of dollars worth of education benefits because these dirtbags in Congress pay more attention to their benefits than those for us who went to war to help protect them. The only way we are going to get this changed is to elect veterans to Congress.
Hey Diggs,
I am in the same boat as you are! I have my Masters before I retired in 2007 and my daughter is now in College. What I am doing is taking another easy bachelors class so I can get the stipend for BAH and BOOK. I buy used books so they are cheaper than what I get which is $41 per unit. It does not stipulate for you to get harder classes. LOL. I am taking classes that I have had before in my undergrad to fill up my schedule. My old classes are no longer good because they were done in the 15 years ago so I have to update. LOL! If there's a will, there's a way.
I see they fixed a few things BUT they didn't help me and my child.
i have 30 years of service with a year in Iraq. BUT my son couldn't use my education benefits for two reasons. 1. i am not 100% disabled, 2. he went to NASCAR TECH a NON- DEGREE producing school.
Congress says 30% is not enuff. iI have to be 100% disable for him to use my educations benefits at a trade school.
You Chief are a functional illiterate. I wouldn't post anything else…it's too embarrasing! Quit whining!
Hey Dogbone! Don't call him an illiterate just because his post isn't grammatically accurate!! He says he has 30 years of service… more than likely, he could have been working in a job that doesn't involve a lot of written work… i.e. maintenance, field labor, and the like… I know for a fact that quickly jotting down notes is the main form of writing in maintenance and everything else is pretty much word of mouth or coded on a computer. 30 years of that and being alongside people in the same boat as him educationally can cause grammar habits to regress for anyone! Give him a break and hear him out for his real issue.
and what are you DOGBONE? A badass for criticizing someone? Disrespectful piece of shit is what you are… He's served 30 years, which prolly means he's older than you and if you didnt remember the computer and internet wasn't even out back then… Plus, who honestly uses 100% correct grammar? Not you because you would have known Dog bone is TWO words not one… rookie….
You, sir, are a rude SOB who is of no use to anyone here. If he is mistaken, tell him. Don't whine about his supposed whining. It's unbecoming.
Agree with Dan some us have keyboard issues that we no catch tell we posted. I've said it before if you are so worried about grammer and spelling don't post and/or read forums. Their not for those who are ignerant to what a forum is about not grammer or spelling.
Ok, so I have to go to class full-time to receive the BAH. No problem. I can even go to class online full-time and receive half BAH. No problem. The problem then is, if I go to class and have online classes for a total of full-time, what do I get?
Very good point…I don't think they thought this too thoroughly. I think Obama needs to go back and look at all these changes before he signed this in.
I am going to Devry University. I am taking one class on campus and one class online. I get the full BAH. The only thing to remember is that you cannot go 100% online. You have to attend a class on campus.
Shaun, I am a graduate of Devry and now attend Keller. I am not on 9/11 but I feel that that got it right online students have to pay rent, just like a student lives on campus or commutes. They should allow online students should to receive full BAH. Active duty gets it through GI BILL.
He is right, you have to attend at least one class a week at an actual school to recieve the BAH benefits
*correction* you have to physically attend one class per week in addition to your online classes resulting in full time enrollment to recieve FULL BAH benefits. For me, even with the 2 hour roundtrip commute to school, it was well worth the drive for an additional $550 a month.
That is not the new change that will take effect in August. Prior to your post had you read the MOAA article? Fully online will get $673.86 now without having the face to face class. Plus unless your one online and one face to face class is full time at your institution you will not get the full BAH. If your two classes are 1/2 time you will half of the figure above.
Well hopefully you get the full benefits, because from my understanding as of now as long as you have one in-class class you get the BAH. But I would also call the education line and get clarification
From 9/11 1.0, you had to attend the physical location atleast half the time of your full time registration. If I remember correctly.
If you are taking at least one on-campus class, you get full bah.
The way I understand it works right now, is you only need more than 6 credits to be 100%. So at 3 credits per class, thats one online, and One classroom with a lab. Full time is 12 credits or more. So in reality you only need half time to qualify for BAH.
That only applies to programs that are operating on 8 week terms.
•Eligible NOAA and USPHS personnel will be able to transfer Post-9/11 benefits to dependents??????
After serving for more than 20 years and retiring in 2003 I can't transfer my benefits to my college age daughter, now they will allow a bunch of civilians who just so happen to hold military rank do it WTF!!!!!!!
Matt, maybe I did not make it clear. How many wars have you been in?
Not subject to the UCMJ=CIVILIAN!!!!!
If you can't be sent to war and don't come under UCMJ, then you are civilians in all but a technicality.
we can be. Are we day-to-day? no. however, we are subject to deployments and then would be under UCMJ.
Ha, no offense, but yes, you are civillians. A rose is still a rose by any other name.
Which part of what we do makes us civilians? I've listed a few items where we are identical to the armed forces. I'm curious where you see the differences?
how about armed you cant see that
although you are a government employee and thank you for delivering my junk mail!! When was the last time you heard of a letter carrier getting shot by an insurgent? just saying!!!
Everybody needs to use these educational benefits to the maximum, as soon as possible, because it will END. You see, America is in a dire financial state. The Dumbocrats broke the bank and are printing counterfeit money. You are either seduced or deluded if you think all these entitlements will go on forever. It's going to be very sad to see what's happened. It's like what happens when you keep using your credit card and you can't make the minimum payment. Get it? And BTW, the last two years of Bush's Presidency had Senate and House of Rep's controlled by these same liberal clowns. We'll be paying a great deal more of a penalty than just double-digit unemployment figures. The emperor has no clothes, never had any, and he's got no stash of cash either.
@ Uncle Sam in tears- Keep your polital opinions to your self, especially when they don't make sense. If Bush had done something for the veterans myself and countless other veterans would have been finihsed with college by now! It took Obama to come in and show that he cared by firing the old VA Administrator that wasn't doing swat for Vets and pass the Post 911 bill to at least assist us instead of doing like JW by fattening him and the rest of the idiots pockets that got this country in DEBT! Nobody expects anything to last forever but at least folks are being given the opportunity to attend school instead of the wealthy and select few like it has always been!
I read your post…and you're an idiot, because you failed in the system of education. If you DID get a bachelors degree…turn it in and and demand a refund. Politics is ALL about economic theory and practice. I won't even get into the details of that for an ignoramus like you.
The Post-9-11 bill was a fait accompli for Obummer. It wasn't his doing. Congress approved it in the summer of 2008. Obummer spent 2/3'rds of his time away from congress as a senator. BTW, it was GW Bush, not JW who was president. LoL You still believe the old lies, which told often enough tend to replace truth. The truth is that this 14 + trillion dollar Titanic debt of the Dumbocrats is like comparing it to the sailboat debt of Bush. The lack of solvency of our economy will change the political tides of America, you twit. Why do you think these piss-ant Marxists surround this illegal alien (Kenyan)? BTW, who gave you that frontal lobotomy during your military service? It worked well.
Uncle Sam I bet if the President was white you would not called him and illegal alien. Get over it you idiot, we have a black president. We should respect the office I don't care what party they belong to.
.
Thanksful vet?
Post 911 GI bill was passed long before Obama was elected. Talk about making sense……..
Oh, and who is this JW you speak of? You do know how to spell "George" right?
brainless vet, nobody owes you anything, if you cant regonize the oppurtunities you have here and compare them to where you possibly came from without the government holding your hand then you have no drive anyway. take responsability for your self ,, its the former presidents fault you couldn't finish school and you believe that, no wonder you didnt finish. that is funny man , i think i am going to try that one
dude where are you getting your info and facts from? Clinton left office with a govt surplus , Bush over 8 years spent it plus more and now you blame everything on the dems?
I was going to say this lol Its not Democrats but Bush are to blame at the state of America. btw im an independent in case you're wondering.
Sorry USIT, but you're full of crap…Bush pushed us into bankruptcy and left the us holding the bag. At least the Democrats understood the plight of the average citizen and did something about it, including making health care available to all, despite what the big insurance companies wanted. Uh, the Richpublicans–they are still pushing (and got) huge tax breaks for millionaires…YGTBSM! Explain that.
Wow, your thoughts somewhat remind me of a scene from Alice in Wonderland. Speaking in real terms and quantifying the real facts would be far more interesting than your imagined projection of our country's future. Yep, your thoughts are spoken like a true Retardican with pure cynicism.
i want to know how they are keeping track of everyone that is using the gi bill for school, i know of at least 2 that started school went for 3 days and then dropped out and still recieving 3000 dollar checkes every 3 months for being in school and they think it is okay to do that.
Believe me, the VA will catch up with them in due time (when they least expect it)!!
They'll get caught, if they did indeed quit their program as you've stated. It may take some time, perhaps months, but they'll get a big surprise "demand for payment" from the VA, or else an ultimate IRS garnishment. : )
Oh the VA will find out, don't you worry, and they will have large debts to re-pay, but come on man, calling him out by name….. Not cool!
Borderline illegal, actually. Better hope Mr Pennington doesn't see that post. He might be able to sue you for the amount he's going to owe.
why not?
He's doing Mathew ray banes pennington a huge favor, more time lapse the higher he'll owe. It's not like he's going to run away with the money you know.
Trust me – the debt is coming!! Each check is logged electronically. Once the school notifies the VA the student has dropped the course….. its on. :o)
You should have reported this to the school, but they are to blame, the attendance of those students should be reported to the VA Rep that works there, who should intern contact VA and let them know the students dropped out of those classes.
That is not right for the rest of us that go faithfully. Someone needs to correct that and they need to pay it back!!
Honestly, if you know people that are receiving benefits that they don't deserve, then turn them in to the VA! It's not kind of illegal, it's totally illegal! I work hard for my school benefits and to think that there are people collecting on it and not doing it is ethically and morally sickening! I mean, the VA will catch up to them, but so what when they do? They aren't going to have the money to pay it back and they will probably do some jail time that once again as tax-payers, we will be paying for as well. Why not stop them from stealing money from people now instead of waiting for them to rack up a debt that won't get paid?
Im going to a school that is private and now I'm screwed. I cant pay for the rest of my tuition. This is messed up man I get shot 6 times in Iraq and now you take this away from me..
6 times? Dang, you mean you got 6 "slow mover" medals? I.e., PHs?
Dude, if you can muster up the courage to go to school, take out a student loan and "get er done". This is VA educational support, not freakin' welfare. Grow a pair and drive on. Sheeesh
Steve, go talk to the VA rep in your school. There are ALOT of schools that are trying, or in the process of becoming a Yellow Ribbon school. It means that you can get "topped off" from teh program. Lots do not announce it till its finalized, but schools are desperatly trying to get that VA monies in.
Where are you going to school?
Hello Steve , I started school last year and was promised funding from the GI
Bill. I planned my school based on what I was awarded. Now after one year
into the program my benefits have been reduced over $15,000 per year. I will
not be able to come up with this money. How do you think I feel? Another
kick in the face to a veteran. It does not matter how many times you have
been shot at. Nobody cares. Congress, Senators and the President should be
ashamed for supporting this bill. It was another of case of hurry up and get
something passed in lame duck session. Well they can all say they got it
passed but screwed so many veterans. Those already receiving benefits need
to be grandfathered in now. We need to contact as many people as we can to
get the word out to have a Grandfather clause.
I am quitting school next week. It really hurts. I can only hope and pray
for some type of grandfather clause.
you can only hope and pray that the government will take care of you, what the hell is wrong with you? this crap is really crazy to me all of these vets COMBAT VETS acting like the end of the world without there government cheese
Some people have higher aspirations then trolling a forum and lecturing people. It's a sad day when people like you turn their backs on combat vets. You're a F***head.
TO: Ticked Of Vet and company
Reformat your plan.
