Veterans Benefits GI Bill

Yesterday, the VA processed 8,716 Post 9/11 GI Bill applications and 8,220 applications to other military benefit programs. This is a jump from the amount being processed weekly just a couple months ago. In addition, they have closed the call centers on Thursdays and Fridays to open up staff to process the applications faster. While this is not the most optimal situation, already improvements are being shown for the Post 9/11 GI Bill in 2010.

One of the critical upgrades to the Post 9/11 GI Bill process that the VA has mentioned and will hopefully become active this year is the ability to facilitate Post 9/11 GI Bill 100% electronically. This means that employees can focus more on keeping the call centers available five days a week and addressing special cases instead of being piled up in paper after paper of Post 9/11 GI Bill application forms. The VA understands the frustration this places not only on their employees, but on the veterans, reserve, and active duty (and family members!) whose education relies on their financial aid, so it’s expected these positive changes will continue to advance the GI Bill’s process.

Meanwhile, on the student’s side of the fence, everyone’s getting excited over the coming Spring 2010 semester. Some students have already started. The Veterans Benefits GI Bill blog has received comments on students receiving their Post 9/11 GI Bill funds and book stipends, so the ball is rolling a little straighter than Fall 2009.

If you’re preparing your Post 9/11 GI Bill for 2010, here are some resources to check out:

• DegreeGo for college resources and online and campus schools
• GI Jane Benefits for military spouses
• The GI Bill page at the Department of Veteran Affairs

If you start school in Fall 2010, that’s an extra bonus that you’re getting a head start on your school preparation.

Next week, Veterans Benefits GI Bill will be looking at an exciting new site launch for Saint Leo University, one of our recommended military-friendly online and campus colleges, so stick around; you just might find an ideal college for your future education! Saint Leo University supports the Yellow Ribbon Program offered through the Post 9/11 GI Bill. If you simply cannot wait for our review, check out their site here.