Source: Department of Veterans Affairs
Upcoming Changes to The Post-9/11 GI-Bill
The Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 was recently signed into law. This page lists changes to the GI Bill made by this law.
Effective August 1, 2009, but not payable until October 1, 2011
- Certain National Guard members mobilized on Title 32 orders on-or-after September 11, 2001 are now eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and any qualifying Title 32 mobilization may be used to increase your percentage of eligibility
Effective August 1, 2011
- The Post-9/11 GI Bill will now pay all public school in-state tuition and fees; this includes graduate training, etc.
- For students attending private institutions of higher learning or foreign schools, the tuition and fee reimbursement is capped at the lesser of net out-of-pocket cost or $17,500 annually – however the Yellow Ribbon Program still exists
- College fund payments will now be paid on a monthly basis instead of a lump-sum at the beginning of the term. Those training at ½ time or less are now eligible for college fund payments
- Reimbursement is now available for multiple Licensing and Certification Tests
- Reimbursement is now available for fees paid to take national examinations used for admission to an institution of higher learning (e.g. SAT, LSAT, ACT, GMAT, etc)
- Vocational Rehabilitation participants may now elect the higher housing allowance offered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill if otherwise eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill
- Break or interval pay is no longer payable under any VA education benefit program unless under an Executive Order of the President or due to an emergency situation such as a natural disaster or strike. Entitlement which previously would have been used for break pay will be available for use during a future enrollment.
- This means that if your semester ends December 15 your housing allowance is paid for the first 15 days of December only. Your benefits will begin again when your new semester begins (e.g. January 15) and you will be paid for the remaining days of that month and term.
- Students using other VA education programs are included in this change. Monthly benefits will be prorated in the same manner.
- NOAA and PHS personnel are now eligible to transfer their entitlement to eligible dependents
Effective October 1, 2011
My husband was a Viet Nam vet; he was 100% service connected disabled at the time of his death. We are struggling. I am waiting to see if we will be awarded a widow pension with benefits for my son. We have been waiting since Sept st 2010. My son will be attending college in the fall FIDM in LA. Does anyone have any suggestions for scholarship money for him and what kind of benefits will be afforded to him? Is he eligible for any of the $17,000? If anyone who has been through the process can help I would appreciate it.
carolmickens1949@gmail.com. Thanks Carol
If he was 100% disabled through the Va and filled out the correct paper work your son's college should be 100% paid for as long as he meets the grade critieria. My aunt did not get any benifits after my uncle died and he was awarded the purple heart in Viet Nam, because the paper work was not done correctly. She is 74 years old and is living on food stamps for the first time in her life. She gets very little for SS. because she never worked, she raised 6 children, 4 of which have given thier lives to this country. I hope the best for you, she has been fighting for 3 years.
pell grant!!
Carol, Check with your local veterans service officer(check online for info). If your husband is 100% service connected, there should be a pension for you. Also, education benefits should be available for your son. My father was 100% service connected when he passed away and we qualified for Social Security and Vterans Benefits. A Veterans Service Officer should be able to help. http://www.vba.va.gov/survivors/
Carol, GAM MA(Ret) is right on the money! Check with your local veterans service office. Both you and your son are eligible for benefits because your husband was 100% disable.
Carol, Did your husband die from any of the illnesses that were service connected? If so I believe you would be qualified for Death Indemnity Compensation (DIC) a monthly benefit. Also your children would be qualified for education benefits also.
Either way I think the education benefits should be used by the service member ONLY
Scott
Please pull your head out of your rear end… Comments like this is un call for…Gator
Glad what you think dosent mean s@$t…what nerve….
Scott you MUST be a republican, if the member is dead or not able to us the benefits family should have access to benefits the service member EARNED! We give our life's health and in some cases everything we have so you can be free to say what you want. I am retired and disabled so screw you scott!!!
I am sorry I am a Republican as is MOST in the Military, but I believe the woman has entitlements as her son should have help for school. I just retired and it is the assumption I make tons of money on that because I was an Officer. As most Military know it is enough to make the house payment, and I can go to school. The Army trained me well, I have a Master's but I can NOT find a job. So leave politics and hostility out of the comments. I am disabled as well as are most in one way or the other when they get out. Scott probably did not SERVE therefore speaks from lack of knowlege!
scott
comments like this should be kept to urself…
oh and grow up
That why you are an IDIOT Scott!!
Carol, FIDM is a big waste of time. This discovery journey your son's thinking of doing is going to cost you an arm and a leg. I know i supported my sister to attend FIDM here in San Francisco campus, she graduated with honors in marketing side. Due to the economy a safer avenue for you son is through Healthcare world. Get him to finish some type of technical programs first (as a back up just in case) before pouring our money @ FIDM
Because your husband is rated at 100% disability your son is entitled to benefits under Chap 35, he needs to fill out VA Form 22-5490. I hope this helps out. Also, most schools have a va rep so call whatever school he will attend and get help. The sooner you send it the paper work the better.
Danielle's message to contact a VA Rep is right on. They will help you with the paperwork and guide you to whatever steps need to be completed.
Danielle, you are brilliant! Carol, you or your son can create an account online at http://gibill.va.gov and you will be able to us "VonApp" to complete and submit the form Danielle mentioned online. If you require assistance you can call the toll-free number at 1-888-442-4551. Additionally, my condolences for your loss. The VA is here for both veterans AND their loved ones… Regardless of what some people may think. GOOD LUCK and GOD bless :)
You are right on the money Morgan,, I hope CAROLM is reading this. VBA/EDU is there to help vets and dependents with their benefits. However, the disabled vet has to be determined to be 100% Permanent & Total in award. The Spouse & Children, are then awarded 45 months of education benefits under DEA Chapter 35. The will need find his "Letter of Determination". If the spouse is not in possession of the letter a copy can be provided to her through the Compensation line.
Danielle, hi and how are you. You seem to be pretty knowledgable about this stuff. No reflection on anyone else. My question is how do I go about finding getting a copy of my medical records? You see, I was a reservist and susstained a couple of severe ankle injuries while in the military and when I got out those injuries caused other problems to this day. The thing is, I didn't know that I was entitled to anything, therefore I didn't pursue anything. Now, I am been told that I am. But it starts with my medical records, which they say that they don't have them. So, what can I do? Sorry for being so wordy…anyone can reply and I would appreciate it.
If you qualify for VA due to service related death you and your son will have college benefits and you will get a VA pension..
Carol m, My suggestion is to go to the VA office close to you, I believe your son is eligible to receive his fathers benifits. The VA person will know more,
He can only get the educational benefits. no pension. Only the wife can get DIC. I am on it . My sons tried but they said no . However their college education was paid for. Thanks to the VA…..
Go to a local VA and speak with a representative with the DAV. They are great and they can get all of that and more taken care of for you in a timely fashion.
You and your son should be eligible for Chapter 35. Also – check with your school to see if they have any kind of tuition waiver. My school does – 100% waiver for dependents of deceased or 100% disabled vets. (but that is a state program) Chapter 35 is a VA program. Go to GIBILL.VA.GOV and apply for chapter 35 for you and your son and then go to the VA office at your school.
correct web site for the V.A. is http://www.gibill.va.gov
Your son would be eligible for Chapter 35 under VA since your husband was 100% service connected.
Carol, I have access to grants and scholarships for you. Please contect me on my facebook that my wife and I are members of the American Legion and have access to various Vietnam Veterans organization eager to give you and yours just compansaions as well as help with the herbicide Agent Orange. Here to serve you; e-mail- teresacanonizado70@Yahoo.com or = dannycanonizadopost1@gmail.com WIIL DO.
Carol,
Be wary of private individuals on here who say they're here to help. The best help you can get is to go to an organization like the VA or American Legion, but steer clear of people who only give you their supposed personal email addresses, especially if that person is promising $$ for you and your son.
I noticed you mentioned FIDM in LA..Is that California or Louisiana…if Louisiana, the VA at the state level has tuition waivers under Title 29 to accomodate dependants of 100% disablility as well as spouses. Go on the website for LA Dept of Veteran Affairs.
There a number of sites that offer scholarships. I went to school with someone that got a scholarship for having blonde hair and blue eyes. Try http://www.fastweb.com, http://www.scholarships.com. I think that is the website of the second one. The VFW, and many others offer scholarships. I don't know where the pamphlet is that I have but I will try to find it for you. I was in operation enduring freedom/operation iraqi freedom.
I am currently a student at Academy of Art University under Yellow Ribbon Program in San Francisco, however I am also from LA and had interest at FIDM but I strongly recommend AAU. Check out the housing rate in SF and school resolves the tuition difference through yellow ribbon program, much better school.
http://www.gibill.va.gov/benefits/other_programs/…
Dependent and survivorts benefits
Rita
what a small world, i am a navy vet and graduated from FIDM LA!
navy (2002 – 2006) FIDM (2006 – 2009)
the thing about FIDM is that it is a private school and cost a lot, more than the gi bill will cover. when i was there tuition was 17K and than by my senior year, it was 21K, in 2011, i think it is close to 25k. Unfotunately, i am not sure how the gi bill will work since your spouse was a vietnam vet,
I know this is probably a little late…but I got all of my dads benifits….We just went to the schools VA office or emailed them and they walked us through all of the steps to what I needed to do you can also call the VA…
contact the fallen Patriots program they will b sure to help
HELLO, I'M 100% AND HAD MY CHILDREN FILL OUT CHAPTER 33 OR 35 FORMS AT ( va.gov ) PLUS TEXAS HAS THE HAZELWOOD ACT FOR DECEASED OR 100% VETS, SOLELY FOR TEXAS RESIDEENTS AND IS NOT FUNDED BY FEDERAL GOVT.
GO TO YOUR LOCAL STATES WEBSITE AND CHECK OUT WHAT EDUCATION PROGRAMS THEY OFFER.
RANDY
You are right on the money Morgan,, I hope CAROLM is reading this. VBA/EDU is there to help vets and dependents with their benefits. However, the disabled vet has to be determined to be 100% Permanent & Total in award. The Spouse & Children, are then awarded 45 months of education benefits under DEA Chapter 35. The will need find his "Letter of Determination". If the spouse is not in possession of the letter a copy can be provided to her through the Compensation line.
There's a GI Bill that can help your son in school (MGIB Chapter 35), Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA). Please check the VA webbsite http://www.gibill.va.gov and search for Chapter 35/DEA info or Please call the VA Office about the widow pension and DEA. Do you have the letter showing that your husband is 100% disabled/svc connected. The DEA info is in the website too you can download the whole booklet. It has all the info your son needs to apply.
Yes you will be awarded a widow's pension, they are slow. Also, do you have a copy of your Husband' DD214, if so you need to take them to the college he will be attending, and see a V.A. representative. Make sure he will be full time so he can draw the maximine amount for the month. Your son can get pell grant, and loans.
Also Carol, you can also receive Socail Sercurity. You need to check and see if your husband was paying any Death Insurance policiy's, like Montgomery, and ASMBi, and Insurance for Disable Veterans, that may have been deducted out of his check. Also if you own a house see if your Mortgage insurance is suppose to pay off your house. Get back with me, check and see if you have the death benefit also for a car if you are making pmt. Check with your bank, look at the bankstatements and see if pmts. were being drafted out for bank insurance or any type of insurance, check credit card statements for insurance charges. Get back with me ok.
Carol,
Survivors' & Dependents' Educational Assistance program is found on this page:
http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/…
Find a VSO / VA-accredited representatives here:
https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebe…
Hope that helps and your son gets assistance.
(cut and paste each link address)
some states now give free college to disabled vets children and spouse (I believe.) California and I hear oregon; I'l sure there are more; they don't advertise, but it's about time . .
good luck 2 u and yours
If you live in California, your son will qualify for the college fee tuition waiver which means he will get a free tuition scholarship at any California public college or university & it covers the first year of graduate school.
Service officer-American Legion-George
How anout online degrees from accredited colleges, do you foresee any changes in whether I will rate the housing allowance. Before distance learning, on the job training, non college degree programs and flight training programs were not covered now they are. Should'nt we include Online degrees as well.
Online classes is considered distance learning
Housing allowance is now payable to students enrolled solely in distance learning (online classes), the housing allowance is ½ the national average BAH for an E-5 with dependents (the rate would be $673.50 for 2011)
Really? I keep asking the VA that and they keep telling me it isn't! Can you direct me to a link verifying this?
It's not effective until 1 Oct 2011, maybe that's why they keep telling you it isn't….
Well if online learning ONLY then yes. If online classes are part of your regular schooling then isn't it already part of your GI Bill pay?
according to my FA at UoP it will go into effect 1oct11 and you should recieve it at the end of the month
You won't get all of your GI Bill if you only do Online classes, you have to have at least some classes with actual classrooms to get the full GI Bill benefits.
What happen to posting a bill before it would be signed??? I never seen any of this posted other then the good changes like distance learning and vocational school.
They stuck it in hiding it just as the gov always do when they know most of the citizens will disagree. The high unemployment rate we have to deal with because the gov bail out the banks and car companies which is now sticking it to the comsumers since they are all in the good now; cut in our Vets benefits??? This will put more Vets in financial difficulities or on the streets homeless. What's next White House?
That is garbage that they dont have to pay the full months for breaks like christmas. My school doesnt have to option to take classes from 14 DEC – 4 JAN and I live off my BAH entitlement so what am I supposed to do with only 1/3 of the money. That is absolute garbage.
Join the club….I thought I was the only one….
Are you retired military dependants? Because my husband retired, but I don’t qualify for the BAH for the first semester because his date was two days after the semester started. I have 20,000 in loans to support my family while I went to school full time. Now are pay is less than half and niether one of us can collect the BAH until next semester. We are both full time students with 3 kids. One of which is in college too. We all have jobs. Even my teenage son. Guess you should just be thankful you got what you do. It could be worse.
I hear ya, but jsut because it could be worse doesn't make it right or logical, it can alwasy be worse.
Get a job or get a loan. Be thankful those benefits lasted as long as they did, they were way to good to last. Time to join the real world of a college student and that generally means working or taking on loans. I don't know many people that get to sit around for 20 days doing nothing and get paid for it.
What about people on welfare? Their benefits arent being cut, and they sit around for years on end and get paid for it. The truth is, when budget cuts are needed the only place congress looks is the DOD, or Veterans Affairs. And its unfair to stop paying break pay when some veterans have already entered leases or binding contracts stating they have maintain their living quarters for a certain period of time.
Wrong, I was recieving Welfare Benefits They have strick codeTo make you look for work or get training for work However I do believe those without any documentation( Known as Illegal Immigrants ) must not receieve any welfare Benefits.Life is a curse I am lucky enough to recieve VA service Connected DisablilityTechnically I do need to go to College However I feel the need to learn again.So when I retire fully in 15 years. I will be able to pay off all my debts.
Daren, it's extra-easy to say that Congress only goes after DoD when you're not affected by anything else that sees budget cuts. I work in higher ed and we saw budget cuts. I volunteer with foster care, and they nearly lost half their funding, as did elder care. Don't get me wrong. I was raised military and am marrying back into it, but you shouldn't say things like that when you don't know what you're talking about.
I am a Retired Veteran and do not want to be compared to Welfare Recipients. We are able to work if not we are on disability or vocational rehab which does pay. Our nation is in the shape it is in because EVERYONE wants something, but the time is coming that we and our children's children are going to have to start paying dearly I think!
Lets be nice about it. You're right that most people have to get jobs or take out loans while in school but you're dealing with prior military. Meaning that they worked towards the benefits they are recieving and entitled to. They have already accomplished more in thier military life than most college students will get a chance to.
If you are relying on that interval money to live on your already making a mistake. Remember that first of all it pays after you start the following semester, so you already don't get that money at the time you "need" it anyway. Secondly, if you use UCX federal unemployment benefits, as a full time student, you are not required to work. I lived off that and pell grants for long periods of time. Remember right after the switch happened and we didn't get paid for 3-5 months.? How did you live then?
When this first started, and I had a lease agreement and we didn't get paid money, my wonderful parents had to help me, and paid my rent, and my groceries (totally embarassing, btw) till the emergency funds came through. The whole point of the BAH is so that the student would not have to worry about rent when he/she was at school. And me being disabled, getting only 50%, no one will hire me, especially for just 3 weeks. So I'm supposed to go homeless for 3 weeks, and then move back into my apartment??? What kind of sense is that??
We have earned more than most college students have the right to.
So then you should have saved up. Or did you mean "earn" in the sense that you are *entitled* to more? I'm on deployment now and I've been socking away as much as I can afford to save up for the uncovered expenses including those breaks. This GI Bill is a VAST improvement over the old one and people complain because it doesn't pay for every single thing. Budget some savings and maybe stay in a Reserve unit for that extra $400 a month or get a 1-3 day a week job. you know…like in real life.
Some don't have the luxury of extra money to save… the GI Bill barely covers my bills as it is. :(
AND with going to school full time and being an at home mommy, I don't have the time or resources to get a part time job. :(
Many are like that.
RIGHT on SGT!!!!!…. V.A. Education benefits today are better than most scholarships. Chapter 33 Post 911 ,is awesome, it isn't meant to be your job to go to school, its meant to help you more than any other benefit has had. YOU MIGHT NEED a JOB during that time you go to school. I used the original MGIB from the world war that was awarded for the first time. I AM THANKFUL for it. it paid me almost $600 1977-1981 a month full time, I also worked a full time job, ran a small business I owned and had a wife and son…..
"USMC.NAMVET", I regret to inform you of an oversight regarding your statement.
The intent of elected officials, Veteran advocates, and service leaders, WAS, the Post 9/11 GI BILL would enable these Veterans to finish school without interruption or any externalities. If you take the time to research archives of statements by the above mentioned people, you will see this to be true.
SGT Anderson, you shouldn't be one to talk. You still have the military holding your hand with a guaranteed paycheck there "SGT". Of course your not worried, your on deployment making money. Do your self a favor and create some form of SOP on how to conduct proper research before making ignorant statements. First of all, were all vets and have done our tours of duty. However, you, like many other vets have not even been discharged , yet take so much time telling other former vets how much we complain and (blah blah blah). I was a Marine, and this isn't a complaint. When your promised "your own entitled" benefits after four or more years of honorable service. You damn right were gonna want ever penny listed on the original bill. Just like a hardworking businessman waits for his bonus a service member gets his benefits. The difference is not all of us collect those benefits. So no one should have the right to manipulate a policy that has already been promised to former military veterans. Don't be so naive to think that some of us truly are trying to make the best of those benefits. I have been out of the Marines for a year and I have exactly 1 year left till I receive my BA, simply because i never took a break. not even for summer. want the math? 4 quarters which is equivalent to one academic semester year and 3 months, 13 straight months, an associates degree and a yr left for Bachelors. My point is that whether we as vets are dependent or not on our GI Bill, it is our earned entitlement promised after completion of honorable service. And just so long as we can maintain a good GPA, which i have, and abide by their standards then no one should be touching my money. After all, I was one who gladly contributed $1200 for the old bill. I have yet to complain about getting that back, simply because Congress promised a better GI Bill. Have a great day SGT. Im sure you'll use your deployment money to pay off all the debt you had before you left. (You know like the debts you get in real life). I too was a SGT and we aint ballin like that so don't hate on vets who just want whats entitled to them. You must be working real hard on that computer desk on dep. be a real SGT and let your troops know what they are afforded.
Well so much for not whining I guess….Rah!
OMG … someone is on their Soapbox!
Save up what? Yeah, I have enough disposable income to just save a bunch of money for when they decide not to pay. I'll barely make it month to month. Just like every other full timer living on BAH.
Laly, understood but you all need to look at the basis of what's being done. With the old bill, you'd get that extra month of payment right there in the short term, but over 4 years of school, you would lose a full semester's worth of payment because the payments are done by month and not by tuition on the old versions of the bills. And that means you could be on the hook for the full amount of an entire semester. For me, that would be about $8000. I'd rather lose 1 month of BAH at $1000 than an entire semester of school at 8k!!!
Acy, totally agree with you. Students do not realize they will lose 1 semester of benefits when collecting 3 winter break pay.
You probably don't know too many people who worked 24/7 for up to a year and a half at a time either. Get a sense of tact, you sound like an ignorant tea-partier.
Get a job??? You're a blazing freaking moron dude. FYI Seth, MOST college students are either go home to mommy and daddy on break or are taking part time freakin classes so they can have a full time job, you f'n dufus. Not all of us can be as spit polished as you SETH. Tell you what, though, you point out a full time job that hires during winter break (without you having to have worked there before) and I'll consider it. Shitheads like you cause these problems.
Seth is actually Nanci Pelosi
Now that was funny!
I am a 100% disabled veteran. I work full time and go to school full time. I am also supporting myself, a wife, a child and three dogs. If I can do it you can too. I have sacrificed just as much as the next veteran, but life is not just handed to you. You must work hard for what is yours. The GI Bill is meant to help you through school not 100% support you through it. Its my tax dollars and your tax dollars that go to paying for this stuff. you have to figure something out. Thats what I did and we are making it. You can do it!
Best response yet!
I thought if you were 100% you could not work?
If your getting 100% thats about 2 grand a month and working full time? yeah i'm sure your just having a hard time scraping by.
Bragging about 100% and working fulltime and going to college fulltime just means your 100% rating probably won't last very long, earned or not…
Coldsteel, Rent is awlful high in Inthe North East StatesTry paying about $1200 to 1400 per month just on rent alone This doesn't include electric. It is seperate
Some colleges require you to live on campus for the first semester… so it could be even worse
ryan if youre a hundred percent disabled you are receiving almost 3000 dollars i know this because i am 70 percent disabled. so youre still making a hell of a lot more than any of these kids who worked towards their gi bill. I k now i cannot work a full time job and go to school full time without hindering my gpa. Either way all the vets are getting screwed
Something smells pretty fishy about your claims.
Either way, 100% disability means that you made DOUBLE in just your disability income ALONE than all of my income (including the GI Bill) .
Please don't say, "If I can do it you can too"… you might have sacrificied just as much, but you have no idea how it is to live with severe PTSD (and please don't claim that you live with PTSD, because there is no way that would have a full-time job & school and aren't homicidal/suicidal)
I was in the Air Force for 10 years what on earth did you do to get PTSD from the Chair Force?
you have no idea what USAF1 did for a career. combat control, sere, para rescue, the 820th squadrons, etc…just because most usaf jobs are nice and cushy, it doesn't mean they all are. besides anyone with any deployment experience should know that you don't have to have a dangerous job to nearly be killed…unless you were "deployed" somewhere like europe or djibouti…ps no one calls it the chair force anymore lol
For Sure Mike,,, PTSD & Air Force,, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE Mike E…no Dought,,, but honestly USAF1……who were you in the USAF…..PTSD & USAF are not synonymous. Sorry I dont mean to be mean, but, as a U.S.Marine with 13 months and 20 days north of DaNang, RVN. I may have PTSD on any given day, but after almost 40 years and 2+ yrs in therapy I am doing much better…. lol… I dont wanna rip Seths throat out yet……and USAF1….get HELP…
so how much do you get from the government every month for ur disability?
I think the biggest concern is that Congress changed the rules halfway through. Congress made promises to Veterans and now they are breaking those promises. Ryan, how do you know that you will continue to get a few thousand dollars a month? What prevents Congress from taking that away from you. If you make a promise, you should keep it.
The military is also suppose to set you up so you can get a job in the real world. And in doing so they failed many of us by having civilians do the work and having us just be operators of equipment. Or peons for manual labor. ….
If the military taught me any valuable trade skills,and not treated me as a body who can push buttons… i wouldn't even need college.
How are you working if your 100% disabled. Look bottom line is you planed ahead. We as Veterans shouldn't be dick'd around. We all fought for this and we earned every penny. This is my argument: The title of our benefits are BAH or Monthly Housing/Living Allowance. So sense "the man" can prorate our allowance, can we prorate our mortgage/rent? Go tell your mortgage company or land lord that you are going to visit family for two weeks, so here's my prorated monthly rent or mortgage payment……Lets see what they have to say! The man can go eat a fat turd out of a whale's ass……give us our money!!!!!
By the way, the funding for the GI BIll does NOT come from Tax dollars. Maybe take some time to find out some pertinent info before you comment.
Really? Where the hell does the funding come from then?
Amen, Ryan! I am a veteran and I agree with you and Seth. The GI Bill was created to assist veterans in their educational pursuits; it was never intended to act as stipend for veterans to support themselves or to live off of. As vets, we are stronger. We are not 'most' college students. As Ryan said, we can do it!
going to have to agree with jenny and seth. I get 100% gi benefits and have unemployment. and am doing fine now. when unemployment runs out i will lose 2200 month. I know this and guess what, I have made plans for that time. No matter what our benefits are still better then NONE. Oh, I have 3 tours while in army so I dare someone tell i don't know what i'm talking about.
BTW Jenny, check it out…servicememebers HAVE to pay in a certain amount of their pay toward the GI BENEFITS while in service. I had no idea about this until my husband mentioned it. I went back and looked at his LESs and sure as shit, money was deducted…THEREFORE, it is an ENTITLEMENT, and one that the government should not be able to change arbitrairly when they feel like it. Let's cut their pay and see if it sits well with them…I doubt it…when you pay in for something and don't even have a choice you should be able to reap the benefits later on…
You missing a point here… the government gave you this benefits and you earned it due to your military service and now they slowly trying to cut it down. Did you ever try to ask yourself why the government doing this to the veterans. Just like your daddy gave you a whole candy and now your daddy want the half of the candy back. Don't be a fool sitting there and go what your daddy wants. Whatever is your fight for it.
Thing that bothers me is how people are getting similar benefits thru other programs such as the Pell grant. .. and some of them dont even want an education just a way to collect unemployment with out looking for a job
Seth how many jobs do you know of that last from December 15th to January 27th?
Mall Santa!
awesome!!
Every business hires anyone for the holidays…
Yeah, but we college students are verterans who commited our lives to our country in order to recieve these benifits.
It doesnt afford you the right to be lazy…what about all the people who committed thier lives to their country, go to school, and still have jobs to make ends meet!
Wanting a break between classes isn't LAZY. While in the military, you get leave time which some people stock up so they get a month off with pay… are they lazy for doing that? I don't think so. They earned that just as I earned my breakpay.
If you will consider the types of disabilities that most of these veterans have after serving their country you would not say it is lazy. A lot of these men and women are missing limbs or body parts no longer function. Are you going to tell someone in a wheelchair missing a leg to get their LAZY self out of the chair and start working in a career that requires said limb. I was an EMT before the service and after 9/11 and 3 tours lost my knee now tell me to get off my LAZY A$$ and lift a 200+ pound patient when the military no longer sees me fit enough to take temperatures and treat patients in a hospital setting.
Love it.
Are you hiring? I'm in voc rehab to qualify to get a job, I don't qualify for federal work study which also means (somehow) I don't qualify for things like food stamps. Adding to hilarity most employers run for the hills when they meet me, I'm not for public consumption.
Loans only go so far and frankly the terms are quite evil if your scraping by as it is with zero chance of getting out of them within ten more years. So yeah, my options are extremely limited, with my extended unemployment due to disability my credit is bad which also keeps me from online work (passing credit checks is a requirement for jobs that pay enough to pay for the expenses needed to do them.
I'd cut expenses but I am essentially homeless, no car payment, no insurance, no credit cards, no meals out, etc etc etc. So when they hold money back from me it hurts in the one place I still own – my stomach.
Ha i laughed at the thought of "taking out loans"… really that's the worst advice i've ever heard.. not to mention most banks wont give loans if you dont have a viable source of income, so it's kind of a lose-lose situation…..
Really Peter??? EVERYONE and I mean EVERYONE can get a student loan if they file the FAFSA. Unless you have piss poor credit. And that is directly built for college students. If you aren't exercising all of your options then you shouldn't be exercising your option to go to school.
Acy, people who think it's good advice to borrow money they don't have need to think twice about their options, I say. The entire point, and I mean ENTIRE point of the GI Bill, in all of it's forms, is so that the Veteran does not have to take out a loan. So your advice is counter productive. Maybe you should go to school more and take an economics class to learn a bit about that.
I'm a Veteran, have a job, and go to school. The ACTUAL point of the GI Bill is to HELP Veterans get through school, not to act as welfare for Veterans. Getting a student loan is the way that normal Americans get through school. Don't look at it like borrowing money you don't have, look at it as an investment in your future. You don't even start paying it back until 6 months after you graduate, so you should already have a job at that point. I'm not saying it's right that they are not paying for the breaks, but don't abuse the system we have either. Remember it's the GI Bill, not welfare, it shouldn't be your ENTIRE source of income either way.
Great point and well said!
You recommend using loans as an investment in your future. I personally invested in my future by serving 11 years in the military until I was medically retired for a service connected disability. You are correct that the GI Bill is not welfare, but for those who count on it because it is an entitlement that we have already invested in by serving in the military have a right to be upset that it's been cut. In the military BAH is used to pay rent and living expenses why shouldn't that be the case with the GI Bill that offers BAH. I understand that college students do this differently than people who have invested in their future already. For some it's an age difference of 30 years. I don't think suck it up is the right answer.
Is a good point, but some of us paid the gibill to do just that, go to school and concentrate only in school. GIBILL is not like welfare since we pay for it as an investment into our education. So you can't compare both. Please, STFU.
It's not welfare since we pay for it. Stop comparing.
The Montgomery GI Bill was to help you go to School. The intent was to help with living expenses not pay tuition. Why do you think it is payed out monthly! I agree with everyone about the gap pay. We should not loose it. OH and btw all of you saying loans are bad. If your income is so low you that you cannot support the drop in pay you will qualify for Federal Student loans that are low intrest and you do not have to start paying until 2 years after you graduate. I work fulltime and go to college working on Masters. My wife is an RN and we have 3 daughters our combined income last year was 135,000 and I qualified for fedral student loans. I am lucky in that I already have a great paying job so I am just pocketing 800 a month to go to school. Again the original intent of the gibil was not to pay everything while you where in school but to help. Oh Emily LOANS are not bad as lond as you do not over extend yourself and you get into the right program.
I agree that you can take out student loans, but at the same time, if you are a first time borrower (like me this fall semester) then you have to wait 30 days AFTER you start your classes to even get the money, by then, I'm already WAY behind on bills and most likely homeless because I couldn't afford my rent. :(
Why don't you join the military, Seth, and learn what the men and women who are entitled to the GI Bill put up with so your dumb a$$ can sit and type stupid sh#t like this. They EARNED the right to sit around for 20 days and not get paid because at some point when they were in the military, they were sitting for well over 20 days in an austere environment where they couldn't wake up and play video games or whatever you chose to do with your free. time. How nice it must be for you to enjoy your FREEDOM veterans defend by criticizing them instead of thanking them for what they have done for you and this country.
They should just pay us better.. and then we wouldn't need the gi bill :P… working 80 hrs a week for less then minimum wages… sad.
Gee Seth, show some compassion for your fellow veteran!
How do you know it's a fellow veteran seth probally never did any service.
Irrelevant. Whether you are in classes or are getting what was termed break pay, it all comes out the same pot of money. So if he chose to take break pay, it is not simply free money. It is deducted from his totally benefits allotment. Meaning that by the end of his collage time, he would have to find a new source of funds to finish out since his GI Bill funds are depleted. But that's something that can be planned ahead for. And taking loans during the final year to pay for tuition is preferable to taking loans now in order to get by during breaks, and thus accumulating interest for the next X years.
THANK YOU!!!!! First person to answer this question correctly. Just to add on for people that aren't following…..
Not getting paid from 15Dec-15Jan just saved you 1 month of benefits.
Throw in 3 more months for summer and you saved 4 months of benefits per year.
You only have 36 months of benefits TOTAL, by saving that 1-4 month per year you now have more ACTUAL school you can attend.
actually, I just got an email back from my VA counselor are Castleton State College (Vermont). She said that (at least under post 9/11) the benefits are IN-SCHOOL months, verified by her, and sent to the VA. Which means… you could spend 6 months (OCT-DEC and JAN-MAR) in school a year, for 6 years, and come out with a Masters.
Research before conclusion leads to answers not assumptions!
Careful buddy. Think we don't know what the real world is? Asshole. We earned those benefits. Who is going to give someone a job for 2 weeks.
Seth, do not bad talk to vets. As a matter of fact, do not talk about something you have to idea about.
You go fight a war, and get fucked up the rest of your life. And your telling us vets to "join the real world". A-hole.
i dont know too many people who get shot at for their country either
Well Seth – That was the deal when we signed up for this GI Bill. Time to "join the real world"? Get a life. I sure didn't "choose" for my college to close down for a break. For those folks living on this money while they go to college – "getting a loan" isn't always an option. Obviously you didn't serve.
Seth the focus of the VA was being able to go to school full time and not have to worry about getting a job or taking out a school loan you must be active duty or you didn't qualify for anything huh
Here is the problem with that kind of simple thinking. Some veterans need the break pay because they cannot find jobs for a couple of reasons. They are disabled and are limited to finding part time work while attending school full time. The other is trying to find part time work while going to school full time. We are either over qualified for some part time jobs, or there is nothing out there. Some of us Veterans need the break pay because we can no longer do our job title when were fighting for your right to be ignorant. Oh im sorry, Freedom of Speech.
I think that is BS! I didn't put in 8 years in the Army, working harder than any civillian punk just to get out and be told I have to pay! I earned that money and I EXPECT to be paid. They sure as hell took it out of my LES every month! Alot of work still needs to be done and they are getting there, as soon as they get YO YO out of the head office we will be alot better!
really, yo-yo in office 11 years ago were you saying the same thing? just asking…
We earned that! Well, I don't know about you, but most of us did! I would have at least liked the chance to get a vote on if WE wanted this change or not. It is OUR benefit, not Obamas. :(
I dont know many people who were willing to give their lives for their country either seth. This is a breach of contract and not what many of us signed up for.
The whole point of the gi bill is so we do not have to get loans to go back to school.
Seth-wow keep on doin what your doin you keep on gettin what your getting! When we join the military we have obligations and we are promised certain things for our services to our country. You should be standing up for the college student if you think they are having it rough. The real world, what an old saying, I usually hear that from people who have given up on thier lives and situation. They want you to take a loan for school, and then theres no jobs after graduation to pay the loans back?? Surly you must have seen thousands of people sitting around for more than 20 days and getting paid for, have you ever served in the military?
Your officially ignorant! Get a job or get a loan? Thats why they call it benefits/ entitlements (apparently you do not receive any). So long as we continually pursue our educational goals at the full-time status and receive good grades, we should also be afforded without question, the right to our original post 9/11 GI Bill 1.0, which were promised to us after completion of honorable service. The real world of a college student doesn't imply that everyone must work to pay for college. If thats your life then kick rocks, but don't hate on veterans just trying to live of of what they have earned. You seriously can't be that naive to think that after serving honorably in the military and being promised benefits, we as vets would not be outraged by such drastic changes. So what if we depend on "our own damn benefits". Thats why its called a benefit and entitlement. Do your research on these two terms. Its not different than a hard businessman busting his butt for years waiting for that nice bonus. Well the businessmen (in the military) are the men and women in hostile territory giving their lives everyday so people like you can complain about something that former vets have earned. Whats black and white one day turns into a big mess up with collateral damage. To many arbitrary decisions being made without regard for those vets who are truly trying to make the most of their GI Bill benefits.
Okay…there is a HUGE difference between "sitting around for 20 days doing nothing" and getting paid for it and schools and the government screwing our service members. My husband was released from the Marine Corps due to multiple service related injuries and went back to school full time, while working full time. Since this "no-break" pay thing he has gotten screwed. One class ends on Wednesday night and the next physical class isn't until the following Wednesday, guess what he doesn't get the BAH for that because it is A BREAK???!?!?
It is NOT a break. He has homework to do, postings to do and papers to create, but doesn't get pid for that week because it is a BREAK!? That is some serious bullcrap.
Some say be glad for what they have gotten, you can only say that IF YOU HAVE SERVED OUR COUNTRY and already been screwed like most of our service members are the ENTIRE time they FIGHT FOR OUR FREEDOM…
The President should look into things instead of just signing stupid crap. I understand not paying someone who is on a hiatus, but a week between each class when work is still due? Not a chance!