Take night classes + online classes to get your full time requirements.
Keep your day job or apply for a part-time position i you currently do not have a job. Downgrade your life style, make sacrifices now and your education should handle that debt you feel the government somehow is cheat you on.
NO to Grandfather Clause(PostGI 1.0) , YES to legitimate hard work.
This advice is fine IF that was the original GI Bill. Fact is, this guy went to private school based on anticipation of the benefits originally conferred. Making a GI Bill change midway through is complete garbage. To make callous comments about doing night school and taking on a job to cover the 15k gap in costs is equally garbage. The issue is not the money per se. The issue is changing a policy midstream and screwing individuals that went to certain schools under the pretense that the tuition would be paid.
If your school participates in the Yellow Ribbon program you should be fine. The school and VA will split the difference for the amount that exceeds the maximum in-state tuition.
Who are "Eligible NOAA and USPHS personnel " and why can they transfer their benefits to dependents and I, a veteran who served before, on and well-after 9/11 (but retired in 2008), can't!!!!!???? And why can't I get the money I paid into my GI Bill back, if no one is paying into it now????!!!!!!
(same reply I posted to a similar question)
We aren't civilians – we're active duty commissioned officers. Same pay scale, same benefits, same retirement. We aren't subject to the UCMJ unless attached to a DOD activity, however.
We're all members of the Uniformed Services of the United States. http://www.usphs.gov/
this has actually got to take the cake, these people are actually catagorized as vets. the government is actually reducing the benefits of real soldiers and marines and ect. and and giving them to the puplic health service and calling them vets, if that doesnt tell you to get the hell out of the military then its a lost cause. all of the sacrafices ARMED FORCES have to make to watch there shit get handed over to the puplic health service. it really does take the cake
If you have treansferred your GI Bill to the POst 9/11 Bill and you use all of the funds for the Post 9/11 up to the amount of the original GI Bill, you get your original money back.
although you are a government employee and thank you for delivering my junk mail!! When was the last time you heard of a letter carrier getting shot by an insurgent? just saying!!!
USPHS is the United States Public Health Service…they are all our military docs…not the mail men you idiot.
Try again, USPHS are not our military Dr's! The three services have their own Dr.'s and they are active duty deployed, the NAvy supplies the Marines their medical, USPHS, last one I saw was helping out the poor in WV, not down range, not under the UCMJ, that's putting the fat kid in charge of the cookie jar!!!
Tom – You're not incorrect. We aren't usually downrange getting shot at (although some are – we do assign folks to DOD units periodically.
However, I don't think that federal benefits should be assigned exclusivity upon whether you were recently shot at or not. We (all of the 7 uniformed services) made sacrifices during our 20 years, moved unexpectedly, served at the needs of the government, dealt with the joys of Tricare, etc.
As another aside, many of us are prior-service. So we *have* been downrange.
your wrong matt…..you dont need this and there arent 7 military services….NOAA personel should not get this as most of them already HAVE a degree. If I could have signed up to fly hurricane hunter missions in Florida, I would have.
NOAA has less then a tenth of the size of the us navy and your justifying them taking money out of MY pocket.
Same here, 28 years of service with a year in Iraq. Retired in 2007, but still cannot transfer the benefit to my kid(s). Most of the troops who CAN transfer the benefit don't even have college age children, so they missed the mark. The guys who are at an age where going back to school can be impractical are stuck with a benefit they probably won't use. Maybe that was the plan.
No…the plan was for those that serve less than the time required for retirement. These are the folks who generally need to finish their education., and may perhaps need it for a career. Those who have served 20 or more years had plenty of opportunities while on active duty using TA for their education. Don't give me the line that "I was too busy" while on active duty. You could have done it if you wanted to, and that's a fact!
What are you talking about? he's talking about transferring it to his kids.
To transfer the benefits to eligibile family members requires you to OBLIGATE SERVICE so it is not going to benefit everyone. If you retired before the bill became law, obviously you would not be eligible to transfer it to your family members ( I retired before). While I sympathize with you, I am happy for my shipmates who are fortunate enough to benefit from it. I encourage you all to look at the state you hold residency in to see what, if any, VA benefits you are eligible for. There are many! For those who were fortunate enough to benefit from BAH during "breaks in school", that was/is not the purpose of the bill. By doing so, you took money that can be used to continue funding this program and possibly others. Overall, it doesn't matter how good the intent of a bill or law is, it will NEVER satisfy the majority of people. Don't begrudge your shipmate. I know any one of my brothers/sisters who served in either branch of service would willingly come to the aid of another.
Amen!!!
My husband has been active in the army for almost 22 yrs, with 3 tours in Iraq, he was able to transfer money to pay for 2 years of college for our daughter. She even got a stipend for cost of living and books. So i am don't understand why you are not able to get college assistance for you child. I have several other military friends with college age kids and they too are transferring money to pay for their kids' tuition.
Echo the non-transfer sentiment. 22 years on active duty and retired on 01 May 2009. Why can't I transfer my GI Bill to my kids? The Post 9/11 GI Bill became law in 2008. They waited to make the transferability rules until August 2009 and then make the "law" effective on the date they waited to make the rule on? Tranferability should go back to 09/12/2001…after all, it is the Post 9/11 GI Bill, not the post August 2009 GI Bill. How do we get this fixed?
I also have child that is 18 and I retired in 2007 and would like to transfer my to her or my wife. i feel it not write.
Good God!
Your getting a good deal no matter how you look at it. In truth, I am surprised we get what we get! The post 911 GI Bill was not promised to me when I retired so in my opinion it's a bonus and I am using it. Reguardless of how or what they give to help in my pursuit of higher education I'll take it.
All we have to do is figure out how to declair ourselves "Illegal Aliens" and we will get everything for free! There is a lot more that is broken than the GI Bills!!!!!
Yeah I know right, like the mentality the military gave you…..
Looks like idt time still doesn’t count for rc/ng. if same philosophy applied to ac, only deployments would count toward benefits. I guess some service members are more equal than others…
I'd just really like to know how I'm supposed to survive during the summer. I rely on my housing stipend to pay my bills. It's impossible to find full-time work for just three months out of the year. So what am I supposed to do? How will I feed my family?
I got through school waiting tables as it's the perfect seasonal job or part-time/ flexible job and you make 2-3x min. wage. It's hard work serving people but if you do good most people appreciate it and tip good to well. Also, you can get discounted meals.
Rent will always be the same, but your BAH won't! Thanks congress! BS change. For everything they positive they added they took away something better.
find a summer school. duh!
^55 Christopher! People expecting to recieve benefits for sitting up!
Get a job!
I have one, thank you very much. But being a disabled veteran with no degree severly limits me. My job is not enough to cover all of my bills,
great advice maggie… -.- im sure that thought never crossed her mind…
You're a peice of sh*t. You don't think she thought of that you dipsh*t?
So, did you get knocked up during your military service? Where's Waldo, I mean where's Daddy? Did the Army/Navy/Air Force "issue" you a family?
Perhaps you need to get a job, in addition to your assistance, instead of expecting total coverage. Hell, I ate mac 'n cheese All THE Effin'g Time when I returned to college after Vietnam. Suck it up and be frugle.
Just take summer courses. Your'e degree will finish faster, and you will be paid for. There will be some very slight downtime, but a part time job can fill that in. Try not to let yourself get suckered into "NEEDING" and feeling that you can't live without government subsidies. It will only bot you in the A $$.
Hello Kelly , I started school last year and was promised funding from the GI
Bill. I planned my school based on what I was awarded. Now after one year
into the program my benefits have been reduced over $15,000 per year. I will
not be able to come up with this money. How do you think I feel? Another
kick in the face to a veteran. It does not matter how many times you have
been shot at. Nobody cares. Congress, Senators and the President should be
ashamed for supporting this bill. It was another of case of hurry up and get
something passed in lame duck session. Well they can all say they got it
passed but screwed so many veterans. Those already receiving benefits need
to be grandfathered in now. We need to contact as many people as we can to
get the word out to have a Grandfather clause.
I am quitting school next week. It really hurts. I can only hope and pray
for some type of grandfather clause.
you can only hope and pray that the government will take care of you, what the hell is wrong with you? this crap is really crazy to me all of these vets COMBAT VETS acting like the end of the world without there government cheese
Thats just rude! Nobody on here is trying to take "government cheese," as you put it, that they were not promised to being with. Everyone plans their finances based on their income, and when a person gets income taken away it hurts. Specially in this economy. It is difficult to find a job for those unemployed, then it ever has been. You probably would not understand that because you probably are not getting you education benefits. You can not even spell "their" correctly. I bet you would be singing a different tune if they said they were going to cut your retirement check in half.
Kelly is perfectly right. The whole point of this excellent benefit, (yes the post 9/11 bill is a GREAT benefit) is that us Veterans are enabled to attend school. To get the BAH benefit you HAVE TO attend school full time, which makes it impossible to maintain a full time job and difficult to get As and have a part time job.
BAH is a housing allowance and for them to cut that off between semesters is a big disservice to an otherwise excellent program. What is Kelly and thousands of other vets suppose to do in an economy that is the worst since the great depression? Try to become a waiter during the school break where Kelly has probably had no restaraunt experience and is competing against hundreds of other more experienced applicants that all the restaraunts are no doubt getting.
Plus many of us have families, and the job will not pay for the cost of child care.
That is REAL TALK.
@ Brian – Vets are going to do the same think they did BEFORE the Post 9-11 Bill. It kills me when people are given something and act like "Oh my god" when there are changes. You SHOULD have to attend school to receive this benefit. Save your money!! Think outside of the box. Tell you what? Go back to the MGIB which only pays for tuition – I bet you will figure out then.
Here is the rub. To receive the BAH during breaks between semesters, including the summer, you cannot exceed 30 days. It can be difficult to find part time jobs when you are available less than 30 days. For some, losing even a few days can be painful.
Well said Brian. Working and going to school is hard when you need to make A's to stay in your program or school. At my school its nearly unheard of to work and take on the demanding courses.
"To get the BAH benefit you HAVE TO attend school full time, which makes it impossible to maintain a full time job and difficult to get As and have a part time job. "
Your statement is incorrect. I am a veteran who is attending Penn State full-time while holding a full-time job that requires an hour and a half commute one way and I am in the top 10% of Penn State seniors. If you apply yourself more to your homework and time management and spend less time complaining about stuff you can not change I believe that you will see that it is possible!
IF YOU HAD THE MGIB AND TRANSFERED IT TO THE POST 9/11 YOU DON'T LOSE ANYTHING THAT YOU WERE AFFORDED UNDER THE OLD PROGRAM. THAT HAS BEEN A BIG MISCONCEPTION. I HAD THAT SAME BELIEF AS WELL. BUT AFTER A LENGTHY PROCESS I RECIEVED A LETTER FROM THE VA TO VERIFY THIS TO BE THE CASE. THE ONLY THING THE NEW LAW DOES IS TAKE OUT SOME OF THE RED TAPE FOR ANYONE THAT WAS ON THE MGIB. SO IT'S ACTUALLY A GOOD THING. AS FAR AS HOUSING ALLOWANCE AND SUCH, YA I THINK THAT NEEDS TO BE REVISITED.. LIBOHOUND@HOTMAIL.COM
I don't complain about what I get. I don't complain about the changes they make. I am a simple man with simple requests. If you tell me I am entitled to something or tell my you are going to do something……then do it. My complaint has always been the procrastination of my housing payments. I was promised a check every month of a certain amount. I've been in school for six months now and not once have I received a check for the FULL amount. They come in increments….a little here, a little there. Then they try to play catch-up. Financial stability is reliant upon STEADY income. Being a full time student who drives an hour and a half (one way) every day to get to school, I don't have much time for a job. So I RELY on the plan that was promised to me. I have arranged my budget around it. Let's follow through with what we say we are gonna do for veterans and stop playing games.
