The New GI Bill – Benefits, Applications & Eligibility

History of the GI Bill

The original 1944 GI Bill, often referred to as the “Montgomery GI Bill”, was President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s encompassing and focused effort to re-incorporate war veterans into society following World War Two. It started by providing five hundred dollars per school year to students in order to cover tuition, provided they had served previously in the military.

The initial success of this first bill has allowed readjustments and newer versions of the bill to be implemented, and has since expanded and become a valuable tool for military recruitment. The bill has gradually started to include additional school benefits and college opportunities for veterans. By following this trend, the GI bill in its current form provides the most comprehensive benefits of any GI bill passed since 1944.

Referred to as “The Post 9/11 Bill”, and effectively passed on August 1^st, 1009, the bill will pay your tuition based upon the highest in-state tuition charged by an educational institution in the state where the educational institution is located. This is known as “The Yellow Ribbon Program”, and has become a major incentive for students eager to receive an otherwise unaffordable college education. The Department of Veterans Affairs benefit comparison chart provides additional details and a more comprehensive look at the bill.

How Do I Apply for the Post 9/11 GI Bill?

The Department of Veteran Affairs is currently not accepting applications for the Post 9/11 GI Bill, although applications should be available soon. The progress of the GI Bill will be posted on this blog as updates are made, and can also be followed at www.gibill.va.gov. All potential students will gain at least some benefits of the bill following July 31, 2009.

Once applications are available, filling them out online will allow for the most immediate return.

Updatet 5/1/2009: The VA is now officially accepting applications for the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Get more information here: Applying to the Post 9/11 GI Bill

Am I Eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill?

Eligibility for GI Bill benefits began for soldiers following 90 days of consecutive service, starting from September 11, 2001. Access to benefits is granted based on time served- those who have served the longest have seniority. Full benefits become available following three full years of service, with the exception of discharges related to service-related disabilities.

The provisions and supplements in the newest GI bill mean that you do not need to have qualified for previous versions of the bill in order to qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

What Kinds of Benefits Does the Post 9/11 GI Bill Offer?

The GI Bill will provide up to 100% of your tuition costs, depending almost exclusively on the location of your college. Among some of the main provisions is a $1,000/year grant for books and supplies. Students must be attending school full time, however, or the benefits will be adjusted according to units taken.

Figures vary somewhat by state, but a general idea of the accrued benefits based on service time since 2001 are as follows:

-100% for 3 years;

-100% for 30 days with discharge;

-90% for two-and-a-half years;

-80% for 2 years;

-70% for one-and-a-half years;

-60% for a year;

-50% for half a year;

-and 40% for 90 days.

Does the New GI Bill Provide For a Housing Allowance?

An important additional benefit for full-time students that attend a college campus or participate in hybrid learning is the housing stipend provision, typically referred to as the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). Essentially, online education and campus education benefits are intermingled. Students that participate strictly in distance learning education do not qualify for the housing stipend, which averages $1,200 a moth, but students that participate in both are allowed said stipend. Rates are varied by zipcode to address the needs of higher cost areas.

Does the New GI Bill Cover Dependents?

Military veterans that have served a minimum of six years and agree to serve for another four years may give up to half of their Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits as a transfer to dependents (including immediate family members like children, spouses, and other dependent). The Department of Defense specifies additional requirements for eligibility.

What are the Differences Between the Post 9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill?

The Montgomery GI Bill was essentially simpler and offered significantly less than the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Even with several increases in benefits over the decades, for example, the Montgomery Bill provided about a third of the current amount of $1,321 (average) per month. This made colleges which demanded higher tuition virtually impossible to attend for many without further financial support. There were also enrollment fees to be considered for qualification, and more stringent guidelines to qualify for schooling in many areas.

As part of the goal to further educate America, the Post 9/11 GI Bill is focused on offering greater benefits, easier qualifications, and a free application. It also extends its reach beyond the cost of tuition and into the expenses of books, supplies, and housing. The current bill is designed to serve future generations into the long term by providing longer term benefits to veterans.

Where can I use my New GI Bill Benefits?

Two of our favorite schools are Saint Leo University and Hawaii Pacific University, each of which made our list of the Top 25 Military Friendly Colleges for 2010. These schools are highly supportive of military personnel, both as participants in the Yellow Ribbon Program and with other opportunities for scholarships, tuition assistance, and discounts for military learners.

Make sure you discuss the GI Bill with the Admissions counselors of any school you’re considering attending, and do not get your degree from a school that lacks accreditation. For more information on selecting an appropriate College or University, check out the 3rd Annual Guide to Military Friendly Colleges and Universities.