I'm surprised to see that in there- we've been getting prorated BAH for partial months since it started! Looks like a call to the VA is in order if we were supposed to be receiving full monthly payments.
Us too. We were prorated in December for winter break. I assumed that’s how it was.
That happened to me too, but I called to find out what was going on because I'd read about the "break pay". Apparently my claims office was behind and they can't process the break pay until you've been processed for the next term because there were limitations depending on whether the break was longer than the term before or after.
I'm wondering how this is going to affect me because my breaks are usually about 2 weeks long. My school does quarters instead of semesters…
I'm glad that someone else caught that. I only get partial BAH payments when I am on break, so to me there is no change. So to those of you who have be thankful.
you were recieving prorated amounts because they didn't process your next term schedule. When they pay you for the breaks that means between terms. If they didn't know you were registered yet because the schools VA officials didn't submit your schedule before it was time to pay your BAH they are going to see that as you not being registered. That is why you only get prorated. They should have paid you the remaining once they got your schedule worked out.
Tim, how about getting a part-time job??? This program was not intended to support your lifestyle while you attend college. It is intended to assist you in obtaining your degree, certification, etc. They can't pay for everything. Dude, get a job and stop complaining. You ought to be grateful that you're getting a free education
Get a job?? That is what most people do who need money to live off of. It's really not too hard to get a job starting in November and ending January 1. It might be a crappy job and you might not be doing much better than minimum wage– but you will still be far, far better off than thousands of other people.
Oh right – I forgot there is a surplus of jobs available for people who need to work 20 days. With a name like "IDon'tTolerateIdiocy" you sure didn't think a whole lot before you started typing did you?
I agree!
What's garbage is if your in school 1 day during the month of December you are deducted an entire month of benefits. LOL–Prorating your BAH my friend, but they aren't prorating the amount of days we are actually in school. Double dipping!
Wow, hope your mis informed about that ;) but i wouldn't be suprised if it's true….
That is well said Ryan. How is this legally possible?? We get deducted an ENTIRE month of benefits… but we don't receive an entire month of benefits.
actually they will be prorated that as well in the new changes
Tim, stop whining and start budgeting. Thats what I have to do. I am walking on sunshine right now. The minor for thought to budget for breaks in exchange for the 3 full years more I will need for my bachelors is a welcome give and take that hurts no one and helps all of us.
I feel blessed instead of stressed. My benefits were set to end with only my AA completed as of this next spring semester. I would have been ass out without the training or documentation to provide me with solid work I require to sustain a family.
Budgets only work if it's constant and no curve balls are thrown in it… something like changing of policies….
poor excuse
Budgets should include possible curve balls. Never make a plan that doesnt take in to account the wtf factor.
Stop whining and start budgeting… from the guy who used his entire benefit and only accomplished an AA.
Only a AA??
You have to get over this bend over and take it attitude. It was drilled into all of us while we served, but we are not IN THE MILITARY ANYMORE! We agreed to a program, and it's bullshit to change the deal in the middle of it. Fight for what you deserve, don't just say, oh, theres the wtf factor! Glad I budgeted for it! I for one, won't just sit here while they whittle down my benefits I fought for over 7 years for in the Navy. You can offer up your benefits in return to pay for mine, if your feeling so generous. I owe the government nothing, and won't let them take what I have earned!
sounds like you didn't budget your time. I will be done with an engineering degree in three years.
what are you supposed to do, suck it up & GET A JOB & STOP WHINING OVER A 2-3 WEEK BREAK & BE GRATEFUL FOR WHAT YOU DO GET!!!!!
well soldiergirl while you were behind a desk doing paperwork some of us were out in the field earning our benefits. we just want what was promised and was now taken away.
Why did you assume soldiergirl was behind a desk?
Because she had such great punctuation?
Your punctuation was so much better!!!!! How about a comma in that run on sentence Bob-O!
How about this? The VA can take away my break pay, if they agree to give ME a break from my PTSD?…I don't really get a break from the years of constantly replaying images of my buddies brain splattered against a wall.
It's hard enough to sit in a classroom with a bunch of 18 year old liberals, but the added stress of having to find another source of income for 3 weeks is very difficult for those of us that actually saw combat & came back with severe PTSD.
Like you steped off the ramp on Normandy—–thats in France, ref D-Day P-cake. Bet your getting as much VA money as you can for your nightmares. I was one of a few first in Baghdad, seen as much or more than you I bet and have multiple tours with over 29 years serving—-Infantry P-cake. PTSD—————thank God the big wars have already been fought. Going to need all the new high tech weapons for us to win a big one again with a bunch of no grit P-cakes. Sell your PTSD story to someone willing to buy it, which the taxpayers have already————-and stop embarrassing real warriors.
Hate to say it cause i feel for ya, but life's going to happen unfortunately, eventually your gi bill will be up, and you'll have to enter the real world…. cant use it as reasoning for ever. There are people who are in horrific car accidents that see their families and friends die.. they get on with life.
I agree with ya on the 18 yr old, and the people that dont want to goto school but the gov't pays them to go(pell grant etc).. they dont care about education. but we have to learn to deal with those issues not deflect them.
In short, it might be better for you to go out and get a part time job not just to make money but to get out and do something occupy your time. Maybe go thru the stress of not having internet access for a month, or not have a cell phone for a month…
I live off the bah, so im not happy about this either… but they are trying to set it back to the way it was… just gotta hope they can do it.
You dont get the GI Bill cause you have PTSD.
What you are doing right now is dishonoring your buddies who died by whining about something very insignificant compared to what our country is going through.
Get some perspective, suck it up and step on.
I come from a family that has served in every major world since WWII. We all have some mental issues but we pushed on. My father did two tours in Vietnam and received two purple stars. His thanks to come home to a country that hated him for his sacarfice and years of nightmares and mental instability. I returned with some of the same issues as my father but find a community that help me get through the hard times.
If you need help getting through the day to day join the VFW or visit the VA and get help. STOP whining about your PTSD and get help. I was able to go to a very liberal Law school and deal with grown adults and their BS ideals about our country and its international policies. The way I was able to get pass all their BS was to remember why I join the Marine Corps in the first place to protect the constitution and my fellows citizens. I feel privileged to have served and to be a true patriot.
USAF-1 please get help for your PTSD and get luck in your studies.
Get a job – retail is always hiring for Christmas help
What about for spring break?
I'm not sure about everyone else and way that their school handles spring break but, at Maryland your still enrolled during spring break.
I'm not a fan of the new policy by no means but it is what it is. I know all of us veterans (well some) paid into the gi bill to receive these benefits and yes the government is breaking its promise. However, the world isn't easy… never has been… never will be. Go ahead and fight for whats yours but, you need to be prepared for the worst and this isn't even close. Grind it out and try to keep your head up.
Rian,
If you paid money in under the Montgomery GI Bill and elected to use the Post 9/11 GI Bill you receive your money back. It'll be included as a lump sum in your final Post 9/11 GI Bill payment. I don't agree with cutting benefits but I am thankful that the benefits are still better than they've ever been. We can only pray they stay that way!
Chelsea
I agree with you Tim, I don't think it's fair to cut the housing stipend down during the Winter break (Summer time, I can understand). But you know, have you thought about applying for Federal Financial Aid? Your school might rate you grant money that perhaps you could save to help for that winter crunch where you're not receiving BAH. Just an idea :).
try getting a job
You could have NO BAH entitlement as was the case under Ch. 30. Take what you are offered and be grateful!
Huey's right! I have been using chapter 30 for the past 3 years and will end next month. Luckily I am eligible for both and will get an additional 12 months of the post GI bill, but its been a hard 3 years making it by.
I opted for the kicker and still only get paid $1,576.00 a month now. I still have to pay tuition also, this is the big one; also I need to buy books. The post GI bill covers all of these horrible secenarios and get paid more in-pocket money!
I cant believe people are whining because they might have to save some money when breaks come around. I can't wait till I begin using the post GI bill. So many benefits, ahhhhhhhhhh and i cant believe people are still complaining!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Maybe it was just easier to get you a job 3 years.. where as those coming out now cant find a job if their lifes depended on it.
You're supposed to get a job and save for times like this. What a concept.
You need more money…get a job.
What did you do before you had the BAH entitlement? I don't like it either but let's face it, griping solves nothing…makes us feel better: kinda like being part of the crowd. Look back at your lifestyle before the BAH kicked in and live that way. Get a job.
This is complete bull crap!! I am a mom of two and I rely on this durning the times that I am on break!! especially during the Christmas months lets just screw our Vets again!!
Oh and not to mention the only kinds of jobs you can get while you are on that break are minimum wage temp jobs that don't really exist. They should offer classes then continuously durning those breaks!!! I would attend that would get me done faster!! We need to raise hell about that!!!
Wow, talking about ungrateful. Seeems to me you should have been taking advantage of tuition assistance while you were active duty instead of making babies. That way you can use the money you make on your job to buy your kidsXmas gifts. Hey, try layaway at Kmart, I hear it's great for cry baby's like you. NOW WOMAN UP VET!
Tuition assistance? WTF? Try being in a combat unit and ask to be excused from field training to go to school… Not gonna happen. You know this.
Like the old military saying don't bitch unless you have a solution. Whining gets you nowhere.
Some VETS were preoccupied while they surved like being deployed to Iraq, You must have been in the navy or Airforce. Its nice to be in a branch that can sit around. This was money that was promised when we started school, and know they retract their agrement. They should have grandfathered everyone who was already in and made it affective for all new recruits starting the service.
You're not being screwed, you'll still get all your entitled to get, all you have earned it will just happen to coincide with the days you are actually in school, that's all. Good luck honey
Seriously? I am a single mom of 2 kids, I go to a major university full time, and I WORK full time. Yeah it is hard, but I do it. I do it because I have to. Complaining is not going to get me anywhere. I am thankful for what assistance I do get, and suck it up and drive on when things don't go my way. I deployed to hazardous duty stations and earned my benefits with the best of them, but really? Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. We are so lucky to get what we do get. Just look at the benefits of the veterans before us.
I don't mean to be mean, but….If you are going to university full time and working full time, who is raising your children?
OUTSTANDING Sailor! You make me proud to have been a USNavy Sailor. But we are the branch that – Make It Happen!!
WOW,, I think I love you USNproud,, I am one of them ole vets before you,, USMC-71-75, RVN-13 months&20days in fact, I worked, went to school, ran a small business I owned, had a wife & child and I made,,didn.t get no break pay either, and, I made it through school, took 6 yrs at 1/2 time and I am still greatful… TY USNproud,,,,U R AWESOME !!!!!!
I agree with you, I just ran into that this Christmas and got a feel of how it is going to be. The reason they gave me was because they didn't certify my classes in-time and there was a mix up on the dates. So I was missing about $616 from my BAH, how am I supposed to pay for my rent and utilities if they are going to cut us like that. I have a family and until my wife finds full time work as a nurse which is just nearly impossible right now, part time work for a nurse is all there is right now and it is just here and there work and then all we have is my BAH which was supposed to be guaranteed. This is garbage. I can't stand this administration. They just talk a lot of garbage and really do not care about the veterans, soldiers, families or the people they are serving, which I am sure they have forgotten or don't even care, they are here for the good of the people, yeah right! Good bye sweet America (A&G talk radio).
The bill was passed by Congress not the current administration. If you want to be pissed at anyone be pissed at your congressman not the president or the executive branch. The ignorance you just showed is why we are in this predicament now. Get involved before this stuff happens and you would have less to wine about. I live in one of the most expensive counties in America and used my benefits for law school and still had to take out loans and find seasonal jobs during Christmas. The one thing the Marine Corps taught me was to be ready for any situation. So plan ahead now that you know it will be cut and you should not have as many problems.
Get a job and shut up. Nothings good enough. This country is in debt up to its eyeballs and your only thinking about what more your owed.
It's you're, not your. Second, I work very hard and go to school full time. No it's not good enough when you are told something from the beginning. Rearrange your life for those changes and then a "change" screws you. Your comment in very insensitive. Do you even attend school?
Been there, done that and have my degree. Was searching news for transfering benifits to my son and derailed by reading some greedy crybabyies commenting about how our country is screwing them. I,m 47 and been married 26 years(same wife) with four kids(all mine)—–wow, what a novel concept in todays society; still serving after 29 years with multiple tours–all Infantry and Cavalry. Have more broken, dislocated and strained more parts of my body than I have fingers. I don't claim VA disibility for anything. I've seen insensitive up front and personal; death is insensitive. I don't collect money for PTSD either. I fly the stars and strips every national holiday, know the national anthem, say the pledge of allegiance and get goose bumps at prades. I love this country, it owes me nothing. I'm thankful for the GI Bill. The gene pool in this country is producing far to many fat, stupid, greedy and unaccountable people wanting to blame their sorry cicumstances on anyone or anything, but themselves. This country is about three flushes away from going down the toilet because no grit P-cakes out number true patriots.
Gee, a real American hero! You come off as an arrogant, condescending bully!
Thanks.
Hey Pat, I was a grunt too and guess what. You are still a douchebag. Probably some 1stSgt who stayed in because he was too stupid to get out and do anything else. Then you try to play down the experiences other vets have because you have 29 years in the military. Good on you. Now news flash pat…nobody cares. Our job is thankless in my opinion. I have never asked for recognition for my deployments or the things I did but you obviously cant help but draw attention to yourself. YOURSELF. You claim to be a true patriot. Of what? Your own little world? I would have thought after 29 years in the military you would have learned its not all about YOU. Moron
want a cookie you turd sandwich?
Roger that! Too many in these younger generations are whiny little b*tches. Can't take charge of their own life and need mommy and daddy to wipe their noses. I had VEAP, $8100 freakin' dollars and got a degree. No BAH, no living expenses. Worked days and went to schools nights.
I agree that we're circling the drain, but I hope you're the first floater to sink and maybe, just maybe after you're gone things will start to look up!
So I guess the retired people need to get a job as well. How is that fair?
I'm Retired and I got a job. Retired from the military does not mean Retired, Retired. Sooo, that means you need a job lazy Susan. Surprise!!!
I did, see my post above.
Get a job?
How about you MAN UP and work for a few weeks. Don't be so pathetic. The GI Bill is a great thing. Its not something the Government HAS to do for you. It's a benefit. I joined the Marine Corps for the purest of reasons. I wanted to serve. I'm tough, I can handle anything, and that's a result of my training. Don't be such a baby. Were you ever in the military anyway?? Get a job like the rest of us. Crybaby.
I can't believe the level of cruelty on this board! have you no compassion for the plight of your fellow man (men & women) ?
what plight? someone bitching about having to work for two weeks becuase their BAH won't cover their expeneses becuase they ARE NOT IN CLASS and in fact on break…
get a x-mas job, your not in school. what the big deal?
The big deal is that many of us can not just get a job just because we are not in school. I have 2 children at home and to get a job, would require child care, which would completely counter act any income I received from a holiday job. When my degree is complete and my GI money is exhausted, finding a job that will pay the bills and handle child care will be no problem, but retail jobs do not pay enough to someone who wants a few weeks of work enough to compensate for the lost income from the GI bill. It is bad enough that some schools don't certify until after the semester, meaning I have to stretch December, January and February until March 1st. And yes I will get back pay, but really??? Not sure what retail place wants to hire or keep on someone who has a VERY limited schedule and pay a good amount. I'm glad that some of you can deal with these changes, but to simply act like those of us who are going to struggle with it is no big deal is complete crap!
That is so sad. Who cares that you have two children. You really need a job. Your children are you responsibility. Should not have had them if they were going to be a burden. Now get a bottle and woman up, cry baby.
i totally agree with you on that
Be thankful for what the Post-9/11 GI-Bill is doing for you!!!!! I am
Get a JOB and stop living off the government?
that's so true, but do you think these lawmakers care? if it has somthing to do with their pay, i'm sure they will do something about it!
Get a job or a roommate.
CHANGE! -Yes He can! and he did…. BOHICA (Bend over, here it comes again!) I work p/t as a VA rep at my school and I agree 100% with ya! I suggest writting and calling your congressman and senators and often!
Tim you should be thankful you are getting anything at all. They don't have to give us anything. I was an officer in the Army an I only get E5 BAH, but my response is "Thanks You". That's what your response should be.
You are lucky to get E5 BAH if you were an offiicer. Lord knows a sergeant works harder then any officer.
Nuff' said, officers do nothing but sign papers and direct orders.
get a seasonal job during that time bud
To the original comment by Tim, I agree, it's not like you can easily go find a job for three, three and a half, weeks, not only that you have to work two weeks, or so, at most jobs before you get your first paycheck.
Let's see Tim, you have 50 weeks to budget for that two weeks you'll be short.
get a job……
Don't complain, at least they are paying for YOUR college!!!
Tim, at least you are able to go to school, I gave this country 18 years of my life and I have no educational benefits at all…
Get a job? Or Unemployment? Not too hard. Ya'll should be thankful that we even GET bah. Open your eyes.
Well you better start looking for a part time job like the rest of us or put up and save.
get a job!
you should not solely depend on the BAH for living, maybe you should get off your behind and get a gob to offset it.
I agree, this is garbage, I depend on my BAH also. I don't think this is fair at all, and more notice should have been given. The job market is still too screwed up t have go out and hope to find something before the rent is due…What a way to support continuing education.
Get a job!
manage your funds and put a little aside as a savings so that you have what you need during the off times. If you do not know how to save and manage money that is your problem not theres
temp work, part time job all year, full time employment while in school (what I did)
GET A JOB! Stop being so ungrateful. Look at all the other college students that live off of ramen noodles and college loans. You can't be expected to have EVERYTHING handed to you, you have to do some preparation on your own. Thanks for your service!
work part time?
GET A JOB! you should have one anyway, save and you'll be fine. The purpose of this is so your benefits will last long enough for you to get your degree. Let's not forget that the purpose of the G.I. Bill is education not a way for you to survive.
Get a job, stop being lazy!!!
Change schools, mine does have the options. AMU, American Military University, its onlinee. http://www.amu.apus.edu/contact/support/index.htm
I love this school. It is online, and V.A. has never missed a beep sending me my check. And also we have classes even this week and its Thanksgiving, You just have to turn in your homework by Midnight Sunday.
get back with me ok.
Reading the replies to this date is at the least disturbing. You are completely right. You served your time and expect what was promised. My son with wife is in your exact shoes. Promised a bonus to join the guard after active time with the expectations of the GI Bill at the time when he entered. It is only going to get worse. It's sad that so many vets are having so much trouble. I'm a retired CW4 that retired 3 months before the gi bill was transferrable to family. I hate to say it but, expect and plan for the worse when it comes to military and government promises. Keep your head up and stay positive and you can handle the worst that they have to give. Save when you can for those interim periods. Good luck.
OK, I have some specific questions. I will be retiring in July 2011 from ANG. I did not qualify for the Post 9/11 GIB and my AD GIB expired.
I'm not seeing any benefit for folks who will be retired and would like to pursue their education.
Why? You were still serving after 9/11. Is that not why we qualify?
A person ANG or Reserve would need 90+ days on a deployment. i did not have that, so thus making me not qualify for the Post 9/11 GIB. My deployments were shorter incriments.
Has anyone had any luck with Yellow Ribbon?
What you have to do is talk to the different schools to see how they operate. All schools don't have it. One school that does for sure is Strayer University…Hope that helps you and also talk to some type of active duty career counselor as they have a lot of information.
South University does too – yellow ribbon
I spent 10 yrs active duty army, and activated to the gulf war as a practical nurse in an evac hospital. After returning back to a new born son, i was put on levy to go to korea. Turning down the levy, i was barred from reinlisting. Therefore went into the reserves where i spent 11 more yrs. The last 14 months being activated in support of OEF at a stateside army med ctr in TX. After completing this activation and returning to my reserve unit i retired. Now i find out that i dont qualify for the post 911 gi bill. I was told this by a VA educational conselor. He says i may qualify for hazelwood but is not sure. I'm sorry but i just dont feel like anyone is really informed. Can't get straight answer. Online VA site is just a bunch of links that repeat themselves and not much help.
Most ARNG and ANG personnel don't qualify by the standards of the Post 9/11 GI Bill. If you don't meet the requirements for it based on any other means, i would suggest that you take your medical file and foward it to the VA for a possible disability review, and see if you can qualify for a service connected disability or any service connected benefits, so that you can then apply for VOC BEHAB and then go to school on their program. Otherwise you can get the FAFSA Pell Grants and Student Loans. The Pell Grants are free money that don't have to be paid back, but are limited to say $5500 per year if you meet their qualifications, but if you go to a standard Community College, you should be able to get away with a 2-year degree without any additional monies out of pocket. Also apply for as many scholarship programs as you can, there is a lot of free money out there to go back to school with…just keep trying, don't give up. Remember there are a lot of Vets out there like myself who are willing to help others out…Take care, and thank you for your service Brother.
You qualify. Just how much depends on how much time you were activated since 9/11. Also, if you served title 32 AGR time, you will have time that qualifies…VA will determine how much time qualifies, up to the 36 month maximum. I retired AGR and most of my time was title 32 and not title 10 (normal active for AGR vs. a national activation callup.
If Americans are looking for the perfect fits all this bill or any other wont be it. They are never going to be. We should look at them and say can this enhance my life? This bill helps me some but it is not designed to do the walk on water bit.
with the new one you DO qualify if you were full time or Titie 32 :)
Check into the 90+ days qualification. For the Navy, qualifying time is Mobilization time but also Active Duty for Training, Active Duty for Special Work, and Active Duty for Operational Support. Check with your Unit and find out if active duty time other than mobilization counts.
Well I serve this country for twenty-three years and I can't even go to school and use any benefits because I was not mobilized but if I had been called I would have gone. Mind you from the time I was in the Guard I have done at least 7state duties and I guess that courts for nothing when Hugo hit the North Carolina coast I was there helping people where ever they needed me I served this country and I feel it should pay for me to go to school to further my education. Out of all the years I served this country now everywhere I go for a job they want you to have a degree. I have enrolled in school and they declined to pay anything. Now that is sad if they would have needed me to go to fight in Saudi I would have gone but I retired before then the unit I was in went but I was retired this is so unfair. What does 9/11 have to do with I was in before 9/11 I enlisted in 1981 and retired in 2003 your do the math 23yrs for the country.
So true. I feel ripped-off too. I spent lots of time of AD during and after 9/11, but apparently this is not good enough since most of it was volunteer time, under regular orders. I spent almost 26 years in the Coast Guard Reserve, but I cannot get my schooling paid either.
I wrote to my Senators / Congressman about this, but received only one "canned" reply. I WAS called-up, but only for 63 days. I lost my civilian job over that one, so much for ESGR. I called the feds and was told "get in line, the wait for a claim in your area is 2+ years long." That was in 2006. I had to get some counselling, to get past my bitterness – at least the Navy paid for that.
Life is not fair. Try to move past it, because I doubt they will change anything. The goal is not to qualify everyone: the goal is to be politically correct.
Janine, your statement is so true I am in the same status, " gray shaded area retired vet"…its so unfair, all this time for nothing!carm
I totally agree with you, we are in the same situation!!!
Your GI Bill doesn't start until you leave the ANG then the 10 years start to count. You must read please it is important.
absolutly correct. There are thousands of retired soldiers who did not get mobilized but trained those soldiers who did and are completely left out of the deal. I just want to get a certificate or a different masters degree and I am left out. For me the military was great but the benefits are not there as they stand. Sent this very scenario to my senator and congressman.
What Chapter are you under while in Service?
Sir, why blame Obama??? You should find out who really orchestrated this stuff, then call or write your congressmen?? They are the lawmakers!
what happens when you only get 60% of tuition are you qualified for the book stipend? i didn't receive one!
I get 50% and I did.
Yes, you should still qualify for the book stipend.
you qualify for 60% of the book stipen.
Yes you are entitled the stipend up to 600 00 a year I would look into that
Yes, you will get 60% of the book/supplies stipend . It is paid at $41.00 per credit. If you didn't get it, first make sure your school certified you and then get your cert ID, date certified and your facility code (from the VA office at your school) then call Muskogee OK at 1-888-442-4551and find out why you didn't get your book money.
Yes, I get 60% & I get the stipend. Contrary to what some people are saying, you should get the full book stipend not just a percentage. The 60% only affects your tuition & BAH.
My school and the VA both told me that we get what percentage we are… I am 50% so I am only going to get 50% book, 50% tuition, 50% bah. etc.
Patrick, I am not sure if you have noticed but whatever Obama tries to do is being put down even if it's good for us, just to discredit him. Take a closer look, and you know how people are they just follow anything without thinking it through. If someone woke up and decided we are not worth anything and anybody can do what we do, did you know that there would be a huge following for that? They don't see what we do, they see it on TV and it's not real for them. People are flaky. We are suffering but as you and I know, it's not always the President's fault but it can be made to look like it.
Well Obviously the President’s have to share some of the blame because he signs the bill.
Clara are you kidding me? Obama gets the golden platter from the press no matter how many mistakes he makes. The truth is, congress probably slipped this amendment into the back of another garbage bill they passed before the holiday. I wouldnt be surprised at all if the new House takes a look at this and throws the whole thing out the window.
Wow really but it was ok to blame Bush for everything even natrual disasters !!!
So your telling me that I will only receive 1000 a month in bah and I previously received 2100. If I knew the post 911 was going to change so drastically I would have been better taking the montgomery gi bill since the state of NY would pay for my school regardless thanks for changing your mind when I can’t!
It's not saying you'll on get $1000 a month. That amount was used as an example only.(i.e.)
If your going full time you'll still get the full 2100 for bah
facepalm… yes, also the earth is literally flat and the second amendment means you have the right to hold onto limbs.
damn dude, read the information more carefully before you blow up
All previous BAH is grandfathered… If you are already using your benefits, you will not see a reduction in your BAH
thats exactly what i was thinking, (JOHN).
If thats exactly what is happening (Mike) whew.
(GaM) what does grandfathering mean?? i.e i don't plan on using my PoSt 9/11 for this upcoming semester. So will i retain, my Current BAH rate of $2100 that i been previously been getting the last 2 semester,
SO when i decided to use it again in the fall semester? will Grandfathering mean that i keep my $2100 rates or i'm stuck with a possible lower rate, by how i'm interpreting this Pro-Rated thing going into effect in AUG.
Nothing is "grandfathered" the only thing we are losing in BAH during the winter break.
Hopefully this ONLY applies to the winter break. However, left open to interpretation the VA could prorate all breaks and intervals including spring break and any breaks between the spring to summer and summer to fall semesters. A curious statement which I can't quite grasp is: Entitlement which previously would have been used for break pay will be available for use during a future enrollment.. This might mean you qualify for an additional semester beyond 36 months (4 college years). Normal winter break is 30 days X 4 years = 4 months or roughly one spring/fall semester.
you will get no BAH during winter break because you are not enrolled in classes. it is a break between semesters or quarters. however, spring break is in the middle a semester or quarter and you are taking classes. they will not stop paying you because of a holiday or spring break.you are still enrolled in classes and you still have to study during that time therefore you will recieve your BAH.
and during summer breaks!! I got continuous BAH from the time I started last year cause I attended full time in the summer it's crap that we are losing that. My kids are off school too during that time and the only temp jobs around are minimum wage which means that I can't afford the child care so I can't work hence I loose all that money a month!!
as long as you are taking classes, you will get BAH. for example, if you are enrollled at a state university and dont take any classes during the summer (most students dont), you get no BAH, but if you sign up for summer semester classes, you will recieve BAH from the day your class starts until the day it ends.
Could you point out where you found that all previous BAH is grandfathered. If you are attending school half time now and receiving $1000 monthly BAH will you be receiving $1000 or $500 in BAH come October 1 if you still attend half time? Thanks.
That is 100% wrong. For the forst 9 months I was getting Post 9/11, I was getting $1101 a month for BAH. Then, I got a letter stating that they had been authorized to lower it to barely over $900. I am just glad they didn't want the "over payment" back.
That's just because your cost of living in your area went down. Mine was actually raised and I got back pay!
I did! I was getting 1800 and now I only got 1000 this time.
HEy john, that was just an example. if you attend school full time you will continue to receive $2100. However, say full time at your school is 12 semester hours and you only take 9 semester hours you would only get 75% of the 2100 which is $1575. Hope that helps.
Umm, the government doesnt have to pay for your housing, OR your schooling AT ALL. How about you be thankful for anything you can get and I think everyone in general should try working to make money to pay their bills and not taking "advantage" of this gift. It can be revoked at any time and then what will you do?
Going to school and work a full time job as I do is very stressfull with all the homework/fam in all. Lucky, I have to only take 3 classes for full time. But, some colleges require 4 or 5. Try working a full time job with that on your plate. The BAH yr round, providing enrollment yr round, was suppose to enable a person to work part-time or not at all to pursue thier education. VA's VOC-REHAB is an example for this. But, because of the break change, you have to either keep working to cover the break times or get a temp job during those time which, in this economy would be very hard. Thanks for the degress changes government in supporting vets. They put out a good thing, then change it for cheaper, then which scerws us who made plans on the orginal bill. This change amoung others has influenced my next vote.
Ok, normaly I would agree, but we are talking about veterans and veterans benifits, not welfare. We earn veterans benifits by being veterans. We are being rewarded for the sacrafice, in some case small, in others very large sacrafices that we've made during our term of service.
This is NOT A GIFT. Although I joined the Army to serve my country, I AM ENTITLED to receive education benifits. I signed up for the MGIB and payed my $1200.
The post 911 GIB was a LAW passed by Congress authorizing certain education benifits to veterans in exchange for their service. We're not bums on the street asking for hand outs.
If you don't TAKE ADVANTAGE of education benifits as a veteran, then your doing your self a disservice in most cases.
Um, receiving GI Bill benefits was part of the contract of entering the military. He is entitled to this and the Government does have to pay for this stuff. Being thankful for something that is owed to us is BS. And no…the GI Bill cannot be revoked at any time.
Jeff,
Your statement, "GI Bill benefits was part of the contract of entering the military" is not true…at least not for everyone. I entered during the time that the MGIB was OFFERED (while in basic training) and it was, therefore, my CHOICE to take it (at a cost of $1,200). It was not a part of my contract upon entering the military.
Kristi,
I’m very disgusted with Comments like yours. Your disrespect of our heroes who go to war to defend losers like you and come back with disabilities that don’t allow them to work is outrageous. If you care about government money you should oppose the Billions of Dollars that corporate America got from my hard-earned tax money to bail them from going bankrupt, those incorporations who like GE didn’t pay a dime in taxes while they earned 10 Billion dollars in profit by using tax loopholes.
So, before you make any similar stupid comment go educate yourself and show some respect to those who served.
Joe.
One question Kristi – how long did you serve active duty in the U.S. armed forces?
it is not a gift it is earned. bite your tongue
no your bah is $673
Dude, Good thing you are in school. READING COMPREHENSION should be your next class! $1,000 was used as an example due to it being easier to work with for the math!
sad thing is that I am looking at the amounts you guys are getting for your BAH and I am astounded.. according to the calculator my husband should be getting close to 1100 but they amount actually received is 648.60 now… before he had been receiving close to 800 at the most and when he got the letter stating it was decreasing they also said they had overpaid from the time it went into affect to the time he recieved notice so he now has to pay that back. He is a full time student with grades above the ranges required and has dependents. Can anyone tell me why the numbers dont come close to matching up and what we need to do to get things taken care of?
Yup that sums it up right…. I qaulify for 100 % tuition and BAH, but because I am taking 7 credits(more than half time) and not full time 12 credit I will only receive 60-70 % of my BAH which is $998.00 a month instead of $1,648.00. Thats really sucks..but something is better than nothing…right…. I work full time (police officer) with a revolving schedule and attending classes is extremely hard. If im not mistaken, now if i take one online class I will receive around $600… im on that then.
Hears a thought-get a job!!!! Most the people that join nowadays join for whats in it for them. When you join for the love of county and then get something in return thats great. I never received a signing bonus and I am using the GI Bill. Everything I get Im greatful for, quit acking like someone owes you something.
Seabee Chief
Amen, Chief!!!! Everybody is in it for what they want. It may keep some people from getting what they were getting, but they are still getting more than the people who havent served. I am an 11 yr veteran and just happy that I get something.
Here are a couple of thoughts Chief! I have a job, full time as matter of fact. I have 4 children and a wife that I support that I don't get to spend much time with because after work it is off to school and then time to study. You know not of what you speak, open your eyes and realize that not everyone's situation is even slightly that same as yours. And here is another thought, if you would like for people to join for love of country than maybe you should write your local recruiter and have them quit promising young kids the world in order to attain their services. Or maybe plead with OUR government to stop implementing SO MANY promises and perks for inlistment. I am pretty sure that you will do niether. A broken promise is a broken promise and that is what these changes are. I never once thought about breaking one of my enlistments that spanned a length of 10 years.
You know, I am in the same situation you are and seem to manage fine. You got a job… Get a better one, just because you have one doesn't mean you stop looking for your next opportunity. Chances are, you go to school for the money, like me first, education second. Next I assume that when your benefits run out, you'll be complaining that you didn't get enough… Right now you should be looking for a job that pays about the amount of BAH you get. I was working two jobs before the Post 9/11 came out. Now I don't have to because of the BAH payments and I can finish my degree. If you're so reliant on the BAH, you can count on having to work two jobs to replace the income and still be in the situation that you are in now.
Damn, it's only a couple of weeks, suck it up.
Amen Navy PO. Well stated. I am a Marine with 20 years active service and have been deployed numerous times to undesirable holes around the world and have sacrificed my time away from my family and loved ones many times as have most of the armed forces. Here is another thought, the least the govt can do is provide veterans with educational benefits for all the sacrifices we have endured over the years. As the Petty Officer stated many vets have families and kids to support and need that housing stipend to be able to have time to attend school full time.
Also in reply to Chief! Another thought. Veterans are not in it just for the money but they deserve some benefits for their sacrifices to this country. I understand cuts to the budget need to be made, but I am sure there are many areas besides veterans benefits they can find to make these cuts like all the wasteful social welfare programs!This is just another case of Obama cutting the military budget to support his socialist agenda. Essentially taking your money you rate for your time and service and giving it to illegal immgrants who don't rate to even be in this country and are leaching off the honest tax paying citizens. Those are the idiots that need to get a job! We have thousands of able bodied people collecting welfare unnecessarily! there is work for them but it is work they think is below their standards! This is just the beginning. Standby Veterans! Obama will be taking more money from the military soon. Just waiting to see how many of our other benefits he is going to take away and give to the lazy non-productive members of our society who don't want to work.
President Obama, Walt! Respect the Commander and Chief. I am so tired of the Obama bashing. Walt you sound very ignorant and juvenile. First of all there are reforms in place before President Obama took office for Social Welfare programs and it's not so easy to get over. There are First to Work programs and if guidelines aren't followed, there are sanctions were participants would not get any funding. Get your facts straight, not everyone on welfare is lazy and non productive. It may be that they are working but yet remain way below the poverty level. We are born to serve! You should know you are/were a service member. This President is the hardest working President that I ever seen in my 45 years. People like you is what is dividing this country. Take you entitlements and be grateful and Thank the good Lord that the GI Bill is available. As a registered Republican, I am disappointed with this party. The lack of respect to our current leader is disgusting.
As a registered Republican i am disappointed with your view. First of all I respect the POSITION not the person. You may want to change your party sir, you sound a bit more independent than anything…All you are doing is making Republicans look bad. I agree with Walt. Call me immature and juvenile if you want but realize that your opinion stinks to me as mine does to you.
As a registered Independent both parties are disgusting and disappointing! Both Administrations have done their damage to this country!
the hardest working president in 45 years are you high he takes more days off than anyone else in this country.
Are you high because that was the last Administration, FACT check please! Another fact the DoD are the one's making cut's so they are able to spend on more useless programs!
Its because of people like Walt and Navy PO that i can have some sort of pride in my service. Thank God there wasn't anyone i served with in the infantry like the rest of you punks
You ALMOST got a thumbs up until you lied about the President. He actually upped the VA budget and the defense spending so before you run your mouth hater, why don't you do some research.