Well said! I agree.
I agree wholeheartedly. For those of us who survive on this money while in school, (which is likely most of us), they need to realize that these delays equal extreme stress and financial hardship due to bank and creditor fees, as well as fees paid when things like our internet get shut off (mine gets shut off tomorrow). When speaking to VA officials, they act as if the money is only secondary income, how would they feel if they found out that their paychecks weren't coming until next month and they only had $72 in their account!
So what about us students at a school that is year round? Our only breaks are 2 weeks in-between quarters. Think I can find someone who will hire me two weeks every 3 months to cover the $600 I'll lose? Don't punish us vets for a school schedule we can't control!
Hi dave, , I started school last year and was promised funding from the GI
Bill. I planned my school based on what I was awarded. Now after one year
into the program my benefits have been reduced over $15,000 per year. I will
not be able to come up with this money. How do you think I feel? Another
kick in the face to a veteran. It does not matter how many times you have
been shot at. Nobody cares. Congress, Senators and the President should be
ashamed for supporting this bill. It was another of case of hurry up and get
something passed in lame duck session. Well they can all say they got it
passed but screwed so many veterans. Those already receiving benefits need
to be grandfathered in now. We need to contact as many people as we can to
get the word out to have a Grandfather clause.
I am quitting school next week. It really hurts. I can only hope and pray
for some type of grandfather clause.
The sense of entitlement some people have makes me sad.
Marcus,
If you PAID me for something specific and I gave you something different, what would you do? What if you worked for me at a prearranged rate and i decreased your rate 1 year after your employment (illegal in most states, by the way)? YOU'RE TELLING ME YOU WOULDN'T DO OR SAY SOMETHING about it?!?!?! That makes you a liar or a coward Marcus. Which one are you?
This was a mutual agreement based on specific terms. I do not make excuses for grown people.
I want what I'm owed and I'll do what I have to do to get it and I don't give a rat's ass what sh*t heads like Marcus think about it.
Want to shut me up? Come try.
LOL—We are entitled to it you idiot. We earned it, they changed it, and now they are hearing about it. You apply for a credit card at 10.9% interest and your approved, unless you screw up the interest will always be 10.9% interest correct? Well, same philosophy applies to these changes. I applied and got accepted to the original post 9/11 gi bill, not this BS! So yeah, I guess you can say it's a huge sense of entitlement!!! Sorry you're such a push over.
I absolutely agree.
I have been around for awhile and started out with VEAP which was a terrible program but was all we had. Each successive GI Bill has been an improvement.
I understand people being upset about losing something that they thought they were entitled to but come on….. stop the whining about how to pay the rent. Get a job like all the other college students. I am very pleased with the 9/11 GI bill in comparison with previous options and will use it to my max benefit knowing that it is exponentially better than what I had before.
cant agree more cpt s. how is that pvt snuffy on active duty working a cq desk receives full benefits for time served, but ng training time doesn't mean squat? doesn't make sense. even my 3 month pre mob doesn't count. in fact six years of combined active duty orders and they only count 12 months as 'eligible' time.
@ dustoff Your remark is very insulting to those of us that have served numerous years. I served over 20 years of active duty and yes at one time I was PVt Snuffy sitting at the CQ desk for 24 hours. But while I was being PVT Snuffy I couldn't go home to mommy or my girlfriend, couldn't play with my kids, couldn't watch tv and play XBOX, and most of all didn't have any control of where I was stationed. Guards and Reserves makes such a big deal out of being mobilized for 3 or 4 months, spend 2 years in IRAQ, or 9 months in Bosnia then complain. You have your family, community, and your job in your hometown, that's what you wanted and that's what you got! If you want more benefits go to the local recruiting station and go on ACTIVE DUTY otherwise until you have been PVT SNUFFY, just continue doing your weekend drills and meeting one a month and stand at ease!
What reserve unit is deployed for only 3 or 4 months?! I was deployed for 10 months and then again for 18 months and I retired with 23 years in. Your remark, 1SG SNUFFY, is very insulting to ME. And, dustoff….didn't EVERYONE have CQ duty at some point?! Quit attacking each other…we are all brothers/sisters in arms.
We might have civilian jobs in addition to our military specialties, but those jobs equipped us to do things that the active duty soldiers couldn't because they were generally trained out of high school for a particular duty instead of various trades. The active duty Marines (LOVE THEM!) were BEGGING US to help them with things like fixing their air conditioners as well as their electrical and water issues. They couldn't do it themselves and base ops was swamped. We all WORKED TOGETHER AND WE ARE ALL VALUABLE IN SOME WAY…unless you were an ate up soldier who got something other than an Honorable discharge or Medical.
We all WORKED TOGETHER AND WE ARE ALL VALUABLE IN SOME WAY!!!!
This is a very powerful statement that has a lot of meaning; this was a big issue with my hubby who retired after 26 years on active duty working in a reserve units for the past 14 yrs and 12 yrs in his early years; active duty and reservist are serving to protect their country with a different reason as to why they chose active duty or reserves; Working together is what fellow service men and women do wih PRIDE!
I'm sorry that Bird has to be so cute about the Navy Chief. The fact is the military has been under the gun since the democrats took over the congress. After Gore lost the election because of Florida’s military absentee votes the Democrats set out to change the military by making it more politically correct. The latest example is the firing of the CO who was the XO that made training films and, with the new polices about homosexuals in the military. The military now has to figure out how to integrate homosexuals into it ranks. Does this mean that they are going to be going to inhabit military housing get military medical and dental care for their same sex “life companions”? This is just one of many examples of how the Democrats want to change the military so that the people who serve will vote for them in upcoming elections. As for the GI bill I think that what you signed up for is what you should receive. If I were to try to change the conditions of a contract both sides have to agree to the changes in the contract. This is not so when dealing with the government.
USN CPO…have you watched that video? Training it ain't and it certainly did not have ANY policy information, except to go directly against policies of both Republican and Democratic administrations. Sorry, that CO deserved to go…as did the female CO who publicly belittled her sailors and officers. Get a grip my friend.
While I personally don't like vulgarity, I also know that it is part of the military mindset and put up with it for 25 years. I certainly don't like the idea of gays being in the ranks openly. We might as well go co-ed now if a gay person is allowed to bunk next to someone they might be attracted to, then the perception is that it is unfair to heterosexuals because they don't get the same right. Like it or not AIDS is higher among gays than staight and if they recieve the same medical coverege, then it will over burden a program that is already maxed out.
I ETS IN SEPTEMBER OF 1992 , DUE i Qualify for the new GI BILL
No, you had to server on or after 9/11 2001, in order to Qualify. Also if you have not used your Bill yet, you lost it. You had 10 years after you ETS to use it. This happend to my Ex, he lost his Benefits, and he got out in 1992 as well.
The primary change that I am concerned with is the BAH stipend. I applied for this new GI bill as soon as it was released in August 2009. I was one of the first veterans to get accustomed to it. Throughout the months dealing with the VA and issues with this bill has been a learning process, but now just when I have it figured out they up and change one of the most important features. I have attended college full time since August 2009, including summer classes. I have never taken less that 15 hours (12 during the summer) yet at my university class is not in session 70-75 days out of the year. That is 2 months and some change out of the year my educational benefits are not being fully utilized yet they still deduct 12 months per year from my 36 months of benefits. I realized this within the first year and the VA told me that the reason they deduct 12 months is because regardless of those 70-75 days I was being paid break pay and this was justification for deducting a full 12 months from my benefits. I accepted their response because it made sense. The VA was paying me while I was on break so it is only fair to be deducted those 2 months of benefits. At the time my argument was that the educational benefits I earned were technically not benefiting me other than the fact I was getting full BAH while being on break. Until congress signed these changes into effect I was content with the VA deducting from my benefits those 2 months. Classes may not have been in session but the VA was still paying me full BAH each month when I wasn't even in class. NOW they are saying there will be NO MORE break pay, so I have 3 questions involving this change. 1. I signed up for the original post 9/11 bill because at the time it benefited me the most, why is it they can makes changes and I am now supposed to adapt to these changes without any further options? (If I had known there would be no break pay I may have weighed other options such as the Montgomery GI Bill) 2. By canceling break pay college students will put more emphasis on living expenses, financial responsibilities, and less on their studies because without BAH being fully paid each month who is going to pay my rent? (With these new changes the BAH will be there one month and not the next, hey congress, "my rent will always be the same each month"! Since they decided to take away our BAH during break pay periods this only makes me wonder if they are trying to double dip out of our benefits. Originally I questioned the 2 months of benefits being deducted from me but then later accepted the deduction due to the VA paying me full BAH each month. 3. Will the VA continue to deduct those 2 months of benefits when they are no longer paying me BAH each month? They made some positive changes, but with those changes they introduced negative changes that will only continue to complicate this bill. The changes signed by congress will help some but the majority will suffer because now there is no solid structure. The past 1.5 years I have been able to concentrate 100% on my studies because I always knew that if I maintained as a full time college student my living expense or a majority of them would always be covered. Starting August 2011 this will not be the case. We will have to focus more on financial obligations rather than educational obligations and with that said these changes are molding the post 9/11 gi bill into the one it was intended on replacing. Each month we are on break we will have to focus less on school and more on living expenses. If I remember correctly the post 9/11 gi bill was introduced on the theory that if college students have more time to focus on school and less on financial obligations the success rate of veterans graduating from college will be higher and the 1.5 year old bill will be more of an accomplishment rather than a failure.
Ryan Skelton: rskelton86@gmail.com Please contact me if you have additional information.
Hello,
I'm writing the VA in regards to the new changes passed by congress last week. "Eliminates housing stipend payments during break periods (spring break, summer semester, winter break, etc.). Effective Aug. 1, 2011." Personally I think this is a horrible adjustment and will eventually cause more problems than originally intended. My question is somewhat complex and deserves a detailed answer. First I would like to say that I am aware of the fact VA pays my monthly housing allowance January-December each year since I attend school full time SPRING, SUMMER, and FALL. I did a rough estimate and the college I currently attend is not in session 75-80 days including, spring break, fall break, and the weeks between fall/spring and spring/summer, and summer/fall. I also understand SINCE the VA pays me a FULL housing stipend on the 1st of each month for a full 12 months that they also deduct 12 months from the original 36 months of benefits. All of this I understand, but now my primary concern is since congress decided it was a good idea to take away our break pay in which enables us to keep our houses/apartments/dorms, will those 75-80 days (2 months) still be deducted from our original 36 months of benefits? I was upset last year when I found out the VA deducted 12 months from my benefits when in reality classes were only in session 10 months out of the year including the summer. I contacted VA and they explained they do this because they also paid me full housing allowance during breaks for the entire year to compensate. I can understand this and I was satisfied with the answer provided, but these changes were introduced and my new concern is since the VA is taking away my break pay what happens to my education benefits during the period in which we are not in session (75-80 days)? Hopefully somebody has an answer for me. If not I would like to know who I can contact for information regarding this issue. Also, I made this very detailed in order to prevent wasting time and receiving a non-detailed reply due to misunderstanding on the VA’s part simply because I did not explain my concerns well enough.
Thanks for your time
Ryan Skelton
-Perfect timing for the added stress, I was just about to start graduate school.
What bothers me is the cutoff date that was given to transfer GI bill benefits to your children. I dont understand the difference in me using the benefit or my daughter using the benefit. Either way it will be used. I was told that you had to still be in the Army as of 1 August 2009 to get the transfer approved. Can anyone shed any light on this subject or tell me if there is any possibility I can get this done? thanks!!
Not a chance. Spoke with the VA yesterday about the same issue. I was told that was put in place as a retention incentive. Yet today I read that the civilians with NOAA and Public Health, who just happen to carry military officer rank, (ie the Surgeon General); are now eligible to transfer the benefit to their dependents.
August 1, 2009 was the date ability to transfer to dependents began, not ended. There are stipulations to obligated service but for the most part, you can transfer GI Bill anytime to dependents while on Active Duty but it has to be while on active duty. Once you separate or retire; it is yours to keep! Haven't heard of other ways around out unless your are a disabled Vet which might be different rules?
http://www.gibill.va.gov/gi_bill_info/ch33/transf…
Hope this helps.
Doug
In my humble opinion, even though the MGIB, the Post 9/11 Bill, and the Post 9/11 2.0 bill are all great programs in their entirety, they are not geared towards the students. University is a business just like prisons are a business. Heavily orchestrated by unions and controlled by unions that lobby the government. How about taking a look at the statistics of the folks who receive the education benefits and how many actually complete their programs. Remember, a few years ago or so a change was made that had the VA paying the schools 100% of the yearly tuition up-front. Guess what that meant. . .no requests for reimbursement when students dropped out. Not to mention many students never informed the VA they quit and continued to receive BAH and such. This is funding for the schools, not simply for your education. However, it is there so use it before you lose it. Especially those who didn't have to qualify for it like we did in the Eighties when I enlisted.
Thrilled to death about the change. 6 years regular Army. 15 years AGR. Did not have eligibility towards anything except old VEAP program and I got out of that.early due to financial hardship.
When my hubby came in he was with the old VEAP program which he opted out of also; thank God he did cause that would not of gotten him much of an education today.
Why don't you guys take some classes during the breaks? That's what I did until now (winter 2011). I didn't even know you received benefits for being on break until now. This may take some due diligence on your end, like registering for online classes if the class you need isn't offered at your local school. Be creative, this is why you're in school isn't it?
How can you take classes if school is on break? My school does not offer any classes from December 21st until January 24th this year.
It also shuts down for 3-4 weeks between the Spring and Summer semesters, and between summer and fall.
I am thinking now, because of this change that takes away the living expense, I'm going to have to drop out of school and go back to working.
I had a good paying full time job, and left it to pursue an education full time, specifically because of the BAH year round.
The BAH was much less than my salary, but I cut back my expenses, and made it work, but to have to go a month without getting paid, will cripple me financially.
I didn't think there was anything wrong with the bill the way it was. I feel like Congress just took a big dump on me and my education plans.
So…the big issues here appear to be the fact that no one gets paid on Summer Vacation and that private school tuition wont be paid in full. Ok well I think Wal-Mart has Kleenex on sale right now 2 boxes for $1.99. Stop by and pick some up because your tears are pathetic. Listen I can't stand the Dumbocrats either as "Uncle Sam in Tears" so eliquently put it but on the same note if you are prior service personel then you should enjoy whatever you get and be thankfull, and es these "bennies" wont be around forever. Close your mouth mouth go to school, get a job and and move on with the rest of your life.
I find it ridiculous that vets will not be able to choose a school of their quality and personal challenge to fulfill the MGIB; instead, it is dictated in 2.0 that government money return to the government through public schools. I have been attending private universities and will graduate this May. I feel sorry for those who will not have the same opportunity. The quality of faculty, challenge, and class size are highly desirable factors in a college education.
While I applaud the changes to the Post 9/11 GI Bill, I have to speak out on an issue that impacts thousands of veterans: Transferability for those who retired from active duty or reserves prior to the 1 August 2009 initiation date. Like myself, many of us in the retiree group have deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan at least once if not multiple times. But because the Post 9/11 GI Bill is/was more of a retention plan, it ignores those who have served honorably and prevents them from passing on their benefits to their dependents. I've been blessed to have attended Top Level School as well as fund my own master's program. Now I'd like to be able to pass on the benefits of my honorable service to my spouse or children and I cannot do that. I understand that money doesn't grow on trees however, Congress should amend the bill to address the numbers of veterans who have deployed in support of OEF and OIF but cannot pass it on to their dependents and make this bill a complete bill that covers not only those who stay in but those who have served and deployed during this conflict.
Some of the improvements and drawbacks are relatively minor, but the article didn't go into just how drastic a reduction the tuition/fees paid to private schools can be, depending on where you'll be attending school.
If you're wanting to attend a private school in a high-tuition-cap state like Texas or New York, the original Post-9/11 GI bill would have paid up to $90k (in NY) or $135k (in TX) over three years towards a 90-hour postgraduate degree such as a JD. Under the "improved" Post-9/11 GI Bill, that's now been capped to a little over $52k over three years. So in one fell swoop, they've potentially cut off over $80k in benefits.
But gee, I can get a $1000/year book stipend while I'm still on active duty, so I guess I have that going for me…
Perfectly said, I am not surprised we are going to lose out. Yes, I am mad, but we are use to it. We are officially retiered next month and we were looking forward to collecting BAH. It was enough to support us until I graduate next spring and then he will graduate the following spring. Now I will have to continue taking student loans, or graduate a semester later. We will make the best of it and move on. Not having to work part time and taking on more classes would have been nice, but that is not how the cookie crumbled, but the crumbs sure taste good. Just thankfull he got to take the clasees he got to while they tried to figure out if they would let him serve anymore or not. (medical retierment, did 21 years though. Took 2 years to decide what to do.)
Does anyone have an idea how the housing allowance benefit works wrt my attending grad school overseas (US based school… Webster, St Louis, MO.). The course of instruction has me studying in 5 different capitols? I understand it the BAH stops during periods between classes as I travel to the next country, but I'm more concerned with the rate I would receive, i.e. St Louis rate all the time or various rates based on my actual location while studying?
I agree that too many people are counting on these benefits to survive…you should be glad you have money at all to go to college! Suck it up and get a summer job!
You're an idiot,
People don't get paid for taking the whole summer off. The only get the break pay when they take summer classes. The break pay covers the 2 weeks before summer school starts and the 3 weeks after summer school ends.
Who hires people for 2 weeks?
my first semester of cost 10875 bucks and it says the new bill only pays 17500 a year does that me i can only attend 1 2/3 of a semester a year
I retired in 2005. Transfer of benefits to my daughter was not an option because the 9/11 GI Bill was not out yet. Does anyone know if there has been a change to that rule?
What if I am going to a traditional college and online school??? What benefits do I get now?
the same benefits as your postal clerk job at your local USPS
I can understand stopping greedy people who make extra money on breaks, but what about the people who are really serious about their schooling and really do want to work hard and knock out schooling during the breaks. They should have just made it more precise, like sending in you class schedule for the break proving you have classes. I mean I will be working too, but there are alot more things in this country that need to be cut back on and he decides to mess with our education. I believe this will cause people to drop out because they will need to get a job and can't do both. Everyone has different living situations it doesn't matter what you joined for this is one of the benefits you were supposed to get for doing what we do. Instead of being thick headed how about understanding what people will go through. This is why our country is so ill educated, constant cuts to our learning availability. I understand both sides you did join and things never go as planned, but don't short change yourself you did work for this and now its getting cut. Maybe someday our great leaders…………….will realize that we are the reason they are even there and focus more on us as a whole……….
Just be thankful that you are getting anything. This is a blessing to be able to receive free education for military. it is 1000% better than nothing. Surprised to see the complaints on here.
As always, veterans who served on active duty in the late 70′s to early 80′s are left out. We get no GI bill, no veterans preference in hiring, no nothing. America didn’t like the military back then and we will forever pay the consequences.
Overall out of alot of these complaints it really does sound like the military has just wasted time in our lives, we signed thinking we would do soemthing awesome and watch out for our country………..green weenie!!!!!!
Nice they keep putting out more ways to get education benefits but once you use your 48 month of eligibility under whatever plan, say like my wife – got her Masters and is in her Doctorate. They tell her she is eligible for a new program but as soon as she applies they say, sorry you exhausted 48 months of eligibility, you get no more benefits no matter what new program comes out and how much you serve. At the same time my 50 disability means I can not transfer my eligibility to her – so much for my service…
I must say that I agree with smatterings af most of the posters above. I retired in 2007 with over 250 combat / combat support sorties. The fact that I can’t transfer my bennies to one of my dependents is INSANE! As far as I’m concerned, you did the time…YOU should determine who gets what as far as education bennies. I DID use TA while in and got a BS! Those of you that say “I didn’t have time” are smoking somthing…I was on the road 200+ days per year and STILL finished my degree in 3 years. Was it hard…yes…worth it…ABSOLUTELY!
The better question is what does it matter if you go to school in class or go to school online to determine your eligibility for BAH under the 9/11? Does the person going to school online not have a home??? If they wanted to make some improvements with this program I definitely wouldn't want this democrat handling it… look at the cuts people are experiencing now with BaH for AD… This program is FUBAR and will never find a level ground that caters to everyones individual stories… Just be happy like myself to even receive a penny for school. If your not receiving a penny, don't give up.
GI BIll…….General Enlisted Bill For Education Benefit……For those who serve in the military Period! If you didn't serve this country, you don't deserve the benefit and are taking away from those who have and need the opportunity for education in order to attain a civilian job.
I think this is a horrible plan. First off, I depend on my housing allowance to survive. Finding work is not easy.
As a full time student of Mechanical Engineering, I have a serious degree plan. I don't necessarily have time to work when my education is my "job".
I am out of school approximately 25% of the year. This equates to a 25% loss of BAH. Exactly how the hell am I supposed to find enough money to shore up that gap? I am in an apartment with a lease. What do I say come time for rent. Oh sorry, the VA cut my pay. I guess I am living the good life and deserve a pay cut.
Im sorry but when has $1450 a month ever been considered "a good living"?
Feed your family by saving some of it back.
If you need the money during the breaks sign up for mini terms and summer school…..I did !!
wow you all are really blowing it out of proportion, if you sign up and use your benefits you will understand completely. If you have comments and concerns call the VA education department their are people specializing in EACH section of the MGIB. Most people didnt even know if you qualified for the chapter 1606 and 1607 you could switch over to the post 911 and still keep the chapter 1607 and switch to and fro as you wish…..some people need to read up. However there will always be someone complaining because they feel they dont EVERYTHING they want!
It's better than nothing. I have to admit that. There is no way for the system to please every single person. it's sad, but it is facts. This is a system like every other where most would be screaming it is a Socialist site weren't it for the military. I am blessed to have any part of these benefits work out for me.
read all the posts and sign up for more classes.
Personally, I am glad more of our brothers and sisters in arms will be able to avail themselves of this opportunity. Some of the changes will affect me monetarily and may not cover the full time for my chosen degree pursuit as it is a high credits requirement major, but since I see the GI Bill as an opportunity for success, I will do the utmost that I am capable of to make the best of this opportunity. In the end, I may have to take out student loans to finish, but it will be much less than without the GI Bill! Which deserves more focus, the obstacle or the goal? – Improvise, Adapt and Overcome!
Brainwashed.
They promised you something and they did not follow through, Terri.
You have the option to fight it. EVERY person that is negatively affected by these changes has the option to fight it. Stop being cowards and push overs. Think about those of us who have made major life changes to make pursuing a better way of life possible. Where is our fault in that?? We just want to get educations. What's friggin wrong with that man? Seriously?? We get the old bate and switch and we cry foul and that makes us spoiled or selfish?
You all can shove it.
TO: Ticked Of Vet and company
Reformat your plan.
Take night classes + online classes to get your full time requirements.
Keep your day job or apply for a part-time position i you currently do not have a job. Downgrade your life style, make sacrifices now and your education should handle that debt you feel the government somehow is cheat you on.