(Navy Petty Officer). I have a full time job 9-5 like everyone should, and attend full time courses after work. Study, spend time with the wife and kids. Oh did I mention that my job requires overtime and travel out of country at times? Stop crying and enjoy what benefits you do have
I don't think he's crying but are looking at a different perspective. Clearly the MGIB doesn't not cater to everyone. They only cater to people with a 9-5 job with full time courses. As lucky as you are, you still don't understand fully how hard it is to have a wife and four kids. Until you do, you can tell people to "stop crying." Oh yeh, 3 weeks with out a check for the wife and kids?! Bunch of BS to me.
In response to: "As lucky as you are, you still don't understand fully how hard it is to have a wife and four kids. Until you do, you can tell people to "stop crying." "********* Four kids? Perhaps your should have worn a rubber or called Sandra Fluke to advocate on behalf of your wife to receive subsidized birth control. Nobody forced you to have sex.
sir, you should know better. if the military has taugh you anything than it should have taught you that pain is temporary and optional. You chose to go to school after work. you knew what you were getting into when you signed the dotted line (school and military). so don't complain. also yeah everybody situation is different but that does not mean that vets (like myself) should get a free ride because we made bad decisions in and out of the military. lastly, Yes those incentives are there for new joins. if they want them they "sign here". but that does not mean that if they do not take advantage of those benefits that it everbodies or the governments fault. If service ment and women want to be able to drink at 18 (like i think they should). then they need to act like adults and read and understand what they are signing up for.
Military should also teach you to put everything you have into something….. not to put half into school to get little out of it, and then the other half into a job that doesn't pay the bills.
True to that. And the worst part is, the MGIB doesn't pay much for people who wants to go to school part time and hold a full time job.
It's hard for military personnel to act like adults when they are treated like they are in sixth grade while on the the job! I'm currently active duty….I have traveled the world and I'm also highly educated…and the root of our financial problems lie with our dependence on foriegn oil. OPEC effectively sets the price, we buy it, and then they invest it in our banking system…..and WALA! They have us by the balls! And what is your congressman going to do about? What are YOU going to do about it! This problem is not just a Republican or Democrat problem……it's been going on since the 70's. It's a hardworking, taxpaying, American Citizen problem! WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO?
No one owes no one nothing, but if a person serves his/her country honorably, shouldn't they entitled to what's promised rather than getting screwed? I agree with you, a promise is a promise.
The Navy Chief that had replied with his/her rude comment still has his or her eyes closed. You're lucky you're a Chief getting the retirement and comp while us all depends on the MGIB. Maybe you should stop whining about us because as I look at it, you have no clue what we as parents/spouse with kids having to deal with while having to go to school and work FULL TIME.
Right on. My thoughts to the point. If you promise in writing or verbal, but perfered writing, to luer me to sign a contract for my services, which I sacrified many things for (health mainly), then at least I expect the government to fullfill theirs. I signed for 5ys, held for 6yrs, and recalled for 1yr. I think we are all entilled to a small peice of the pie.
I could not have said it any better Petty Officer. Take out all the perks and see how many people join. I LOVE MY COUNTY, AND WILL DIE FIGHTING FOR IT, but, I also need to support my family.
Navy Chief,
I don't know if the GI Bill was given to you but it wasn't given to me. I paid for it. I originally came in for the love of my country but guess what now I have a love of me too. I want to be educated and that money really helps me not stress over financial things and focus on school. So, I will disagree with you on that one.
KDub
NICELY SPOKEN BRO! Nothing was given to us veterans whether we served 4 years or 20 years. I'm almost certain we all earned it? We earned it, they offered it, we applied for it, and they changed it. Everyone on here has a right complain about the benefits that were offered to us and then suddenly changed. Yeah the VA, CONGRESS, and OBAMA owes me something, they owe me what I signed up for and that is the original post 9/11 gi bill, not the adjusted quick fix that will eventually cause veterans to have to resort back to montgomery gi study habits hence making all of this pointless.
Roger that Ryan, Well spoken! OBAMA is taking from the military to pay for socialist programs to pay for people who the lazy people who don't want to work! It is money that is being diverted to support social services for illegal immigrants with all their illigitimate children they immigrated here with them. And here is another thought, that chief above says vets are in it for the money? Well now OBAMA will gladly take the money you rate as a veteran and give it to the thousands of lazy able bodied unemployed out there. There is work for them but it is work they feel is below their standards. So go ahead Chief and give your money to those people since you appraently think they deserve it more than our veterans
Negative Walt, President Obama like the rest of congress looked at the post 9/11 GI Bill and saw how much of a money black hole it was. I work in the education for profic sector and you wouldn't believ the amount of money this program cost. all they did with adjustment was make it hurt less on the VA's budget. because that is where the money is coming from. Other Vets are the ones who suffer if to much money is going into the GI. Bill pot.
well martin, when im working full time w overtime and going to school (working 60 hrs a week plus school) there is no time for family. then they promise you a stipend so vets can actually attend a college, spend time with family, and not be overwhelmed it is a nice reward that made us think that the govt does care of veterans. so i turned in my notice and transfered to a nice universtiy so i could fullfill my dream of becoming a pilot for delta. a year later that dream will be taken away, i wont recieve enough money to live on, and i cant get my good job back, and im in a lease that lasts till december. it is sad you think this is fair and your telling vets to chill out. take money from wellfare and lets help our vets get a good eduction and lets the lazy low lifes get the damn job
If you are relying on the GOVERNMENT to pay your bills you are a fool! They cant pay their own bills…CHINA IS!!! Take the benefit as it is given and accept the bed you made for yourself. You will work it out. You cannot rely on a broken system. It sucks and we all have to deal with it.
That is correct you got that on the DOT… Our government or politicians are all in it for themselves while we do the heavy work for our country…
Iraq VET 2X
and (sorry broken record) But the pell grant… its very similar to the GI BILL….. :) they get paid on same day, get paid by the same place… it's fishy
Well one thing is NOT a myth Osama is dead (under Obama) were pulling out of Iraq (under Obama) We help kill a man that we have been wanting to for the last 30 years (under Obama) We killed Anwar al-Awlaki (under Obama) People on here need to learn Political Terminology before they speak! Question what is worst a Fascist or a Socialist? Oh by the way when you" volunteered" what makes you think anybody owes you anything you volunteered! And if you don't believe in a social programs them put your hand in your pocket because the GI Bill is a social programmed except the Montgomery GI Bill which you had to pay something in! Tax payers are paying for your education.
I did not serve in the military and have no business in this forum I am merely a lowly US citizen. One of the many US citizens that I thought the military had pledged to defend along with their country when all of you enlisted. Or should I rephrase? One of the "lazy able bodied" citizens that you pledged to defend. I am also a single mother of 3 with a full time job and a full time student pursuing an associates of arts for psychology. I also collect foodstamps and medicaid for my children. I rent a house, have a car payment , buy diapers and provide for the needs for my children without any other financial income besides the wages that I make from my employment. I struggle on a daily basis BUT I get up every morning and do what I have to do to survive. I am very grateful for the benefits that I receive. If a lowly "lazy" citizen, such as myself, can work my butt off to provide for myself and my children with very meager hand-outs than why cannot you soldiers do the same? YES, you deserve your benefits! But does that mean that you are entitled to never again work for your living? If I can do it then why cant yall quit complaining and find a way too. I was 8 months pregnant deemed a high risk pregnancy by my doctor and working my 40hrs in 3 days so that the other 4 days I could care for my children and go to my OB appointments. Thats 2 16 hour shifts and 1 eight hour shift in 3 days every week through my entire pregnancy. I took a month off to have and care for my infant and went right back to work. LAZY? I completely respect the soldiers who defend this country. Why can you not respect us as well? Are we not as important to this country as you are? If not for us who or what would yall be defending? The only difference that I see between you and me is that I have accepted responsibility for how I manage my life and have no sense of self-entitlement. For all you soldier bees out there: "If the military or government is not making your life comfortable for you, then do it yourself." Straight from the mouth of the worker bee.
here we go again, President Obama is doing his job, he doesn't know you, and he doesn't owe you a thing. Man up and stop crying! Everyone wants to blame President Obama for everything that's gone wrong in this country, maybe we need to to stop being so self-centered and get to the root of the matter
Well, by your own reasoning if things are going bad it's the overall responsibility of President Obama…. so even if he doesn't cause it he is responsible for what is happening… if he is not fixing things and preventing things from getting worse he is to blame…..even if it was another president(who may have been before him) who messed things up. President Obama needs to man up and do what he was elected to do (which did not include mythbusters, and other tv shows)
Agreed
here's a thought- how about you give me one?! I started looking for employment 1 year before i was discharged- still don't have one. most poeple don't want to hire anyone while they're in school. but i know, i know, you think you're always right, so if you want to keep believing that, fine.
They do owe me, CHIEF. I applied for the Post 9-11 GI Bill because of what benefits I would receive from the government, so the government owes me what they SAID they would do for me. Think before you speak. Idiot
oh, it looks like you deleted my comment. seem like a pretty big coward. for a chief, i mean
It's amazing to see how many people just want something handed to them without working for it. Yes, GET A JOB!!! Hopefully as these people mature they will see how important it is to make sacrifices in life. Good for you, Chief.
It's always easy for someone with a comfortable job to tell others to get one, isn't it? How about you look at an unemployment rate… Or maybe just for fun try to apply for a job and see how far it gets you. I was home from deployment for 9 months before I could get a job, regardless of over applying for over 150 jobs. So maybe you should look at the little people who legitimately CAN'T get a job…
I disagree as well there Chief. Love of country? It’s a job. I guarantee if your pay stopped you would not seem so accommodating. At the risk of sounding rude, the majority of CPOs in my old battalion seemed to think everyone owed them something, and a lot of them didn’t do anything but drink coffee and complain. But to put your life on the line for this country in an organization that continuously lies through their teeth, right to your face (at ALL levels)……. That in itself is deserving of this benefit. Oh yeah when I joined, I KNEW I was going to be sent out OIF/OEF, before anyone knew what the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill was. Love of country. Once again Congress bit off more than they were comfortable chewing, thus negating any form of trust or “word” in the “irrevocable” decision I made for a benefit that is now changing beyond my control. Like if your Mortgage were to go up for no reason, or the govt.just decided to pay you less next year. Breaching contract. I saw it coming though, through 5 years in the Seabees I learned that in reality, the govt. can do whatever they want to you. They hold you to your word 100%. Why can’t we hold the govt. to theirs? But no; we’re just being whiners right? Instead of picking apart veteran’s benefits which are EARNED in my opinion, congress should instead pick apart all the misplaced government aid programs: Take them from those who didn’t earn them or are not doing anything to enhance their lot in life. But much like the Navy, the Government wants it’s people entirely dependent on them.
Chief, Are you aware that 20-25 out of 100 Post 911 veterans are unemployed. It is higher for disabled vets. Through no fault of their own, they are not being hired and when they are, they're the first to be let go during a reduction. I should know, it took two years for me to find a job, but it lasted only 18 months before the company laid off all but 20% of its workforce. I have been looking for more than a year, but with 12% unemployment in my area its been hard to find employment. And, don't suggest moving, because I did that last time; een put my house up for sell. Wasn't able to sell it, so I'm using my BAH to make note payments while fighting the Army to restore my retirement benefits that they took away in 2005, in lieu of medical separation(and I have over 24 years of service).
Military should have trained us better(in civilian sector jobs) so we didn't need a GI bill
Obviously, the Chief here doesn't know nothing. Still sitting on a bunch of benefits he gets, yet tells us we whine? Wow, only in the Navy…
Well I am glad you are recieving E-7 pay! For me I was forced to retire at an E-1. I got medically retired from serving in Iraq. I cannot get a job during the winter break because I have too many doctor appointments. How am I suppose to provide for my family off of E-1 pay? And about the sign on bonus I never recieved one either buddy. I never felt that someone owed me anything however, I will have problems that I will have to endure for the rest of my life. The least that the VA can do is provide stable benefits to all veterans. Instead of constantly changing everything.
Counting my Blessings. I served a combined 24 years , 15 of which was Active Duty ( to include two call-ups after the Events of 911, which accounted for almost four of those years). I am a disabled vet and was able to go back to school under Voc. Rehab and then convert to the post 911 G.I. Bill. I never expected any of these benefits being made available to me. I am now working on my Master's Degree and I am very thankful . I was proud to serve and have no regrets…..the benefits that I have received after my service ( medical compensation for my disabilities and college tuition with pay ) very much appreciated.
I joined for a lot of reasons and I didn't get a sign on bonus either, but if I could go back in or do it again I would in a heart beat.
seabee salute to you seabee why are you guys on here fighting with each other about something we our selves can not change by sitting here telling each other off come on the teacher who is on here correcting people grammer get a life and get a ricky sock because you seem like that will help you if you disagree with something what do we do to fix chief and no we dont use duck tape on it if you are a BU type we find a solution by getting to the man who write the bill right.
duct tape…?
AMEN!!!!!!!!!! Everyone's crying about the BAH that they really don't deserve. If you are a wounded Vet or have served our beautiful Nation for 20 years or more, yes, you deserve extra, but for those who joined that military and hated it so much that they decide to get out but now want the military to pay them for going to school, like Chief said "Get a Job". Military pay and benefits are getting cut every day so the first place they should look when they want to reduce the spending is the BAH that they are giving to any and everybody. "Get a Job!!!!" What were your plans before the military start handing out thousands of dollars to people for going to school. Pay for school should be enough!!!!
Well put!!! If you enlisted before September 11th 2001, you were enlisting for the Montgomery GI bill. The Post 9/11 GI bill was something that came along later and was an added benefit. When I first enlisted, I had no intention of going to school. I joined to serve my Country and didn't need anything else. Since then I have a family and have gone back to school. I can finish my degree using tuition assistance while still on active duty and pass my post 9/11 GI bill on to my kids. Although I am grateful for this, it is not what made me enlist and is just an added benefit. The fact that the government is paying for us to go to school is great, the BAH is just the icing on the cake.
Join to serve or for the benefits is a personal choice. Stop bashing on the people who joined for the benefits. You are the one that decided to put out LOL.
Who the fuck are you to say who deserves what and who doesn't? Serving 20 years or more? Yes, those service members gave a huge commitment of time to our country, but a young service member during their initial contract could sacrifice just as much or more than a POG in the service for 20 years that has never been deployed.
Try getting a job at a Instant Oil Change nope over qualified try to go to school for something you are passionate in nope cannot afford it because no job oh here is the G.I. Bill nope will not help pay for the training I need WTF. I bet you were the kind of Chief that would f@#$ evryone for your own gain. When I was in the Navy I had no problem calling pieces of s@#$ Chiefs just like you out
Most Marines i know that joined during a time of war joined specifically for the purpose of fighting of fighting for their country. It has been an honor to serve, on the flip side though some service member have made specific plans due to the promises they were made and are now S.O.L. because the bill has been change and the promises broken. Yes we get more benefits but that's because we put our lives on the line a deserve a square deal…and not one thats subject to change whenever someone who hasnt served thinks he has a better idea…
all due respect chief, maybe you should take some english/spelling classes with the GI Bill.
There's no one to suck up to here NAVY CHIEF. How about these are our benefits and WE DESERVE THEM.
Amen Chief…sounds like a few folks need to grow up and stop whinning.
In Reply to "Hears a thought-get a job!!!!" How about "Here is a thought, apply for a job." Finding/Landing that job depends on factors that the majority of us cannot control. Most of us NON-CPO Veterans/Retirees could not land that job and we utilize the GI Bill/Veteran benefits for survival until we can get that next career. I believe you need to experience what many of us non-CPO Veterans/Retirees have faced. Losing a home due to loss of a job due to not being promoted high enough to stay in. Have you ever been without a home? Have you ever had to explain this situation to your family whom you have supported thoughout your career?. I have never seen a responsible Chief struggle after retirement. The CPO Brotherhood would not allow it. Why is this level of service and support not afforded to all Veteran Sailors regardless of Rank? What happened to the Chief Petty Officer that I joined the Navy working with not for? The kind of Chief that helped out and if it was too big a problem more Chiefs joined in. Sailors taking care of Sailors, not just Chiefs taking care of Chiefs. Wrench-one Retired sends.
yeah actually they do owe us something its in my contract so stop minimizing what these soldiers deserve and is rightfully theirs so how about u stop crying about every one else u think is crying and focus on ur self….. all of us soldiers signed the dotted line and with that came the gi bill so u work the system how ever u have to and get what is urs
NO! Don't promise something, then take it back, wrong answer! Not everyone can just run out and "get a job". There's one problem here and it begins with O!
I hope O doesn't mean Obama! In the civilian world the job may assist you in your academic endeavors, they will pay for some of your tuition depending on your grade. Civilians are grateful for even that. This cuntry is going through hardship, I understand that but President Obama didn't get us here. This issue was handed to him. People have to dod what they must. it's called survival of the fitest. Stop complaining and pointing fingers because when you point that one finger, you have four more fingers pointing back at you!
I agree…be grateful ! Get your education and stop acting as if someone owes you somthing. We were paid for service and our family was supported ! It is about retraining….not getting paid. A little work will not hurt you. Good on you CPO !
how about you realize people make future decisions based on whats benefits and when you earn something and itstaken away its a load of shit. heres a thought cheif, times have changed and when a dream is crushed because of negative changes it sucks. why dont you try to take 6 classes in one semester while attending flight school and tell me when you have time to find a job. pull your head out of your ass and realize other people arent as decent and not self centered like you.
You decide what path you are going to take. Why take 6 classes? That's on you! you are making it hard for yourself. Work smarter not harder!
Because we don't to be like Tommy Boy and be a 10 yr student. Besides if you take less classes, that means you could potentially run out of your 'month' credits that is allotted to you ( 36 months). Degrees like Engineering are recommended to be a 5 yr program, not the 4 yr that the older generation have experienced. If you look at the numbers, they don't match. 9 months per school year(2 semesters), so 9 x 5 yrs = 40. That doesn't even count graduate school. Wait a sec, we only get 36 mo, that means 4 months of school could potentially be out-of-pocket.
I meant to add "want" inbetween "don't" and "to".
THANK YOU!! I served two years in Iraq and then returned home and put myself through school before the Chapter 33 was even started. I did not receive back pay however, I could go back to work on a second masters degree if I wanted. I am not complaining!!! Yes, the money would be nice since I still have a lot of school debt but this is not why I joined the military. If it is then get OUT… your not a good fit if this is how you feel!
I joined for the benefits. You're still self centered and are acting through "pride." Wake up will ya. Look at our history and how the government had screwed so many benefits out of veterans who are willing to give up their lives by joining. Also, 2 years of Iraq….please!
I am a single mother who works full time and raises a child while going to school. The only way for me to afford school is to have the benefits afforded to me by my service to my country. Not all of us are lazy, we just have families to support. Oh and I am not a single mother because I screwed around. My husband did that to me and we got divorced because of it. He is a lazy bastard who does not want to pay child support to the child he helped bring into this world. Maybe before opening your mouth you should think about peoples situations first.
And as a single mother, and I can say this from experience, there are other resources out there as well. The GI Bill is much more than it used to be. Sometimes, you have to take other avenues like most other college student… scholarships, loans, and grants… just to name a few.
I agree Chief. What ever happened to "serving your country…not your country serving you"? Any cool benefits are simply bonus'. Service does include sacrifice. I sometimes simply reflect back to WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam vets and feel extremely blessed to serve in these times. We have it extremely good now in the military. The pay discrepancy is not near what it was and we're not called to sacrifice as much as those before us. The bottom line is that we aggreed to "serve our country"…not the other way around. Go Navy!
EXACTLY!!!!!!
I agree that all these benefits are all pluses, BUT when you are told one thing when you began your schooling and then it changes midway through your education does not make it right either.
We had agreed. And they had promised. So you're telling me if the government lies, you would just shut up and be on your two knees? Please!
They aren't saying that you are reduced to $1000 a month in BAH. They are saying that as an example to focus on the pro-rated BAH. Everybody relax. This is not a big deal.
"SEE BEE CHIEF", chill out. we are all aware that you are one of a dying breed… the honorary humble servant of all at the cost of your life. Well, since you put it so clearly that nobody owes us anything, then why did they pay you for your time in service? …~retard~….
And the pos chiefs are why people get out of the military :) be less of a retard and people would stay and learn from the navy.. but all the good people get out and all that's left is trash who dont even know their own job to be able to teach it to others.
Right on . The smart one get in, service, reep the benifits, get out and make it post military life. All the pos with rank on their collar stay in cause they know that they cant do any better. They have to promote somebody. That why I left the service after 6yrs as an E6. It was all the pos with rank on their collar who think they are the chit. Before I got out, I had a retired E7 say I would not have it as good while in. Well, I make more now and a better quality of life now than then. Dont get me wrong, It was a honor to serve and diid such that, now it time to move on to the next phase of life. Very few join these days just to serve their country. As a former recruiter, I know
You are simply stupid. DO NOT KNOW HOW TO SPELL ! Simply you should return your G.I Bill to someone who needs it.
I agree with this Navy Chief!!!
What happen to serving your country for the sake of freedom?
Semper Fi,
MGuns
We still do them but you Guns don't give a damn about the small guys because you think you did all that with a big ego still running around your head. If you're retired, now you're nothing but an old breakdown nose head who thinks he/she can still tell all of us what to do. Serving your country then getting screwed?! Wake up!
Disrespectful, ungrateful whiners. I may not be a retired "old breakdown nose head", but I know enough to realize that people on here need to grow up. People are allowed to have their own opinions, and should not be disrespected for those opinions. Many of our retired veterans were screwed more than we will ever understand, but they are not whining about it. Isn't is enough that they are disrespected by so many others, now they have to deal with that same disrespect from their own???
You are such a good little naive drone. I suspect that you would be one of the Nazi storm troopers on Star Wars serving under the honorable Vader. Don't you see its not about you and the country, but about rich fat pig politicians who get rich by paying off their business friends in Wall Street all the while shrinking back on previous promises made to you before you decided to risk your neck? If you cant see whats going on then there is no hope for you sir. WAKE UP!
I would love to get a job except I need a degree to get a job, even with almost 12 years of electronics technician experience. I have applied to over 50 jobs since I was involuntary separated on 2007 and the only one that didn't state the lack of a college degree as the reason for not hiring was the nuclear plant and that was a lack of experience in the nuclear industry and only because they are union. If I were a Seabee, then I would only need vocational skills to find a job but I am a technician and the requirements in that field are a bit more demanding than the construction field; you might need a certificate and maybe a degree for management but I NEED a degree in either Electronics Technology or Electrical Engineering. You sound like the typical chief who is so brainwashed by the Navy that you have failed to think for yourself. The Chiefs like you were the main reason I would have regretted joining the Goat Locker. You ever try living off a job that pays minimum wage AND going to school? I ensure you that full time minimum does not cover the cost of living. Get a clue, clueless Chief. Those that did their time and paid into the GI Bill are OWED something; it is/was a contract between the servicemember and the DoD. Are you alright investing money into something and getting nothing in return for it? Damn, I am so glad I volunteered for submarine service and only had to deal with a few Chiefs like you.
And before anybody decides to ask if I would talk to a Chief that way face to face, the answer is YES. I have done so when I was in and had no qualms telling JO's where they could go either. I have called my fair share of Chiefs and JO's effin idiots right to their faces and you know how many times I was written up for doing that? Zero times.
Do you want a cookie or something? So, you're saying your proud to disrespect people? You seem like you're bragging about it so it seems like pride. And you served in the military? Disgrace. If you have such a disdain for respect and obviously for the fact that you served, why do you even claim it?
You should be real proud of yourself.
I have worked full time at a minimum wage job and gone to school. It may not be easy, but it is manageable. You are actually receiving more than I did from the GI Bill while I was going to school and working fulltime, so to hear that you cannot make ends meet, is ridiculous to me. There are other means out there to get you by. You can apply for scholarships, grants and loans… like the majority of hard working students do.
OORAH CHIEF!
Former Marine,Army, and Navy SEABEE NMCB-22,BU3
Being greatful for what you do have!
I joined the military because of 9/11. The military improved my life and the honor to serve was payment enough for all the hard work I put into the Navy. Not everyone will take advantage of these great education benefits. So if you are going to school under the new G.I. Bill, make the most of it! Men and women gave their lives to this country so that we could learn and create a brighter future. The new changes are incredible improvements. Stay motivated. Stay humble.
I think you need to read it again, I also think you need a typing class.
Chief, my comment was not intended for you, it belongs to Ivan Hernandez, sorry for the misplaced reply. I agree 100% with your comment, I served 23 years and like you did not get the chance to go to school nor did I get a college fund, I served for honor and country like yourself. I am thankful for this chance to better my knowledge and job prospects.
Good post,
Garth
HT1/NC1(SW)
Sir, I do not complain because I feel that they owe me, but for the fact that they changed the rules on me which now have placed me and others in a hardship, many companys will not hire you for just the school breaks, or increase your hours just for the breaks, For me I go to Devry, before the changes it was covered 100% by the state tuition and fees cap, and now they use a national cap of $17,500 a year which leaves me short $6,500 for tuition and school fees (going year round), and that dosen't include the loss of the break pay (I gladly give that up for the distance learners to get the BAH they will get) but the tution change (without a grandfather clause) is where I face the biggest loss to what they said I could have, and VA has not made the determination as to weither the 17,500 Annual is a school year (in which case the cap woun't effect me) or a calandar year in which case it would effect me
The military does owe us something. Congressman only have to serve 2 years in office to get a pension for life. I think it is the least the government owes us to put our lives on the live for love of country or for simple employment purposes or for schooling revenue. So maybe your vision is skewed.
Chief,
Have you seen the current US unemployment rate? It's tough to get a job & military skills don't always transition well to civilian life. The whole purpose of the educational benefits is to provide soldiers with an education to transition to the civilian world and make a sustainable living. The government made a committment and then renegged. Real soldiers and their families planned their lives around the governments committments to support their education, and now they are having to make major readjustments. It's an integrity issue. If a benefit is promised, it should be awarded. It's not an entitlement, it is a benefit of service. Welfare is an entitlement. Those people don't work and they STILL get their checks. Educate yourself.
If you need money that bad, you'll get a job anywhere. You just can't be picky. Some people think they're too good to work at Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts, or hell even McDonald's!!! It's not hard. You just have to have the motivation to do it.
Yeah, get a job. If it wasn't for the GI Bill I wouldn't be attending college. I am truly grateful, I get my tuition paid for and it's nothing compared to what I initially put into to my GI Bill. We have no reason to complain.
I'm with you on that. I said the same thing to someone complaining about not receiving bah during school breaks. Do what every other working class citizen does, get a part time job! I'm so sick of seeing people complain about something so amazing. Everyone should feel lucky to receive benefits like what we're getting! This isn't what the military taught us. Jeesh.
I joined for love of country, and got shat on the whole time i was in. Obviouse enough i suppose, thats what happens. But now they are shitting on me an cutting my f*#$'n legs out from under me. Not only that but as far as im concerned thats just another lie. Simple fact is no matter how long you served and no matter how long your out your still sub human scum to this country. And yes Im getting a d*mn job, in fact im currently living out of my truck in winter, in cleveland, trying to get a job. So thankyou for that inspiring piece. I payed my dues as did you, dont keep taking it in the ass for the d#mn gov't. They have the money, and we deserve it more than anyone. Here's one, cut the saleries of poloticians, hell if i was as bad at my job as they are, id get fired.
Hey Chief, DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT attach the name SEABEE to yourself again. The vomit you are spoutting out is so not helpfull and productive. I am a retired SEABEE and I an taking advantage of the educational programs availible to me. If Carol and her son are entitled to benefits the by all the graces of God, they should recieve them. Be a real SEABEE and help NOT HURT!!!
For some of us, it's difficult to get a job anywhere that counts. I've applied everywhere here in San Angelo, and I haven't gotten a job anywhere… I even applied as a delivery boy for a pizza parlor… nothing!! Getting a job is more difficult than you think… even with military experience, people aren't hiring as well…
How did you become a Navy Chief without learning grammar and spelling?
Hears = Here's (aka: "Here is")
Most "of" the people
Whats = What's
I love my "Country" not my "County"
Thats = That's
Im = I'm
Acking = Acting
Overall I give you a "D-". I gave you extra points for thinking you're better than everyone else.
i agree!!
Seabee Chief…..get a clue…..nobody was given anything….we had to pay into the GI Bill…..shows how much u know
USAF SSGT
Getting a job is not an option for some of us. Some of us are pursuing degrees that are quite demanding. Maybe we should limit people from using the GI Bill for basket weaving degrees at expensive state universities, and use the saved money to fund those of us that will actually matter in the world's future. I am currently enrolled in 14 credits at a REAL college (private), and flying helicopters full time. That means on top of the normal academic load, I am spending 10 hours per week in the air, driving 2 hours round trip to get to the airport. I also have a 4.0.
Second, you should consider the idea that offering a benefit, then taking it away mid swing is a bad idea. I spent eight thousand dollars to set myself up. Moving…. gas money (I drive 2000 to 3000 miles each month)… purchasing equipment not covered by the gi bill (do you know how much flight equipment costs?)… among the many other expenses incurred, have depleted my savings. I no longer have my very comfortable income I once had. (imagine that, I gave up a 70k per year job to pursue an education that will allow me to contribute greatly to the national security) This has cost me a LOT in expenses AND in lost income. Had I known that they would yank the rug out from under me without warning, I never would have spent the money that I have spent. I would still be making my nice paychecks.
So when you have made something useful of yourself, and have real valuable skills to offer, then maybe your comments will be valid. Until then, you should continue with your community college and be happy with your mediocrity, while I finish my engineering degrees and run my companies (you know, creating jobs in a country where jobs are hard to come by?)
And we are not in the military anymore. Kudos to you for being a chief…. but this is the real world now. Nobody in the civilian world cares that you were a chief. You are part of the problem. Hard charging chief and his infinite wisdom……. yet cannot even spell properly (grateful), good thing that they are wasting GI Bill funds on your obviously impressive education.
Hey Chief,
How about listening to your shipmates, being a strong mentor, and having your people's back? I served during both the first gulf war, and during this latest round of crap against the terrorist bastards of the Middle East. I have given up a large chunk of my life to this end. I was promised BY OUR GOVERNMENT, that i would receive such and such benefits. So I planned accordingly. Just as I would tell my Sailors to do. And then they change the rules, so thye can save the money and apply it to corporate bailouts? Wake up, this isn't about love of the country, it's about our government living up to their promises.
Amen..tell that chief..
Navy Chief,
With respect I say to you brother, why so sour? Its just question….Maybe she and her son have some valid rights. her husband served with honor and has since passed on.
Typical Chief answer
AMEN! I'm 100% disabled, school full time and WORK to pay the bills.
I am with you on that Chief. I just got out a few months ago and I am already enrolled in college. I am also trying to find a job. There is no way you would be able to live off of your BAH alone. It doesn't take a genius to figure that out.
bz! i agree. I retired as a senior Chief in the Coast Guard and never got a reinlistment bonus, so to me, this post 9-11 gi bill is a gift that i am truely thankful for. Its easy money. its not free we did earn this through our service to our nation.
And as a chief..living well and probably hardly got dirty onboard a ship.. most chiefs boss lower ranks around and do nothing..
lets not forget that we are 1% of the population that is willing to serve for the freedom of the other 99% of the u.s. i deffinetly think that uncle sam owes me something. especially since he pays shit to begin with….
But your risking your life and they know if wouldn't be for what they offer nobody will be singling in. Of course you got to claim what it was offer to you.
NAVY CHIEF.What a rude Jack donkey! AND Chief here's a few thoughts..oh never mind..you were probably one of the chiefs that didn't deserve the rank and others who would of been a good Chief had to endure the rudeness of a bossy Chief.
Yes I know I misspelled ACTING.
Seabee Chief
lol….well I am glad someone sees that…in any case it does not say your pay will be reduced. It uses that number to make a point. Sheesh!
…and you misspelled "here's" as "Hears"; "what's" as "whats"; "that's" as "thats";
"I'm" as "Im"; "grateful" as "greatful"; and of course, as you so eloquently pointed out, "acking". You also omitted the word "of" in your first sentence. It should have read, "Most OF the people…"
Seems you have just begun your education…good luck, and stick with it, you'll be literate in no time! The comments on this board certainly show the need for education. Most of you are functional illiterates, but are too poorly educated to know it. Uncle Sam owes you nothing.
Nobody is trying to turn in a thesis here so don’t be so **** and get a life. Who cares if he misspelled something, he is trying to prove a point not trying to get an A+.
There's where your arrogance fails you, Bird. You know NOTHING about what Uncle Sam owes us. And point out false indications of under-education (especially in reference to a post of someone that agrees with you) in hopes that it will support your point only proves that you lack basic critical thinking skills. I suppose that YOU are too poorly educated to know that, though. Aren't you, Bert?
Hey, quit acting like a Navy Chief (just kidding!) Right now, especially younger people do not want to hear "suck it up." If you want to set an example for your troops, you'll have to do a littler better than that. There are work-arounds and other avenues, if people want to go to school. Lead by example. A CG Chief-retiree.
Yes you ignorant, coffee mug carrying motard you did spell acting wrong. You also used the first word "hears" in the wrong context. It's "here's" as in here is. Keep using that GI bill boss. Maybe you'll catch up to the rest of the 4th graders. The rest of us who actually have been to combat do expect fairness without every benefit we get being turned over and lowered. I'm sure if you were getting paid as a seaman again because the DOD decided to cut back that you would be singing a different tune.
and "Here's" and "grateful" and "I'm" and "what's" and "that's"… boy, good thing they took the writing section out of the evals… sucks when you don't have your YN3 spellchecking for ya, huh chief? But I'll bet you look real pretty in your uniform.
I bet he doesn't! prob fat as hell!
Duche-bag, you also mis-spelled Here's. Among others. Rude, opinionated dick.
I am just greatful that in OCT they will start giving a Housing Allowance to people doing Online Courses. I am a single mom of 2 working full time and will really benifit from that 600 dollars. Thanks for making some good changes!
WOW!!! A person who isn't complaining!!
I agree with you, it will benefit us, single moms, who work full time. Right now, I'm taking on-line classes and it will really helped me a lot! I'm grateful, @ least there's an extra money to pay my rent.
me too i am in phillipines and going to a classroom with 15 year old students and taught in anothert language wasnt an option for me, i am glad to get anything that helps
I am grateful for just having some help ! I agree with the Seabea CPO. Also, I retire in Sept this year. You should plan and expect a lot when we have been paid twice a month. We are not owed anything and have it better than most…also you get retainer….education. Yes…stop being greedy and ungrateful. Planning is key. I am grateful for the paid and other items while on act duty. Anything more is great to me. 30 years retirement as CWO4 with 51 hours into my PHD work any support is great. This is a good bill ! Better than anything. You should have planned a little better….anything is good. It is about education and improving yourself. Not getting paid. You may have to work a little…so what. It helps. As the Seabee CPO stated, "be grateful" . Please.
Thank you
Well, I will be done with my Master's by then. I was so grateful that I was eligible for the Post 9-11 GI Bill, it did not matter about the BAH. Paying for the graduate tuition is enough for me. I came in during the VEAP program..I am sure many of you do not remember that. I did not qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill. I used tuition assistance (100%) while on active duty. Now retired, I am enrolled in a Masters program which will be done in Aug! I am truly thankful for any benefit…something is better than nothing!
Yes I agree…the new benefits allowed for online schooling will be very helpful…I will definetely be switching over in october
flight training programs ? anybody know if they cover private pilot license training ? thanks
It does, but only if the training is part of a program to get your commercial license. Last I read, anyhow.
Not really – as a rule your initial license is not fully covereed. Ground School etc can be, but not rental and flight training time.
The private pilot certificate was not covered in the past, presume it is still not covered. If you're willing to spend $4500+ to get this license and are healthy enough to get a 2nd Class medical certificate, then you are on your way to a commercial and instrument ticket ($5000k). These costs reflect the FAA minimum required hours of flight training. Your actual costs may be higher due to individual skills, weather conditions, your flying frequency and/or additional special needs training.