Well I learned that if I convert my MGI to post 9/11, and since I ETS'ed in Jan 2003, my DH was transferd to Rec. and there was not Post arround where I could be stationed at, so I ETS'ed, but it was only 16 months after 9/11 so I only get a % of the the benefits, but if I stay with the MGI i get my full benefits. It was good that I talked to the VA reps at the School before I transfered my Plan. I am working on Enroling but we are short on Money and that test takes money, but has soon as we have it avail, I will start the process.
The one question I do have, my DH is active Duty, so will I be able to get the $ 1000 Book stipen for Active Duty Military Spouses?
The MGI does not pay for my Books, so it would help greatly.
Since I can not get a Job here, since I do not speak Spanish, yes you heard me right in order to get a Job here even for Fast Food places you have to be able to speak spanish, and yes we are in the USA, just very close to Mexico.
I see so many comments from people claiming to be screwed, or how much they hate all the changes of the 9/11 bill. I personally have benefited so much from the 9/11 bill. I started school on the orig. MGIB and was going into debt almost 5k/quarter of school. Once I started on the 9/11bill Yellow Ribbon program? My entire $7200 a quarter is covered, plus additional costs, and sometimes I come out ahead based on the amount of credits I've taken (which I then apply towards paying off the debt I accrued while under the old plan. Yes, I am concerned with not getting BAH during breaks, but it's such a small price to pay. I'm getting a $85k-ish education for $14k, after only 4 years of service. Do I feel I deserve all of that? No- but I am extremely thankful. It's disgusting reading all of the gimme-gimme comments.
Don't let your benefit blind you from how it's negatively affecting other people. There are a lot of people that are going to be put in very difficult positions because of this. Not everyone leads the same life.
Okay, I'm 100% disabled Veteran, I could not get teh VA to approve my Vocrehab because the "Sgt. Major" who was looking at his second retirement from the VA said that I was too disabled to rehabilitate… he said he'd see a woman like me at my age go back to college over his dead body… that nobody went to school on rehab except if he said so… everything had to have his stamp on it….
Well, then along comes the Post 9-11! I not only get to go to school but I get to pick! God Blessed me so good. At 48 years of age (5 years after being denied through thTyler Texas Va Ed Programs Office) I tried, at my 27 year old son's request.. him having two tours in Irag made me trust his decision much more… I applied and was accepted (passed all the bars and jumped all the hoops) to Baylor University. I've wanted to attend Baylor since I was 17 and just out of High school.
THIS SGT.MAJOR IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST SCREW-UPS THE VA CAN HAVE MAKING ANY COMPLICATED DECISONS CONCERNING ANOTHER VETERANS BENEFITS. I THINK THE VA HAS TOO MANY OF THESE MORONS MAKING DECISONS ,THIS MUST BE THE ONLY JOB HE CAN ATTEMPT TO DO IN ORDER TO BE RETAINED BY THE ARMY. ANY THING ELE WOULD PROBABLY BE AN OVERLOAD FOR HIS BRAIN.
NCO'S LIKE HIM ARE ONE OF THE BIGGEST REASONS LOTS OF VETS GET TURNED DOWN FOR BENEFITS.
So, here I am.. accepted to a GREAT, GOD Loving, Christian school… and I am Just 4 semesters short of a Double Major(Env.Studies and Studio Art) with a Minor in Religion… then lo and behold… I am due to get cut out of it! I am 50. I was goning to be 52 when I graduated and I was gonna have fufilled a life long dream to work in Missionary Service helping folks connect to the Creator through The Creation… uniting the common tread of utilitatian domestic arts and the common ground of the environment. I am stunned. It costs 15000 a semester (still cheaper than University of Texas) and I wonder how I am to raise the funds to attend a complete my degree? I am unemployable (verified by the State and VA) I use every loan and scholarship I get to just keep a roof over my head… I use my compensation to pay the balance of living when everything already costs soooo much.
What? If you are unemployable, why on EARTH are you going to college and getting not one but THREE degrees?! If it is to educate yourself, you can do that at the local library!
As for your "life long dream to work in Missionary Service helping folks connect to the Creator through the Creation…", you can do that for a lot cheaper than $120,000 ($15,000 a semester x 8 semesters). You can't even get a job after you graduate! And you can't really go on missionary trips if you're 100% disabled and injured badly enough that you are unemployable. So, what is your end goal, exactly????
Part II of my message:
The end goal of an educational degree is to find employment. Unless, of course, you are filthy rich and just doing it for fun.
Your compensation should be, at a minimum according to the tables, $2,673ish per month at the 100% rating. YOU CAN'T LIVE ON THAT?!?!? I'm currently paying my bills with only my $376 a month disability and my school loans and I can't make it another month. Hopefully soon I will get my first $900ish stipend so I can live a bit easier. I wouldn't even be going to school if I was bringing in $2,673 a month! I would be volunteering and doing things for the community in some way.
After reading messages from all the so called "whining people" on here, you were the only one who made me absolutely livid after reading what was written.
HER dream, not yours. Prick.
Hello Dolly , I started school last year and was promised funding from the GI Bill. I planned my school based on what I was awarded. Now after one year into the program my benefits have been reduced over $ 15, 000 per year. I will not be able to come up with this money and will be forced to leave school. How do you think I feel? Another kick in the face to a veteran. It does not matter how many times you have been shot at. Nobody cares. Congress and the Senators should be ashamed of supporting this bill. Those already receiving benefits need to be grandfathered in now. we need to contact as many people as we can to get the word out to have a Grandfather clause.
did it ever occur to you to get a real job, then you might be able to pay for your school,,,
What, and How am I supposed to recover my citizenship? When do I get to become a contributing citizen again? This is my last chance at finishing a degree plan that will allow me to serve again… I am torn up! I am good enough for one of the best schools in the country, why can't my country be good enough to let me go?
I have given up so much.
I have sucked it up till there ain't no more room.
God has blessed me… I will continue to look to God… yet, I gave to Ceasar what was Ceasar's… there was a bond of promise, not compromise.
I know from my service that certain regimes stifle genius and their intellectuals first… how much do I have to give up?
With the new GI Bill 2.0, it seems to not matter of what percentage of eligibity that your at which you will recieve the 100 BAH rate as long as your enrolled physically full time. If someone was at 50%of eligibility with the Post 9/11, that would mean that at a junior college, their tuition and fees are fully covered (assuming it is as low cost as mine) and that BAH would flow in at full rate as long as they are full time.
Does this seem right. I feel that this is a lot more beneficial than the Post 9/11.
The compensation and private school changes they've made to balance the scales just aren't right. You can't change the rules mid game like that. There are a lot of people CURRENTLY depending on things the way they were told they would be. What about those people? Beneficial for them? Of course not, they should suffer so that others may prosper though, right? Too bad, so sad maybe?
I don't think so. That answer doesn't fly with me and it certainly won't fly with most of them.
Why did I ever join the military? Why not just sit back and accumulate state and federal student aid since that's what the GI bill is getting downgraded to. It's not a reward, it's just student aid from a different source, with the main difference being the non gi bill recipients didn't get shot at and watch their best friends die for their country, who is now screwing them.
Not sure if you undestand PELL but some who recieve military/goverment assistance can apply for benefits; been there done it even while on active duty. GI Bill is not a loan which means it dosen't even compare to those aids you mention. They can be used in conjunction to the GI Bill.
lol. sometimes it seems that way.
I think that it's absolute crap that they've taken away the semester break pay! We're in a recession, and for those of us who are taking over a full load (I can't take less than 16 units a semester if I ever want to finish my program) we can't work and take a heavy load during the semester. What do they expect us to do?We can't just run out and find a job to support ourselves for a month between semesters, I live in California and know people who have been searching for months for a job. Employers aren't going to want to hire someone who's going to have to quit a few weeks later, and financial aid will only cover so much when you're attending an expensive private school. For those of you who would tell me to attend a cheaper state school, know that I don't attend an expensive school just for fun, it's a school that specializes in what I want to do. I'm intent on receiving the best education possible, but for people in my situation, cutting the break pay out is a disaster!
I Am in the same situation. I thought the country would honor it’s obligations. Welcome to the real world I guess?!!
Gentlemen, it is great to see so many pursuing a higher education. I take an optimistic approach to the benefits we have earned and a more benevolent attitude towards our current military funded educational situation. Sure we have all endured hardships and difficulties to earn our benefits and some feel we are entitled to more. My personal belief is we should be happy to have what is there and use it quickly and wisely. So many before us have suffered much more and received much less.
Drive on,
MCPO Retired
If you planned to get your BA/BS with this then you've likely planned around budget and time (as they will both be factors). The fact of the matter remains that these types of actions are illegal outside of the US Government because they are in breach of previously agreed upon contractual obligations and can cause undue hardships. The truth of the matter is that we could make an argument to fight these changes on principle alone, let alone the difficulties these sudden changes can cause. I will NOT be spoon fed the "make due with what you have" line any more. I heard it enough throughout my military career to realize that it just doesn't hold water. I respect the way in which you presented your opinion MCPO Starr (not at all like some of these self righteous bulldogs), but the principle remains; some of us are being put in very difficult situations based off of decisions that our wholey outside of our realm of control. To question and to fight these inevitable hardships is completely within our rights and, in my opinion, constitutes the ideals of freedom as they are meant to be interpreted. Respectfully, I'll be damned if I take the "make due with what you have" excuse in reference to what's owed to me EVER again.
I'll fight.
Our endeavors to serve in the military are what separates’ us from the ordinary folks in our society. We are all a cut above and as such we are obligated to maintain an attitude, demeanor, and daily approach to life that resembles the outstanding qualities that make our service and sacrifices special. The honor bestowed upon us as veterans of military service demands our respect and reverence towards those who have gone before us, and for those who will follow. Keep a positive attitude, adapt and overcome and you surely will overcome any financial obstacles you face during your pursuit of a degree. I wish we could all get more to fund our education but our country is standing on the brink of financial bankruptcy.
MCPO Retired
Financial bankruptcy does not apply singularly to the country, sir. Individuals have to worry about the same thing. Realistically speaking, of course.
Robin, I started school last year and was promised funding from the GI Bill. I planned my school based on what I was awarded. Now after one year into the program my benefits have been reduced over $ 15, 000 per year. I will not be able to come up with this money and will be forced to leave school. How do you think I feel? Another kick in the face to a veteran. Those already receiving benefits need to be grandfathered in now.
I started school last year and was promised funding from the GI
Bill. I planned my school based on what I was awarded. Now after one year
into the program my benefits have been reduced over $15,000 per year. I will
not be able to come up with this money. How do you think I feel? Another
kick in the face to a veteran. It does not matter how many times you have
been shot at. Nobody cares. Congress, Senators and the President should be
ashamed for supporting this bill. It was another of case of hurry up and get
something passed in lame duck session. Well they can all say they got it
passed but screwed so many veterans. Those already receiving benefits need
to be grandfathered in now. We need to contact as many people as we can to
get the word out to have a Grandfather clause.
I am quitting school next week. It really hurts. I can only hope and pray
for some type of grandfather clause.
TO: Ticked Of Vet and company
Reformat your plan.
Take night classes + online classes to get your full time requirements.
Keep your day job or apply for a part-time position i you currently do not have a job. Downgrade your life style, make sacrifices now and your education should handle that debt you feel the government somehow is cheat you on.
NO to Grandfather Clause(PostGI 1.0) , YES to legitimate hard work.
you should just keep your mouth shut
I feel that the people who already signed up for this bill should not have the rules changed half way into their college education.
They ripped benefits from people and now walk around beating their chests like they just did this whole great service to their military members. How bout that? My DH may now have to drop out. I am sure others will, too.
To those saying just be grateful – sure..we have given up 14 years to our country only to hear politicians to talk about freezing military pay, civilian pay and now a nice new years kick in the ass in the form of this bill.
THEY should be grateful they still have a paycheck, or a job for that matter.
Great so I did active duty time to earn my GI bill now I lose money to help accommodate nasty guard girls and people taking online classes this isn’t right the president is an asshole for this slap in the face
Jason you are just venting because your statement was nasty. Women or Men, National guards (a department of the Army), Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Air Force active duty and/or reserves serve to protect for different reasons. I don't know about you but online classes are not as easy as sitting in traditional classrooms. Most online courses are even more expensive to take. Not everyone due to work schedules can sit in a classroom.
im agree with you ,**** the weekend warriors
how much is a 100% tuition rate in Fayettville N.C.?
Go to military.com to find out your rate. Lots of great info on that site.
What is Obama's problem with private schools? I go to Ai and love it. Now Obama's new bill may complicate things for me and give a marginal benefit. I am concerned.
Maybe some private schools cost too much for what they deliver? You betcha!
And some public school don't? And even if that's true, slashing private school payment across-the-board hardly seems like the right solution. With the new GI Bill "improvements", they'll pay $27k/year for someone attending law school at UT (public), but the payments for SMU (private) are capped at $17.5k/year. Does that seem equitable?
@ Katie….It's not free money if you signed a contract that was to include the GI Bill and completed your obligation to the military. At that point it becomes something that you're owed. Not "free money" as you claim.
Why not continue soliciting the $100 that is requested at the beginning of your service. Those who never gave can now reap the benefits, deny that service because they denied themselves the opportunity. I was one that never wanted to see school again but I still was smart enough to give to the GI bill.
TO: All Ticked Of Vets
Reformat your plan.
Take night classes + online classes to get your full time requirements.
Keep your day job or apply for a part-time position i you currently do not have a job. Downgrade your life style, make sacrifices now and your education should handle that debt you feel the government somehow is cheat you on.
NO to Grandfather Clause(PostGI 1.0) , YES to legitimate hard work.
Reformat your plan.
Take night classes + online classes to get your full time requirements.
Keep your day job or apply for a part-time position i you currently do not have a job. Downgrade your life style, make sacrifices now and your education should handle that debt you feel the government somehow is cheat you on.
haha i can tell you are national guard or airforce bi.ch
I exhausted my GI bill and Reserve GI bill. When applying for Post 9/11, after being recalled to active duty for one year in 2005, I was told denied benefits because I maxed out on the other two GI bills. How can one be denied when this is a new benefit? I am now starting a Doctorate program and would to get the Post 9/11 benefits. Any suggestions. Maybe the new law will at least give me in state tutition.
go get a job. government paid enough. make your own money to support your future ambitions.
You obviously have never served in the military, maybe you should try it and then comment.
HELLO!!!!
They are helped you with 2 programs… How bout you reap a little bit of the cost… The military will not get any benifit from your doctoric…
Hopefully you stated this in tongue in cheek and understand that their are vets who will not get the full package as promise to get a bacholer degree let alone a law degree or in your case a doctoric.
Then again I bet you will be able to find a way to reap the rewards from other vets defending the line unable to use their TA Benifits while on active duty.
This is what happens when your leader has no experiance in the military, doesnt know our hardships. wait his wife spends a few hours with military wifes so she knows what its like. Either way when the one making decisions for your life doesnt even know system, things like this happen. The few benefits we have from the military are going to fade away by someone who has no knowledge of the sacrifice that military make to the country he is responsible for.
To the majority of you people who are saying we aren't entitled to the benefits in which we signed up for think about the contract you signed before serving our country. At times if you didn't like it, could you up and quit? NO! The government changed the benefits they advertised to you without any regards to how it may affect you. It's funny they can change things when it's not going good for them, but when you want to opt out of their contract you cant.
Im dissapointed in a lot of peoples comments on here. It sounds like everyone is just takng classes to get the full BAH and now that they will be paying for how many credits one takes, there is a lot of whining. Im enrolled at Embry-Riddle in Prescott to get my training in Helicopters (flying three days a week) and a degree in Aeronautical Science (taking five classes this spring 2011). I feel like the BAH is for people like me who are going to college for a reason and do not have time for a job to create an income. I have no problem with getting paid for my credit hours. But for those of you just taking classes to get money, you need to take a look at your patriotism and not just what you can get out of the government. I am very thankful to have such an amazing opportunity to be a better part of society by gaining knowledge and preparing for an excellent career. I plan to roll with the punches (new changes) and prove to those who are giving me this opportunity that I can complete my training succesfully and make it worth it to the taxpayers.
Hey Ryan good on ya… Glad to hear you are getting some flught training…Hopeing you are going to re-up in the military and put that flight training to some good use. You see Some of you fellow vets might be able to go to school and support a family on the stipen for BAH. They go to school to get an education and the BAH will off set the lost wages that they will not be able to get because they are in school. Honestly they should get rid of the part of the bill. It sound like you are saying HEY LOOK AT ME I CAN DO IT WHY CAN”T YOU… Not all vets are in the same position as you or stage in life. I bet you serve in the range from around 4-8 years and now say you want to give back. Well do twenty plus years and and see if they promise you Health care and education money at a certain rate then change it the rules if you fell the same PATRIOTISM… Not question your Patriotism just they way you say you are disappointed in people rights to vent about how the changes to these rules are not equal across all time parties. Meaning some will benefit from the changes and some will be harmed but they served and have a right to voice their opinion of why it sucks…
Looking forward to you flying the Blackhaws in AFGHAN protecting many of by brothers in harm ways during their 1 year rotation.
I do agree that everyone best use their educational benes asap becuase it will not last forever. I'm using my 9-11 GI bill for a second masters becuase I don't trust any of them in congress (DFL or GOP) to keep their word and fund part of either of my daughters' education in 10 or so years. Ask any combat vet if the the federal gov, DOD, service branch, or VA kept all of their promises. If you find one that says yes let me know.
so in the 'winners/losers' list – vets get the biggest schlong!
Fellas!! I have one question. I know this is a Post 911 Bill. but does it benefit me? I did 7yrs active duty Army from '86-'93, do i benefit from this bill? Yes i did contibute to the MGIB but never used it. Fortunately i have been employed ever since ive been out, im now working in the healthcare field as a nursing asst. I can pay to further my education out of pocket(im not gonna add debt by getting financial aid) by attending community college but it would be nice not to.
The post 9/11 bill is for those who served during that period. But thank you for your service.
If you go to the VA website and search the 9/11 GI Bill it will tell ya the requirements and period you have had to served.
Good luck and thanks again for your service
I knew changes were coming! The original bill was good..in fact too good! The changes for the most part extend assistance to more of us. I like taking online classes and now I will be able to do so and recieve some assistance and some is better than none! No matter what though, you can't please everybody and some will no doubt be disgruntled by these changes. Thank you, President Obama, for trying to provide support to as many veterans as possible! I'm grateful!
what do you people expect good grief your getting 20000 more than I did in 99 plus a housing allowance that I didnt and since most of you fools walk around the mall all day and then go home and tell the wife how hard you have it dont complain
When I found out about the GI Bill I decided to leave teaching and pursue by dream of being a pharmacist. One and a half years into this goal and I find out that it will now cost be someone in the ball park of $35K more to graduate due to the cap placed on private institutions. Going to an in-state school would be awesome except for the fact there are no pharmacy schools in Delaware. Wish I had seen this coming before I invested so much time. I may now have to bail on pharmacy school. Where is the grandfather clause? I get that we should be thankful for what we get BUT people make decisions based on the rules at the time and it affects the lives of everyone in the family!
I would be doing some serious research in two things… first the yellow ribbon program and next to see how many classes i can take before the rules are in effect that will not cause you any more debt.
Good luck and keep up the fight; we need strong women in the pharmacy rules…
Another idea not sure how close you are to Dover AFB but if so see if you can get in contact with a CMSGT Larry Williams; his wife has some contat with some important politians in the state. he may give you some ideas as well or at least tell your story the the right polititian.
Laughing my butt off. Does this really amaze you all?? Our president has never defended our country. He wants everyone to think he cares about us warriors, while he screws us on things like a good education. Sure now we are getting some crumbs from the table, but we are the ones who ensured the future and prosperity of this great nation of ours, we want the pearls.
I paid into the regular army MGIB back in 96-97, Does anyone know if the y are refunding those funds since know there is no payin???
No, there are no refunds of VA contributions for MGIB.
Which is BS…. but it is what it is…. I also got sucked in for the extra $600 so I could get an additional $1800 on the back end… some investment… Either they should pay or we should get a refund…
“Give way, together”
-As for the online classes how about you for visit at Walter Reed. talk to Wounded Warriors who just may not feel comfortable in a public setting yet. Then see if you truly think there is no use for classes online.
-adequate VS extravagant. Those who continue to think they are owed so much usually end up being the ones sitting in the Green Zone taking cool guy pics of themselves and telling everyone how hard core it was. Fortunately the majority of Soldiers (Active and NG ) did what was asked of them, and continue to represent within the civilian community.
As long as we have been at war you would think there would be more out there not publicly whining so loud. With that how many of those whiners are current members of groups that lobby for us (VFW, USA, NCOA, MOPH
Lifetime member VFW… post 805
I think it way to cope with the rules being change and if they are not a member yet it may be time to send them an appilcation…Numbers mean power and power means change and that what most are saying that the changes have been made but now we in numbers need to voice our concerns real loud with our private military organizations.
I have spent my time in the service, and I have seen the world thanks to my VOLUNTEER status, and I am sure that each one of you here have done the exact same thing so all this bitching about how the Bill has changed is annoying. It's no different than when you were active duty or if you are on active duty now, pan accordingly and don't depend on the "FREE" moeny you are getting from the VA to pay YOUR bills. It's not the responsibilty of the VA to make sure all your bills are paid, it's yours so accept that and you will be much better off. Further more, most of us only paid what, $1200 into the MGIB in the first place and the VA is giving you $36,000 if you didn't pay the one time extra?
Really, are you serious right now? Get a grip people, you don't "DESERVE" this free money just because you "served". I am a little frustrated at how some of the War vets are being treated however. The men and woman who spent one, two and sometime more tours in Iraq and Afghanistan are being treated as nobodies back here by the VA when it comes to benefits and that is the true crime, not this GI Bill nonsense. Think about what you would have done had you not VOLUNTEERED to serve your country and had to pay for all those bills and the college education you are compaining about now.
One of the comments in here was about how the governement is quickly running itself out of money and is printing counterfeit money, although that may not be completely true, think about it, are you going to spend time whinning about how congress changes things on a whim or are you going to continue along the path you started and get as much as you can before it does run out if indeed it does? One last thing before i step down off this soapbox of mine, any of you whinny ass people heard of FAFSA or the many other governement funding sites to pay for school? Look it up, chances are it will help cover those gaps you are all complaining about.
Forget that! I joined the military so I could get money for college. I’m not gettin any loans and I’m not payin anybody back. The Pell Grant will only do so much. Ima Texas vet so I also have the Hazelwood Act. I don’t think “tough *****” is the right attitude to have. I’m sure most of us wouldn’t have volunteered if we knew the govt was gonna fennagle us out of our benefits. If my school isn’t paid for between the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon, I guess I gotta hang it up. The only thing I’m payin for is gas and school supplies!
i just cant believe that this benefit does not cover a military man that retired jan 1 2009 with 26 yrs they have given this benefit to a man that has served 2 yrs but not to a man that retired 5 months before the cut off date i think this transfer should include all retires that served in irac what ever the date they retired who pulled the date of aug 2009 out of there ass !