Private Pilot is covered if you go to an approved college.
No. They don't consider a private license to be vocational training because you cannot get paid for it. In the UNCHANGED post 9-11 you could get it if it were required by a degree at an institute of higher learning.
Best bet is with new changes involved is: in state college, with aviation program, public school only. I am getting robbed because my program is through a private school. The new caps for both limit you to in state only.
The new money for flight training isnt clear.
So far it looks like its only 10k. 10k wont get you anywhere. I fly helicopters. 15k for private, 12k for instrument, 33k for commercial and 15k for cfi and cfii.
So giving up a year of benefits (10k per year) for 10k of training…. wont get you anywhere in the aviation world. Fixed wing is about half… but the numbers i gave here are MINIMUMS. NOBODY (except me) gets by on just the minimums. There is always something that needs extra work and in turn will incur extra cost.
The VA will pay for pilot training as long as it is a Part 141 program through an approved college. I was in a program for a year or so. Just make sure that you do your training somewhere with good weather. The VA only pays for a certain amount of hours for each license/rating, repeating flights and gaps in training due to weather cost extra and you can run out of money. That's why I had to drop out.
I believe you have to earn a private license on your own then they pay for you to get your commercial, but it has to be part of a program that is working toward a college degree. I am in such a program at Mountain State University, in West Virginia. There are some college programs that take you from private to commercial, degree and all flight certifications included but you have to search for them. Become a member if the Airlplane owner and Pilot's Assocation, even if you are not yet a pilot. There is a lot of info that will be useful to you there. Also I have seen aviation programs listed in my local job service center. Hope this helps. I have been working and looking for programs to become a pilot for a long time, and there are several places that are accepting the GI Bill and incorporating all certs in one program. Good Luck.
Re: Seebee Chief
Chief,
I joined for love of country and service. I fulfilled my end of the contract. It was pretty clear. You devote yourself to the country, 24/7, for your term of enlistment. It's the fact that the government can change there terms of the contract any time they'd like. I reley on the GI Bill Housing to make the mortgage, because that was the agreement when I decided to convert to the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Then they change that? I am a full time college student with a child and a 4.0 gpa. I'd love to be able to do all that and work, but it's not an option right now, even if there were jobs here. I have been laid off from TWO jobs since my seperation from Naval Service, through no fault of my own. They say, suck it up, and retrain. So i'm retraining. It makes it especially hard when they keep changing the rules mid-game.
If you're a full time college student, what is changing that you're not happy about. You'll still get the same housing stipend as before these changes. If you're a full time college student, with a child and don't work, you also qualify for good financial aid. So I'm not really seeing the downside for you. I went to massage school 3 1/2 hours a night, 3 days a week for a year. I'm a single parent, my daughter was 2 at the time and I worked 40 hours a week. I paid for the classes out of pocket… no GI Bill, nor financial aid. I say all of that to say this… WORKING IS AN OPTION. It's one thing to say you're unable to find a job at the time… it's a whole different thing to say it's not an option. Do what you have to do to better yourself and make things work. I'm not saying it was easy, but when you set your mind to something and stay focused, it can be done. You just have to choose to do it.
looks like u had someone helping u with childcare at night.
and no offense but message school is not the same as an academic school, how many term papers, essays and reports did you have to write while you were in school?
Maybe her school is a private school and 17k a year will not cover the tuition. Thanks to the new changes I have to get a loan to pay for my school, and I am a single mom with two kids. I WORK PART TIME, AM A FULL TIME STUDENT AND HAVE A 4.0 GPA AS A JOUINOR IN COLLEGE.
I choose to do it,
i chose post 911 and my school
but now with the new changes I cant afford to go to my school : (
and I would love to take night classes or work at night but daycare does not open at night and have absolutely no one who can watch my kids.
As a full time student gi bill does change for me and many others who are attending school out of state or private school, and Fafsa does not give full rides for schools that are expensive.
You all better re-read and re-think what's being said by the VA
I know I am in the same situation! We pay our housing with that we need housing 365 days a year not just when school is in!!!!
The GI Bill is not suppose to be your brand new parent umbilical cord. Perhaps work full time like some of us or even part time which isn't really that hard to do while in school. You could also learn to control your spending habits perhaps.
Sorry I can't read your mind when it comes to your reasoning why, you just aggravated me thinking that you need to be treated like a princess.
the post 911 is to pay for housing during school so it would make sense that they'd change it, cs your not in school 365 days out the year, so they're only going to pay for when you are in school, you should think about finding a job while your not in school, cs the post 911's not gonna pay your bills too, dont know how your paying your bills if you dont work but i guess.
The reason the Post 9/11 GI BILL came about was to allow veterans to transition back into civilian life with a better education. Going to school full time and working is quite difficult especially for people who actually care to go into field of studies that require higher than high school education, i.e. – Engineering. Another problem occurs if we went to school part time and worked part/full time. Now your GI months runs out before you can even finish school. Apparently, you have never been to school to fully understand the difficulty of trying to tackle non GEN ED courses from these undergraduate degrees. It is a full time job in itself to study and fully understand the material. Everyone that changed over to Post 9/11, like myself, agreed to the terms of the original BAH rule, not the new one. We depend on the break/interval pays to help pay for the mortgage. Even if we did work, that would go to pay for other bills and survivability items such as food! And do you think a min pay job could possibly pay for a mortgage? Hell, no!I will give you this as an example. You agreed to a signing bonus of 10K for 3 yrs, but at year 2, they decided to change the rules so that you have to sign for 6 years to get 10K, so now you lose it because of the new rule. Is that fair to you?! Wouldn't you be angry too?
AE1,
You know its tough out here for everyone. I retired 6 years ago hold a full-time job go to Grad school full-time and have a family of three one of which is a newborn premature infant.
I pay the ex-ball and chain 50% of my retirement + child support.
But never would I think to blame my government for the choices I made knowing the rules when I went in.
So suck it up sailor and stop whining cause it is annoying as hell!
GSCS Burton
@AE1 Fryertuck: agreed.
one the usa and the government don't give a rats terd about you same in the civilian world your boss and the company you work for don't give a dam about you as well they are only at there interstet and not yours don't be too dedicated
no one is changing rules… they are re-evaluating benefits… Your kids and lifestyle are not the responsibility of the VA or the Government. Stop complaining/voicing your opinion/ what ever you want to call it and just save your money… we ALL know for a fact that you aren't using the full BAH for just BAH.. no one does… so save (and if you are you're an idiot to use all your BAH for just BAH…duh)
I'm right there with you! I'm in the exact same boat, except the part with being laid off. I had to leave my last job because of both school and pregnancy, and now that I want to get another job, it isn't in the works for me because the job market is so rough… AND finding a decently priced child care service who actually takes good care of your child is nonexistent. :(
I just wish they let us have the option to either have break pay or not. I'm sure some would choose it while others not, but at least the choice is theirs.
I agree with both of you I retired from the Army in 2003 and have been fired twice and asked to leave once. I have been saved by being allowed to go to school and i am gratefull for it. However I wish they would pay you through instead of prorating. I have been trying to get work since 2009 where I was fired for having a military disability. I am suing but it has been almost 3 years and im still waiting. In the mean time I still have to find a job, you would think with 70% disability and 25 active years that getting a job at usajobs.com would be a snap. I have been trying since 2003 to get a government job and im still trying.
I hear ya. Its very hard when things just get changed after making the decision to go to school. Yes, it helps us learn how to work through problems. But in a society like today with the job economy and the divide between military, veterans, and civilans its just not a great reality to have the GI Bill changed very much. We shall be happy we got the new GI Bill as we could not have it. It is a privilage not a right. Thank you Lord for this gift to use our brains.
ROGER THAT CHIEF!!
They do some very missguided (Fucked Up) things with this BAH Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. I used my regular G.I. bill to go to commercial diving school and it was 1,200 every single month. Of course I did every thing I was supposed to meet the criteria. However, I still was paid for a month we couldn't attend school due to hurricane Katrina and Rita (ya I went to Commercial Diving school in Morgan City, Louisiana) I was also paid for the mandatory month long break for Christmas. What I'm talking about is principal! If I'm labeled a full-time student at a campus I should get my full time pay. I've never seen such "Micky Mouse Shit" in all my Military career. I've been re-certifying my Paramedic Licenses and every time my BAH comes around it's always something! I'll give them a call and they have some BS excuse like " O well ah…. ya I see we shorted you $250, that's gonna come on Monday at the latest. I was a USAF PJ for 5 years (stop loss) I got out in '03, my blog is not without argue, but when it comes to remarks on Duty, God and Country, earning your stripes, stuff like that please keep to yourself. Back to the point, when the VA and the School quote you a price (benefit amount) as long as you do your part in compliance of attendance and grades "Show me the money".
I'm still woundering where this "Improvement Act" is showing an improvement other than for those who were on "Active Duty Orders" under "Title 32 U S Code" and others who were not elegable for "Post 911 benefits" who now are due to these new changes….And then again I have to rethink the wording of what's being said here because, state Governors have the authority to mobilize "State Military Personnel" for state emergengies, and have no authorty over the President to mobilize a unit for war! so, how is "Title 32" added to Title 10" if the Governor has no authority to mobilize the "State Mitilia" other than for state emergengies under "Title 32 US Code "????
It's the President who request via the state Governor for Military support personnel in times of War, and when that happens we fall under "Active Duty Orders" under "Title 10 US Code".
Governors do not call up the Guard under either Title 10 or Title 32. They use State laws to due this. The Guard when the President calls up and mobilizes the Guard it is under Title 10. When Guardsmen perform their Annaul Training, Service Schools, etc, this Active Duty is under Title 32 (along with the AGR program).
Simply put, if a ANG or AR unit was mobliized in support of OIF/OEF, they qualify. The previous President did a call-up at the begginning of the wars.
Title 32 is also called ADSW orders Also I think they also stated ADT which is like the National Guard and Reserve 2 weeks a year training. Also for people that get called up to help out at driving bus and such as that. In this case I MIGHT actually qualify for more than 70% this coming Fall. This is helping me even more same with the housing stuff. I go to full online school only problem I see is that they give that dollar amount. Is that dollar amount the 1/2 amount or do we need to divide it in half?
AGR is Active Guard and Reserve -simply put. Some were activated for OIF/OEF support and others put 20 plus years AGR as a choice. The only differeces between voluntarily joining the Guard or Reserve and then getting hired as an AGR is that you serve your ACTIVE DUTY time in your State and don't have to PCS (most of the time). You are still on ACTIVE DUTY and are paid by the Federal Government. There are different tiers to protecting this nation. But regular AD had no qualms about having Guardsment and Reservist backfilling their slots for deployments. Funny thing was that they didn't realize is often that left the state of business at the Guard Base so thin that most Guardsmen had do to the work of THREE people. The IQ grades us to the same standards with less money and less people. So anyone having served Title 32 for OIF/OEF or for 20 years – hats off to you and now you are being treated equally for your honorable service to your Country and State.
I meant the IG Inspects and Grades us to the same standards….
The reason why the folks who joined the Guard and Reserve units are being screwed out of promised benefits is that there IS NO DRAFT! The so-called All Volunteer Military was a political (post Viet Nam era) policy program. No one joins the military to get rich and there are a zillion reasons why people join. Look up concurrent receipt that our congressional leaders (bi-partisan) have screwed over service connected disabled military personnel.
Why does it matter why a person joined? The fact is, they joined, they served their country, and they are entitled to certain benefits because of that. Why does a retiree, who only gave 20 years (minimum) get health benefits and a retirement check the rest of their lives? Give 20, get 20 years of benefits. No more, no less. I love to hear retirees complain about their loss of benefits that they have been drawing on for 30-40 years while the Vet who gave 10 gets NOTHING but an education benefit and some cash-up-front health care from the VA. Less than 1% of our Nation joins the military, so all of you should be thankful for each others service and stop acting the fool on these boards. We all served, and we all have different benefits, regardless of why we joined, or why we got out.
Those benefits your talking about. When it comes to health care anyone who served gets health benifits from the VA, but once you have retired, that military wife that traveled around for 20 plus years, has to pay to keep her health benifits. and if that active duty member dies after retirement she loses everything. So don't think we don't complain.Oh and the retirement check you speak of is prorated the month he dies, and there is no more money, unless you bought insurance.
20 years is considered a career and that's the way the law is written. You want the benefits, you should've stayed in. I can't tell you how many times I've sat at an airport making small talk with some mentioning themselves regreting they didn't stay in the military. Some are forced out at 10 others make a career choice and leave. With ten years in, you knew what you were giving up when you left. Don't get butt hurt now after the fact and say "Give 20 get 20" when you only did 10. People with 10 years are a dime a dozen so you shouldn't get anything because it is common. 20 years is uncommon, hence the incentive to stick it out.
Hey Mark, sorry to tell you buddy…but there is a BIG difference in 10 years of service vs 20 years vs 30 years. I served 20 years, 4 months.
Some of the difference is responsiblilty and all of the BS that goes with it.
Also, the deal is…serve 20 years get 50% of pay for rest of life, serve each additional year get 2.5% (these figures depend on when you joined the service)…for a maximum of 75%.
That is the DEAL, that s servicemember makes.
For our elected leaders, who most have NEVER served, and openly say "We support the Troops", this is hypocrisy.
As a two time combat veteran…I find that the VA not paying for break pay is ridiculous and a breach of faith with us (the veteran & retirees).
Remember, I EARNED my benefits, each and every ONE of them. I am NOT some Section 8 welfare case.
Where is that "Debt of gratitude from the American People and the US Governement", because "Freedom is not FREE", just ask that to the North Koreans or Chinese…
FYI, I use the Chapter 30 Montogomery GI Bill and paid $100 bucks a month for the first 12 months of service back in 1988.
I am a Vet and i cant figure out why everyone thinks the military owes them the world… You did a job, you got paid, you had the best tax advantages while you were in… you probably went to the VA and are claiming all sorts of stuff you really dont need it for… and then you CONTINUE to complain… MOVE ON.. your out now. you are over analyzing the term "Debt of gratitude… "
I am a VET. The military doesn't offer much in pay for its service. It's most notable rewards for service are social benefits such as the GI Bill, which provide a "leg-up" for dutiful citizens in order to to attain better positions in society, through avenues such as: college, training, experience, etc.. Thus promoting it's members and itself.
From there, it can take off on a crooked road similar to labor unions; where many put in their time and work hard but, due to a fraternity type system with it's flaws, get squeezed out for members who are not necessarily better, but are more "well-received" by their departments agenda (which can conflict with service to our country as well as the UCMJ). But for those that do make it, it's a tough job with an eventual reward of opportunity and notoriety.
That being said, I believe that most of the arguments back and forth as to who deserves benefits becomes something akin to "splitting hairs". Unbelievable amounts are spent on black budgets, or other things we don't know or aren't able to speak on, while we are pitted against each other and blame each other that there isn't enough to go around….. Hmmm… Strange…. Since our #1 export is now SERVICES (look it up) and our Education is continuing to slide, wouldn't it be a good national investment to make us worth something globally? Especially when our main export is our labor! So let us not forget with service who works for who…(gov't for the ppl).
This retired family isn't claiming anything we shouldn't..we just want more than 10% rating on disability and we want the pay..NOT have it taken out if his retirement..disability and retirement are 2 entitlements..they should be giving both pays. You shouldn't have a 75 and above rating to get BOTH pays you earned in 20 years…we are grateful and proud..
If that VET gave 20 he/or she would be getting full retirement benefits for the rest of their lives. They could have stayed more than 10. I am one of those retirees. I gave 20 years and would have done more but hit high year tenure. I don't complain about my benefits. I pay a monthly medical and dental fee and I am just happy I have these benefits. I don't get medical and dental free, so you might want to do some research on that. Be glad you get the educational benefits and have some medical benefits, you could be without any of these. Take a deep breath and just be thankful. There are many people who dont have half of what you do.
I'm sure that you are grateful for the extra money, but you should just be grateful for the education. First of all, you are taking an online course, you're not actually driving anywhere and you certainly aren't staying in a college dorm. Talk about a waste of money from the government. For military children that are actually living outside the family home and attending college are the ones that actually need the housing money, not students that have a home that they already have to pay for anyway and are just using this extra money to put in their pocket. I am a mother of two with a mortgage payment, but would never think to ask the government to pay part of my mortgage payment so I could take online classes. I am grateful that I am able to use part of my husbands GI Bill to further my degree, but I would never expect a completely free ride plus bonuses.
Crissy, I see your point and your pride, but don't let it get in the way of entitlements. Remember, it's your tax dollars that fund the VA!
does that meen a senitor or congressman that serves one tour of office would also only get free medical and aretirement check for the amount of time he/she wasin office instead of for the rest of their lives? if so im for it
Senators Make more than they deserve!!!! And their benefits are what our honorably discharged Vets should get!
Because, as he explained to you-That waws the deal they made with him in exchange for his contracted service, not the one yuou want to impose on him according to your opinion. Read what is replied to you not what you want to read. And no one cares about your opinion on retirees, keep it to yourself, be old, dissatisfied that everyone is not just like you, but do it in silence please.
Amen! God Bless you!
Mark,
Do your research before engaging your limited gray matter.
A Vet with 20+ years of service is offered no more benefits at the VA than a Vet with 4 years. You still pay based on your income and the whether you have service-connected disabilities. Also the VA can charge your co-pays to your private health insurance for any visit not tied to a service-connected condition.
Mark, I agree with most of what you say but retirin' from the military ain't buggin' out from an ordinary job … with or without 20 years.
Sometimes there's no option; they no longer want you cuz you were passed over, have slowed down a little and are over or near 50 … the latter means fewer jobs you can get until age 55-65 … plus I've never heard if Uncle Sam pays into your social security like other 'big companies' do to augment your pension.
Health insurance is not Freebee… As a retiree we pay a family premium just like a civilian does.Time in service is about Committment and the investment that the military individual is wiling to make and the investment the Military in turn makes in training that individual.
When I was growing up, my father, an 8 year AF veteran said over and over, I wish I had stayed in and retired. Well I did and maybe you should have too.
My husband served 20 years and lost 3 fingers on deployment in war zone. And he gets 255.00 disability..what a joke..and he doesn't get it as extra pay..DFAS takes the pay from his retirement..so it isn't extra..only time u get BOTH pays together are if u are over 75%disabled..that's wrong!!!
Bottom line…the on-line college folks are getting the monies the commuting to college students are now loosing in BAH benefits. The big wigs always find a way to take from the same pocket and redistribute and make the new change look so wonderful. The money allocated never changed. Same amount just being distributed differently so everyone can get a piece of the pie. Being that we are all Military vets, retirees, active duty…we are used to this process of distributing funds by congress, the President, etc. Been going on since way back. Hasn't changed a bit.
you're confused.
If ur not going to school full time then why should you get a full BAH?
this is a good change because it actually grants hard working full time students their deserved helped in daily living. Unlike in past where its abused by taking only 6 credit classes + keeping their full time job + getting full BAH. blah
at least now the reserved money for this program is going to the legitimate hard workers of america.
Online students pay much more for school and most online students do it because they have NO OTHER CHOICE!! I did my masters though distance learning and trust me… I would have preferred to go to class. Unfortunately the closest school was 300 miles again (it is a lot harder to find a grad school then a community college which can be found just about anywhere)!!! Everyone deserves equal benefits regardless of where they choice to go to school.
You hit the nail right on the head! I know life isn't fair and this is just one more example of robbing Peter (on-campus student) and paying Paul (online student). It's all PR, smoke & mirrors.
so in other words they are giving money to take on-line courses, taking from those who phsyically go to the schools. now we can all sit on our duffs at home getting FAT!!!! HUH? but truth be told i am still greatful for what we get in return for service its our privlige to recieve this money whatever it may be! also to all the haters out there i work full time and a part time job as well as pay a mortgage and support a household of a wife and child.
well put
so what does this mean for summer courses?… if i take all four classes in six weeks over the summer does that mean i wont get BAH for the other six weeks that has no class?
pretty much
Regardless of how you break it down, you get 36 months of benefits.
My suggesstion is that we all get together, in some forum, and organize our vets in on-campus organizations and have our congressman/woman come out and answer our questions. Since, it seems that the VA people on campus cannot.
GREAT IDEA! I'M WITH YOU ON THIS ONE. PERSONALLY I THINK WHAT THEY HAVE DONE IS A MESS.
Agreed,
That's sounds like a perfect approach.
Although, I'm not sure that answers are what we're looking for. I'm pretty sure that a majority disagree with some of the changes that have been made.
How best do we approach that situation?
Do we have to petition, rally, ??
I'm, personally, not above it.
You will get BAH for the time you are actually in COLLEGE yes. You don't get the money while you are going to college. So means save up for a 6 week vacation or work at an temp job. I am FOR this change by the way.
My school just added all three courses on to one enrollment, after all a semester is a semester, whether it be summer 1, 2 or 3. Let's not bring that to their attention too, that'll be their next cut!
Unfortunately, they already know that at FSCJ. I took a summer course which only lasted 8 weeks, so not being informed, I lost nearly $2000 in BAH. They only pay BAH day for day. I would have benefited from the new rules then because I was also enrolled in a 16 week online course. Live and learn!
thats right
yep!
on or afer august first so if you have another 2 years say good bye and re budget or find some place that offers a worstudies program that is the only way to fill in the difference i quit my security job to do the workstudies program it paid me an extra 1500 dollars so instead of 9 an hour it went to 25 an hour best part non taxable
Do u have to elect GI bill 2.0? Are we locked into the current post 911 bill if we choose? I received my full BAH for DEC. My classes ended Dec 11 and starts on Jan 10.
It won't start affecting your BAH until around August of this year. I heard it may even be October, so take advantage of it before it starts getting stupid.
As long as you keep using the new GI Bill it should change automatically. You need to do the application each school year anyways.
I wouldn't tell them that jason, they'll be after you next LOL! I only got partial for December, but I'm not hating or anything like that:)
alot of people only got partial in Dec but were not complaing
Nope – if you are on the Post 9-11 chapter 33 – you are locked in and cannot go back! These changes don't go into effect until August 1st 2011
The changes to BAH where you won't receive it during breaks don't go into effect until August 1, 2011. So, you're good till then.
my husband was active for 23 years can our child use his money for college
depends when he retired
Same here I served 22 years and have avoided using my benefits for the expressed reason to transfer it to my children when the time is needed. Is there some place I can find out if that has been stopped?
I know it is tedious to read through it all, but all of that info is on the va website.
Good luck, everything I have been told, is once you are no longer on active duty, you cannot pass your Post 9-11 education benefits to your dependents. I have a problem with this, I will not use all of my benefits, but cannot pass them on.
I have a proble with this because my husband retired before 8/09 and he can transfer any benefits. I feel like he is being discrimanated against because he chose to end his 26 year career without realizing Congress was going to penalize him.
You had to have transferred your benefits to your dependents prior to retirement. Also you must have met the requirement of being on AD as of August 2009 when the Post 9/11 GI Bill started. If your retired before 1Aug 2009 you are not eligible for the Post 9/11. The regular GI Bill – I don't believe is transferrable. Hope that helps some.
I retired prior 2009 and transferred to the post 911 bill. I attempted to transfer benefits to one of my children, but can not. I had to make that choice while still on active duty. At the time I was active post 9/11 was not even available, so there was no way I could have done that. There should be some way of transferring those benefits for those of us who served and qualify for the bill. Point here is I retired in 05 and qualified for the bill, you just are not able to transfer it to dependents.
I retired in October 2008 and I am using the Post 9/11 GI Bill right now. But, I retired before the process was in place to transfer benefits to my family members.
that makes it hard for those of us who had our children late in life and did not even think that there would be a need to transfer the benefits.
Hey I think your son or daughter can use your benifits for serving that long. Contact the VA rep in your area. Theres normally an office close to the court house in your county seat!
The law say you had to be an active member on Aug 1, 2009, and transfer your eligibility before your ets. Bunch of crap
If you elect to transfer your benefits prior to retiring, you can move them around later. But if you don't elect prior to retirement, you may be stuck. It would all depend on your service component and their capabilities. For Navy Reservists, they can call the Navy Reserve Force Post 9/11 GI Bill Hotline at 1-800-621-8853.
only if he is rated at 100% disability. Here is what Chap 35 benefits require, if any apply fill out VA Form 22-5490.
You must be the son, daughter, or spouse of:
•A veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability. The disability must arise out of active service in the Armed Forces.
•A veteran who died from any cause while such service-connected disability was in existence.
•A servicemember missing in action or captured in line of duty by a hostile force.
•A servicemember forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power.
•A servicemember who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a service connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for that disability. This change is effective December 23, 2006.
Is this for the new post 9 11 gi bill or the DEA? My husband is 100% total and permanently disabled but was told he still could not transfer his post 9 11 to his child
Hey man We all feel the pain. Just remember all those not participating in the voting , or in the whole political process from bottom to top are "part of the problem all the time". Let me add a dose of humility here and say that I am one of those. Because I have never trusted a man I don't. Unfortunatley this bill taste like anal waist. The plus side of this is before the bill started I had crap, and now I have something intangible. Thank you veteran for your service.
The termination of break pay is due to offset the 200,000+ recruits a year that don’t have to pay into the G.I. Bill any longer. The Chapter 31 benefit will be scrapped completely and the Chapter 33 benefit will take its place permanently.
Lobbyist decided not to fight this because there were talks a few months ago about scrapping the Chapter 33 benefit and just updating the Chapter 31 benefit. This was all at the risk of losing the Chapter 33 benefit. There are appeals that are going to be set in motion to get interval payments reinstated.
I’m a full time student. I’m in the same situation and disagree with the termination of break pay. For those that say, “get a job”, “get a loan”… our Country OWES us a lot more then this Chapter 33 benefit. Some that didn’t serve multiple combat tours might not understand this. Please excuse myself for those that do.
Stand by.
-Intimately Familiar with the Hill
chapter 31 is voc rehab do you mean they are scrapping chapter 30 MGIB? that would make more sense
Roger that
Because I enlisted in 1975 and served until 2007, I did qualify for both MGIB-AD (Chapter 30) and the Post 9/11 GI bill, I was able to receive 36 months of entitlement at my MGIB-AD payment rate, and then (provided I properly pursued a degree but was unable to complete the requirements during 36 mos of CH 30) I was able to receive an additional 12 months of entitlement at my Post 9/11 payment rate, up to the maximum total of 48 months entitlement.
Did this bill remove the entitlement for the additional 12 mos?
From what I just found out. Yes, you will lose the additional 12months benefit,if you dont switch over before Aug 1,2011. Either way you will lose 12months worth of pay. you should just switch over now and take your last 12months(or whatever you have left) accompanied by BAH
I also used my MGIB. I then was under the Title 32 for 18 months after 9/11 but was denied benefit because I used up 36 months on previous bill. Had the rules changed? Can I now use those 18 months?
My husband was just placed on the Temporary Disabled Retired List in which they gave him a retired status on Nov. 29 2010. No one expalined to him that he was to tranfsfer Post GI Bill benefits (TEB) while on active duty to spouse or dependents. So one day after his active duty status he was unable to transfer benefits. I believe this to be unfair for he paid into it at the beginning of his career and has placed more than needed service time as stated in their post 9/11 GI Bill policies, he should choose how to disperse his benefit if he will not use it. Does anyone have any information on how to appeal this?
First off ACAP should have explained all of that to him in the ACAP Breff another thing I also am on TDRL and that was explained to me, Secondly he did not pay for or in the Post 9/11 GI BILL it is awarded to all Veterians the served at least 180 days of Active service after September 11th and were discharged Honorably. The only BILL that he could have paid for was the MGIB. Another thing I don't know your situation but it order to even transfer the Post 9/11 GI Bill he would of had to at least have serverd at least a complete 6 years of service no less and then also have reupt for at least another 4 years but since he is on TDRL they will wave the part of reuping for the extra 4 years due to the fact of his unforseen early retirement but the 6 year mark is solid set in stone and they will not buge on it, I was only 15 days shy of my 6 year mark and they would not allow me to transfer my benfits, I dont know how to fight it in your case but like i said if he did not serve at least 6 complete years u dont have a case at all.
my husband was placed on tdrl in 2005 after 21 years in military. We did not think about transfering benefits, our kids were only 6 and 10 at the time. is there any possibility we can transfer his benefits. Our ledest is looking a colleges and has 8 months left in high school
I dont remember reading anything about transferring before retirement
If he has a VA rating he can use Voc Rehab.
Same thing happened to me, but my mistake was due to erroneous information i was given .I was told my son could not collect both chapter 35 (husband is disabled) and chapter 33 (my gi bill) . WRONG. I tried to transfer two weeks after i retired, and was denied. Although i am fortunate with the chapter 35 benefits, my son lost 36 additional months. I did write my congresswoman, but i am not holding my breath.
I'm in the same boat as you or almost. My served 20 years and 1 month. He used for a computer class once and then he wanted to give me his
GI Bill so I could go to University in the Jones International University online. He and I was told that he waited to long. He also tried to add me to his retirement pay so I could reseave it when the time came and again he was told that he waited to long. He got out in 1980 and we have been married for 30 years.. He had two strokes last year and we found out he has liver desease in the early stages. They said that I would get one final check from the Government when he dieas. So what do you do, how fo you live on pennies
Carol, I am in the same boat with you. I served our country for 30 honorable years and yet today have not gotten an answer from my Senator on why I can't give my benefits to my son.
There was a bill in Congress that specifically addressed this issue, however, I think it expired in December without being passed. I served 26 years on active duty, including 4 years post 9/11 and I have an only child in college and can't help her by transferring my 9/11 benefits to her…
I also served 28 years, although, not all on active duty, but I got stuck with HYT and sent to the VTU. I served after 9/11 and will have 80%, but I cannot transfer my benifits to my daughter in college! THIS IS UNFAIR!!!
I'm with you guys. a bunch off crap. We need to get together, and get our Department of Defense to stand up for retirees in this matter. My daughter is getting ready to go off to college I spent 22 years and 2 deployments, and no benefit for her either.
I am a spouse of a military member who will have served 10 years once he gets out. I am in school and it is costing me a total of 95000 dollars because it is the only school online that offers my program. My husband is getting out so that he can make more money to live more comfortably. I also agree that all veterans should be allowed to transfer. What makes no sense is what the difference is for them. They are going to pay the same amount no matter who uses it. Very frustrating!!! I will help in any way I can. Does anyone have any ideas?
I'm in. This was not explained very well when I got out. I served 22 years and 1 tour. I was under the impression that I could pass the GI Bill to my children. I would like to be a part of trying to get this overturned.
so all this change is being done by who??? who said they wanted to change something… can you write your congressmen what you want changed?? like the real problem of having to pay tuition out of pocket before you can get the VA to pay you back?? that is a REAL problem…. i don't remember the Post 9/11 fine print where it said "we'll pay for your school and give you bah"… "after you pay in full for tuition and then wait 3 months to get paid back for what is already supposed to be yours"
You're in the military..my husband's been waiting on one paycheck from last month for 4 wks. now..you should be used to it…nobody said life in the military would be peaches and cream
My college (Pitt at Bradford PA) does not make me pay my tuition because they know i'm eligible for the GI Bill. The advisor told me to ignore any debt letters I get because they understand how the govt works (slooooowly) on benefit reimbursement. I did, however, have to pay for my books out of pocket, and fees, but that is the reason we get those stipends directly. Look for YELLOW RIBBON schools.
I'm not sure why you are paying your tuition and waiting to get reimbursed. Under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, the VA pays your tuition directly to the school. I have not had to pay one penny of tuition to my school – the VA paid it directly.
My school doesn't require payment either up front and my books are included in the tution so I am able to pocket the book money. Definitely need to look for a military friendly school. I don't even get and late payment notices from the school.
The changes, Mainly the distance learners BAH, was fought for by the IAVA and other veterans orginizations, and If you had read the 9/11 GI BILL they did say that they would pay you BAH, and a Book Stipind directly to you, and that they would pay the school (although some require payment in advance) Also rember that not all the time that you wait to get paid is the fault of the VA, your school VA rep might be sitting on your paperwork for weeks before they send it to the VA, in some cases that delays the processing by 3-4 weeks on top of the VA backlogg
I would suggest finding a more Vet friendly school… My school, UNC… has a wonderful vet program in place. They have my paperwork and know I am going to get my tuition and that it also goes direclty to them…so I start class and they send in what they need to to the VA and get their money… I am not out of pocket for tuition… I do have to buy my books up front but thats it.
I would check with your school, do they have a Vet association?
I think Public Universities in California (UC;s) waves tuition fees for veterans families with service related disability.
yes, UCs do.
Yes you have to live in California to use CAL-VET for tuition waver. You should not earn more than the Poverty level which changes annually.
So no BAH for breaks in which classes are not offered? so if there is a brief period in the summer in which I cannot take a class, guess I just need to find a way to make up the difference for rent. We still need a place to live, even if we dont take classes for 2 weeks-how ridiculous.
It is stupid, I got to school full time and work part time just so I can pay my bills and have a little extra money to go out once and a while. But with this taking place I will have to work full time as well as going to school full time just so I can pay my bills and put food on the kids plate everynight.
the only way around that is take an online course. i am pretty sure they are offered all times of the year, but not sure. at least then you would get some BAH, not much, but some is better than none. plus online courses tend to be pretty easy
I'm right with you Shelly… I am going to feel the pinch as well… I'm just glad I'm almost done with my degree
Simple. Don't max out your BAH and live below your means. Stop making excuses.
Be quiet Owl – you are making excuses. You make the GI sound like it's welfare, and vets who EARNED the benefit sound like people whining about welfare entitlement.
The GI Bill is an EARNED entitlement based on a contract. The contract was unilaterally changed and hurts people who went into rental agreements or enrolled into schools in ANTICIPATION of said promised entitlement in a precarious state.
Arguing that someone should "stop making" excuses and "get a job" is ignorant and demonstrates a failure to empathize or look beyond a single viewpoint. It also demonstrates a failure to understand what's RIGHT in the real world versus the military mentality of "Oh well, the military screwed me, but I'll just drive on." We ain't in ole 82nd land anymore, we can actually speak out. Exercise your right.
I'm 100% sure that the $1000 they were referring to was just an example amount of BAH. So if you go back to any of the calculators and punch in your information at 100% enrollment but are only doing 3/4 of that then just subtract a quarter from that full amount.
What I don't understand is the state-to-state thing. Does this mean there will be a national avaerage now? Because California residents can't live off of what people are making in, say…South Dakota. They need to make that clearer.
Based on what I've read…it seems like the Post 9/11 GI Bill is starting to look more and more like the old month-to-month verification system…just with more people using it.
The state to state thing refers to how much they used to be willing ot pay for tuition, not BAH. Under the previous rules, they would pay for tuition up to (I believe) the highest in state cost for a state school. This meant a drastic difference in maximum tuition for different states where Colorado students could receive up to $40,000 or so per month and Washington DC students could receive up to $500. They have simplified it by saying that they will pay full tuition for any state school (in state tuition), and up to $17,500 for any private school. BAH is still done by locality, but now it's prorated to the number of classes you take instead of all or nothing.
Sorry, that was supposed to say 'per semester' for the old system pay scale, not 'per month'.
Don't blame the President!!! He signed what was presented to him by your Senator and Congressman. I too am a recipient of Post-911, and will suffer during breraks, but it is the people in the Congress that you should blame. Why is it that you all are always blaming the President. By the way, mmost of Congress never served and during Vietnam,very few reservist ever left the country, but did their share of head-knocking at home, on war protestors, while Bush country-clubbed with his NG buddies.