Its us veterans who always gets screwed, I guess Congress seems to think we are getting too much money for putting our lives on the line and trying to improve our lives by getting an education. It seems it will never change for the veteran, we just keep getting screwed over and over.
One of the comments above said " to just roll with the new changes", problem is, we always have rolled with the new rules, and are voices are never heard at the hill. Congress just doesn't care about the veterans. They had a system that was working, I guess it was working too good, and veterans were being paid too much, so they changed it.
What gets my goat is that something had to be given up to obtain some perceived equity. Why is it that those who control our country's purse strings can send money all over the world-taking care of others (including our enemy), and more so plan to fund college for "illegal immigrants". Meanwhile they set the debate among us, forcing us to point fingers and argue within, to divide and conquer. Congress, do your job, support and defend the Constitution and the People of these United States, as well as we-the veterans.
PS: Military.com, I am unappreciative of your soft-sell of this issue. You are here for us. Your point of view ought always come from our point of view. Please, do not talk at us, but us, lest you can change your address to something more befitting your intentions.
Thanks you,
Gerald Hartman
I cannot believe some of you! The government has toxut everywhere. Be happy that you are getting extra benefits at all. I am.
I made the switch based on what my VA rep told me in person as well as talking to them on the phone. Then I registered for classes and was informed by the school that "my share" was 30% of the credit hour cost. I asked for an explanation and they stated that as a Title 32 soldier, I was required to pay 30%. I also don't get BAH. Thankfully I have most of my degree behind me and I live near the school and work full and part time to make ends meet. I am greatful for what the VA does cover, but what is promised isn't always what you get.
I am so glad I stuck with the Chapter 30 bill. I feel bad for those that are getting screwed by this though.
I just exhausted my Montgomery GI Bill last December. That was the best GI Bill yet. I received probably 17-20 thousand dollars a year, just for going to school full time, and making a phone call each month. Yes, I did pay the 600 dollar kicker 2 months before separation, and I did opt for the College Fund upon entering, which altogether maybe accounted for an additional 400 a month.
I am now signed up as of December 31st for this Post 9/11 to get 12 more months of "FREE" money. Ill be getting a few hundred less per month, but like I said its "FREE". You will not catch me complaining about that.
My State offers free tuition to VETS, which made the Montgomery more suitable for me.
My big thing with this 9/11 version is Why doesn't distance learning count for 100% benefits of housing? I work full time, I served even fuller time. I deserve the bennies, quit trying to streamline them, and make them less useful.
Don't listen ro any of this hearsay! Dial 1 (800) 827-1000
And talk to a VA rep! This forum has a bunch of
Ignorant salt dogs and know-it-all types…..
You sacrificed so much for these benefits,
Why take any word unless that word comes
From the horse's mouth!!
LOL @ Ignorant Salt dogs.
wait a minute…all of you are whining because someone is limiting how much free money you will be handed out…there are those who served, before you, who got nothing…NOTHING when they retired…and here's a news flash…they never expected it! and you have the balls to whine? where do you think this money is coming from? wait…that's right. even our military is now in a "giveme" mentality. personally, i think any assistance is wonderful. and i'm thankful that something is there for me and my family…do i expect the gov't to give me a free ride to college? NO…that is a welfare state of mind and i have never been more proud of the lessons my grandparents and parents taught me about providing for myself and earning my way in this country for which they served! every single one of you whining because there is free money coming to you should be ashamed!
Nothing is free actually. Just nice to get some of us tax payers money back to a good cause rather than all the other things it goes to. There is no price to fighting for everyone else's freedom and risking our lives everyday. So it is nice when we get "free money". Helping pay for my education is well deserved considering I am almost at a 4.0 I might add.
I started using the Post 9/11 GI Bill the first semester it was offered. The whole time I kept thinking it was too good to be true, getting all my flight training paid for plus college. I'm extremely grateful for all the benefits, and honestly it is hard to complain about something that has already helped me so much.
That being said, I do not like the new changes because I decided to transfer to a private university last year. The new limit for private universities would not even cover one semester of tuition, let alone a full year of tuition plus flight costs. Plus I'm taking classes for a fairly specialized degree, meaning very few of my credits would transfer to any other public university, making it impossible to finish a degree using my remaining months of benefits.
If they had these rules from the get go I would have no complaint, but it is a drastic change with huge consequences for certain folks at private schools. I've put way too much effort into all my work thus far, keeping very close to a 4.0 and nearly having my commercial helicopter rating completed, only to be stopped a year or two short from my degree. So I think it is fair for some of us to voice our opinion on the matter, or try to persuade for the inclusion of something like a grandfather clause for those currently enrolled. I won't bad mouth the VA for the changes, and I understand increasing the number of eligible veterans is a greater cause than my own situation, but I will do what I can to hopefully raise some awareness about the shortcomings of this 'improvement act.' Also, it was annoying to get emails praising the success of this act from the IAVA, Miliitary.com, and AOPA all while I'm seeing my long thought out plan of attack being derailed. If it comes down to it I'm sure myself and others will be able to improvise, adapt, and overcome the situation, but it would be nice to not worry about this while I should be concentrating on my education.
You gotta love people who complain about getting free money for nothing, and then ***** that it’s not enough, so many people looking for a free ride,and that’s all it is. You volunteered for the military nobody forced you, if anyone has a *****, it’s a Vietnam vet who got drafted, came back and got nothing. After 15yrs in (I got out in 06) I’ve seen too many people use the military only for their education, did not give a **** about the mission. And now Im seeing it on here, get over it and go thank a real vet for their service, and not getting nothing in return.
Whatever your age is.; I think if you served the Service oughta keep it's promises on your education. bad enough you're putting your life on the line;THAT TAKES REAL COURAGE!!!
Why do some of you think that after discharge or retirement, that the Gov will serve us. We signed up and lived through and past our (DUTY) requirements. It is still on us to serve our country and that NEVER stops, except at the grave. Yes, it hurts, but, the civilians expect us to bare the burden as we have in the past. 26 yrs, retired
I’m an 18 year old, high school senior. Looking to either go to GMC(Georgia military college) or outright enlist in the Army. However, either path I take I see the need for a college degree in the vast majority of job choices. I would like to know, clearly, what the change in the MGIB does to me. And any opinions as to what route would be best for me.
Thanks to all who have served and are serving.
— anticipating member.
So does Guard ADSW (Title 32) count toward service?
Transferability to Dependents.
It is unfair that the date to be elligible to transfer to dependents is August 2009. You can not transfer your benefits unless you were on active duty in August 2009? That is just the date that they made the rules. The Post 9/11 GI Bill became law over a year before that with the "regulation" governing transferability to be complete by August 2009. These "legislators" made the effective date to transfer the benefit August 2009, the date they made the rules. So, if you retired with 30 years of active duty a day prior to then, you are SOL?
That is completely unfair and unequitable. I thought it was the Post 9/11 GI Bill for people who served post 9/11, not post August 2009.
I would like to know if I'm still elegible to get GI Bill education??
Can someone tell me how the changes will help the people who served 22 yrs in the Air National Guard, retired in 2006?
I think it is ridiculous that my son who Has 1 year left for his degree is now in the position of trying to figure out how he is going to pay for his last year because he choose a private school "because they offered to accept the most transfer credit" and are cheaper then the Instate Universities but now they won't pay over 17,000 even though the sate charges over 26,000 for the same courses. So if he transfers they will add another year to his degree because they won't accept a lot of his transfer credits. So the government is not only going to pay more but for a longer period of that makes great sense if you work for the government you don't need to understan how to do math.
The new Post 9/11 is good as it does help NG and reservists etc..But
Bottom line.. Goverment Broke their Contract..
everyone should be grandfathered in with the option of choosing 2.0.
There are 2 dates
Effective August 1, 2011
Effective October 1, 2011
For me i take 7 Credits now..and started Oct 2011. I will have to take 12 Credits to get Full BAH.
Its goign to be hard because i work full time.
I don't think anyone should have one complaint about the changes. I am so very thankful that we even have this great thing called the Post 911 GI Bill. For some college would not be an option if not for this bill. Indeed our men and women in the armed forces give so much of there life to protect our great country and this bill is a way to thank them. I am a very thankful parent who is able to send my child to a wonderful college because of this bill. If not for this he would have not be able to go to such a great college (William & Mary) because of cost. I thank our government for passing this bill.
Let’s get something straight… you are NOT sending your child to college and quite frankly you don’t have any say in it at all. Your child who is a grown adult decided to serve this country and because of his or her blood sweat and tears the government decided to pay for his/her college. You as a parent had nothing to do with this… not even “allowing” him/her to join because as an adult s/he had the right to do it without you. Get over yourself and allow us veterans to decide what’s good and bad about it… not you who did nothing.
I am using the regular post 9/11 Gi bill. I am not getting paid for winter and summer breaks. Am I supposed to?
Yea you should get something called break pay. It usually isn’t much but it is a little something. I think they take the stipend and divide by 30 or 31 and how many days you went during the month is how much you get. Its so small you probably get it with the next months payment and don’t realize it. IE december and january pay comes in february…. december is usually about 2 weeks before break then january come and is about 2 weeks. So you get the 2 weeks breakpay then march you get the full month. It sucks but works out eventually :-)
For the Post 9/11 it states the cap on private tuition will now be $17,500. What I am wondering is if they are going to have a per state tuition rate like they have always had. Does anyone know? For example, in the state of NH (using the old way) they would pay over $1,000 per credit hour, but in the state of MA they would only pay roughly $350/credit hour. That never made sense to me, but it will greatly effect my final decision in which state I end up going to college in.
Does anyone know if that state rates are going to be the same?
we need the free loading B—–ds in D.C. to cut all their free stuff,such as retirement for life after a 1 term service,no more extended medical etc. etc. let them go back into the work market same as we have to.With nothing but your abilities!
Amen to that!!! Don’t eff us over b/c they want to be freeloaders!!!
Suzanne, the new rate system which includes the $17,500 limit for private schools is replacing the old system of max. tuition and fees for each state. From what I've read that was one of their main objectives with this act. To reduce the confusion and complexity of the old system with different rates for each state, and replace it with a national rate cap.
This President, this Congress, and this Judicial Branch are all failures…. So far, everything that has been done in the past two years including this latest law are flawed. I will probably take down my coveted US Flag that is lit up in front of my home since I retired in 2006. I will put up the Texas Flag instead, since Texas politics still is working fairly well. I have not lost faith in my State yet. God Bless America.
As bad as this new program may be, it is by far better then what people got while I was serving. While everyone now get their benefits only for serving, we had to pay one third of ours in order to get anything at all! We served during a dressed time and got no thanks from our country for it!
This article lists only vets as the losers in the capped private school tuition payments, but doesn't this encompass active duty and their spouses as well? At least the VA website has that shown.
You guys shouldnt complain. I am a Vietnam Era Veteran. We didnt get a housing stipend or anything like it. I got a $250 check once a month to cover tuition and books. I wasnt going to Harvard on that money. I went to a junior college and had a job to make my expenses. Be thankful for how much you post 9/11 guys can take advantage of this opportunity to get on with your lives and succeed .
i just started to go to school at a private school for culinary arts and with this new post 9/11 bill i will have to pay $10,000.00 a year out of my pocket .there are public schools for culinary arts but they dont take the post 9/11. thanks obama you really helped.