Maybe because he finalized it and made it a law by signing Barrack Hussein Obama President of the United States at the bottom of it? He could have sent it back for further review, just like the new congress is doing to his Obama care. LOL
At least Bush is really a citizen
Ignorant ***** like you, that’s why the army is so ****** up now
Well GAM, just take a minute think about that. First, the President doesn't have to sign any bill into effect. He can opt to veto, and send the Houses back to the drawing board. If he really read it all, which would be impossible, he might have changed his mind on signing it. Now, I am no Obama supporter, but all things considered, the President relies on his advisors to give him a quick accurate picture of what every piece of legislation covers. Like Bush, Obama doesn't see every detail of everything that is planned. Bush was blamed for everything as previously stated. Whether he read it all or was "advised" is immaterial. He made decisions based on the info he was given. He is then ultimately to blame. The same goes for Obama. I am currently serving and have been doing so for over 14 years. I was not happy about everything Bush did, and am even less happy about the things Obama is doing. That said, I support the process by which we elect our officials, and will follow the orders of the seated President, regardless of my personal politics. I refuse to revert to name calling and dirty politics, as so many others who have posted here.
All I have to say is, "you are all greedy!" Our Vietnam vets didn't get anything other than poop in their face.
You got that right! They knew what they were getting into. Vietnam vets had no choice in the matter.
Oh man… Well, I guess we should just take our poop in the face then.
HORSE SH*T. Are you flippin kidding me? So we should just allow injustices because they weren't as bad as the past?? You're one ignorant f*ck axel.
We are not the greedy ones. We KNOW what we've earned and we're willing to fight to take it.
We are on the verge of one of the biggest civil rights movement this country has seen in the last 50 years. You had all better get your minds right and figure out what side you're REALLY on.
Oh please can I have some poop in my face?? I say that THEY are the greedy ones… All of that poop.
Save it.
So I suppose, based off of your logic, I should discard everything I own and live on the streets because there are homeless Vietnam Vets; dufus. You can spread your cheeks and let them slam you but I'll be damned if I let them do it to me and I don't give a rats ass what you think about it.
Greedy my ass, I was offered something, I paid what it cost, and now I'm going to get it.
A storm's coming.
those goofy poop throwing monkeys, always throwing poop in the faces of our vets will they ever learn.
You’re right they didn't. And if we don't fight we will lose everything that we were promised when we enter like Medical and Dental. Don't get me wrong my dad and uncle are both Vietnam Vets and they are fighting for their Disabilities. My uncle is a Commander with DAV in SC and helping other Vietnam Vets and other Vets young and old. So, I really think you need to change your attitude and help others to get things we deserve and were promised instead of being NEGATIVE.
I am a VN Vet. Axel, your comments are not worth discussing. You need to educate yourself a little bit before making comments like you did. Your comment embarrasses me.
Bob
Greedy and ungrateful…
Camel poop doesn't smell any better. Veterans benefits for every war era Veteran should increase not decrease especially during a low job period of time.
Euwww! That's yucky, I hope hey washed it off. LOL!
God bless the VV's!
The improvements to the act is that it allows Post 911 GI Bill beneficiaries to receive BAH while taking classes on line. The old Post 911 did not. Additionally, 3 courses for quarter classes for your BA and 2 courses for quarter classes for MBA is deemed full time.
For all those who are complaining about the Housing allowance ending during the breaks, get a job and stop living off the GI Bill alone. I am a full time student with a full time job, and that full time is on campus classes, so don't give me any excuses of why you aren't able to do the same.
LOL- MILITARY GOT YOU DIDN'T THEY? THEY SAY JUMP YOU SAY HOW HIGH! YOUR NOT IN THE MILITARY NO MORE BRO, IT'S OK TO FIGHT FOR WHAT YOU EARNED, AND IF YOU DON'T THINK YOU EARNED BAH BREAK PAY THEN YOU MIGHT WANT TO TAKE A LOOK INTO YOUR BENEFITS AS THEY DEDUCT THEM EACH MONTH. THE VA JUSTIFIED DEDUCTING YOUR BENEFITS EACH MONTH YOU WERE IN SCHOOL AN ENTIRE MONTH BY PAYING YOU BREAK PAY. NOW THEY ARENT PAYING YOU BREAK PAY ALTHOUGH THEY ARE STILL DEDUCTING YOU AN ENTIRE MONTH OF BENEFITS FOR 15 DAYS IN DECEMBER. ITS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE, THEY ARE RIPPING US A NEW ONE. YES I SAID THAT BECAUSE THIS ISN'T FREE MONEY, THIS IS MONEY THEY PUT UP FRONT IN ORDER TO GET YOU THE TO JOIN THE MILITARY. SORRY ABOUT THEIR LUCK FOR IT BEING SUCH A DANG GOOD DEAL, BUT I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU BUT I'LL FIGHT FOR WHAT'S MINE AND PERSONALLY THE BENEFITS THEY FLAUNTED BACK IN AUGUST 2009 ARE THE ONES I SIGNED UP FOR AND THEY'RE MINE AND OWED TO ME.
The BAH is NOT deducted from your benefits. Only the tuition is deducted from benefits. Wise up.
In fact, your benefits are reduced by the amount of credits you take. The BAH has no affect on your benefits balance.
He means the actual physical months of benifits that the VA allots for your service, not the monetary amount.
pay attention, those 15 day your dont get payed BAH adds 15 days to your 36 months of government funded education. so if you can save some money and make it 15 days without BAH for 3 years that would give you another 45 days of class and education. believe it or not that is enought time for an accelerated course. plus dont forget about the time during the summer you are not going to school. that all adds up. now you have 4 years to complete your degree. your welcome
Get 'em!! :)
We're not all living parallel lives there Pablo. Sh*t man, were you like this with your old unit. Never had anyone's back huh? Totally self absorbed and self involved. Well, if PABLO can do it then we must all be capable. Don't be so ignorant, you're causing problems for the rest of us.
Hmm, Skel. So what part of SORRY ABOUT THEIR LUCK FOR IT BEING SUCH A DANG GOOD DEAL constitutes "having someone's back"? The only person you seem to be concerned about is yourself and you think is "owed you" — which it is not, by the way. Unless you joined the military after Aug 09, you cannot say you were lured into enlisting by some promise of Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits. If you're going to watch someone's back, how about the back of the American taxpayer? In case you hadn't noticed, the federal government is in deep debt; the country is BROKE. If we're ever going to get out of this financial hole, government expenditures, including some benefits, simply need to be trimmed. Getting 15 days of BAH for 15 days of school is a reasonable place to start.
And by the way, well said, PABLO.
do you have kids? sometimes a single mother tries to do it all to better herself and her children, and that little extra goes a long way. so stop being pretentious, everyone's situation is different.
You must not be going for an engineering degree.
Do you have any kids to take care of? I am living that way sice being medically discharged I have not been able to get a job and I have two children to take care.
How many classes are you taking? The minimum of 12 hours? What's your degree in… History? Some of us are taking very technical and difficult degrees not to mention I personally take 15+ hours a semester so I can graduate in a timely manor. AND I already work 2 jobs at 35 hours a week. I can live comfortably doing this, what MORE do you want me to do… STARVE for the months of December and Jan?
You are not too smart are you? Do have a family, kids, and any responsibilities in life? Think about it. I am a stay at home dad now with two kids while my wife works. Day care comes out to over $600 per month, sometimes more, depends on the hours you use during the month, are you going to pay that for me. I was working full time for three years after I was injured in the Army and then chaptered out for my disabilities. My wife went to school full time to become a nurse while I worked, and I had to take an office job because I couldn't be a truck driver or a Police officer anymore after my injuries, I have to sit and work and that is all I could do. Now my wife has graduated and started working part time jobs, right when I decided to go to school full time and take advantage of the Post 9/11 while I could. We are still living with my parents because it is so expensive to try and pay for anything when there is no full time work for nurses right now in the California area we are in. I took the school opportunity now so I would have my BA in Technical Management with my concentration in Criminal Justice in just 2 1/2 years, so I won't have to do any more minimum wage jobs working like an idiot saying how much I hate my job and I wish I had an education, but I am sure you would have found a way to complain about those type of people also because you see yourself as better than anyone, that's obvious. You should try thinking with your brain before you speak, you never know what other peoples situations are and why they may be using the BAH and not working at that moment or anymore until finished with their degree. But then you might not be able to comprehend that either.
We are all different in our capabilities in how we learn. Not everyone can work a full time job and attend school full time. You need to stop being so pompos.
Pablo, not everyone is able to work while attending school, for instance anyone seeking a medical degree is mostly likely in classes 9-5 or later Mon-Fri. So stop throwing daggers.
How about $1200 a month in day care for two kids… plus $250 a month in after school care for a school aged kid. That covers time in class and a very part time job near campus. Do you propose that they pay me a stipend to cover the cost of day care while looking for a job for my 3 week break? Now that would be nice. Or maybe I can just send them to you during the break sense you seem to have it all figured out.
What is your degree in? Underwater basket weaving?! Or go to Dumdum University? I will post a problem from one of my classes. After looking at it and trying to figure it out, and you can still say you can work full time and study this type of material, kudos to you. Otherwise, it is time for you to reconsider your education path.
A small submersible moves at velocity V in 20°C water at 2-m depth, where
ambient pressure is 131 kPa. Its critical cavitation number is Ca ≈ 0.25. At what
velocity will cavitation bubbles form? Will the body cavitate if V = 30 m/s and the
water is cold (5°C)?
This from a problem in my Fluid Mechanics book, and it is only a 200 lvl course and it only week 2 at University of Illinois at Chicago. Imagine 400 lvl courses by midsemester. Can't forget finals week, aka HELL WEEK to students.
nicely done pablo
Pablo, that's great and I do understand you're holding it down so well. So you're telling me that I should hold a full time job and go to school full time and be like you? Maybe if I add a wife and three kids to your schedule. This will probably change the way you think.
Bravo, it can be done, unless you just want to have the Government give you everything and you don't want to work.
Be thankful for what you do have. What other career pays a former employee to go to school upon retirement? That you are retiring and going to school leads me to this conclusion, you can budget to cover the difference.
Some of us were unable to retire due to service related injuries. Some of us are still waiting for our VA claims to be adjudicated. Would be nice to have the wiggle room to allow us to budget when we're one check away from being on the street.
Thank you, Master Guns, for being the voice of reason here. My husband has been combat deployed for thirty nine months and is still active duty. I imagine most of the people whining about their benefits haven't come close to that– and please note that I said MOST, and not all. Everyone entitled to the benefits of the Post 9-11 GI Bill should be gracious and thankful for it– for it isn't the only benefit that they receive. Furthermore– if you CHOSE to get out of the military and are now sitting here complaining about the benefits that you aren't receiving– your gripes fall on deaf ears. You chose to leave a job, and the job that you left is allowing you to get a free education in addition to housing benefits and a book allowance. Go get a second job and quit your griping– or go stay at home with mom and dad like most college students do over winter break.
The job that you left??? Are you flippin s***'n me??? The employer we all formally worked for don't give a flying f*** if we live or die. To add to that, the benefits are EARNED, not given. Go take your high and mighty attitudes and shove 'em MASTER guns and Miss priss. Save it for your f'n tea parties. We earned those benefits, we deserve them, and they're being systematically drawn back. I'm not grateful for that, I'm pissed about it and I'm going to say something about it whether you like it or not. Tell you what, miss perfect citizen, maybe you won't mind if your company cuts back on your 401k in order to displace costs elsewhere. Even after you've left… you wouldn't mind that would you? Doubt you even know what I'm talking about anyways because you're an uppity ignorant dufus.
Not only is she an ignorant dufus she’s living off her husbands pay check.
Don't you and your wonderful husband already collect a form of BAH that covers your mortgage? Maybe the reason he's deploying so much is cause he needs to get away from your gold digging ***! I guess your just happy to be getting more money in the bank to build your white picket fence and feed your husbands illegitiment children in the philipines huh?
You are out of line! There are more then one reason why people have to part from the military! I am sure your husband doesn't approve of this post! I am active duty and have been deployed several times and am greatful for my military benfits. Just keep in mind that people get out for more than one reason!
Dependents! They think cause they are married to the uniform, they wear one too! Just get back on your back and earn that BAH honey buns. I'm so glad I retired and I don't have to listen to whiney dependents anymore!
Patrick – I suggest that you keep in mind that this was a joint effort and in the end it is teh Senate who wrote this.
READ, "THE DEMOCRATS"!
There are some good benefits to this change such as we will be aloud to get payments for online onlysemesters and students that attend 1/3 or 1/2 time. With the current Post 9/11 Bill, we are forced to work a fulltime job and take fulltime classes which is equal to 12 semester credits at some schools. I don't know about you all but that is a blessing to many of us Vets. Luckily I attend school at Everst University and we only have to tke 2 classes(8 semester hrs) to be considered fulltime. I take two classes and one has to be in a classroom in order for me to draw payments. All the others schools in Jacksonville require 12 semesters hours and that is a killer for my work schedule and family time. Downside for me is that I wont be able to enjoy it because I finish my degree in October 2011…darn!
CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER!!!! :-)
What about students being charged out of state tuition? It is way more than 17,500.
Sorry bro, now you have to utilize that yellow ribbon program because that is what you originally signed up for last year with the post 9/11 GI BILL REMEMBER?????? Ohhh wait, no you didn't and neither did I goodluck and here is a cookie to make you feel better! Keep complaining bro and maybe we can get something fixed. This is a bunch of BS
Students should probably take that into account before they decide to attend a school at which they will be charged out-of-state tuition. Or, if dead set on attending an out-of-state or private school, they should probably choose one that participates in the Yellow Ribbon program. It's not the GI Bill's responsibility to make sure everyone gets exactly what they want; it is the individual person's responsibility to make sure they are using their benefits the best way possible.
Agreed Alicia.
However, it is the VA's responsibility to provide some sort of consistancy and stability. How else can we plan when the rules continue to change?
You should had thought about that before going to school with out of state tuition. Like you should had moved first, then got yourself as permament to the state (according to the school rules), and THEN started school :)
dont go out of state. that is a great privilege…
Well for some ppl like me who lives in the DC metro area, colleges in Maryland and DC are less than 30min away from my house; but if i go to school instate ( i live in virginia) I will have to move very far away!!!! i cannot live on campus b/c I have two kids.
I don't care if they cut the BAH for breaks b/c i work part time and get fafsa and budget like crazy so my bills are paid.
I am now trying to figure out how can I afford to pay my tuition or i will have to transfer or move, its just stressful but thats what we r used to, as an active duty service member and as a vet.
Our son attended out-of-state private college – and that was our choice. We supplemented what the GI Bill paid out of our pocket, which is how it should be. There are many MANY fine in-state Universities – choosing to go out of state or private is a choice. We didn't complain – but the cost became too great, so our son is now attending a state university.
you need to talk to your school about getting a residency waiver or applying to be a residence with the school.
Not sure where to post this but thought someone could answer this for me.How long does it take to transfer your GI Bill to a son. My ex-husband supposedly filled the paper work out when the bill was passed(over a year ago)and he's saying it still hasn't gone through yet.He keeps saying they are having problems with it.But I'm wondering if he ever did fill the paper work out.Any suggestions on what I should do or who I could call to find out for myself(besides talking to my ex).
It shouldn't take a year to complete. I did the change over from my husband to my daughter and I completed the paperwork online in Dec. of 2009 and she started attending college in Aug of 2010. The Va paid her tuition.
It should take a month or two. I completed the paperwork online – VA Forms….per instructions….while on AD at the end of Nov 2009 and by early Feb 2010 had the approval paperwork for my daughter from the education center. Good luck!
We transferred GI Bill benefits to our son this year and actually did it in early August and it was completed for him to start the school year…..talk to the school's Veteran's Affairs office, they will be able to assist you.
it all starts with your ex, one he gets to transfer the benefit to your son its your sons and you don't have to deal with him again. Stay on top of him about it, he might have already gotten the approval.
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.
way too long. stay within 4 ideas max. >.<
i am a Vietnam vet i am on the mgib and 10 years have passed since discharge so the way i understand it i am ineligible for anymore education benefits. would it be a good idea for me to switch to post 9/11 bill?? george
Okay haven't read all the changes just yet….but big question! Why are you being charged 12 months of benefits for 9 months of school??? If you start in LATE August and end in May like most colleges you should be charge 9 months of benefits since you are actually in school ONLY 9 months or less including breaks…not including summer classes of course. 9 months X 4 years of college is 36 months of benefits and that is how the program was designed to cover 4 years of school – am I mistaken??? I have been waiting for all these bugs to work themselves out myself before using any of the benefits for just this reason. So I don't think I answered your question just quite….likely added a question. I understand your dilema – but I also look at it this way – thousands more Veterans are now being compensated for their honorable service to Country and World. You may have to tighten the purse strings a little more to cover rent for two months – but our country will be better served with thousands more getting retrained or educated to continue to serve their country in other great ways. I feel it is a small sacrifice to ensure most are provided the same benefits you have for the same or similar service. Good luck finishing school.
Please think about this before you respond. Basically they are prorating our BAH for every day we attend school. I attend school year-round including summer semesters, although we still have short breaks which eventually add up throughout the entire year. Even though I'm not in school 365 days a year they still deduct 12 of my 36 months of benefits from me each year. They are going to prorate our BAH for the amount of days we are in school but they aren't going to prorate the amount of days we aren't actually in class for the entire year. Double dipping to extreme! Not what I signed up for, I don't know about you? I go full time fall, spring and summer, but I'm still technically on break 70 days out of the year between semesters and spring break, christmas, etc. yet they will are still going to dedcut those 70 days from my 36 months arent they? Why, because I attended 15 days of class during the month of December! What about the other 16, they sure deducted those days from my BAH!!!!!
Please read what has been said in the story before you respond too. The days you are NOT in school you will NOT be paid and the benefit time part will NOT be reduced.
It's not a matter of sucking it up or making rent, it's the simple fact that we did not sign up for these new benefits. We signed up for what was advertised in August of 2009. We did not expect these sudden changes to be made but they were without any regard to academic and financial situations. I don't know what military you served in but I wasn't able to opt out of the contract, so why aren't we grandfathered in to what we signed up for? I signed up for the original post 9/11 gi bill, not this crap their pitching to us. I feel like I have the right and those benefits I signed up for are owed to me, because that's what I signed up for, not this mess.
would u have perhaps worked at IPAC camp pendleton?
Does anyone know if the BAH for online classes can be received even if your spouse it active duty and already receiving BAH?
It can only be received if it is transferred over to a dependent child, not spouse. The spouse can receive the paid tuition but not the stipend.
You shouldn't be able to anyways. That would be too much free money.
what about children of vets
what about them? they live in america, they can be whatever they want to be.
Government doesn't owe your children anything.
The benefits earned are still the vets. Would you say that to your Corporation who told you you have that option and then pulled the rug out from under you? I think not.
Justin, your comment jumps between subjects in such a way that it sort of proves that you don't really know what you're talking about. Save the lecture for your children. AND WOULD EVERYONE STOP FRIGGIN PRETENDING LIKE YOU KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT EVERYBODY ON THIS FORUM. Are you guys sh*tting me?! Seriously? You don't f*cking know me and if you said anything of this nature to my face I'd smash your teeth down your throat. Are you kidding me?
You Mad Brah? lol i can almost hear your keys being broken from your angry typing from here. Im sorry if you have a tenuous grasp on the english language, but dont be trolling my good comment with your trash. Go flex your ethernet cord elsewhere E-Thug.
AMEN!!!!
I think it is sad when the active duty member retires after 20 or more years, and die of old age or whatever the cause may be, the spouse gets nothing if she was married to them the whole time. I don't think the retirement check of the retiree should deplete after they pass. The spouse should be entitled to some of that retirement!
retirement yes education benefits NO
They do. Its called survivor benefit program. if your spouse didn't take advantage of it that is YOUR fault because the dependent has to sign a form they are aware that SBP is not being taken. At least that is the way it has been for a good number of years.
Your spouse had the option when he retired to protect you by paying into a protection plan that would provide you partial retirement. Now many don't take this option and put that into a retirement annuity and hope it pays out that way. Unfortunately if your spouse opted out of this program when he retired his retirement pay would stop when he passes. If he opted in you get what he paid for into the plan. This is the case with most retirement plans. The reason it is reduced is because your cost of living is reduced by 1/2 – now that is by their count. I know your mortgage stays and bills stay the same….but they calculate 1 less person and come up with their numbers. Their are many VA programs out there for Surviving Spouses of disabled veterans, not sure there are any other options for a retiree (not DVA) other than the Survivors Plan. Not sure what option your spouse took – but someone in the Defense Accounting Office should better answer your questions. Hope that helps some.
Get some life insurance, that's what it's for. Or SBP.
Lets see I have been in Florida for 2 years and I have been paying out of state fees for a year and a half totaling over 2,000 dollars. I want a refund immediately.
Like everyone here who lives off of there BAH I as well do. These changes are ridiculas, you give us a program then reduce it; this will have such massive affects. I hope I don't have to drop school because of not being able to pay my bills. This is really upsetting.
For it. Take 12 credits next this coming semester and move forward.
down grade your life style or reformat your educational goals.
why in the hell would the government pay you full BAH when you're not going to school full time?
stop crying because the government doesn't you you a cent.
things change and in this case for the better. system is more fair overall.
no more abusers, only legitimate hard working vets are now being properly rewarded by Post-GI 2.0
OMG! to the person that’s saying they only joined for the post/911 benefits is an idiot. The post/911 just came out 3 to 4 years ago so if you are able to use it you should be happy no matter what they give you. To all of you that are complaining so much probably never had your boots on the ground (if you don’t know what that means you’re one of them) . Get over yourselves to all that claim to be basing their life off the bah benefits and claim not to be working so you can concentrate on school is lying. the money was never enough to be able to actually do that unless you are living at Home with mama, got a full time working wife or living in low income housing in either case get a job! I’m not quite retired but on terminal leave and I too was excited about not working for a year and living off retired and gi bill bah pay, ha ha on me I now have to get a job. single mother of a 3 year old and he needs to go to preschool which cost money. I’m disappointed but I will make it. Didn’t you learn to grow up in the military and that there are changes all the time, I guarantee all of you know someone that is getting over with this system (if its not you already) and you should look at them and understand why changes has to be made.
i share your frustration. so many people crying for the wrong reasons.
hi,
i just wanted to say that i did have my boots on the ground: 2 trips to iraq. i got out because my wife's income coupled with the bah from going to school full-time (it had to be full-time to get the full amount) was enough to get by. i most definately am concentrating on being a full-time student, but it will be difficult now. previously, the bah covered our mortgage – actually it covevered all but about $50 of it. now we're going to be looking for an extra $400 to cover what has been lost by the changes. i'm signed up for 15 credit hours and we have 2 kids. the ONLY reason i got out was because the old benefits made it possible. the changes are going to make it really hard. i'm not mad that my benefits are what they are, i'm mad because they reneged on an offer that they made my family.
you know what i mean?
I never got break pay, so I rely on my job and I also take out loans. I am a single parent and I live in DC where the cost of living is expensive. I made the decision to go back to school, as I did to enter the military. To start getting upset about the welfare system isn't key. Know what you speak of there is a cap on that too and it's not that much money. I am not saying people don't abuse the system but don't bring other people down because you are upset. There are a lot of things unfair when it comes to Veterans but its not a system that is going to be repaired over night and defiantly not by insulting and bringing down others in the process.
I guess a good question would be. How many credits a semester is considered full time? Last I heard was 9 which sometimes comes out to 3 to 4 class. Is this still correct?
12 credits full time in this world.
It depends on the college. It is whatever the college you are attending considers full time and reports to the VA.
I was told by the VA call center personnel that 7 hours is over half time and qualifies for BAH
7 semestar units is full time.
Def. depends on your school. Mine is 6=half time=no BAH:(
greater than 6=BAH:)
Lesson for next fall: Go full time……get that money!
It depends on how the college report them. Some college considered 2 classes a semester as full time (Master degrees) but I don't know about undergrad.
12 credits is full-time (thats approximately 3-4 classes).
7 credits is full-time for the summer session (thats approximately 1-2 classes).
Now this is Post 9/11, I believe regular MGIB is the same.
Double check the Department of Veterans Affairs website and all the answers are there.
Hope this help and Good Luck!!!
no "break" pay… that isn't fair…. they charge rent the entire month… not just when i'm in class….. it's a "housing allowance" not a "going to class allowance".
Thank you Mr President. He got something done and made sure he fixed it before he signed a broken program into law.
The minor for thought to budget for breaks in exchange for the 3 full years more I will need for my bachelors is a welcome give and take that hurts no one and helps all of us.
The added awesomeness of fixing the funding for distance learning is the kind of common sense and attention to detail our leaders should have when securing the benefits for those who provide them security.
I feel blessed instead of stressed. My benefits were set to end with only my AA completed as of this next spring semester. I would have been ass out without the training or documentation to provide me with solid work I require to sustain a family.
First of all, it's forethought you dip. They could have fixed the funding for non higher learning programs and still maintained the same level of benefits for people attending an institution of higher learning. All together I guarantee the benefits Veterans receive are a paltry portion of the budget, totaling less than 1% probably less than 1/10% of the budget for that matter. No veterans should have to sacrifice benefits in the name of some "greater good" budget cuts. There are plenty of non productive and overly abused programs out there they could look to before taking benefits away from veterans who went to war to earn them. I suggest they start looking at welfare instead, hard capped at 12 months of benefits before they cut you off. That would probably save an exponentially larger amount of money than the 2 billion GI Bill 2.0 will save the government.
I serve 25 years in the army in the rank of E-8 and I am 100% disability, my question is I am under GI bill but it was expired now, how can I fenist my school is there any educations benifits for me to fenist my school?
Check with the VA. If you are 100% disabled, you may qualify for schooling under their Vocational Rehabilitation program or they may have another program where you qualify.
With 100% disability I would check into the revocation training the VA offers. As with anything it has it down side but over all it is very worth it. I have chosen to go this way instead of using my GI benefits.From one Vet to another thank you for your service and good luck.
A lot of changes with a lot of questions to be asked and answered.
The good:
Distant / online learners will now receive at least some housing allowance. Unfortunately you will have to wait until October 1, 2011.
Reimbursement for multiple Licensing and Certification Tests.
Non-college degree programs, on-the-job training, and flight training programs are now covered. Students will receive BAH which will vary based on the type of training. Some training entitles a student to full BAH. Just like distant learning, you will have to wait until October 1, 2011.
Well it looks like I'll be dropping out of school. Because of my family situation I can either go to school or work but I can't do both at the same time. My family depends on this money, every dime of it.
My guess is that everyone who says "suck it up and get a job" is single and doesn't raise any children.
You are mistaken – recently retired 23.5 yrs – have 3 kids. Have to retrain due to injuries and cannot work in primary career field any longer. Have to work to pay the bills and am taking my time planning this all out to maximize the benefits – even if they changed a little bit here or there to help make sure thousands of other Honorable Veterans get some benefits for their service. So yes you need to find another way to supplement or pinch pennies for a couple of months to stretch your dollar – in these trying times we all must. Don't act so hasteily. Read the Bill first and make sure you are not over-reacting – the example of $1000 BAH may have only been that an easy example for all to understand – I don't recall seeing anywhere in the reading that BAH was a flat rate for ALL – I believe it is still based on your location and the paygrade of an E5 with dependents….I could be wrong….read the Bill. If it has been reduced then some sacrifice must be made so all that deserve this wonderful benefit get treated the same. Good luck!
You can manage it…..my husband and I had 2 kids and lived on old GI Bill money for 4 years for him to complete college. Not the best years of our lives but we are better for it. Where there's a will there's a way……
Sorry, I have three children and one in college. furthering your education may mean making some sacrifices and you what? Millions of people do it every day. They go to work and school and they survive. My husband is active duty and when he is not here guess what? I can't stop what I am doing because of set backs. I went to school full time, paid my loans and my daughters tuition, worked full time and came home and worked homework and cooked every night. Man up man!
Suck it up and get a job, I go to college and have a family and a full time job. It isn't easy but it can be done, it's called sacrifice.
Veterans this is just the beginning if continued cuts of your benefits to support OBAMA's socialist Agenda. This is just the beginning of the many cuts he and his liberal pals will take from the Military to support the budget for all teh social welfare programs to support illegal immigrants and it is a crime. Call your Congressman now! Do not give another inch! Soon we will have no educational benefits but the illegal immigrant who is here illegally will have your benefits. That is really comforting to know isn't it?
what?
he isn't cutting the benefits, he's spreading them amongst more people. i don't agree with it either, but get it straight: same amount of money, more people getting it.
if you're really pissed about whose land this is why don't you ask your congressman to give it back to the native americans?
Come on Walt! Get a grip of yourself! You sound like racist lunatic
What you saying non-sense, think about what you saying
The fact that you do not get paid for your breaks = longer time to go to school. 36 months under old system: you only get tuition paid for while your in class but you do not get tuition while on break only BAH. This would exhaust your benefits in 36 calendar months. Under the new system you would get tuition and BAH while attending class. Thus you can take more classes over a 36 month entitlement and still get your full BAH stipend. So lets say if you had 2 months of breaks per year and 3 years of class that would give you an extra 6 months of classes that would have been eaten up under the old system. Yea you would have gotten BAH but You would not have been getting credit while on break. Think about it before you complain. I know it must be painful to be dependent on the government for your housing, but its your choice. I chose to work full time and go to school full time and still got a 3.85GPA. So maybe you should all quit your crying. This is a good thing for everyone going to school online.
online school isn't real school.
Blain – you are 110% RIGHT ON with your point! These are still great benefits – and now even more Veterans will get the same priviledge to use or share with their children. The nation is better for these changes….thanks….for our Gov't officials for finally making what seems to be some positive changes to a program to help most service men and women.
There are some people on this post I hope read this. Some have been posting about people being greedy, lazy, taking advantage of the benefits since they will be cut or extremely limited. A few posts have also said that our more recent vets should take it in the face since earlier vets didn't have any or received any benefits. That is not an accurate thing to say. We know that the Vets that came before us have been overlooked and under appreciated . That was and still is wrong! Our government has been making the effort to "do right by us now because of the injustice done the previous generation of vets.The system paved the way for the benifits we EARNED now. We all signed contracts to join and defend our way of life. With that our country decided was to show it's appreciation compensate their vets. So if you work and you were eligible for certain benefits for your efforts then your should get them. Many vets counted on those benefits to help them and their families. Some vets have had things happen in their lives that have them depending on those benefits until their situation levels out. So I say all that to say this, we vets have earned these benefits and may or may not need them. It is not for us to disregard their need when we volunteered to meet our country's need.
This does not improve anything. Why does the fact my school is run privately have anything to do with my education benefits? States already give benefits to veterans attending state schools! IL, TX, MA pay 100% tuition and fees for a 4 year degree. CA gives veterans free enrollement for CA citizens who signed when they were CA citizens. The states should help veterans who go to public state universities, i.e. in state rates, lower rates. The GI Bill should be for those who pursue education at private universities, online, on-the job training. Why should Acitve duty members get $1000 for books when they have Tuition Assistance, and get a steady paycheck.
We are all Vets, and we made it work while in the service for four years or more, away from love one and all kinds of stuff.Just like the service we, were free to join and to serve these were the choses we made. So was the GIBILL and Post 911 GIBILL.
IT WAS YOUR CHOICE
My husbands BAH has always been prorated. Since the beginning of 2010!!!! Im pissed! Some people were getting the full $1000, even if classes ended DEC10!!!??? Oh that is so unfair! That aint right~
Im still tryin to figure how I was a first responder at the pentagon on 9/11 did 2 tours in Iraq and 1 in GTMO at the camps retired in 07 but dont fall under post 911 GI Bill shouldnt anyone in after 9/11 been eligible for the same benefits. Its all about money not about the sacrifices We made so the President, Senators and Congress can live lavish. Its Crap and now they are increasing our tri-care premium, Man F you
HMC(AW/FMF)
Based on your service, you would qualify for the Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits for yourself. But due to your retirement in 2007, you would not qualify to transfer them. According to the NAVADMINs – 187/09 and 203/09 you would have had to be on Active Duty or Actively Drilling in the Navy Reserves on 1 August 2009 to qualify for transferability. Hopefully, they will amend this and allow retirees with qualifying service to transfer the benefits.
U should be eligible.
You are eligible.
Take it easy Devil, just calm dawn and talk with VA
Pure garbage IS the best way to sum this up! do nothing and we'll raise unemployment! sell your life for years and we'll throw you our pocket change! F@#% YOU congress and your fat pay checks, I hope you choke!
easy tiny
I'd like to start by stating that I'm a veteran, I served twice in Iraq, and I am not complaining about the current benefits, they're great. However, when you tell someone that they will get something, they make plans based on that; when you take it away, it puts that person in a difficult position. I could have made plans based on the new bill, but thats not what I was offered at the time. Thank you, DC, for the benefits, but people have made critical decisions based off the old benefits. I can make it work, but it will place a greater hardship on my family. I can get a job, but thats just that much more time away from my family. I could take less classes, but that means I'll be in school longer with, currently, less earning potential.
These benefits are great, but the way we came into them is unfortunate. I hope that those who are upset that people "complain" can at least understand their perspective on the issue.
If you think that’s bad I am currently enrolled in a graduate program which is great but they don’t offer any of your core ll required classes (Strayer University) on site so with the monies they are receiving for you to become more marketable and trust me its quite expensive you must take these required classes online. Well that just makes me ineligible for the housing allowance and being unemployed after serving 22 years both Active and Reserve I am in dire need of my housing allowance to make ends meet this makes me furious with the school and the stipulations set forth by the Post 9/11 regulations. thanks a lot people talk about looking out for your Veterans, this shows me different.
The history of our military men and women reveals how they have really been shorted in our technical and information era where education is so very important for civilian employment. To remain objective, we should have the GI BILL always available to us without cut-off dates, because of our HONORABLE service to this "Republic of these United States of America." Our waste alone would pay for this cost, and we have been taught to work within the system to improve what we receive as VETERANS of our nation. My life has been a life of service to our nation and people — most of which has never been a matter of pay received. Therefore, our SENATORS and REPRESENTATIVES need to really do a far better job in providing for our VETERANS whom protect them and keep them free. How about getting the priorities correct for our veterans? People in prison have it better than our veterans do by far! What have you to say now SENATORS and REPRESENTATIVES? OUR VETERANS RATE AS WELL AS YOU DO OR EVEN MORE in CHRSIT JESUS MIGHTY NAME amen.
Also a vet here, Do you believe that shankings and gang anal rape is better than what our veterans have. Not to mention those on lockdown for 23 hours out of the day. I think you rethink your wording bro. We as vets deserve a lot but if we always play the comparison game vets will always lose. Honestly you need to focus on what you do have and take advantage of it while it is there if not the only person that will lose is you. love much and wish you the best.
I was so excited to hear about the Post 9/11 GI Bill last summer. I have been on active duty for a little over 7 years and I began a 1 year Executive MBA program with Grand Canyon University in August which costs $45,000 for the whole 1 year program. I am living proof that the VA pays for the whole thing on active duty with no cap while you are on active duty but you do not receive the housing allowance (I already am because I am on active duty). If you qualify and are on active duty looking for an excellent program, rest assured that cost will not get in your way of anything. I love this. Now… only 8 months until I graduate
How disappointing. I moved south, turned down other schools and made all my plans based around attending this one without having to deal with student debt afterward; now I'll owe over $30,000 when I'm done. Definitely didn't plan for that, but I had a feeling it was too good to be true.
Time to write some congresspeople.
It is stupid, I go to school full time and work part time just so I can pay my bills and have a little extra money to go out once and a while. But with this taking place I will have to work full time as well as going to school full time just so I can pay my bills and put food on the kids plate everynight.
What about the reserve components? I was told that only Title 10 time counted, not annual tours, etc during the qualifying time period.
All I can say is "Wow"…. a lot of great arguments, both popular and unpopular. I just retired 4 months ago, "HAD" everything planned out for the fall semester later this year, as a single parent….just for the 9/11 "deal" to be changed. Time to "replan".. on how to MAKE it work. Viet Nam vets… I can't say "I feel your pain", but I do see that you have been screwed/shortchanged. They ( politicians ) in trying to make "everyone" happy, tend to piss off the majority…that's a given. They weren't "fair" to your military generation…so they should continue to be unfair to those NOW? Come on… be thankful that they even considered making the GI Bill better…even though it's not perfect. It's right back to the " walked up hill …both ways… in snow, without shoes" analogy…. buy a pair of shoes. All OF YOU here served….you should already know…HAVE A BACKUP PLAN !!!!! I'm just thankful I have time to replan.
I SEEM TO SENSE A LOT OF RESENTMENT ABOUT THE NATIONAL GUARD
AND RESERVES IN THESE DISCUSSIONS. IT SHOULD'T MATTER IF YOU ARE FULL TIME MILITARY,OR PART TIME GUARD AND RESERVES. WE SERVED OUR COUNTRY PROUDLY JUST LIKE THE ACTIVE DUTY PEOPLE. THERE ARE A LOT OF UNITS IN AFGANISTAN AND IRAQ RIGHT NOW. SO PEOPLE DON'T SELL THE GUARD AND RESERVE ACTIVE AND RETIREES SHORT. I AM PROUD I SERVED THE 28 YEARS AND 10 MONTHS AND WOULD HAVE STAYED UNTIL I HAD TO RETIREE IF IT HAD BEEN POSSIBLE. WE ARE ENTITLED TO BENEFITS ALSO.
Yes!!! My son and husband are both Marine Reservists and have both served overseas during Desert Storm and in Iraq. They have made as many sacrafices if not more than some active duty. They have to work in the real world and not just for the government. They would be financially better off if they had gone active duty. My husband would have made more money and have a lot more benefits (health insurance, housing, etc…) being active instead of reserve. Instead he had to live 2 lives … one as a Marine and one as a civilian…not as easy as one life of active duty. He does not ask the goverment for any help….they would refuse him because he does not play the system….. disability etc… even though he has earned it. He lived in fox holes for months wtihout showers and chow halls during Desert Storm….without a complaint……I would say this isn’t to bad for a RESERVIST!!!!!! Don’t judge until you have walked in there shoes or should I say boots!
I don't know about anyone else but I NEED housing 365 days a year not just when school is in session. The budget should NEVER be cut from Veteran's benefits. Like others said I fufilled my contract why can't they hold theirs!! Is my mortgage company just going to let my mortgage go while I'm not in school?
You could ummm get a job to pay your mortgage
To the Navy Chief!
With that spelling, Please tell me you only let your LPO write and review the awards!!!!!! WOW!!!!!!
For Real! Grow Up! If all your worried about is someones spelling….I sure don’t want you watching my soldiers back……..I’m sure this Navy Chief has earned his way! Have You???????
I truly believe that you should not get a housing allowance when you are not attending school. I don't believe it was meant for that. Yes we are living check to check while my husband finishes his degree but if school stops dec 15 and doesn't start until jan 15 why should you get a housing allowance. You have to budget your money based on that. School is paid for books are paid for if you buy wisely how can you complain. I think it is great that on line students will be able to get some housing allowance it is deserved.
I am a Guard AGR who has 23 years of active duty. The change in law states that it is retroactive to 2009. I tried to transfer the benefits last year to my child, I have three in college and was told I was not eligible. Under the change my children would now be eligible? when can I transfer to them and can I claim back tuition BAH etc…?
Gulf War (Desert Shield and Desert Storm) vets didn't get anything. All we got were denials of Gulf War Illness and expired GI Bills. Now we are in line behind new vets for anything. When will Vietnam Vets and Gulf War Vets get something? Probably never. Guess I should have been born later.
My kids were without their father during 9/11 and 7 years after. He did 2 times to Iraq and was stopped listed to return to the war. My son needed his dad as he was gone to war and school from age 11-16 now he is in jail following older kids trying to be a man. Now my daughter can not use his GI bill that he paid for. Where is the common sense of our leaders. Soldiers that had nothing to do with 9-11 because they were not on active duty gets to pass on the GI bill to their kids. Something is wrong with this picture.
I'm not understanding the big deal..The majority of the changes actually HELP people..hey guess what..if you're attending a public college ALL of your tuition is paid..hey guess what if you are an online student/distance learning student you are now eligible for BAH..omgoodness these are terrible changes..i wanted to have a few loans from the leftovers of my husbands tuition..P.S. you're in the military..military life isn't peaches and cream..and no one promised it would be easy to deal with them..they gave you a job, and they're paying your tuition..such a terrible deal!
Oh great. Now I’m gonna have to sell my car, my two dogs and my son to be able to support my sick mother and her mortgage. I guess that’s why they have a bus line, an animal shelter, foster homes and grave yards for burying your dead loved ones huh? While I’m at it, since I can’t pay my own rent cause I don’t have any money to pay for a break lease fee with my apartment complex, I should just let my credit get shot to **** after spending so much time building it up in the military. I guess since my credit will be ****, I should push all of the dreams of buying a home out of the window and find the nearest bridge to call home. Not forgetting to think about how everything was going well for a period of time when I had everything planned based on the stipend that was entitled to me. Maybe I’ll find a way… But if I get a job, who will take care of my mother? And my kid? And my dog? Maybe I’ll find myself awake in the near future lying in bed as I contemplate suicide. Is this why there are so many homeless vets? Or is this why suicide rates in the military are so high? Who knows? Maybe it’s the poor ability of the government to uphold their promises? Everyday we see people supporting our troops… But what about the one that have already been through the rough and cleared the path for the initiative of rebuilding a country less fortunate than ours. I don’t know whether or not to be disappointed at this matter. I sure as ****
Oh great. Now I’m gonna have to sell my car, my two dogs and my son to be able to support my sick mother and her mortgage. I guess that’s why they have a bus line, an animal shelter, foster homes and grave yards for burying your dead loved ones huh? While I’m at it, since I can’t pay my own rent cause I don’t have any money to pay for a break lease fee with my apartment complex, I should just let my credit get shot to **** after spending so much time building it up in the military. I guess since my credit will be ****, I should push all of the dreams of buying a home out of the window and find the nearest bridge to call home. Not forgetting to think about how everything was going well for a period of time when I had everything planned based on the stipend that was entitled to me. Maybe I’ll find a way… But if I get a job, who will take care of my mother? And my kid? And my dog? Maybe I’ll find myself awake in the near future lying in bed as I contemplate suicide. Is this why there are so many homeless vets? Or is this why suicide rates in the military are so high? Who knows? Maybe it’s the poor ability of the government to uphold their promises? Everyday we see people supporting our troops… But what about the one that have already been through the rough and cleared the path for the initiative of rebuilding a country less fortunate than ours. I don’t know whether or not to be disappointed at this matter. I sure as **** don’t like the feeling though.
So all these will take effect on Aug.1, 2011 right? that means for this break we should get reimbursed?
This is not the first time the government has changed its horses mid-stream. In fact it happens a lot. Those of us who have learned our own history can recall that WWI vets instead of getting their overdue bonus checks, the military was called in to wipe out their protest (see Bonus Marchers). Those of us who serve do so for our own reasons but lets not dilute ourselves into thinking that we fought for the government or that the government will magically start keeping its promises (see Native Americans). We serve our country, not the government (see Constitution). There is no right answer here. If we take the time to learn our history, we will have a very good idea on how to approach the future. I too would like what has been promised to me but I will continue to do what I can and expect nothing.
My husband retired after 21 years in July of 2007, and we get nothing. He went to Iraq and afganistan, not to mention everywhere alse that we went from 1986 on. Why doesnt he qualify for the post 9-11? this does not seem fair or right to me. Can anyone explain why he sacrificed the same but doesnt get same benefits?
He does qualify if he doesn't already have a degree.
AGAIN, the PRE- 9/11 people are left out to dry. NOTHING is said to help them!!!!
Its about time they pay some kind of money to us for those going to school online many veterans do not fill confrontable going to a campus
Good point Goose. I hate being around crowds. I feel a lot safer at home. Thanks.
I can't believe that now they won't pay for the full months of December and January. How am I supposed to graduate on time when I going to have to work more hours and take less classes. These "trade offs" are garbage…
jason S. I worked 4 jobs to get through college. had none of my college paid except 450.00 a semester from pell grant and you are doing this much whining. i bet you are active duty.
what I would like to see is a change that allows you to use your benefits after the 10 year limit. i mean, we're putting our life on the line for our country, the least they can do is remove the time limit on when you can use the benefits, because life doesn't always allow you to use those benefits within the first 10 years from when you leave service.
**** you white house and congress…
GET A JOB…Everyone can work and go to school. Try going to USAJOBS.GOV and becoming an ATF Agent, Border Patrol, ICE Agent, something. Its great money and you can use your school money as spending cash.
Well I guess thats why when most people are asked why they joined the military it was to "help" pay for college.
HAHAHA the majority of the navy is such a joke, pushing brooms and getting fat, especially cpo they sit in their little mess and eat them selves to death. But why are they able to change a contract so easily and its harder then hell to get out of a contract in the military A CONTRACT IS A CONTRACT wtf
I love that they call it a post 9/11 benefit but if you retire before it when into effect you are not eligible even if you served on active duty after 9/11.
I have a question regarding the housing allowance.
I am currently receiving 40% of the bah rate for my area since I have under 180 days active duty, I'm a reservist.
So for instance if the bah rate is $1,000 and I am attending 3/4 of the time do I get 40% of the 3/4?
or if the bah rate is $1,000 and I am full time am I still keeping the 40% rate or are they trying to change it to the full amount now?
Thanks.
For BAH, the percentage will now be based on how many credits you are taking and NOT your percentage based on time in service after 9/11. Most schools consider 12 credits to be full-time (Summer classes are less).
12+credits = 100%
11 credits = 90%
10 or 9 credits = 80%
8 credits = 70%
7 credits = 60%
6 credits = 50%
5 or less = No Bah
*For summer classes 6 to 7 credits is usually full time so formula is a little different.
The percentage rate for time in service will still be applied to your Book Stipend.
I believe that if everyone here is protesting then speak out. Writing on this forum will not do anything. I have already wrote to my senators in Arizona and congressman. One congresswoman is in critical condition because of some stupid kid. It is the only way to get anyone to here us. Arguing in a military forum will gain no results. Again, email your senators and congressmen. You can find their email address online. Semper fi
im pretty sure they are trying to help Americas debt. everyone has to do their part, even Vets! we served this country and are still serving this country. we all have to help the financial burden of this country whether we want to or not!
Typical of Democrats – trim the debt off military funds first.
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.
For those of you saying thats its okay for them to do this are brain washed.. Its a contact.. I signed and took an oath. The benifits are earned..
There are 2 dates
Effective August 1, 2011
Effective October 1, 2011
For me i take 7 Credits now..and starting Oct 2011. I will have to take 12 Credits to get Full BAH.
Its goign to be hard because i work full time. But i’ll finish school faster..
I HAVE HEARD THAT I CAN TRANSFER MY GI-BILL TO MY WIFE IS THAT TRUE? IF IT IS WHAT IS THE PROCESS I HAVE TO TAKE?
THANKS,
I just don't understand how they can cut something we have already earned. Why can't they find the cuts from people who don't work and live off the goverment?
Is the dependant child of a Veteran still entitled to college benefits if he is living in a different state than the parents?
I served in the military for almost 23 years of which the last 9 were active duty guard. Under the previous P911GIB I was not eligible because I was under Title 32. I think it's a shame that while I served my country faithfully and would like to further my education I can't. I'm not certain if this P911GIB 2.0 has made me eligible but I would certainly love to take advantage of it regardless of how much money i would receive. The bottom line for me is to further my education.
SO I am picturing a soldier on active duty, serving overseas, who re-enlisted for 4 years to get the ability to transfer the Post 9-11 GI Bill to his daughter or son–who then went to a private college as a freshman in 2010—but now the VA is going to cap the benefit at $17,500 in 2011. That guy is over there in Afghanastan and he is going to get an email from his daughter telling him that the Post 9-11 GI Bill tuition thing is not going to work out… I don't know why they did not grandfatherr clause the current recipients in.
Good point Paco. Congress should introduce a bill to revise the change so that the kids taht are already signed up and going to college on the old rules can keep on keeping on.
Please, sit back and think…you guys missing a point here….all veterans earned this GI bill benefits for serving this great nation of ours and now the VA trying to cut it down. That make us wonder why..?.this benefits is design to help veterans to improve and develop their skills, professionalism and to continue serving this great nation of ours. This benefits help us (veterans) to ease the FINANCIAL BURDEN for getting the education they need, that's the main point of this benefits. Consider our economics as a reason to cut down our benefits but think again my friend, this is our benefits…why we have to do another sacrifice (veterans) when there's a lot of wasted project out there funded by the government that spending billions of dollar.
The VA is not cutting anything. It is the House and Senate mandating passing legislation that amends the acts. Phone your local veteran service organization or your rep/senators.
For all the veterans.. I think this is another fight for us. We've done our ultimate sacrifice. The governent gave us a benefits that will help us restore our lives, don't let them take it back. For those who never serve in the military, please…if you we cannot help us stay out of it.
Ok so if I wasn’t confused enough already about the 911 gi bill, these new rules and requirements have put the word confused as a simple misunderstanding. I can’t seem to keep up with what =’s what. I know that I use the 911/bah as my primary source of income, so that I could focus 100% on school, for us ADD people that is a huge relief and advantage. That was a huge selling point for me when they offered this new bill. But now what the **** is going on? Tech manuals are easier to understand than this. As well as the regional offices failing to put your $ in to be processed, this all makes it almost too much for what its worth. Student loans are almost better to go with, yes you pay loans back, but least you know what you are getting and no stress until school is done as well as no over payment issues causing va to take most of your bah to pay back some debt that isn’t even labled. Idk this all seems messed up.
I retired in 2005 after 21 years active duty. I was denied the Post 9/11 GI Bill to pursue a Masters degree because I received my commission through the NROTC program. Yet, I have a friend who was NROTC, and is still on active duty, who will be able to pass his benefits on to his son. Is this correct?
I dont see how any of the changes are an "improvment". I served my time in active duty and the NG, i payed for the benifits and i earned the benifits. The government taking them away is in my opinion a breach of contract . I recieve the post 911 and was happy with it because it allowed me to attend full time and be able to do so without geting a job. The Gi Bill only pays for 36 months in school and you will run out of time and money before you will get your bachloers degree. Vets should not loose their benefits they are already recieving, if they want to change the Bill they should do so for the people that have yet to sign up for it. Its not just the GI Bill thats being refined by the stupid assholes in charge of the country but the military pay, health insurance, and BAH pay for active duty military families and students alike. The new powers in charge are making this economy worse than it already is and need to stop making things worse and saying that they are improvments. Such a small population of the country serves and we do not deserve the way they are treating us and our famlies.
Hmmm…I chose Ch.30 over post 9/11 because I was going to school online only. I applied for financial aid and got it plus a grant which helped pay all of my tuition plus some in my pocket. I have my own benefits from my 6 years of service in the Navy, so I could still have gotten the stipend as long as I took the one on site course. Luckily the school I go to is continuous enrollment with no breaks. If I want one I have to request it between each 6 month term and I receive no monthly benefit during the break. So if I did want to use post 9-11, I would be lucky that those term breaks aren't there for me unless I request one myself. I had thought about post 9-11, but it was better for us financially for me to use ch30. I would actually lose money to use the post 9-11. And I save a little each month toward my next semester. Of course at the end I will have a loan repayment for the initial loan in my first semester due to the VA not paying right away when I started school. I guess everyone's situation is different. Since you have until Oct. of this year, my advice would be to plan ahead now. And I do have my husbands income to see us through. I can understand how people are upset that they are losing out on benefit money that they are used to getting. Their situation is different and personal to them. For others on here to tell them they are lazy and need to just get a job is a little heartless. Unless you have been in their exact situation you have no idea what their life is like. Military members payed for these benefits the first year they were enlisted, and continued to earn it through their service to our country. To belittle that is in effect belittling their service. I am happy for those whose benefits will improve, and saddened for those who have to sacrifice some of their benefits. I really do wish they could have found a way for everyone to get what they wanted. All they can do now is prepare for the future, make the necessary adjustments, and continue to lobby for changes they feel are needed. Contact the VA directly with your situation and have them tell you what will happen to your benefits. Please do not rely on these posts to inform you about the changes. And when the time comes for the VA to go changing the ch30 benefits, you bet I'll be ticked, but I will make the adjustments needed. Hope for the best, but expect the worst.
9/11 GI Bill changes.What about foreign schools that offer diplomas, but not a degree? I have been searching and even contacted the VA, but to no avail. There is a year long course that I want to take, but is only offered overseas.
Time to get a full time job and switch to all online classes. Why isnt this considered a breach of contract?
Its very nice that some of you are able to get a full time job and you feel 'above' everybody else. I busted my ass going through basic training and ait to become a combat medic. I got pregnant, by my husband, on leave before going to my duty station. It was not planned, but let me tell you something. I have never been more disgusted than when I figured out that because I was pregnant, I was now the worlds biggest P.O.S….My marriage ended shortly after the baby was born, and I was kicked out for insufficient family care plan. Yeah, it works both ways. It gets the people out that wanna be out, but it kicks the people out that don't wanna leave. I now have two kids and am a single mother, some of us need all the extra help we can get to survive while trying to make something better for ourselves and family…or would you rather bitch at me for going on welfare?!
I am retired from the National guard with over 30 years of service. I served with my Guard unit in Iraq 2003-2004 and I then went to the retired Reserve. when the post 9-11 GI bill came out, I was told that I cannot transfer this to my child because I am in the Retired Reserve . My daughter, is a Freshmen in college. I was told the only way that I would be able to transfer my benifits is to go back to active drilling status in the Guard. I am currently in the process of doing this. With the latest changes in the bill, is this still true?
Can anyone explain the term “any qualifying Title 32 mobilization”? Does this mean ANY Guard title 32 orders post 9/11 or is there specific requirements needed to add this time?
Does anyone know if they will extend the mandatory 10 years to indefinite for people who had the Montgomery GI Bill ? I lost 19 months of benefit because 10 years goes fast!
It's the whole sense of entitlement that has gotten this country in the load of trouble it's in now. Be thankful you weren't born in a 3rd world country, and you have food in your belly….not to mention the benefits that you ARE receiving. Not all veterans and their families have received such a Blessing and Lord help the ones that do and complain. Count your blessings, and stop keeping tabs of the ones you aren't getting. You'll be a much happier person…..just saying
I myself HAD to leave the Army due to a knee injury sustained while deployed in Iraq in ’03. It wasn’t a choice. I do receive disability & am currently trying to get my gi bill paycheck, school has started I’ve paid out-of-pocket for my schooling cause the process takes some time to get the money allotted to us. This forum should be left to those of us that actually served & not a whiny spouse beit man or woman. Sometimes its very tough when you are told before you get out that your military service is highly regarded when you’re looking for a job; only to find out most places dont give a s***! I’m proud to have served this great country and equally glad they are paying what they agreed to towards my education for a better job!
I have a question not sure if it applies because it might go off base or even sound stupid….but here it goes…..If someone was in the reserves for 7yrs and was honorably discharged…are they considered a vet? and say while this person was in the service they still didn't know all the ends and outs of how the service worked, but was promised money for college….however time went on & on and this person felt they just messed out or their time had exhausted for their benefits….Yet this person continously read and hear things like this topic here on benefits for Vets…..this person decided to go back to school with little help from the government this person had to take out loans which are now holding their credit hostage………….the point is is this person entilted to any VA benefits after all this time, especially for school, since they never saw the $ from the GI Bill….and is it based on credits……desperate for answers :-/
I'm sorry to say, but promises don't mean jack in the armed services. If you've got something in writing, review it with a fine toothed comb. Yes that's just an expression, you get the point. Basically you've got a few options, you could rejoin the reserves and take advantage of those TA options, or you could seek guidance from your local VA center and get some straight answers from someone in person. Having someone inside the VA that can sympathize with you is a strong ally in the vet's education process. Also, that's definitely not a stupid question, it just sounds like you were taken under the guise of "The gov't has your back! You're with the Armed Forces, you're one of US now!" unfortunately, you're one of many.
Hey! This forum is for those who want to get the most support for our fellow servicemembers, regardless of when or how they served! If ppl were promised something, then made a life changing descision toward higher education based on those promises, only to be excluded and ridiculed at every corner; where's the justice in that. We all served, period. We all deserve what we're promised, period. The congressmen and women who make these descisions never truly have an understanding of how hard it is for us to get that part time job while attending school full time and supporting a household. That is, unless we get them to understand. A few who've posted above suggested that Vets rally together and get congress to listen to us. The VA does a great job of representing us and I can't be thankful enough for what they do, but we shouldn't always depend on ANY organization to represent the PEOPLE. Anyway, what I'm saying is this, continue to raise awareness towards your concerns my fellow vets, together we can make a difference! And those of you who discourage them, GTFO. FYI the "national average" BAH only applies to online students.
Just the fact that there are NO pictures of the Vets that have served in this country, is a indication of the dysfuntionality of what military life means to Americans. Instead of APPEARING, we shun the light of a photo of our proud heritage. Come out whereever you are – put a face n your
rights to be right and justified for the service you have made.
Learn how to accept that you are a constiuancy worth the
effort you gave. Speak with your face – not with your mouth.
I am a veteran of 25 months in Viet Nam I put up against any other veteran or his/her wife or husband. Come out.
We know the president is an idiot, but damn, all members of the senate and house can start using their minute brain cells when deciding our future. We military members are sorry that your rich mommy and daddys paid for your rich ivy league schools, but we use the post 9/11 bill for a reason and that is to improve our future so we can live a productive life. SO PLEASE, YES,KEEP MAKING CHANGES TO THE BILL, HELL, BY THE END, IT WONT COVER ANYTHING AND THE BAH WILL BE DOWN TO 13 DOLLARS A MONTH, SO THANK YOU MEMBERS OF CONGRESS AND ALL PEOPLE WHO HAD A SAY IN THE CHANGING OF THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT.
Thank God President Obama is in office! He saved our economy and is the smartest President we have in office since Clinton! He should be praised for making the benfits equal to everyone deserving of them. It is about time the same benefits are given to the Public Health officiers, who are a uniformed service and take care of the Coast Guard, Native Americans and Immigration Detention Facilities. Take your heads out of the ground and learn about the other uniform services other than your own!
Matt Davis, I want you to know I agree with your description of Muslim President Obama. What we need to do is get enough people to vote him out of the Office of President. This entire country is to blame for allowing such a type pro-abortionist in office, let alone accepting his entire mockery of the United States. We have many soldiers who died for this country for our freedom against majority muslim countries. In other words, we can't even get this inhuman person to wear the american flag pin on his suit and bottom up his shirt with a tie. What kind of punk did they vote in office.
Norman,
You are exactly right, President Moron has no idea what it's like to serve in the military or the affect these benefits have on former and current military members. His signing of this revised post 9/11 bill will severely hurt the people who depend on the interval money, and also from the reduction in BAH that always happens when the democrats assume any position in power.
Have any of you had to pay for college without help? I did it on $8000 a year and am thankful to get anything to pay for my master’s.
I am having difficulty understanding the available benefits for private school. I've already transferred (have certificate) 36 months to my daughter. She is going to attend private college in North East U.S. School is scary expensive at 50K per year… how is the benefit calculated for tuition to private schools?
When I saw the changes in the GI Bill I thought it was great that it would help benefit online students and active duty with their book stipend. But in the process did they have to take from those that now depend on that money. I think it's bogus that they are taking christmas break BAH away and also taking away 1/4 of the BAH away from those that take 3 courses instead of 4. I take 3 because it gives me more time with my family now I have to add another course and also I don't get the 100% of coverage so now that's another course I have to pay for along with books until I get repaid with the stipend. You know it's not that easy when they give then take. They should make it that those who will benefit will change but those of us who like the old way get to stay the same.
As usual the government wants to save a penny. I paid my $1200 into the GI Bill, they stopped making new Soldiers pay that, can I get my money back… NOPE! It's rotten that they are prorating BAH during breaks, but it's workable if they do it right, which is a long shot. If I were the VA I would offer the option of takeing 1 interem class during break and counting that as full time, there problem solved. It's hard enough being a parent and a full time student, they don't need to make it harder. I just think they don't really consider the impact that these actions may have on families and single people if they do not prepare properly for that 3 week break without pay. Oh and to all those who say "get a job for 3 weeks", these days it takes a lot longer than 3 weeks to get a decent job that pays at least $13 an hour, which is what it would take for me to make up the difference in BAH.
It sure is getting harder to work full time and go to school.
Anyone know if there will be any kind of payment "protection" for those already enrolled in a program and will be significantly adversely impacted by the new changes?
They aren't saying that you are reduced to $1000 a month in BAH. They are saying that as an example to focus on the pro-rated BAH. Everybody relax. This is not a big deal.
"SEE BEE CHIEF", chill out. we are all aware that you are one of a dying breed… the honorary humble servant of all at the cost of your life. Well, since you put it so clearly that nobody owes us anything, then why did they pay you for your time in service? ~retard~
The fact that promised benefits have eroded over time is frustrating, I agree. I’m not happy about the prorated stipend for online students, but I can accept the trade off if it helps more of those who deserve and will take advantage of the benefit. Let’s not loose site of our blessings, and remember we still have more than most without the benefit. I’ve got 23 yes of Svc, and served as a recruiter for 3 yes. I know that not everyone who has the desire to serve is physically or emotional capable. Be thank you could exercise you desire and reap the honor and benefits derived from it.
Hate to be asking for more since what we've EARNED is a good deal.. but really 1000$ isn't nearly enough to pay for books. especially when some classes require things such as graphing calculators. Even worse how people on regular forms of financial aid will get anything within their syllabus' paid for(including graphing calculators, books,etc)
Over all, i spent 700$ for books last semester, and 600 this semester, and i bought all my books USED online…. it's hard when you cant find work….. have to decide between college or paychecks…
im having trouble even talking to a Veterns Rep at Austin community college about using the new GI Bill, what do I do or who else do I talk to? seems its easier to get a hold of the president than him/or her.
Sorry you are having trouble getting answers but the best way to fix your problem is to go to the VA's website and read up on your entitlements yourself and then print the information off of it and take it with you because a lot of schools don't have reps that have been adequately trained.
if the VA really wanted to make a significant change how about this one. Let vets, or active duty personnel who don't need or want to use educational $ transfer them to their spouse or children. Its not as if these dollars are incremental to those budgeted, they are just being used by the member who is entitled to them to help offset educational expenses the member has to come up with anyway.
First off this is a veterans posting so who are any of you to say anyone else is "greedy"? we all served our country and we all have a RIGHT to entitelemnts and benefits due!!! Each and every person has different situations and circumstances and for us veterans to talk down to one another is terrible!!!have the audacity and nerve to bad mouth another veteran who served their country? No veteran deserves that kind of treatment!!! And by bad mouthing your fellow veterans you are NOT showing your love and appreciation to this great country of ours…..just read the posts and find solutions to help out your fellow vet!!!! i am proud of my service and to each and every one of you i say thank you and i value your service just as much as i value my own!!!!
Yes the vietnam vets got nothing and our country is now trying to ensure those same mistakes do not happen to future veterans. All of us veterans need to stick together and support eachother because if congress or anyone else makes mistakes and we do not feel that we are able to get benefits that were promised to us, because some people sign up for more than just love of their country ie education benefits, health benefits,carreer training etc.., then the only way to resolve issues and hopefully make life better for us vets and future vets is to find a solution and bring it to the attention of anyone who can and will listen. STOP BASHING OTHER FELLOW VETERANS!!! You say you joined for love of your country but yet you
Housing Stipend Question-
If the AD member transfers GI BIll to spouse, and the spouse attends college full time, the spouse does not receive a housing stipend?
But an AD dependent child receiving the GI Bill, who is 18 going to college full time, but still chooses to live at home w/ AD member, will receive the housing stipend?
Yes you are correct. call the VA Rep for more advice. He will let you know what you need to know. don't be alarmed… It's all good.
I'm plannning on going to Devry for a bachelors degree in Electronics Enginnering. Will the Post 9/11 GI Bill pay the school directly, or will I have to fork out the money myself and receive monthly checks from the VA?
Call Devry and find out. they should tell you or call a VA rep. everyone has there on experience with the VA and Post 9/11 GI Bill. when you get the answer let us know.
I am abosolutely pissed about this and that Seabee Chief he's not complaining because he can retire E-7/E-8/ or E-9 and get a retirement check,get a regular job and apply for school and now he's collecting 3 pay checks with full medical benefits,but for those who saw an oppotunity with the old Post 9/11 G.I. Bill getting out the service thinking they can brighten their future,the revise Post 9/11 only sets limits on what we can do to support our families and needs.He has no right telling others to "stop acting like somebody owes you" Damn right they owe me,I put my life on the line for my country deployed so many times away from family.Atleast they can give back,give back the old Post 9/11 G. I. Bill lol
Did you ever think that its people like you, who purposefully got off of active duty to take advantage of the Post 9/11 GI Bill who got us into this situation?!? Based on previous trends of GI Bill use, the VA got blindsided with the amount of people who signed up for the new benefits. There is only so much money so they had to start cutting somewhere to save some for everyone else.
I'm not happy with the changes just because I chose the post 9/11 for the better benefits, but I work full time, go to school almost full time (11 credits this semester), and i'm a single mom. I'm happy to have the GI Bill at all, but not happy that they can just change it whenever and however they want.
I’m a single mother with 2 daughters, a mortgage and only monthly bills to support. I was wounded in Iraq on Dec. 6, 2006, I fought to stay in the Army! I never chose to get out! I was forced out as many soldiers are after being wounded in combat and deemed unable to soldier! I cant do any manual labor or impact of any kind. I was medically retired at 40%, that only $849 a month! I depend on the post 9/11 bill to help me provide for my daughters and pay my bills! My mortgage doesn’t cease to exist just because my school is in intermission!
I am currently in dental school with an additional future service obligation once I graduate and commission. I am not on a scholarship and tuition is my responsibility (although I do receive enlisted base pay and BAH to absorb cost, I'm not eligible for Navy tuition assistance). Previously the Post 911 took care of 100% tuition for active duty even at private institutions like my school. My benefits will soon be prorated and capped at $17,500/yr when my actual tuition is over 60k/year. My net loss is roughly $154,000 in educational benefits. I wanted to continue my career with the military but unfortunately the financial burden of school debt will not be sufficiently alleviated to justify it in the end…
It's really no point in complaining about the cahnges to the G.I. Bill. None of you have the power to inflict change and the bill is already signed to go in effect this year. Be thankful for what you get or get a job. Tough luck!!!!!
You are right! what can we do, politics is over all of us. We are very much helpless, Just think we help defend the US of A. We did our time and all we get is politicians thinking what's good for us. What do they know about going on the front lines. only a few of them know?
So explain to me the logic of changing a law less than 2 weeks from the deadline of many college applications. Don't you think knowing that there was going to be a severe cut in Private school tuition would have been nice to know so that I could have adjusted my applications to schools that I could afford? By December SAT/ACT's have already been sent to schools you apply to and it's too late to apply to different schools. Any time you cut billions from a bill and then turn around and celebrate what a great job you've done for veterans you should be flogged in public. Where do you think that money is coming from? Congress can't cut a program to save it's behind but they bellied up to the bar to cut GI Bill benefits in nothing flat. Guess what your medical benefits are next. Bend over and stand by 'cause here it comes and veterans will be the first in line to feel it.
Some one told me that the post 9/11 if for undergraduate students only, what about people who are pursuing their graduate program.
if they were qualified during their undergraduate studies, are still qualified to continue with it for graduate programs
Go to your admissions office in your school they should be able to tell you all you need to know. I went to the school VA rep and they are very knowledgeable. They will also try as much to help you get what you deserve or need.
It does cover graduate, its mentioned in the 1st line of the above article. But prior to these new changes, there was a cap to how much would be paid. It differs where you are, they base amounts off of in-state tuition rates for public state school systems. Like the other guy said, talk to the schools VA rep/coordinator, they should be familiar with it.
My son is going to THE CITADEL I'm jus thankful there is some kind of money out there. Every little helps. You are right Axel, my father was a Vietnam Vet he didn't get anything. That's why we learn from it. we must move on for our children sake. I feel bad that Vietnam vets were treated very badly I respect ALL of them. I will be retiring in 4 months. I just want to say without the Vietnam Vets I wouldn't be the soldier I am now. Thanks for the training you tought me at FT. LEONARDWOOD.
Now when it comes to the yellow ribbon. We are a private university and each time I certify I put in a yellow ribbon amount if they are 100% with the Post 9/11. Do I not do that anymore unless they go over the cap of 17,500 or do I still certify with yellow ribbon. I am a Florida school so does the cap of 295.00 per credit hour go away in October? I am guessing if we do not certify with yellow ribbon VA ONCE will change to accommodate this?
I have a question concerning eligibility for the 9/11 GI Bill. I retired after 30 + years on 30 November 2007. Deployed to and worked ground zero and anthrax at the capital.. But due to the fact that I retired in 2007, i understand i have no entitlements to this bill, is that correct?
I'm pretty sure you are eligible, depending on the GIBill you were previously under. I got out in 2006 after only 8 years on active duty and was able to switch my entire Montgomery GI Bill benefit to Post 9/11. Either call the VA or maybe check with a VA Coordinator at whatever school you are looking to attend. They can look at specifics of your situation.
Another idiot stuck in the military state of mind…Can you say, PTSD???
We are great full, but don't switch on us halfway!
Can't we just all get along here? If there were enough people to vote, then what happened? Who controls the goverment?
There are many people out there that are parents, etc, who find a way to get through school and survive without the benefits that we are blessed with. Pay is changing, BAH is changing (for those still enlisted, not only for those receiving the GI Bill). Sometimes you have to accept change and move on. This is something we have all learned in the military. For those who cannot find jobs, sometimes you have to accept a lesser job, and move up. When I first got out of the Army I listened to people all around me complaining that they couldn't find a job. There were several jobs listed in the paper. I applied, and was hired within two weeks of returning home. The job wasn't what I wanted, but a job is a job, and sometimes you have to do what you have to do. So, I sprayed lawns until something better came around. I know unemployment is high, but I also know that there are many, many minimum wage jobs out there that no one is taking. Isn't making something better than nothing.
Its a shame you all sit around complaining. Maybe you senior people should do more complaing about getting decent schools for our ratings than focusing on your selfish goals. The fact that you complain and state that you deserve it demeans the reason it is offered. We in the service are respected for what we do and sacrifice not what perks we whine about.
What Army, Navy, Marine Corps or Air Force did some of you people join? Cause mine has ALWAYS had the option and the right to change whatever they want to mid-sentence!!! Our enlistment contracts weren't even set in stone…or did you forget about all the soldiers that got stop-lossed. I'm sorry people but you need to be financially ready in order to go to college and not expect everything to be handed over to you exactly when you want it. I worked my butt off for 4 years after getting off active duty so that I knew my family was financially stable while I'm at school full time. I do like the money they give me every month, but its not a requirement to survive! I guess you could say we "earned it", but what we really earned was the title veteran. And not taking care of your own and complaining about the handouts the government is giving us, puts a real negative perspective on our generation of veterans. So basically you all need to quit it!
Oh and one more thing since its really pissing me off. We are not OWED anything. I got a paycheck as well as the rest of you while serving…actually I didn't get paid at all my last 3 months of service and had to wait 6 months in all to get all my pay back. But bottom line there isn't any company, corporation or business in the world that continues to pay their employees a red cent after leaveing their employment, especially after only 3 years (that being the minimum time required to receive schooling benefits)….and benefit…meaning a payment or gift is synonymous with favor…NOT entitlement, stop acting like it is one.
My reply is to the Alaska Vet, you words seem to anger me. I applaud you for being a Veteran in this great nation. You seem like a very angry veteran who is not proud for his service. My Friend I served for 27 years going to far lands, missing birthdays, weddings, and leaving my family becasue it was my choice. I volunteered to protect and defend our nation from all emenies foreign and domestic. I was a respresentative of the American Flag and people where ever I went. My friend no matter what our country does to help a veteran in gratitude we need to stand proud for we served our nation.