What private school are you attending where your tuition alone is $27,500 ($17,500 tuition cap + $10,000 student contribution/out-of-pocket amount you speak of; assuming it does not participate in the Yellow Ribbon program) and how many years is your program for??, and which public schools don't take the Post 9/11 GI Bill? I know there are school across the country that don't participate in the Yellow Ribbon program, but I have yet to know of one puplic institution that does not take the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
Also, the Department of Veteran's Affairs clearly advises on the following: http://www.gibill.va.gov/apply-for-benefits/road-… for the current Post 9/11 GI BIll 1.0, and I recommend same guidelines are considered for the upcoming changes.
cont. – I'm a finance counselor for a private, for-profit institution, where i help Veterans and civilians secure their financing for their programs. I have to explain to civilians why they have to take out a loan for over $40,000.00 for a 12-month program if that want to include any Rent and Living expenses. A lot of families are under the belief that federal financial aid such as the Pell Grant will cover their entire cost of attendance. Their is only so much money the Goverment can award ANY student per year. Yes, it sucks for people attending a private, for-profit trade/vacational/certificate institution, but their cost will be higher than traditional colleges/universities since you are seeking a certificate in less than 2 years.
cont. – I've also helped Veterans secure financing expecting to receive the new benefits of the Post 9/11 GI Bill, use Yellow Ribbon since our school so happens to participate in the program, AND most plan to work and save to pay their student contribution amount that his VA Benefits don't cover. Nearly every Veteran student I've worked with agree that with OUR institution, they will receive more than needed in BAH, along with being grateful for the Book stipend when their books are already included in their program coast. And really, there are no books involved in their program, but they still get that quarterly stipend check.
Also, this eliminates the confusion amoung Veterans that are enrolled in a different campus from another campus where the current Post 9/11 GI Bill covers more. Why? It's per State.
cont – These are all topics I advise all students to educate themselves so they make the best decision that best fits their needs.
President Obama is helping. Government is helping. If you're unhappy, try discussing your unhappiness with Veterans that received much, much less than the rewards that are being reaped today.
The Department of Veterans Affairs clearly advises on the following: http://www.gibill.va.gov/apply-for-benefits/road-… for the current Post 9/11 GI BIll 1.0, and I recommend same guidelines are considered for the upcoming changes.
I'm a finance counselor for a private, for-profit institution, where i help Veterans and civilians secure their financing for their programs. I have to explain to civilians why they have to take out a loan for over $40,000.00 for a 12-month program if that want to include any Rent and Living expenses (talk about post-education debt!!). A lot of families are under the belief that federal financial aid such as the Pell Grant will cover their entire cost of attendance. Their is only so much money the Goverment can award ANY student per year. Yes, it sucks for people attending a private, for-profit trade/vacational/certificate institution, but their cost will be higher than traditional colleges/universities since you are seeking a certificate in less than 2 years.
The $17000 cap will now only cover half of my school's tution charges for the year.
Are any Losers, or winners who feel this is unfare, interested in a peaceful protest?
I escaped being Stop Lossed, but I didn't escape this.
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.
Go to school during the summer….I am and get all my benefits….
I'm open for my education of GI BILL to learn and serve so I often problems with signal provider internet and another, just to lean by distance ,you know to be soldier educated is to have more rank and active ,it's my dream …
For those of you that notice that this "Improvement" includes some reduced benefits just notice the following:
see if anyone can help.. im 30 right now i was in the army reserves from 2000-2008 honorable discharge.. no overseas wartime, had overseas at's though.. was active after 9-11 in fort drum for 90 days then sent home back in 2003.. i want to go to school was told to talk to a va rep. but dont know if i qualify for any assistance. if anyone can give me any advice or help id appreciate it email is kyrasguy1981@yahoo.com thank you…
All you former National Guard AGR soldiers and airman… do not get to excited about the 9/11 GI Bill 2.0 just yet. I am a retired AGR soldier with 3 years of regular active duty and 18 years of AGR. I was AGR the day 9/11 happened and retired from the military 26 months later (AGR). I was just notified by the VA that my service does not qualify me for benefits. I am appealing and will let the blog know the results of the appeal.
The army is the house though isn't it. What are you doing marine?
Are the legion hill billys and the diamond cutters finished yet? We need the road unblocked and the paneling removed so people can see their way home. A time back thediamond cutters girl friends tripped allover the kids and we all want to go home now!!
You got the point tho!
I see you are new wav. But one thing is for certain.if discipline is withheld a person thinks he can get away with murder. Did anyone get hurt out there? No, she's not mad that is still rashional.
What about the legions deliberate asaults on unarmed civilian and the emotional,mental torture. what of the recovery for the cruel acts the legions disrespect. I sure think if they were what they should have been they would have followed better. You heard them say they always want to sit on there ass and suck up the beer and good life. What types of things do you see legions do. rope and drag people,knock them off their feet. when not observed smash feet break kneecaps,break bones in womens face. tell lies use drugs to sully reputations. intimidate.ban from association,frighten,then push to murder others.
I knew changes were coming and it was a matter of time before something was said. I suggest we set a standard: if the Veteran wants to take advantage of the current benefits they should be enrolled as Active Reserve until they are done using the benefit. This way they are still serving the country in some kind of way. Instead of just going to school everything paid for including bills. I think this way would be fare no matter how many years you served as Active Duty. Thank You.
It's not free handouts Robin you got to realize why call it a housing allowance to pay for rent if your going to school and they going to take it away during breaks it's stupid people who were already in effect of 1.0 should be grandfathered into it i agree with you Andy.. Robin i guess you were one of the ones who just wanted to do online classes instead of stepping into the class room, thanks for breaking something that was working fine.
obamaNation
The intent of the GI Bill was to send servicemen to college after the war ended, so they could learn a new skill and become productive member of society, not send your kids to college.
I'm sorry, but the focus should be on the veteran and the veteran only. If you can't afford to send your kids to college, then let them join the military, and get their own education benefits, but reducing actual veteran benefits, so there's money for some vets to transfer their benefits to someone who did earn them the same way myself and other Iraq vets did isn't right.
Either use the GI Bill for yourself, or don't, and let that money go to someone who actually served.
aye aye chief, totally agree
ASCM(AWSW)
This GI-bill crap is driving me f-ing crazy. Out of three semesters I've been using it, I've had one that was problem free, and now they're going to f*ck with it again and get the regional offices all back up leading to another semester of late payments and chaos. I could right novels on how bad the VA has treated me and my family, and a few sentences on what they've done to help me out. All I want is the benefits I am entitled to and paid into years ago, I just spent the last four months in absolute hell because my university screwed up my verification of enrollment, long story short, I had to wait until May before receiving a dime of BAH, jump through a dozen hoops with the VA and my school, move out of our home, sell my car and shut of the cell phones, while trying to scrape up $10 to buy K1 so we didn't freeze to death, all while struggling to go to class and write papers and watch my GPA go down the toilet because I couldn't afford gasoline to drive to class!!! All the while the VA could not even give a damn about a vet just trying to survive, let alone earn a degree! I apologize if this comment is a disorganized rant, but its 7am and I've been up all night trying to figure out how I am going to satisfy the VA's "matriculation requirement" when I have to change schools last minute and enroll for the summer semester at a different school (God forbid), when they refuse to work with the vets at all and treat us like we're trying to "steal" money from the government. I'm not trying to take a dime of money that I didn't earn and I am honest and just trying to do what I was told I could do-go to school and earn a degree and the gov pays for it! BULLSHIT! I am in an intense language program at my school, the class meets 5 days a week for 3 hours and includes a ton of out of class work, its worth 5 credits. With this class and two others, and a part time job we just barley get by, but I only have 11 credits, so the VA is going to cut my BAH?!? WTF!?!?! I am seconds away from just saying to hell with the whole thing and scamming the gov for 100% disability for ptsd like I hear dozens of old timers talk about everyday down at the VFW. It does not pay to be honest, even if you believe in it, it just doesn't. Thanks for hearing me out, I feel better now…
Iam a retired military veteran I did not sign up for the GI bill when i got out of the military but since then I have changed my mind about wanting the GI bill. Should'nt I have the option to do that if I want to after all I did serve for 20 years.
I'm grateful to the Post 911 GI Bill for motivating me to finish my Bachelor's Degree. I work full-time, but could never have afforded to go back to school without it; and I only get 60%. I don't really agree on stopping the BAH during breaks, if they expect someone to live on it and go to school. I've always worked and gone to school; so I wasn't using it to live on, but it will be hard for those who are. My opinion; no matter how hard it is; you will still be better off than your civilian counterparts who are finishing college with thousands of dollars in debt and no work experience.
Its good for most. But I am currently going to a private non for profit college. I am a year and a half into my degree and now I have learned that my funding is being cut. Every one attending a private school thinks this is a horrible idea. Why? Because we all are going to loose our shirts with loans.
The bad thing about this is when you start relying on it for whatever reason for your mortgage or rent for the most part, when it stops you will miss a payment or rent. I have, since my salary is stunted by my employer who became prejudice or discriminating against the stipend thereby dwarfing my pay. Yes, I have complained to the proper channel, and have been retaliated by my dismissal last 3 weeks ago. my pay was $3223 net.in SoCal?
People the miltary offers VETs more programs that any other workforce. Be grateful and use what you have i9n benefits. In this day and time you have to work. Stop relying on the government to pay your mortgage because of failure on your part to save or plan accorrdingly. I am by no means rich and failed to plan but I knew retiring I would have to work or start cutting back on my spending. Health is not the best but I am thankful to be able to go to any facility. All jobs have the good and bad. You chose to stay so be thankful and deal with your choice!
This is a travesty of trust, but one of many assigned to this administration! It really says something when the Commander-in-Chief of the Military has such little regard for the living conditions, the safety, and the future of the individuals who dare to serve.
some of you guys should listen to yourselves..you sound like some of these people who come here and say gimmee gimmee gimmee my free stuff. And for the ones complaining about housing during the summer like Kelly above..Go to summer school (and if your school doesnt have summer pick a local school that will allow you to transfer the credits) or look for a job BEFORE you get let out for the semester.
I served in the Army from 1983 to 1987, are there any benefits available to my daughters as far as college tuition or assistance??
I wanted to know will the new GI bill pay out of state tution if you fail a course twice and school charges you out state tution and fees because you fail the couse twice first time you pay out of pocket the secound the VA pay for it.School rule if you fail the class twice.
I'm using the post 9/11 gi bill. With retirement pay and 100% school tuition paid for, 1,000 for books and 900+ for housing you can also go to FAFSA.com and get a pell grant for 5600.00 free money and interest free student loans. Save some of that and your family will be fine over summer break. Your getting paid good money to get an education. Stop whinning, with a couple of years of some sacrifice, it will be well worth it.
whats the best way to actually talk to someone and find out how much is left on my post 9/11?
if an active duty member passes the benefits on to a dependent, and the dependent recieves a dui, can the dependent have the gi bill taken away from him. This recently happened to a friend's son. He is in good academic standing and has no prior record.
Chief, I'm sorry that the new G.I. Bill didn't help. It is unfortunate that the requirements don't accommodate everyone, especially those who have served as long as you have and that it only applies to certain types of schools and degree plans. The only advice I can give you is to look into the different types of V.A. benefits and ask a lot of questions. You'll be suprised to learn about what all is out there and available to you. As for your son, there are all sorts of scholarships and grants out there that he may qualify for, just from you being in the military and the accomplishments you have made along the way, that may not cover the entire expense but could help more than it could hurt! Good luck to you and your son. I hope you can find relief soon!
If it's a private school, then yes – the annual tuition/fees cap is now $17,500. If it's a public school, the new changes mean that the VA will pay 100% of tuition & fees.
O and if your wondering….yes…I am prior military, 6 years….Air Force Pararescue assigned to the 48th RQS out of Davis Monthan AFB. I hope that your not prior, It would have angered me that one of my rescue misions could have been to save a sorry excuse of an individual like yourself. Go and tuck away somewhere and while you do that silence that mouth of yours.