There are millions of companies, in America and all over the world that write out contracts and stick to them. You should know from experience that the US military branches, because of their position in the global scheme, do not always hold true to their word in all instances. The GI Bill program is a perfect example, soldiers sign a contract, still it’s a fuid mechanism. One that the grunts and privates and every other soldier who busts their ***** in the desert, the mountains, or on any other hardship tour has virtually no say in. As for you, you probably feel you are owed nothing because you weren’t sent, like I and many of my battle-buddies to Iraq at 18 years old to serve in OIF1, then redeployed for round 2&3. If this were the case I’m sure you would have a stronger desire to get what you feel you deserve. We were all paid beans to fight this war, our education benefits are our ticket to a more prosperous future. I myself have $30,000 in student debt, from 3 years at U of M, that’s after using my 60% disability payments to cover as much of out of pocket costs as I could. Now, the mechanisn has changed again, howeve this change took place after the bulk of the students who could have benefited from it had already used those benefits, it’s a show that is put on by the goverment to make those people, who are uninformed, think things are better, when nothing has truely changed. The problem begins with institutions of higher learning in America, especially state schools who receive gov’t support. Example: If I was born in Michigan, which I was, I would pay maybe 30K and receive 10K in Grants per year, in-state, but if you come from the military, your tuition is covered, but you receive no grants. This is because they consider their veterans “full scholarship recipients.” Over 3 years, U of M received almost 150k, 50k per year out-of-state, in my case and gave nothing in grants, much more than the 60k they would have gotten from me had I never served. The institutions of higher learning in our country are a gaggle, they are not out to serve those who have served them because they are a part of the bigger problem, and people like you are the reason why. You probably didn’t get your last 3 months checks because of a field grade article 15, and it’s not called “payback” by military service members, it’s “back pay”. Watch what you say, you getting ****** and running your mouth about issues you don’t understand is going to **** off everyone who earned their benefits. I suggest you study some economics and possibly brush up on your military lingo before you continue to make a fool of yourself. To everyone else who reads this, I suggest you take your benefits to private schools with the yellow ribbon program, state schools like Michigan are just a way for the the government to steal the benefits you earned for pennies on the dollar. Even better, just come to China, you can easily support your family while you attend school here, and you get a better education in many peoples opinion, much more useful at least. And although the program will penalize you quite a bit, you will still get more bang for your bang, it’s not bang for your buck the way did it.
im so sick of seeing people saying get a job! how dare you say that we are whiney for wanting what the agreement was upon entering! My husband did his time- goes to school full time and works full time. ive recently quit my job so i could raise our 3 children. We have a mortgage just like everyone else, bills to pay and so on. it isnt about wanting to live for nothing- no- its about wanting congress and the oh so great white house promised us- A GI BILL with FULL bah in our areas and so on. Im not really sure we're going to make it with out me having to get a job- i will gladly do it- to keep a roof over our heads- but being there for my kids was more important than keeping my last job- in which i was there for over six years. Quite frankly- i too think this is bull- and NO i dont think it should be allowed. Wheres our money going? Obamas pocket? congress get there 100k and more salary?? i dont think so. Our men and women served this country to protect everyone else…. Obama cant even say that himself. I think this is complete bull, and im extremely irritated that this is being let to happen. i doubt obama will last much longer in office anyways.
There's a bunch of jerks here telling people to get jobs! Guess what? I had a job, and never even thought about my GI BILL that I paid into. Going back to school was a big life changing decision, and I only did it because of the assurance of BAH, even on breaks. I remember three semesters ago, asking the VA counselor, "Will I really be getting BAH during breaks?" and she answered, "yes". In other words, I altered my family's life because of the original 9/11 GI BILL, and now I get to stress out on bills, which by the way, I was already. People are upset because they were promised one thing, then it's taken away in the midst of their education. Bullshit!
I'll be enrolled during the summers, anyway. But my bills don't shrink while I'm waiting between semesters. People want to graduate fast, and start using their degree, they don't want to have to dropout because financial obligations trump full time college; when you have a family, it does.
Amen
Adapt and overcome. They offered us housing on top of paid tuition. Move to LA, rent a room, and get paid to get a degree? Thank you very much. Move to Florida, get another degree and $40k in benefits in 7 months? Yes, thanks again. You can sit around and ask for more changes, or god bless if you actually do change something, but there are plenty of vets that are taking advantage of what we're offered. And the 9/11 bill is one hell of an offer.
what degree did you get in 7 months? technical degree lmao.
I started classes in January 2011. When do I receive a book stipend or any monies.
Mary
Mary I am going to ACU here in abilene. I got my monies just after the middle of Feb. I found out that i need to stay up with my VA rep at that school to insure the paper work was done properly. If you go back to that person might help.
Daivd
Seriously. That's great, so you are now taking way the ability to hold a full time job and go to school and collect on the benefits we put out lives on the line for. Sweet, now i have tell my wife who's trying to go to school oh and yeah we're paying out of our own pocket for that, she has to go back to work. Good job you idiots in Washington. Can wait to vote you out of office next!
So, I paid into the system and solely because I am retired, even though several years after 911. I am not entitled to transfer the GI to kids, bummer
HDB
Do AGR soldier's under Title 10 and if they haven't used all their GI active duty benefits eligible for the 9-11 Gi Bill? Does anyone out there know anything about that and can back it up with facts? Thanks.
SIncerely,
A Soldier…
Can someone answer why they made the TOE (tranfer of eligibility) effective after August 1, 2009? I served from 1986 until 2008, and retired. We were briefed prior to my last deployment 07-08 that we would be able to transfer the benefit. I waited until now when my daughter is old enough to go to college, and voila, you had to be in service aug1,2009, and transfer prior to discharge. Thanks for nothing
Welcome to the club. I’m still on active duty have been for 18yrs. I tried to transfer benefits to my wife to pay for her college, since she dropped out to follow me around the world and can’t, you have to have 4yrs reatainability to transfer benefits. I’m on a Medical Deferment and can’t get the retainability needed to transfer. So much for that benefit….NEXT!
That $100.00 per month in 1986 for the MGIB was hard to do, but I did it. 22 years was hard to do, but I did it. Disabled Veteran now! Because I chose MGIB back then, I have to chose( P-911) or MGIB. Nonsense! Please pay back my MGIB with intrest from 1986! Thank you very much!
is there anything that helps u if u didn't get to use ch 30 mgib? or is it a total lost?
I had began using the GI Bill to attend college and had to stop — does this mean that we can resume the GI Bill in attending College classes where it states the old becomes new? I ask where I'm currently attending college full time and have been since June 2010 knowing that technology makes it a must to complete the requirements for my degree. Should the GI Bill resume after having to stop the educational process and then began again later this could be a very great help to gain the knowledge of our new technology that is a must now. I began classes at Oregon State University 1965 and now I'm attending Ozark Technical College so I will qualify for employment as a veteran that served six years active navy and Oregon Natl Guard Reserve. So I would appreciate knowing to make it easier attending college.
I am a widowed spouse of a army veteran. We were only married 144 days before he passed. I have been in hardship since his death, trying to payoff past debt an cant afford a home. He's ex-wife receives benefits that she is not entitled to. I have tried everything to get assistance to straighten things out and I am gettin nowhere.
What did you do to survive before the 144 days? Survive the same way….. What would you have done differently had you not married him? Do that, you’ll be happy you did.
Nothing is a secret, you are told up front how much you will receive and for how long it lasts. 36 months of entitlements does not equal four full years…..it never has.
Many act as if they have no clue about what the rules are, but with the internet and the military specific sites that are available, excuses are hard to accept.
College benefits are not all inclusive, the system is not perfect, but it is alot more than most expected to receive. For once, let's be thankful that most of our tuition is covered.
Oh yes, I am a retired VET and even while I am retired, I still get email updates and hear about alot of the latest news regarding active duty entitlements – to include passing on your benefits to your family members. If your service member did not take advantage in a timely manner, it is their fault that they did not take the time to pay attention during the many briefings that were offered. Some things we DO have to take full responsibility for.
Hey mj,
I get your point dude, I Do. But, have you consisdered that you may be going to the wrong school? Have you stopped to consider that maybe you should do your time in the infantry, and them get a different MOS? Have you even looked at what it would take to find an online college with a policy allowing for deployment program holds? I was in the infantry for a long time with NO TIME to get a degree (Deployed three times: Baghdad, Samarra, Mosul), until I changed my job and now I am done with one degreee, working on another. Maybe you should take more responsibility for your own decisions and change the obstacles in your way in order to get what you need. After all, you are the one who CHOSE to be infantry.
with the new changes does anyone know if they will reimburse you for cost of tuition for a vocational school? served 4 years active duty 06-10. got out honorably and couldnt be covered for my vo-tech school under the post 9/11. used the montgomery which didnt cover nearly 1/4 of the total cost. any info would be helpful thank you.
I will be attending the University of Minnesota Law School. It is a state school that does not offer a tuition waiver nor an in-state tuition reduction for veterans. I was wondering if the 2.0 GI-BILL will now take care of the cost because of the new stipulation
"The Post-9/11 GI Bill will now pay all public school in-state tuition and fees; this includes graduate training, etc."
This will mean the difference of whether I have to come up with $43,000 or not. Your thoughts are appreciated.
My husband was active duty during 9/11 and he is now retired. He qualifies for the post 9/11 gi bill, he wants to transfer it to me, Is that possible now that he is retired?
I am so sick of you whiners. Have you all forgotten this is an all volunteer army? No one forced you to serve. You should be grateful for what you are getting. You signed up for a job. No one else who works for such a short period of time gets so much in benefits.
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.
Please clarify "Certain National Guard members mobilized on Title 32 orders…". I spent 27 years as an AGR (Title 32) and retired in Dec 2008. That means I was on active duty status for all those years but if I don't have Title 32 Mobilization orders, I don't qualify for Post-9/11 GI Bill? Please explain. What exactly is meant by "…members mobilized on Title 32…". I understand it to mean state mobilization in response to natural disasters but why would AGRs be exempt from Post-9/11 GI Bill if not state-mobilized? Thanks.
Judy,
I just got my denial from the VA. They only stated that my service was not qualifying. Like you I have alot of AGR time, 18 years. I was AGR when 9/11 hit and retired 26 months later. VA says I am not qualified.
Being AGR as long as we have been, you know the deal…AGR soldiers are almost always excluded from benefits or perks that all the other soldiers are entitled to.
how many more ways can they screw us vets over?! man this is B.S.! i knew it was a mistake to elect that tree hugger OBAMA for a president, him and bush have done nothing but destroy our country. now us vets have to come up with a way to pay bills while on a break that we had no choice of taking!
everyone here should complain to the president brack aka osma bin obama and the cho horts in congerss instead of griping here also when you address your congress and president tell them you won't elcet them when a president or congress wants change it is for them and not for you
that is why I never voted and I will never will ONE THING THE US GOVERMENT DON"T GIVE A RATs HIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WAKE UP AMeriCA
also I never went around stateing that am fighting for my country my country don't give a hide about me I cerntaily don't give a hide of this country now it is everyone for our selves
What if I split my classes? Half online ( 6 credits ) half on campus ( 6 credits)?
Am I still eligibile 100 % for BAH?
i am an active duty coastie and my boyfriend served 4 years and has earned the full g.i. bill. he is not sure about the benefits of the bill, not even sure which gi bill he has (montgomery or post 911). what are the fine lines in the bills that state BAH? if he goes to school full-time at a community college, will he get BAH, regardless? or are there stipulations? and i know it goes by the area to determine the amount of housing allowance, but is it E-5 BAH regardless of which bill he is entitled to? the BAH would benefit us tremendously and it would be great if he didnt have to work (another incentive to GET him to go to school full-time). Also, if i am already receiving BAH as active duty, and he lives in the same residence as me, will he still get his BAH? do they even look into that? right now we are just looking at the financial benefits of school. if he goes to school full time, does he get any other kinds of allowances (i.e. books etc.)?
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
Does the New Post 9/11 GI bill cover training like Cisco CCNA
can a dependent get bah if they are doing ONLINE classes? I am active and will retire in 2012 with 24 years so, I can passthe GI bill to my 20 yr old son, correct? Thanks for all inputs.
My husband transferred his post 911 GI bill to my oldest son about 1 1/2 yr ago and recently to my oldest son this past March. They bot recieve their BAH with their school paid for completely. It is based on a monthly basis with 3k6 months to split between our two boys. The important thing is being avtive duty with 4 year of attainability.
My wife is a German citizen, we got married in Texas, she is planning to come to the USA this August 2011. Unfortunately I can not transfer my Post G.I. Bill 9/11 to her because I was retired before August 2009 (I was retired in February 2008). In which other way can I help my wife to receive any type of education benefit through the VA since she is attending full time language school (three languages) in Germany and pertaining to attend in Texas?
Second question: Can she attend regular university just with her spouse pink ID card and temporary social security number?
Third question: I wonder if once she apply for her permanent resident ship she could have some type of paper giving her the chance to start school as longest the University knows she is going to eventually become US Resident? thank you.
Hi Vincent,
I got out of the Army after 8 years and currently work as a DA civilian in Germany. There will come a day when I have to switch over to the German side to stay here for my daughter and I would like to get the language school stuff straightened out before the switch. Is/Was your wife attending full time language school using VA benefits? If so, how? I've been trying to get the Goethe Institut language school approved but the process is tiring. Any hints or tips for me?
Nevermind Vincent, I accidentally skipped over a crucial part of your post. Sorry.
OK SO LOOK AT IT THIS WAY, I STARTED SCHOOL 7 DAYS AGO AND THE VA WAS PUNCTUAL ABOUT PAYING MY TUITION RIGHT AWAY. THEN ON THE SEVENTH DAY I FIND OUT THAT IM ALREADY NOT GOING TO RECEIVE MY SECOND QUARTERS WORTH OF TUITION. ON TOP OF THAT I NOW FIND OUT AFTER ONLY 7 DAYS THAT MY DEGREE BASED SCHOOL IS NOW CAPPED AT 17500 WHICH DOESNT COVER ALL OF THE TUITION. NOW IM NOT ONE TO BE NAIVE BUT COMEON I THOUGHT THE LIES STOPED AFTER THE RECRUITER HAD YOU SIGN THE CONTRACT. I GUESS IF THIS WOULD LEAVE ANY KIND OF MESSAGE ON THE PUBLIC IT SHOULD BE THAT VOTE ON A PRESIDENT BECUASE THEY ARE COMPITANT NOT BECUASE ETHNICITY OR GENDER.
i started going to college since september, 2009. Even though,this is my second year in school, i still have more than a year to graduate. When post 9/11 gi bill expires after 3 years, is it possible for me to continue studying in college with SUCH AS post 9/11 gi bill? i don't think i can afford to pay my own.
reply at james2_kim@yahoo.com.
My fiance is British and I will be living in the U.K. once I get out. Will the G.I. Bill still cover me? Would I have to take courses from an online American based school? Or could I go to a campus in the U.K.? Any help would be great. Thanks.
Beware of the "Yellow Ribbon" Program at schools such as USC (Cal). This school charges graduate tuition over $1000 a credit and the GI Bill pays a max of 6K to 10K a term depending on what source you read. I applied for the summer term planning to get a degree focusing on veterans. I was told by USC application counselor and veteran affairs that I could apply for the "YR" program to make up any difference, however it was given out on a first come basis. After I signed up I was told USC does not participate in the "YR" program for the summer! The program I am in starts with 17 credits for the first semester so it is not a half time deal. Then I find out that USC only gives 10 "YRs" a term. So now I am a 100% GI Bill person stuck with a $10K per semester tuition bill. The only offer their financial aid made was to give me access to over $40K in student loans. This school has a great reputation, however in dealing with veterans?
Will the 911 GI Bill pay for my Masters Degree?
I just found out today that if you dont have 2 enlistments, you cant use both benefits–(effective 8/1/11). Thats reallys sux, because I will lose 12months worth of my benefits. If I would have known this I would have switched over long ago. The previous idea was to use and exhause all of Ch 30. Then switch to ch 33. Now, we will lose our additional 12m benefit on Ch33.
Is there anybody else that has heard of what Im talking about,becuase In all the of the descriptions of the revisons–THIS IS THE PART THAT IS LEFT OUT
Wow, I'm surprised to see so much complaining.
This GI Bill is miles better than the one I had, the Montgomery GI Bill.
I got out in 1992 and my benefit was only $300/month. That wasn't enough to pay tuition at University, especially since the benefit didn't start arriving for several months. It paid nothing for housing costs. So I used it on really cheap city colleges, and worked part-time or full-time to in order pay my bills.
If I'd had this kind of benefit I would have gone back to University and finished my degree right away. This is a strong GI Bill — not ideal, I know, but a damn good benefit. Hope everyone out there makes good use of it.
I'm planining to staudy an master degree for the next 24 months. What happen if I dont use the entire annually cap (17,500) after 12 months? Do I going to lose the balance? Can I combine 1 distance learning class with 1 attending class to get BAH?
I think if you paid the $1200.00 if i recall for the G.I. Bill and you finished your inlistment with a honrable discharge but then where injured in a civilian job and where found to be disabled to the point that even going to school using the G.I. Bill was imposiable you should be able to get the $1200.00 to help you with the bills you occured while wating to go to a jugment for disability because everyone gets turned down, then you have to get an attorny while the bills continue to come in. I ended up filling bankrupcy, which lead to part of the reason i endd up divorced.
Here is another one. The V.F.W. trys to help you get section 8 housing or HUD
your bills are pilling up, you are allready living in a HUD aproved apartment, but your told your not homless so they cant help you. But what you get for SSI Disability is not enough to live to the point slowly you get further and further behind in debt to the point you will be homless. Why dont they just help you now vs you loosing every thing you own become homeless then get the help you need. What a waste, slowly saling off everything you own to pay bills, maybe have enough to put what you have left into storage and have to pay for that, go from friend to friends house for a few nights, if you know anyone if not, letting our military veterans that protected everyones freedom live on the streets are ytou kidding me. Untill you get section 8 help and you end up sleeping on a floor at some HUD aproved living with nothing in it, which would cause anyone to get so depressed that they might just give up on life!
HOW CAN WE DO THIS TO OUR NATION'S PROTECTORS OF NOT ONLY OUR FREEDOM, BUT THE FREEDOM FROM NON AMERICAN'S IN FORIEGN LANDS DICTATORS IT'S JUST UNBELIABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am a bit confused… is Title 32 time between 9/11/2001 and 2009 counted. I have read multiple times on various sites that only time after 08/1/2009 is counted for the post 911 benefits. This is the first site where I have read that it applies to time on or after 9/11/2011. Any clarification would be great!! Thanks!
As a Vietnam Vet, I received a flat $385 a month from the GI Bill in 1972. I had 10 years to use 48 months worth. There was no BAH, no book stipend. I received nothing if I wasn't attending, as in the summer. My rent was $250/mo. in student housing and tuition was $10,000 a year. I had a car payment and a wife and had to feed us. You can do the math. Without scholarships,loans, and part-time work I would have had to settle for an AA degree at a tiny little community college instead of a BS degree at a major university.
My point is that you should be grateful for how far the GI Bill has progressed and how generous it is. It is an outstanding benefit – especially if you're a one-termer. You have no idea how difficult it COULD be.
We should all join together. We have the power not Washington. They change and change everything because were not a force to be messed with yet, but we can be. We can be a dangerous force and they would listen to us I promise you that. Politicians Arent afraid of us and until they are they will continue to change everything until there’s nothing left. Being loyal to this country and what it stands for is one thing, being lOyal to our politicians is another. They don’t respect us past putting us at the beginning of their speeches. Politicians need to stop say thank you to are troops for their sacrifices and start proving through doing that they really care. If this was back doing the revolutionary years these politicians would have long been tar and feathered.
California Fee Waiver Program for you kids is free. They pay for school but not books for your dependents. Has nothing to do with the GI Bill.
I served 2 yrs active duy in the USN, then went active Army Reserve National Guard for 20+ years, I am now inactive reserve. Are there any educational benefits available to us old-timer reservists??
I've read through several of these comments already, and I understand it's a controversial subject for all. I am a dependent-less Combat Vet, and use the Chapter 33 benefits which I think are great for me, as I do work (up to 80 hours) and go to school full time. It is possible to maintain a 3.5+ GPA while doing this, and I think a lot of the arguments here are important and should be addressed with reasoning.
The biggest issue I have that the individuals attending online courses will get the same BAH as students that attend on-campus classes? Thinking this through, if you're taking online classes you have all week to read your book, and work through the issues with a timed deadline. This is opposed to individuals who show up to class several times a week (including commuting with the gas prices the way they are right now) which limits their working habits unlike taking these online courses. Sure, I could go and take classes at the University of Phoenix, however is that a degree the government is promoting? Personally, I've opted to attend ITT Tech for an associates, then take my education/benefits elsewhere once I can receive a more stable and better paying job. However, all of our educational goals are different.
I understand everyone has their current issues, but there's a difference between 'What is fair' and 'What is right'. I know I was taught during my service as a Marine, that regardless of life being fair or not that I was always to do the right thing. People need to start taking ownership for their own situation and remember the 7 P's.
Not to ruin the point I just made:
Females did not have their "boots on the ground", ESPECIALLY as a single parent.
"Just because you were in a combat zone, doesn't mean you were IN a combat zone."
Just calling a spade a spade.
Justin
Does your spouse receive bag when using the GO Bill?
Does your spouse receive bah using the gi bill?
i'm having a difficult time trying to even get started using my Post 911 GI Bill.
I've sent a e mail to the VA asking for someone to explain it to me, I was sent back an E mail with a facebook link, WTF? ALlim trying to do is get my certificate and get in School here in Texas. Trying to talk to the ACC veterans rep is like looking for you know who's birth crtificate. Anyone in Central Texas who can help me ??? Thanks
Do not know if qualify for benefits.
This is for online schooling and collecting BAH, I went to talk to my local VA representative and was told that BAH is half the national average of BAH, plus based off of what bracket you are in for collecting tuition assistance, for example, since I was activated for only 11 months and 23 days, I only qualify for 50% tuition, but according to my VA rep, the document that they have for BAH that will go in affect in October states this:
October 1, 2011 for
i. Recognizing Non-College degree institutions
ii.
Recognizing on-the-job and apprenticeship training
iii.
Vocational flight training
iv.
Correspondence School training
v.Provides for housing allowance for students enrolled solely in
distance learning- not to exceed 50% of national average and will
be recomputed annually. Must be at pursuit level greater than
50% each term. Amount of individual Chapter 33 percentage tiers
(40_100%) will be factored in the amount awarded.
vi.
Allows students on active duty to receive a books and
supplies stipend
I am planning to meet with my VA for more details but wanted to know if anyone else knows anything about this??
This is for online schooling and collecting BAH, I went to talk to my local VA representative and was told that BAH is half the national average of BAH, plus based off of what bracket you are in for collecting tuition assistance, for example, since I was activated for only 11 months and 23 days, I only qualify for 50% tuition, but according to my VA rep, the document that they have for BAH that will go in affect in October states this:
October 1, 2011 for
i. Recognizing Non-College degree institutions
ii.
Recognizing on-the-job and apprenticeship training
iii.
Vocational flight training
iv.
Correspondence School training
v.Provides for housing allowance for students enrolled solely in
distance learning- not to exceed 50% of national average and will
be recomputed annually. Must be at pursuit level greater than
50% each term. Amount of individual Chapter 33 percentage tiers
(40_100%) will be factored in the amount awarded.
vi.
Allows students on active duty to receive a books and
supplies stipend
Does anyone know how it is broken out if you are in the 50% tier?
Listen up .. everyone has different circumstances when they did their schooling active duty .. the only complaint I have is the period that a semester ends or vacation may take place .. this is not the student .. seriously think about it two weeks temp job come on.
I could not imagine being a full time student and not working AT LEAST part-time year round. I'm a female USAF Vet, working 40+ hours a week and attending graduate school. I sympathize with those who are struggling, but life is about choices. For example, I am choosing to get all of my school out of the way before I bring children into this world. I refuse to be the woman who uses her kids as an excuse for this or that. I'm sure the majority of us chose to join the military; I joined in May 2001. I signed up- wasn't drafted, no one held a gun to my head. Bottom line, it stinks that the benefits are changing but we still have choices- will you choose to take action or to complain?
…I used both Ch.30 & Ch.33 to get my BS and MS. Lots of headache, hassle, and personal responsibility, but it can be done. And with 6 mouths to feed in my house, NOT working wasn't even an option. You suck it up, put your nose to the grind, and figure out how to make it happen. BAH is not intended to be a "living wage"… for military personnel, it's a housing stipend, not the sum of a full paycheck. I'm confused by the entitled jackwagons who don't understand why the BAH isn't going to cover them when they're not in school. Get a job like the rest of us had to do when we were using our GI Bills.
That being said, retirees got the shaft on this bill. Retirees should be able to transfer eligibility of benefits to dependents for time served post-9/11. Period. I was only in the Army for 4 years, and to extend these kind of benefits to a one-hitch-wonder and FAIL to extend these benefits to retirees who give 20+ years is reprehensible.
Your time, your money.
Iam a veit nam area vet can i take trng to repair dental handpieces and get paid anything from gov any schools you know of that trn for this or company
I was wondering… I'm getting full BAH right now, Is that gunna change for me in October when the bill changes? Am I only going to be getting 1/2 of my BAH?
I feel they really need to fix the BAH pay for breaks. As not getting this will hurt alot of people in the end. My husband is a full time student, taking the max credits allowed each semester just so he can finish sooner(which most of the the day at school). We really depend on his benefits right now and alot of you are saying get a job or suck it up! Well tell me what would you do in my situation??? We have 3 kids and are taking care of his mother(soon to be considered disabled due to seizures, and dont know what is causing these).We started taking care of his mother back in Nov 2010 when my husband father died, since she has no income. My youngest child is delayed in development and receives op/pt/speech therapy 6times a week, as well an EIT once a week. We travel 30miles each way 3times a week for therapy which adds up in gas. He also sees a Developmental Ped, his reg. Ped every month, a ENT doctor and right now a genetic testing doctor. He has yet to receive a diagnosis, which means no SSI. He also can not eat any solid food only baby food(which I purchase out of pocket every month). Now my husband does not have a job due to being in school all day, let alone the unemployment rate for the state we live in 10%(there's only 6 other states higher). I do not work b/c of taking care of my special needs child, my 2 other children and my husband's mother. I do all of this plus help take care of my husband's grand mother, when possible. I do bring in some extra money each month through consignment sales. Now my husband decided to go back to school after being laid off from 3jobs in a year do to no work available. We made this decision b/c we knew we could still make ends(with no luxuries, like cable, cell phone etc.) as long as we choose the post 911 gi bill b/c of what it offered. Now all that is changing and i dont know what we are going to do! So if some1 has the answer tell me b/c I don't see it
What is the formula for calculating the students rate of pursuit? In other words, how is a students training calculated as 1/2 time, 3/4 time, etc?
I would like to know why I cannot transfer the Post 911 GI Bill to my wife. I retired after 26 yrs of service 3 years before the Post 911 GI Bill was even enacted. I qualified 100% and they say that I cannot transfer it to my wife. i would like to know why. Our spouses also endure alot from being married to military. They deserve to get back something also.
If my husband transfers some of his GI bill to me, and I go to school full time on campus, are we still entitled to the stipend?
Does anybody know of any kind of rental assistance similar to section 8 for vets on Social Security disability? I'm pretty sure the HUD has a program.
If anybody has the answer, it would be gratefully appreciated.
does anyone know if NCS members can receive the new post 9/11 GI Bill? I'm NCS and have been active for 4 years, I'm about to get out and am now being told I may not be able to recive the Post 9/11 GI Bill benifits………..
These forums get taken so far out of context sometimes. You get these older folks that say just be happy with what you have and dont complain. Well thats easier said than done! Put the shoe on the other foot. If you pay for phone service and they promis you unlimited texting for example and they are charging you per text instead of what they offered you, you would be upset about it and would go in and complain about it right? Same thing applies here!!! People who sign that dotted line are committing their time and lives to their governement on the basis that they will receive certain benefits for doing so. If one signs that line they are required to fulfill their duties as asked. In no way can anyone on here argue that it is ok for the government to go back on what they promised someone who fulfilled their end of the contract. even trying to argue against that point just shows how ignorant people can be.
We need to kick all Obama voters to Kenya! Thanks for his election guys I am sure you will put his dumbass in there again!
SO DOES THIS MEAN MY SPOUSE WILL ONLY GET THE MGIB IF SHE IS A LEGAL RESIDENT ON THAT STATE?
THANK YOU!!! I had been looking for the actual bill and this helps a ton! Like all rules/laws, they change and I needed to be able to have it to highlight. Thanks.
I see many questions placed here but few who answer? Maybe the answers are hard to find. I am new so I am another one with questions! I would like to know, as another asked…how do you know if you are 3/4 or full time? is it VA who decides this or does school your attending set the standard? ALSO We have friends who have received their benefits no problems…so I anticipate no problems in receiving the monies. Do many see delays in payments?
thanks!
Your school decides if you are three-quarter or full-time, the VA will just pay out what they see the school send to them as far as your enrollment status. I have seen delay in payments because of the SCHOOL, not the VA. Some schools drop the ball on making sure your paperwork gets sent on time. Keep an eye on that!
Has anyone seen or heard any numbers about how this is going to cover vocational training? Is it still the percentage, how many months, etc? I sent an email to the VA and all they said was they could determine what my eligibility was, even after I sent it to them. Crazy….$%*@)$
My service connected disability has been increased. Does my GI bill extend or renew – I think it may have expired. More than 12 yrs since my medical retirement.
I don't understand anything of this new law, please explain?
Can someone help me explain about VOC REHAB program? I am 100 pct qualified for 9/11 GI, and attend Strayer University in Washington DC, will be better to switch to this program or stay in VOC REHAB.? Currently i receive about four hundred dollars of stipend and by switching to 9/11, get paid more. I take 3/4 class time. Thank you for anyone who assist me answering this question.
It's sad how fast a vet will turn on another vet. I will not bore you with my personal situation as it will only fall on deaf ears. BLUF, Congress did not break a contract, they changed a law that several VA agencies urged them to pass and in my mind that is even worse; there are billions of dollars that our government spends annually in subsidies to corporations that are already making substantial profits (ex. cotton/ethanol). A fraction of that money could go to any eligible Vietnam Vet (any eligible vet) in the attempt to advance our education and apply that education to make our nation mightier. China and India have more genius IQ children, than the U.S. has children period!!! All of us better wake the hell up and understand there is a bigger picture to be seen. I charge all of you to write your congress person and articulate your grievances. For once, write them in mass; our division is not by accident. Our country's division is not by accident. There will be "have's" and "have not's". The middle class will be destroyed by our incompetent leadership in Washington and we need to be the "have's", so we can help and assist the "have not's".
i retired in 1993 and was wondering if my school benifits can be transfered to my son who will attend college in the fall?
THE MANCHURIAN PRESIDENT >>> YOU VOTED FOR IT
I think for those of us on the MGIB, they should get rid of the 10 year limit, and instead limit you by whatever the G.I. Bill was worth when you got out of the service. In other words, if the G.I. Bill paid $45,000 when you left the service, you can use $45,000 for your education, and then it's done. Life happens, and sometimes you don't get around to using your college benefits right away, or you move and lose a couple years because you can't afford out of state tuition, so you wait to become an instate student. I don't know why with all the changes floating around for the Post 9-11, they don't make changes to the MGIB.
They call it a cut, I call it a tax. If I end up with less money and the government ends up with more, then it's a tax for me. Why raise taxes on people who served their country and are trying to better themselves, while refusing to raise taxes on people who make more that $250k a year?
For those of you that have an opinion and never served in the military I do not expect you to understand. You say things like welcome to the real world. I invite those who never served in the miltary not to mention a combat zone into our world. We did not ask for these benefits but they were offered nonetheless. It is unfair to establish a program and a person uses the benefits, adjust their entire schedule, life and budget around those benefits and then make significant changes to the plan. I understand the need to make improvements, but this could have been easily grandfathered in for those that are new to the program. For those of you that have never served that think they are entitled to an opinion and think we (veterans) have it made, we too could look at the situation from another perspective. Maybe we think you have it made enjoying your freedom provided by our brothers in arms and you do nothing to contribute to the freedoms and way of life we have here. .
So while you are at home under your mamas apron and pointing your finger to the rest of us veterans and think we have it made, ask mommy for the keys to the car and drive over to a recruiters office and join up. Otherwise enjoy the freedom you have to come and go freely and study, learn and speak about anything you want. For those of you that never served, there is very little you do for me and my family. I appreciate my twenty years of honorable service and the men that continue to serve to protect my new found life and my family
I suppose if I never did anything honrable to contribute to society and only worried about myself I too would feel inadequate and try to insult and put down what others around me are doing that is honrable.
The problem everyone is having is that the changes being made seem to be effecting the "little guy." It seems that a great chunk of our money is going out of the country and isn't coming back in. What we really need to see is pay cuts for all government positions i.e. Congressmen, Senate Members, Representatives, and YES even the President. I don't disagree that a lot of changes need to be made across the board but, does it have to start with the little guy? What ever happened to lead by example?
I agree to disagree with a lot of these comments. Be thankful, that you actually were able to get whatever you received. Try this one for size, I paid for the GI Bill, got hurt 18 months later and am told I'm not eligible because I didn't complete 2 years of service. So most of you service men and women, stop complaining.
Tents anyone
I served 20 years then retired 60% disabled our crdit went bust hunting for a job. So now we live in a hotel and its costly
Lucky my wife is leaving for super rich investment banker, she can’t take anything that isn’t clean
I hope they get married quickly so can end all support. On my own again, hope there is something out there when I get my masters.
maybe I will use my disabled veteran state camping pass to survive class breaks in funding
hi,this is Lynn Thornton, I am a veteran trying to finish up my degree.What about veterans that are taking online courses.
THATS BS.. the award for DEA as a full time student is currently $936 per month
WOW! I agree with the Cheif. I enlisted in the military I wasn't drafted. I became a single parent while enlisted and decided to make the changes needed to get out of debt before I got out of the military. I used my gi bill before it was post 9/11 and got a job as a single parent and continued my education. I'm so grateful for all that I've received. I can't believe so many of you are blaming the government because you want to go to school get the money for that and for your rent/mortage and to take care of your family all without working! WOW if you wanted to do that you should have stayed in. Its not anyones fault if you didn't plan ahead. You have 3 or 4 kids and a spouse and want to go to school without working just sounds crazy!
The issue is not the benefits. The issue is the change in benefits made after people signed on the xxx for specific provisions. If you cannot understand that, let me draw an analogy for you.
You buy a washer dryer that says it is covered by warranty for 20 years. One year into owning, you need a repair, but the company tells you they changed your warranty to 0 and now you have to pay. Should you suck it up and say oh well? Or did you just get shafted? Think about that one.
I am glad that you were able to make it. But do NOT for one second ASSUME that I CHOOSE to live off this pay. I lost my job after working hard my ENTIRE life and taking care of my disabled husband, five children, and countless family members, also disabled Veterans. So, when my pay is decreased because the government chooses to start with the "little people" to solve their bad spending habits irritates me to NO END!! You cannot and should not compare yourself to others unless you have walked in our shoes. I am grateful for what I get but I want what I am entitled to. And no, I am not seeking a degree for self-gratification. Iam getting my degree in human services so I can help others in return. But for you to assume that I or anyone else is ungrateful and that I go to school to "get money for that and for your rent/mortgage and to take care of your family all without working" is a big blow, dear. Try having the degree and no jobs around. Oh and guess what, I am not to prideful to work anywhere. Circumstances are different everywhere and for you to put down your own is horrible.
Just received an email from my daughter's VA counselor stating that VA will become the "last payee" for tuition effective in August 2011. Any scholarship money received will be subtracted from your tuition bill and VA will pay the difference. I read about all the other upcoming changes with VA over the next few months, but I did not hear about this one. Has anyone heard about this change?
hanks to these new changes my wife and I had to get ourselves into debt for the first time ever as we could not pay our bills for August. I am a former 0311 Marine with a family and two very kinetic combat tours who is going to school full time.
Can someone tell me why my family is now in debt for the first time? I had no say in this change and I honestly don't care if some national guardsman can sit comfortably as he is able to maintain a job since they are usually stationed within the US and very near their home. Nor do I care to give my BAH to people going to school online. I just got out of the Marine Corps, I have to spend a lot of money to move 5 states in order to leave where I was stationed, I was 4 days over the 180 day cutoff for financial support for my move (TMO on Camp Ljeune refused to talk to me further and were, of course, nasty about it when I asked to) and I did not get the housing allowance that I use for housing expenses. Now, when I return to school I'll be paying for these bills at a >15% interest rate over the course of quite a few months, deeply cutting in to the way I'm able to provide for my family that was GUARUNTEED to me when I signed up to go through two wars.
Food is being taken out of my families' mouths thanks to this. I did my part, I did it well and gave my heart, body and soul for this country and now in return it is burdening me (and I'm sure many more actual combat veterans) as well as their families in a manner that could ruin entire lives. If I was not an accounting major and as smart with money as I was my wife and I would not have survived this. Thought everyone should know.
Question: if you have some family members who was in the military, is it possible that the students can get benefits off of them?? By the way I have a father and an uncle who was in the military
I served 8 years in the Army. I graduated not once, but three times all while having children and working a full time job. To those who say it cannot be done, have you tried? I would have loved to sit at home and only worry about school. If you can afford it, good for you. We do not depend on the money that my husband, a war vet, gets for his 9/11 GI Bill because they can change it at any time.
Graduate from where, with what degree? If you did aerospace engineering at Cal Tech and then did grad school or post doc at PHD while having children and a full time job, then kudos to you.
If you did AA at beaver community college, and a B.S. in interpretive dance at O'Blarney's University while having children and a full time job, I'd hardly consider that a feat.
they never gave me the college fund. I went to college but I guess it's just something they say to get people to join. I got the GI Bill but never got the college fund. I tried to get into the Art Academy in San Fransisco thinking I would use the College fund money to pay for school but they told me I didn't qualify even though they had told me I would get it.
Hmm, this is a classic case of greed. Cutting funds from all the people that actually do something for their country and sacrifice. Obviously none of these politicians have ever done a hard days work in their lives and to keep their pockets full they have to steal from us Vets. Sure, let's allow the workers of this country to stay poor and the rich can get richer. Perfect model of a pyramid scheme
I used my Vietnam GI bill to get my BS degree. I am now a retiree recall who has served 4 more years on active duty. Since I don't need another college degree, can I use the new GI bill to take technology classes such as Cisco, Microsoft, etc. This would in turn lead to a technical certification?
We were asked to dedicate our efforts (accept injury after injury), lay our lives on the line(become a handicapped way to young), disappoint our families(miss holiday after holiday and miss our childrens birthdays), and miss any chances to live a good life(while we served others were earning a much better income)…We were told that we would be getting a benefit, and in the middle to using the benefi, itt is reduced because of a budget that has no purpose except media attention to the few that collect pay that is well over the poverty level, and political ambitions, while we struggle to live in poverty. Senators/Representatives, how do you look into a mirror in the morning? Or do you hire a makeup artist (with funds that you never earned) to make you look good for the camera? You prove that you are too lazy to answer your own office telephones or write your own correspondances, do you also hire somebody to be an American for you. You don't have a clue as to what real Americans are going through…
There was enough money initially to cover people going to real colleges and earning a legit degree. But more people wanted online degrees from schools with absolutely 0 admission standards, so more people are taking money from the same budget. This means that everyone gets less so that everyone can have something.
I am currently enrolled at the art institute in San Diego. I have been using my post 911 GI Bill to pay my way. Recently some issues have been brought to my attention that have made me question the schools worth. I am thinking of withdrawing from the classes I have left this quarter and pursing my education at a different school. I have a 3.3gpa and withdrawing wont effect it but I will not get credit for any of the classes. Its mid quarter and the school will charge me full price for the classes. I am worried that the Va will penalize me for that. Does anyone know how that works?
Kevin if you do not recieve a grade for a class that your GI Bill payed for you will be responsible for the tuition costs back to the VA. Also if this reduces you to no classes for the semester any BAH and book money will have to be paid back to the VA. Do not do this. I repeat do not do this unless you can pay back all of that money with no problems.
Another thing I dont see many people talking about is the new pays last feature of the bill. What this means for me is that scholarship that I worked so hard for means absolutely nothing. I applied to a National Science foundation scholarship. IT gives me 4k a semester for tuition. Now the GI Bill will not pay that tuition so my hard work was for nothing.
Need some more information on attending private schools stated at the top of the page…
•For students attending private institutions of higher learning or foreign schools, the tuition and fee reimbursement is capped at the lesser of net out-of-pocket cost or $17,500 annually – however the Yellow Ribbon Program still exist.
Go to Cornell. They offer unlimited Yellow Ribbon contribution. The problem is that they are one of the hardest schools in the country to get in.
Does anyone have any suggestions? I am a Vietnam widow who has lost my education benefits because I did not use them in the allotted time frame of 20 years. Sorry but I was busy trying to make a living and raising children. Does anyone know of any scholarships available. I'm 65 and at this point in my life I cannot take out any student loans.
Thank you Mr. president of the USA for hurting the families of the great people who protected and served this great country. No really sir its not like these people have children that need a roof over there head or to eat of course not you just know exactly what is good for us no matter what we say or think.
"HOPE" you feel proud of yourself im sure all the single parents out there with a full time schedual will enjoy not having to see there kids even longer by going to work right after class or better yet having to throw away there education and work full time well that is after spending months trying to get a job in this rough economy.
Its time the people stand up for what is right and fight back whether it be dems or reps doing us wrong it doesnt matter.
WE NEED A LEADER FOR THE PEOPLE NOT FOR THEMSELVES.
sincerly,
a young american citizen
The president didn't draft the bill. Congress and the Senate did.
this new plan is garbage I recieve 60% and only get 10500 a year capped for tuition and fees cant even go to a community college for that and the post 911 is supposed to be geared to private colleges which cost more.
Have the Congress lost their damn minds…now that we have served and defended this country when we were called..they don't need us any more..my stipend was 999.00 every month as a full time student..with the cuts, my stipend was 179.00…thank you for that so now i cant stay in school cause that money was just enough to survive…thank you congress…you did cut my throat..its time to quit school and go back to work
The issue is the money allocated to the GI Bill. Initially, the program was budgeted to support people going to REAL COLLEGES. Now that the GI Bill is open to University of Phoenix and the likes, more people have to be covered from the same pot of money. Essentially, you give less to everyone so that everyone can have a little.
My husband was discharged in 1990 with 30% . In 1997 he received a 100% medical retirement upgrade. In Dec of 1991 I was put on social security disability at a 100% rating(civlian). Can I get educational benefits as the spouse of a veteran?
I retired in 2004 with over 20 years. Can i give my child my money for school?
When I was in the military and transitioning out I was not told about how I go about in tranfering my post 911 benefit to my dependants. How can I do it now that have been out out the military for two years?
Does any one know if it's possible to switch from Montgomery gi bill to post 9/11 gi bill. I have all ready used a portion of my gi bill for undergrad classes but feel ripped off. I am currently in voc rehab and they are offering candidates the BAH rate which would mean an extra 400 per month for me but I'm not eligible because I'm not a post 9/11 even though I was reserves til 2007. what a croc eh?
Can I use vocational rehab and chapter 33?
My husband is currently AGR and we are receiving BAH. Am i elgible for the post 911 housing allowance?
Do you get BAH if you are using chapter 1607 benefits?
I served from 1975 until 1995. I am now going back to college. Is there any Gi bill benefits fro this honorably discharged veteran of the US Navy?
They made the changes because they needed the extra money to give to the illegal immagrants to go to school duh! I am personally VERY thankful for all the benefits I am recieving for my military service. There's always money and help available when you really need it. I think this generation of vets and students/everyone else are ignorant and spoiled.
MY COMMENT CONTINUED…
I think so many people have taken advantage of the system that they have to put these laws in place. Yeah, it sucks for the honest people trying to go to school but hey take what you can get! I think this country is going down the drain so let's make sure we get EVERYTHING we can before they take everything away. the fact that even after you get out of the military they STILL give you money to live. I just think that's crazy! but sooo awesome! And you know what else, I agree with the comments saying you can make anything you want to happen, happen! it's all about believing in yourself and God. Anything is possible! and 4 those with the ptsd please get help you never get better if you don't! you're loved ones need you to get through it and get help! LOVE ALL MY FELLOW SOLDIERS!!! if you served in OIF/OEF/DESERT STORM VIETNAM WW1 WW2 YOU ARE MY HEROES!!! ESPECIALLY THE LADIES! I never got the chance to deploy… i feel like less of a vet…
AND I am not meaning/trying to offend ANYONE! I apologize if I did.
I have a question, My father served the country from 1976- 1980, 4 years in active duty. He did not use his G.I Bill, but as his daughter can I still use this benefit or has it expired? Where can I go to learn more in VA beach?
Go down to your local recruiter.
I am not lazy. I do not mind sweeping a floor or stocking shelves. I just want a job to cover the 1000 dollars I lost this month. I am not crying I am just stating a fact. I wish I knew about this months ago. I would have saved up but, this is my fault for not following the government and politics. I quit my job last December to go to school full time. We, my wife and two children, are on a very tight budget. I need a job but I keep getting turned down for being over qualified. A person in work release has a better chance at getting a job than I. If any one reading this is hiring in the Harrisburg Pa area please let me know. I will do almost anything.
My husband has been in the Air Force reserves for 23 years. He transfered his GI benefits to me. He was in the IMA program on active duty for the last 4 years. So the question I have is… Since he is no longer on active duty status do I now qualitfy for BAH stipend… If anyone knows the answer to my question I would be so greatful. Thanks….
What about the discharge can you get it now with a General under honorable?
I am thankful for the help, but the GI Bill needs to be reliable and consistant to be effective.Too many of us planned according to what the Post 911 Bill previously offered. We have part time jobs, full time jobs, kids, and so much more. Where are the grandfather clauses to stop the rug from being pulled out from those of us who planned responsibly only to see those plans crumble to oblivion with these new changes.
Whoever it was that said this new bill is a vast improvement, you must not be talking about the changes made to the post 911 bill that I am using for my education. I know what it is like to have nothing. I put in my time and effort with one of the payoffs (Yes, I said it) being that post 911 GI Bill, and congress just said, "I know we told you this, but really, we changed our minds and don't care if you are now stuck spinning your wheels."
The GI Bill needs to be reliable and consistent to be effective.
I was active duty from Mar 74-Feb 77 and Jan 78-Jan 95. When I retired I was told I had 10 years to use or lose my education benefits. I was employed and using education benefits from my employer. I was layed off Oct 2010 and am currently attending college. Is there any way I can get my old Viet Nam era benefits re-instated to cover schooling? A stipend for living, since my unemployment benefit is about to expire?
Does attendance affect whether or not you get a living stipend? I have been receiving them for a few months, but I have not gotten one for November. I only have one traditional class and the rest are Independant Study. I had missed a few classes off my regular class due to car repairs and am wondering if I will get one or not.
Let me break it down dummy style for some of you here who fail to capture the central argument with the GI Bill changes.
When something is PROMISED to you — as in, an entitlement, contingent upon you performing, it is a contract. Now I know there some people here in law school who want to jump in and throw in offer, acceptance, consideration etc, but stay with me on the spirit of the argument.
The GI Bill was a contract, a promise, and entitlement. It is not welfare, it is not feel sorry for me money, it is EARNED. The government PROMISED YOU that if you serve for xxx years and meet xxx requirements, you will receive xxxx benefits.
Here is the problem. You agreed, you met the requirements, and now the government CHANGED the terms of THEIR performance. They unilaterally changed the conditions of the contract. THIS IS NOT FAIR.
If you can honestly sit there and say "we're lucky to be getting anything at all", "quit complaining", and patting yourself on the back for going to some quasi-legitimate "college" earning some sham degree while working full-time at home depot, you are a fool. YES, a FOOL. You are a fool because you are too blind to DEFEND YOUR MERITORIOUS RIGHT. Instead, you chastise others in situations completely different than yours.
I know fellow veterans who are getting SHAFTED because of the changes. They attended IVY LEAGUE schools on anticipation of promised benefits. They work DEMANDING JOBS (ie LAW FIRMS) while attending school full-time. In certain industries, your GPA matters. Them having to work places them at a comparative disadvantage against their colleagues who do not.
The purpose of the GI BILL is to aid in reintegration and give veterans EQUAL footing against civilian counterparts because of the DISADVANTAGE many vets will face when trying to translate xxx military skills to the civilian workforce.
The issue here is not people "bitching" about BAH, or tuition, or the benefit itself. I'm sure many here initially had the Montgomery GI Bill and intended to make due with that.
I assure you, if they HALVED the Montgomery GI Bill when you started using it, the same CENTRAL ISSUE would be argued.
That issue is: DON'T MAKE A PROMISE AND THEN CHANGE THE PROMISE AFTER WE SIGN ON THE X.
Some of you here are having a difficult time in spotting the issue at hand. Let me help.
You buy a 50 inch flat screen TV and the company promises you lifetime unlimited warrant for all service repairs. One year into owning the TV, you need read on the news that your company changed the provisions of your warranty and you must now pay 50% out of pocket to pay for repairs.
Do you suck it up? Do you tell everyone who complains about the change that they are spoiled and should be grateful they even have a TV? Do you thump your chest and talk about how you worked while one legged and raising 12 kids and still managed to pay your warranty? If your answer is yes, you are an idiot.
You should be pissed that the company sold you a TV on the premise that you would be covered under specific provisions, and then changed those provisions without your consent or input..
If you are still wondering what I'm talking about, please don't use the GI Bill – you are wasting the limited budget.
Here is what they don't tell you. IF you are married to an active duty service member, you will NOT receive the Housing allowance.
Broken back, Claim not finished for 100%…. going to be homeless on jan 9th. thanks congress.
@seabee Chief I enlisted for the love of my country and i was diagnosed with cancer from breathing JP fuel fumes.
Now im not getting a miserable education? Might as well just let it go.
ADAN Anonymous.
Hi, I retired in 2007 and I'm very confused on the G.I bill. One specific part is am i not able to transfer the money to my daughter to pay for her college?
I am a Vietnam Veteran, I have never use any benefits other than a alcohol rehab in 1988, I am 54 now and want to know what benefits are still available for a tired Vietnam Vet, I have never purchased that home for 1 dollar, or used any other benefits. I joined Vietnam when I was 17, dropped out of school to join and son't have a G.E.D., however, I am self taught in life's long adventures.
can you use the money saved during active duty to pay school tution bill that you may have got before you entered service.
I left active duty in the Army in April of 1987(Hon Discharge). I read somewhere on this website about the GI Bill expiring. I have never used this benefit and was wondering if I can still use it for going back to school today. PLease let me know where I might be able to fins some more info on this. Thanx
What do I need to do to change my General Discharge " Under Honorable Conditions to a Fully Honorable Discharge?
What do I need to do to change my General Discharge " Under Honorable Conditions to a Fully Honorable Discharge?
Obama sucks!!! he just likes to play golf and waste our tax payers money!!! I say Impeach him!!!
Can a spouse of military qualify for GI bill?
I serve in the Air National Guard and have nearly 15 years of service including over 90 days of title 32 and title 10 orders for training and other operational deployments since 9/11 (such as 3 weeks to Anderson AFB). Based on the current law I now qualifiy for partial (40%) GI Bill benefits. Only one of these TDY’s has generated a DD214 (30 days in Qatar). Does anyone know what documentation the VA requires for verification of title 32 or title 10 service that did not not produce a DD214? They are requesting DD214’s or other official “discharge documents” only. I would appreciate anyone’s advice regarding this issue. Thanks!
I was in the Korean War (an oldie) I only have $10,000 life insurance. Can I buy additional insurance from the VA?
i am a 18yr daughter of my 87yr father who served in WWII . Can anybody give me tips,info on how to receive any grants so i can pay for college ?
well e-mail me and call me where i could meet up with a seriuos family military law firm to help out get most of this stuff back at lestv99.9999999 % because it is too large for somebody to go out killing for
hello im in high school right now, what if your college will be paid by the foster care system? could you still qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill and the 40,000 cash enlistment bonues?
I just read all of the posts that were responses to the Navy Chief and I have to say this, "You all sound like fools!" Blaming the President for changes in the GI bill is so stupid. If you know anything about bills being passed, you would know that these decisions are not his. Furthermore, most of you can not even spell correct english words well enough to have an intelligent conversation about education. Chief, I do disagree with your statement, "Get a job!!" That was juvenile at best. Just because you may have been fortunate enough to stick around the military and make it to the rank you have doesn't mean everybody fits that mold. everybody has their own life and agendas and for you to say that just proves that our military really does promote the "wrong" type of people, at times. I would expect somebody of you rank and position to at least have a more helpful response to a fellow veteran. I just retired from the Air Force (22 yrs) and it pains me to see some of my comrades "true" feelings and emotions about our CINC and each other.
Flight programs: Per academic year, pays the actual net costs for in-state tuition and fees assessed by the school or $10,000, whichever is less. THIS IS VERY MISSLEADING… The truth is that a veteran must spend upwards of $10,000 to get the Private Pilot Certificate. Then, the GI Bill will pay upwards of $10,000 a year for additional certifications. WHY MUST A VETERAN GO INTO DEBT $10,000 BEFORE RECEIVING ANY BENEFITS????
I joined the Air Force in Feburary, 18 1955 and took an early out in December 1959.
Before i was discharged they put the Vietnam bill in effect and now it seems as though I missed being a Veteran by 18 Days as it stopped January , 31 1955.
Through the years I thought i was a Veteran.
Does anyone have a take on this?
My husband was retired for 4 yrs going to college, he died suddenly as a result to his military service.We get ch 35 benefits;however is there a way to get his GI BILL TRANSFERED , to our son because the ch 35 helps but he wants a higher degree and the cost of college is more than I can swing. As a widow w/o survivor benefit life insurance (MIstake for certain), Its hard putting 3 thru college. I am trying,my health is poor. All I can do is honor my husband as I did in life and also try to encorage furthering education. I already have too many loans so really can't swing anymore.Anyone know of a program or if its possible to get his GI BILL.
i was not informed by itt-tech of the post 911 education benefits that i am entitled to and i finished school on march 15 of 2011 can i recieve reinburstment for that?
I really think that if u are an absent parent and child support stops at 18 in nc..the military does not maske the soldier help with college tuiton …even though he made a verbal agreement that he would….. my daughter works 2 jobs and her father who is an E-9 has not even given nor has he offered her one penny … its really sad all tht she has is an id card…… he has asked him for help but he refuses… its sad…. How can you honor your country if you cant honor your own child… so sad!!!!
A child is not entitled to financial help from their parents no matter what rank or amount of money they make. Just because someone is an E-9 doesn't mean that they have extra money to give away. Its about time that this generation learns what a college degree really costs…blood, sweat, and tears. That's how I earned mine….by enlisting in the service and using Tuition Assistance. Why doesn't your daughter sign up for a 4 year tour and she can have her college paid for too? Funny thing about your post, you failed to mention what YOU contribute to your child's education. Which I suspect is a big fat goose egg.
If I did one enlistment of 4 Yrs . Am i eligible for the Post 9/11 G I Bill
I served 27 years in the military (Active & Reserve)with two tours in Iraq, and cannot transfer thePost 9-11 GI Bill to my daughter. You can transfer it if your are still serving but not after you retired. Why about those who retired and cannot use the hard earned benefits?
How do we the people vote on Congress pay and benefits?
I'm eligible for 60% benefit. If I get 40% of tuition paid for by scholarship (private school, higher education), Will the GI bill pay for the other 60%? Or will I get 60% of that 60%? The tuition is 47,000/year. What is the maximum amount that I can get from GI bill that I can obtain with scholarships "paying the rest"?
when are they going to grandfather the veterans that retired back in 2003 and before; we want to transfer our post 911 benefits to our children / spouse as well. i have 80% and my little girl could sure use some help with school too.
There is no plans to grandfather transfer rights. It is being used as a retention tool. Since you have left the service, it would not provide the benefit for the service that they designed it for.
They are working on this. It may take some time, but there was a petition floating around for vets to sign, so they could get the benefits they rightly deserve. I'm sorry I can't remember where I found it out, but you might be able to research it online.
I served from 7/1987 to 7/2007 I'm qualified for the 9/11 GI Bill–Can I transfer benefits to my kids? I got out before the 9/11 GI Bill was passed.
no, you would have had to be in after the GI Bill was passed and elected the new college program. Then you would have had to meet the requirements to transfer the benefits AND transfer them prior to getting out.
my dad is active duty can i still be eligible for yellow ribbon benefits he has been in the military for 10 years
i have used all of my gi bill benefits. they put a cap on them so now i cant finish school without getting a large student loan since I am enrolled in a private school. Will I be eligible for yellow ribbon benefits if my dad is active duty
These comments are my opinion, and not attributed to the Army or any unit. I am MAJ Chris Reitsma, student, CGSC, Fort Gordon, ILE 12-02.
I started off enlisted, and still have the Montgomery GI Bill, and even paid for the bump up. After 23 years, I still haven't used any benefit. I haven't transferred to the new GI Bill yet because I am from CA, and initially the benefits for tuition were none. With more and more Soldiers getting out, and the new GI Bill is free for Soldiers, and only time of service to transfer to family, there is and will be a continued increase in its use. With the economy, job rates, military down-sizing, users will continue to increase and associated delays.
Despite fiscal cutbacks from our government, these benefits are still a good thing as they continue to last. The BAH, though decreased, is great to reduce the need to work as much. The GI Bill is meant to pay for school, not to pay for school and not have to work. Many civilians have significant debt from loans because they go to school and don't work enough.
There are options to reduce costs: bargain rates and fees with schools (especially private), use the Yellow Ribbon program, grants, jobs with the school (i.e. TAs or graders), ROTC, or probably even qualify for welfare programs. Going to school is not cheap, and knowing the delays in processing, is not an argument to get behind in bills and your education, because you are waiting on the VA to pay. Horror stories with pay is not limited just to the VA…they exist and have to be worked through…and working through them is a part of life. Yes, it would be nice if all things worked out perfectly. If you have a plan, and have to forecast funds (no different than every time you PCS or go TDY), then it will work out in the end. Schools are very sympathetic if you just talk to them…they would rather have late payments instead of no payments, and wouldn’t want the bad reputation for not helping the military.
Remember that you are limited in benefit months, whether they are full or part time, so if you go more than 36 months in school, you will run out and not be done with school or combination of schools.
I plan on some distant learning classes before I retire, and use my GI Bill, in combination with Yellow Ribbon and military discounts, and it will cost me nothing for a PhD, and the program can be done in three years…do your research. I have been saving for my kids since they were born, so I do not need it as much for them, and cannot depend on something 15 years out when the program(s) changes for better or worse. Parents that are using this now are saving a huge amount in college costs, and delays are insignificant to total costs.
Im just starting college courses and i'm 100% eligible. the thing is i havent recieved the housing allowance or the book stipend. my tuition hasnt even been paid yet by the gi bill. the main thing is i got a letter saying i only have 10 months of benifits left. how is that? now i did use the montgomery gi bill of ojt pay, but did that take away from the post 911 benifits?
That is good, at least students have to pay it by small amount and not by full.
Robert N. Work
http://www.ctrlstress.com/
I retired from the army in 1992 am I still eligable for the GI bill?
Attention: To all that have made a comment about not being able to pay their rent, there are some states that allows full time students to collect unemployment the whole time they are a student. So don't give up, check out your resources, there are many out there.
I'm retired and attending college, will my Bah be affected if I get a job?
Can veterans transfer 9-11 GI Bill benefits to dependents?
Why did'nt my mother and father know about vetrans pension while they were living? And since I think they would have been qualified in 1991-2009 why shouldn't the government be able and willing to let my father who served a full term in ww2 now him and mom both dead. Why shouldnt his 2 disabled sons receive his full benifit he and mom never knew were available? Was he appreciated that much?
My brother and I are both disabled and aren't able to aford food, shelter, and medical treatment that is much needed. My parents should have been notified by the government. Mom shouldn't have had to lose her job to take care of dad who died of cancer in 1992. Then suffer 17 years with severe heart trouble without this help if they were eligable. Did this great government appreciate my dad who would gladly have gave his life for his country enough to see his two sons be paid in full what he and mom should have been eligable for?
We need to all rally together and to get some people in higher positions to listen to us. Veterans deserve to get what was promised to them with no delays!
what education programs dose Fla have for vets that joined the service in Fla.and are still active for vets that have hon. discharged from service from 1980
My husband served in Viet Nam with a total of 6 years in the Navy, 2 of active duty. He was not disabled. Can our son use his dad's GI bill to go to a community college or take on-line classes? My husband has never used his benefits nor have I or our other children. I am unsure of what area to look up. Any information would be helpful. Thank You.
I dont think that your husband qualified for the POST 9/11 GI BILL since he was a Vietnam vet and did not serve after 9/11 so your question on the Post 9/11 bill is irrelevant….
I am very thank for the the opportunity to go back to school and, receive my benefits that id do monthly. ?question will all veterans who are receiving v rap benefits, get the housing allowance that everyone is talking about.I have been a virtual homeless vet since my service connected injury's in June 1975 when i did get a chance to live a better life it was all stolen from me by a auctioneer in 2011.FBI no police force or even our state police will pursue the thief because he is rich and lives in another state.I have had 2 surgery's on both legs and i am a cancer survivor Thank our lord.Jesus Christ i am still able to work his earth.I have been diagnosed with P.T.S.D & ADD by my phyc. But the VA will not rate me or even acknowledge the service connection.had to attend 16 weeks of a group.M.M.S.T,all the VA hospital's employees knows what happened while i was enlisted in the USMC they ask for your last 4 all your records pop up right in front of them.Has a hip replacement like the depu that busted apart and almost killed me.A crushed knee But i will work and have to live with this trauma the rest of my life.Does the state of Virginia care NO.But the lord and the D.A.V. is trying to help me.Could someone please email me and let me k.now my options or lend me a hand fighting all these situations jn my life. giantsnyfootball1938@comcast.net Elbert i could surely use a helping hand.thank you and simper fi
I am a single mother and have only one child. He want to go to college. I retired April 30, 2006 (20 years) and I was told that I do not qualify to transfer to my son my GI B. If there is anyone that can help me please right me at: bellasolanka@yahoo.com
Dear Sandra,
You have to apply for the transfer of Post 9-11 benefits BEFORE you get out of the service. It is an incentive to get you to sign up for additional service or as a reward for serving ten or more years. Sounds like you served enough time but didn't apply before you retired. The actual approval process is two fold – first you apply to the DOD for permission to transfer all or part of the benefit. Then the student applies to the Department of Veterans Affairs to use what has been granted. Since Post 9-11 didn't even come into existence until 2009 it seems unlikely that you could get the benefit having retired in 2006. However, call the VA to be sure and visit your congressman or congresswoman to investigate the possibilities. In the meantime, be sure your son has applied for the federal Pell Grant at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. He should also research scholarships, including ones for dependents of retired military. If you are able to transfer your benefits later, at least he can get started with other resources.
The new G.I. Bill really sucks only 36 months of benefits, a bachelor degree requires 48months of study, I am !00% disable v.a and medically retired from the army OIF veteran currently in school, how am i suppose to pay for the additional year of study that is required to complete my degree program? The 36 months of benefits should be change to reflect 48 of benefits with BAH, that is the lease the country can do for veterans who serve in the war.don't you veterans think so?
Dear Derrick,
Thank you for your service. I know these benefits can be confusing but it is often a matter of getting the right information and then using it to your best advantage. Everyone is pushing the Post 9-11 education benefit now, but it may not be the only education benefit you are entitled to.
It sounds like you are eligible for two, possibly three VA education benefits: Post 9-11, MGIB if you paid into it and VA Vocational Rehabilitation. If you paid into the MGIB and you elect to use it first, you can use it first for 36 months of full time education. If you use that all up, you can then apply for Post 9-11 and get an additional 12 months of full time education under Post 9-11 as long as you served at least 48 months active duty total. But, if you elect Post 9-11 first, you must give up MGIB or 1606 or 1607 if you are eligible. If you are eligible for two benefits you can get a total of 48 months of full time education. You can only use one at a time but that should be more than enough to earn a bachelor's degree.
I know everyone says the Post 9-11 benefit pays more, but work the numbers. In my area, the rate for MGIB actually went up this year but the Monthly Housing Allowance for Post 9-11 went down because it is tied to the cost of living. If you attend a less expensive community college the first two years, you might actually earn more, especially if you paid a kicker or had the college fund. It's also important to understand exactly how your months of eligibility are depleted. You should be able to earn a bachelor's degree in four years, two semesters each year for a total of eight semesters. Most college semesters are about four months long, so that's 32 months of benefits. Your Post 9-11 education benefit is good for 15 years or 36 months of full time education whichever comes first. If you attend full time they deduct one month of benefits for each month you attend college. However, if you only attend three quarter time they deduct .75 months of benefits for each month you are in school. It's called the rate of pursuit and you just have to watch out for that delimiting date fifteen years after you were discharged. If you are super ambitious and take more than a full time schedule the deduction caps at one month for each month of full time or more attendance. Using it that way gives you an even better deal. The third possibility, VA Vocational Rehabilitation or Chapter 31, uses a VA Case Manager to determine if they are going to pay for the program of study you have selected. It is all about employability so if they don't think you can actually work in the profession you have chosen you could be denied. It takes months for the Case Manager to get your medical records and determine if they will pay. However, if they do, you can elect to use their monthly stipend (about $600 for full time enrollment) or your Post 9-11 Monthly Housing Allowance. Your best course of action is to work with and experienced Veterans Benefits Representative at your local college to determine all your options. If there is no one on your area, call the Regional Processing Center for your area. Check http://www.gibill.va.gov for the phone number or write to them through http://www.gibill.va.gov "Submit a Question" Don;t apply for anything until you have a plan of action and know exactly what you are getting. Also remember that you may be eligible for the federal Pell Grant. To apply for that go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Any financial aid advisor at your local college can help you with that. Don't give up, you just need to get all the information and understand how it works. If all else fails, call or visit your local congressman. They can usually gets things to move quickly. You can get a bachelor's degree with the benefits available to you. All the best.
I am writing to inquire about GI Bill coverage of schooling programs such as real estate licensure. I was told the GI Bill would cover up to 55% of a previous career school (2 year) program I completed online, but was only reimbursed around 10% of the total costs. This didn't even compare to the amount I paid into the GI Bill in the first place. Please respond with as accurate information as possible. I would like to pursue a real estate career, but I am having a hard time finding a real estate school that accepts the GI Bill in Montana. Any information on this topic would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Noah Farris
Carol,
Have a VSO rep help you with your application.See this link to find one near you: https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebe…
Survivors' & Dependents' Educational Assistance program is found here: http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/…
Hope that helps and your son gets assistance.
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I have a question if anyone could help, thank you so much.
Initially I was scheduled to receive 600 a month for Ch 35 GI bill, but I had to drop a class before payments were made out. Which dropped it down to about 200 a month. The initial check was the right amount due, but then I received a 740 check shortly after. I figured it was maybe a mistake or book stipend but then I received another 740 check. I'm quite unsure what exactly might be going on, I'm afraid of having to pay money back.
Thanks!
Phil,
Chapter 35 is DEA for Survivors and Dependents. Is that actually the benefit you are receiving? If so, $740.00 per month is the rate for three quarter time attendance at a college. That usually means 9, 10 or 11 credits over a semester that is between 15 and 19 weeks long. Your payment is pro-rated when you do not attend for a full month like at the beginning and end of each semester. That might explain why your first check was less. The way the Va calculates it is your full monthly rate ($740,00) divided by 30 days (regardless of how many days are actually in the month) to get a day rate. In this case your day rate for 3.4 time is $24.67. Multiply that by the number of days your classes were in session during the first month of the semester to get the pro-rated amount.
Yes and I was scheduled to receive around 740 before I dropped a class. Then I received back pay for two months which came out to about 400 but right after that I received 740 checks so I was a little concerned about what was going on. I'll definitely have to ask some reps, thank you.
You folks that are complaining really need to shut up! It is ridiculous how much whining is going on about this GI Bill. You're acting just like lazy welfare recipients. You want to sit on your butts, collect money, and go to school without having to work. Well, isn't that just special! I served in the Army for over 22 years, and worked my butt off to earn three college degrees while fulfilling all my military duties. Was it easy? Heck no, it was hard as hell and I sacrificed a lot to do it. But, it was so worth it as I look back now. The reality is if you want to something bad enough, you get off your butt and get it done, and if that means getting a JOB while you're going to school (hey, there's an idea), then shut up and get'er done! I've done it and so have thousands of other folks; you'll be just fine. You might have to learn to manage your time a little better, but that's a good thing.
or you could get a job to cover you for the breaks, like college kids everywhere else. This isnt welfare and you cant make everyone happy.
Patrick, Senator Akaka from Hawaii is who worked on these changes. And he is a Veteran!
I totally agree!!! You have to get off YOUR BUTT and make sacrifices in order to get somewhere. Make a plan and stick to it, stop crying about what you're not getting and use what you are getting to your advantage. I to have served (20 years) and I am glad that we are being recognized. The Post 911 GI Bill is still fairly new and I have taken advantage of the program, while working a demanding full time job. WOW!! it can be done just like Dee said "learn how to manage your time"
DEE,
(You want to sit on your butts, collect money, and go to school without having to work. Well, isn’t that just special! I served in the Army for over 22 years, and worked my butt off to earn three college degrees while fulfilling all my military duties. Was it easy? Heck no, it was hard as **** and I sacrificed a lot to do it.)
FIRST OF ALL WHEN DID YOU SERVE? DID YOU GO TO WAR AND WHEN YOU WENT WAS YOU IN THE FRONT LINES? I`M NOT TALKING ABOUT DEPLOYING AND SITTING ON A FOB DOING PAPERWORK AND LISTENING TO MUSIC I AM TALKING ABOUT PATROLLING CONDUCTING SEARCHE COUNTER T. SO IF YOU HAVE THE TIME TO GO TO SCHOOL BEING IN THE INFANTRY I CONGRATULATE YOU BUT I DOUBT THAT !!! SO IF YOU WAS A ADMIN CLERK OR SO DONT TALK ABOUT HAVING TIME, THERE ARE DIFFERENT JOBS IN THE ARMY WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS OF SACRIFICE AAND YOU KNOW THAT!!!!
NO ATTACK ON YOU JUST ON YOUR TRAIN OF THOUGHTS. I CAN SPEAK FOR MYSELF BETWEEN FIGHTING THIS WAR ON THE FRONTLINE AND GETTING READY I HAD TO PAY BACK TUITION BECAUSE EVRY TIME I THOUGHT I HAVE TIME SOME OTHER ASSIGNMENT CAME UP. MATTER OF FACT I ENROLLED AGAIN AND IM LEAVING AGAIN. SO PLEASE DONT GO BY YOUR ARMY EXPERIENCE. AT LEAST IN THE ARMY I KNOW WE EARNED WITH OUR BLOOD. THERE ARE STILL SOLDIERS KIA EVERY DAY RIGHT NOW WHILE YOU TALK ABOUT LAZY. YOU DONT KNOW IT RET. BUT WE DO I CHECK EVERYDAY BECAUSE LOTS OF BUDDIES OUT THERE AND LOTS OF MY BUDDIES INCLUDING ME GOING AGAIN THIS YEAR.
lol.. I guess you forgot that the economy has changed since you were working and in school. Employers are not hiring, let alone someone who is a student and can only work certain hours.
While i was active duty and tried to go to school my "duty" came first and somehow i always came up on assignment and could not finish my school. You were lucky to have the ability not to deploy all the time and get to finish your school.
we have every right to be upset, because when Bush signed post 911 gibill we were happy and switched to it and now it is non reversible.
we are stuck with the gi bill we choose, and we chose the original post 911 gi bill, not this new one.